Top 5 Reasons to Visit NOLA This Summer
Still deciding if you should visit New Orleans this summer but feeling a bit reluctant because of the high temperatures and “lack of activity”? Contrary to this popular belief, our city really never sleeps (even when it’s hot)! As the official Faces of Hospitality (Faces of Louisiana- Louisiana Life Magazine, 2016) we are here to share with you our top 5 reasons to visit NOLA this summer.
Reason 1: Affordability. That’s right! According to Travel and Leisure (2016) New Orleans is ranked No.1 as the ‘most budget friendly destination in the country’.
Reason 2: Signature Summer Cocktails. New Orleans is always prepared to tackle the heat with one of its thirst-quenching signature summer cocktails. We recommend the Mint Julep, a truly southern tradition; the Pimms’ Cup, the quintessential summer beverage with a cucumber on the side; and the Frozen Rosé, the name says it all!
Reason 3: Hotel Pools and rooftop bars. What better way to enjoy the sun and city skyline than lounging by a pool or relaxing inside a rooftop bar? Lucky for you, you can have it all from the ultra-trendy to the classic southern experience. Our top two picks include the Ace Hotel Alto rooftop pool bar, located in the hippest part of the CBD, which provides a relaxing atmosphere with a touch of a modern flare; and the Pontchartrain Hotel’s Hot Tin-Rooftop Bar, situated along the historic St. Charles Avenue, which boasts a 270-degree view of the Mississippi River and downtown New Orleans.
Reason 4: NOLA never sleeps! If you seek action, then get ready because our festivals are not limited to Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. In fact, some of the most vibrant festivals happen during the summer. With so many to list, we have narrowed them down to our two favorites per month.
- June: New Orleans Oyster Festival and the Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival
- July: Bastille Day Fête (French Independence Day) and Tales of the Cocktail, the world’s premier series of cocktail festivals that showcases the latest trends in the spirits industry.
- August: COOLinary New Orleans, a month-long campaign that showcases award-winning New Orleans cuisine; and Whitney White Linen Night, a celebration of the arts in the famous Warehouse District where the dress code is literally anything white linen.
- September: We Live to Eat Restaurant Week, a week-long event that seeks to build an emotional connection with the food-loving community while keeping the city’s restaurants top-of-mind; and NOLA on Tap Beer Fest, the largest beer fest in the southern region that is complete with live music, 400+ local and national homebrewed beer, contests, awards and more.
Reason 5: Family Friendly. New Orleans offers families everything from kid-friendly dining to eco/Edu-tourism. Our top family fun days include a trip to Café du Monde, you can never go wrong with beignets and powdered sugar; the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, home to 15,000 water species and the thrilling IMAX Theater; and take an airboat ride through Louisiana swamps, where you will see everything from our wetlands to wildlife!
Our list of reasons to visit NOLA is never-ending and always evolving. Come and enjoy the city that we love so much. You may even find that you have created your own new list of reasons to visit!
