A Love Letter to New Orleans, America's Unique City

My better half and I have taken fifteen trips to New Orleans over the past decade.

We love the city, but are moving out of the country soon, so our trips in the future to the crescent city will be limited. There is something for everyone in New Orleans. It's a great walking city--we love the Garden District and the Parks. It's home to top-shelf restaurants. Even the tourist-trap restaurants will serve you a banger red beans and rice. The music, the art, the culture, friendly and welcoming people. New Orleans has it all. Here is our love letter to NOLA. Here are a few things that we believe make New Orleans unique.

There simply is no other city in the United States like it.

We recommend that you visit!

New Orleans is . . . Mardi Gras!

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There are countless parade floats at countless parades! Beads for all!

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Our son made out like a bandit with parade-float beads!

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Even Hulk Hogan made it to Mardi Gras!

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Everyone loves a parade!

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Even the late, great Betty White was honored at Mardi Gras!

New Orleans is . . . Architecture and Design!

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This is Saint Louis Cathedral, which fronts Jackson Square.

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THis is one of the countless beautiful houses in the Garden District.

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New Orleans is known for its intricate wrought-iron work.

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This is the famous Royal Hotel on Royal Street in the French Quarter.

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This would be a nice flat to call home. As long as all the asbestos has been removed from the building!

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This is a pristine example of a railroad home, built on stilts (since New Orleans is at sea level). There are no basements in New Orleans.

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There are colorful houses everywhere. This one is in the Bywater section of New Orleans.

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Peakaboo!

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Now THAT is a wraparound porch!

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More beautiful wrought-iron!

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Pretty nice digs for an airbnb. This is the interior of a railroad-layout home.

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New Orleans is . . . Art!

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George Rodrigue's Blue Dog dominates New Orleans.

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New Orleans's native son, Louis Armstrong. The spires of Saint Louis Cathedral are reflected in the shop window behind which this print is being shown.

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One can find gators outside the Bayou!

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The Mardi Gras costume museum. It's a blast!

New Orleans is . . . Food!

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There is every type of food in New Orleans. Even Israeli food!

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There is no shortage of seafood, given New Orleans's location.

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The good restaurants are always packed. Get a reservation!

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Cajun cuisine predominates and it is outstanding.

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One of our favorite restaurants is Columbian. It's calle Maïs Arepas. Great food, great drinks, friendly staff.

New Orleans is . . . Music!

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We might have gotten a little carried away that night.

New Orleans is . . . Streetcars!

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It's obligatory to take a streetcar at least once. Use the Le Pass ap!

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New Orleans is . . . Mischief!

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Always be aware of your surroundings!

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This guy probably won't be elected mayor anytime soon!

New Orleans is . . . Friends!

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15 in the corner pocket.

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NOLA is always a blast with friends. It was made for friends!

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New Orleans is welcoming to all.

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Getting ready to leave The Columns. Always a sad event.

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Friends also come in the four-legged variety.

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New Orleans is . . . Amazing!

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