Great American Road Trip: Alligators and all that Jazz…

Last Updated on January 12, 2012

We started our second day in New Orleans by actually leaving the city and driving straight to the swamps! We went on Swamp Tour with Cajun Encounters to witness Louisiana wildlife – alligators, turtles, water birds and snakes! On the way, we passed by some interesting architecture. Houses in the swamp and bayou areas, called Camps, are built on seven to ten foot high stilts – to be protected during floods.

Arriving at the Honey Island Swamp, we jumped into the boats and went deep into Louisiana’s wetlands.

Not long after the trip began, the first alligator came into sight…

… a very curious alligator, as it turned out, who showed a lot of interest in our boat, filled with lots of fresh meat!

Back in town, we saw more alligators in the French Market…

Alligator is a culinary specialty in Louisiana, and hunting season kicks off later this month. In New Orleans, you can try alligator meat in any form – in a burger, on a stick, in a soup… or just pick up a head as a souvenir!

It has not always been easy to find fresh & healthy vegetarian food since we got to the South, but we were pleasantly surprised when we found this delicious apple, pistachio, feta cheese and mixed green salad salad in the French Market – only one of many healthy food options there.

After our lunch break, we headed back to the French Quarter to continue the exploration which had begun on our first day in New Orleans.

As Saturday night in NOLA rocked into full swing, we chose to bypass the French Quarter and headed instead to Frenchman Street for dinner and jazz.

We bar-hopped through several little jazz venues and not a single one disappointed – we heard some of the best live jazz we’ve ever heard!

We ended our night at a bar where a band of ever-changing members of all ages and backgrounds flowed from song to song for hours, blaring their five trombones, tuba, sax and trumpet.

Have you been to New Orleans? What are your favorite live music venues in the city?

Leah

Tuesday 20th of September 2011

I will certainly blog about it. This will be the first time I'm doing history-type stuff. Of course there will be lots of eating!

Monday 19th of September 2011

Friday will be my third trip to NOLA and first since Katrina. I thought I couldn't be more excited, then I saw this article. Bravo! Great pics too.

jess

Hey thanks for the compliments! We had never been to New Orleans pre-Katrina, but it is shocking how much is still in disrepair. Not in the French Quarter, of course, that was fixed, but you can't miss the rest of it...let us know what you think about it!!!

Andi of My Beautiful Adventures

Monday 12th of September 2011

I love love love the jazz in NoLa!!! And what awesome pics of the crocs!

I think we would have an AWESOME time if we met up here in NOLA next time we're in the area - Jazz, gossip, wine and fabulous hotels! Something to keep in mind. The giant reptiles are really cool to see on those tours - highly recommend them!

Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista

Sounds like a great time in New Orleans! I would love to spend time out in the swamps and bayou. Great way to end your evening with some awesome Jazz.

Hey Debbie - the swamps are so interesting to see and experience! And the jazz - this is real, authentic, from the heart and soul of the band. Half of those kids were under 20 and playing this mature, cool and fun music. We'll never forget it and forever search it out when/where we can!

Don Faust

My favs: Donna's on Rampart St. Tipitina's Uptown Vaugh's in the Bywater ... and Frenchman St for general hopping and variety

Thanks for the tips, Don! Again, we need more time to check out these places...Frenchman St was just so great, but the clock keeps ticking and time slips away and pretty soon we're leaving and won't make it to these other spots this time around. Next time for sure - and there is 100% a next time!

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