November in New Orleans: Now what?
By Marcie Dickson
Nov 3, 2009 - 11:23 AM
Parties are frequent in the spring and summer, but what's there to do in November?
It seems that days have whizzed by since Mardi Gras. February was a month of revelry and indulgence, and each successive month has brought various festivals, community functions, parties and feasts. And for some reason, this past Halloween weekend seemed like the climax of a nine-month celebration of sorts. Surely, libations will continue to pour forth as the Saints ascend toward the Super Bowl. But other than that, it seems the city has entered a hiatus in November. Other than the Fringe Festival and Crescent City Auction Gallery’s last auction of the year, is there anything else to look forward to?
I ask because my husband and I are hosting a much-anticipated family visit this coming Thanksgiving. It’s a visit we’ve looked forward to for months. Earlier this year we decided that November would be an optimal time for family to visit, given the perfect weather, lighter tourist traffic and fewer bugs. But now that we’re in the midst of planning an elaborate itinerary, I worry that perhaps November is a less-than-ideal time for our first family visit. Will the New Orleans that we’ve come to know so well shine in all its glory? Will we happen upon random bands in the Quarter, walk by another Tulane versus LSU street wheelbarrow race like we did last Sunday, catch a riveting show at Snug Harbor or Tipitina’s?
Thanksgiving week appears to be one of the few periods all year devoid of festivals and big events. Maybe I’m just misinformed and out of the loop, but I haven’t been able to find much information on local happenings in late November.
We certainly plan to do a Garden District tour or two, a jaunt through the Quarter, a requisite visit to the Ninth Ward, a stroll around Audubon Park, a dinner or two at notable restaurants. But is there something else eye-catching we can show our folks while they’re here?
We’ve been fortunate to have friends in town for Mardi Gras, Halloween, Jazz Fest and neighborhood crawfish boils, but this is our first family visit, and we need to show them why we live here and love it. That way they can see — with their own eyes — why we settled down in N’awlins instead of our respective hometowns. Words don’t do this place justice; you need to see it with your own eyes — in all its shining glory.
Is there something special you like to do during Thanksgiving in New Orleans, other than eat scrumptious food and spend quality time with loved ones? Please drop me a line and let me know. I’d love to hear your suggestions.
About This Blog
In spite of how much she tries to feign Cajun flavor and infuse her speech with yat, Marcie Dickson is not from New Orleans. She’s a Jersey girl — born and raised.
She still has intense cravings for Jersey bagels and “diner fare,” but she would gladly swear it off for a lifetime, especially if it means she can continue indulging in crawfish etouffee, jambalaya and bread pudding.
And it’s not that she’s chosen to disavow her New Jersey roots, it’s just that she’s incredibly smitten with New Orleans. Aside from hurricane season and shady politics, what’s not to love about this grand city?
She hasn’t quite decided what she loves most: strolls through Audubon Park, music in the Marigny, drinking daiquiris on sidewalks, or Mardi Gras, among many other things.
Her list continues to grow as she discovers more each day. Follow this quirky girl as she makes her way through this equally quirky city.
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Reader Comments:
Make sure you take lots of opportunities to eat raw oysters, which are incredible this time of year. Yesterday I had some at Luke which were amazing, but I recommend Casamento's (on a weekday to avoid lines), Bourbon House, Acme Oyster House, etc...
The Thanksgiving Handicap at the Fairgrounds is a must on Thanksgiving day. There is usually a great crowd, and some great races. There will even be some revelers in costume ...
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to do an eating tour. Have T-Dinner at Commander's Palace and eat out for every meal. This is the best city for eating! Have fun
Thanksgiving Day at the Racetrack is wonderful but hard to get a table. Instead, try going on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. PLAYNOLA, the sports and social club, has reserved a coveted table in the Club House on Saturday, November 28th. Low Price includes buffet, racing form, tax and gratuity. Mmbership is currently free in PLAYNOLA. Visit www.playnola.com to register for Thanksgiving Saturday at the Racetrack as well a Wii Tournament, Flag Football Tournament and Dodge Ball league.
Bayou Classic is the weekend after Thanksgiving. There will be a few people in town for that.
One major reason for the slowdown in activity this month is that hunting season begins in November. Also its the best time of the year for fishing. Another is that for most years November is the month to cleanup after hurricanes. This year's quiet hurricane season is very rare. And big reason number three is sports are kicking in November, with Saints, Hornets, LSU, Tulane, Southern, Grambling, then all the high school football games, lots of tailgaiting takes its toll on people's energy & pocketbooks. So, I guess you either got to take your guests on a duck hunt or fishing speckled trout in the marshes, help build or clean up a mess, or go to a Saints or Hornets game. But whatever you do, you need to eat well and see the quarter. This is a great month to enjoy oysters, jazz in nightclubs, and just stopping to smell the roses ( or sweet olive bushes). Swamp tours are best this month since you can see the Fall Foliage (not like the Northeast, but the colors reflect nicely in the bayous and its prettier with egrets, heron, ibis and other birds). Enjoy, and welcome to the South.