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.
