Louisiana Purchase

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana Nestled between the southern shore of Lake Pontchartrain and a horseshoe bend in the Mississippi River, New Orleans is an old city founded as early as 1718 by French-Canadians. Through the years the town has absorbed Spanish, Anglo-Americans and Afro-American influences to create what is known as Creole culture.

The mixture of influences, and the age of the city, gives it an atmosphere, which is unlike that of most other North American cities. It runs deep into the fabric of the town and is evident in the architecture, food, music and art.

For visitors from all over the world New Orleans is known as 'The Big Easy', a place where the cares of day-to-day life can be left behind and the sound of Jazz music, packed bars and streets full with happy smiling people can be found.

The French Quarter, on the bank of the Mississippi River is the focal point of activity. It is to here that the 'must-see' and must-do attractions of New Orleans are located. It is also at the French Quarter that the famed Mardi Gras action is.

Other notable attractions in New Orleans include River Boat tours, Casinos, Six Flags New Orleans theme park, Superdome professional sports and obviously numerous restaurants, bars and 'watering holes' where the spirit of New Orleans is always high.