Inside New Orleans ©P aul Broussard Everyone knows NOLA knows how to throw a party. Take a look at the good times coming up. JANUARY --------------Where to Stay --------------The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery has undergone a transformation to create one of the most exciting and best new hotels in New Orleans. Signature amenities include pillow, spiritual and pet menus. Mistik Krewe du Rue Royale Revelers Grand Reveler Coronation III [6] 23rd King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras Coronation, by invitation only [21] Krewe of Mwindo Bal Masque XIX [28] FEBRUARY Krewe of Amon-Ra Mardi Gras Ball LII [4] Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Bal Masque XV [17] Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque LVI [18] Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Extravaganza XVIII[24] Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque XLIX [25] Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXXIV [26] Mardi Gras & the 53rd Annual Bourbon Street Awards [28] MARCH The 18th Annual Gay Easter Parade [16] 31st Anniversary of The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival [22-26] Saints and Sinners Literary Festival [24-26] Hogs for the Cause (Culinary) [31-Apr 1] APRIL Bunnies in the Big Easy [4-14] French Quarter Festival (Music) [6-9] New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (Music) [28-30 & May 5-7] MAY New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (Culinary) [26-29] Greek Fest (Multicultural) [28-29] Mascara Race [29] JUNE New Orleans Pride Festival [9-11] All dates subject to change. Please check event websites for the most up-to-date info. --------------Explore --------------Some of the most exciting discoveries for first-timers and locals alike are French Quarter courtyards . Often out of plain site, these half-hidden jewels are seductive and offer an alluring, more intimate escape from the busy Downtown streets. You can dine in one when you visit The All New Feelings Café & Courtyard Bar , Cafe Amelie or Sylvain , three of our most enchanting New Orleans restaurants. From there, get lost wandering around some of the quieter areas like Barracks and Governor Nicholls streets or go antique shopping along Royal Street . For a perfect date in NOLA, start with brunch at Elizabeth's then cross over to Crescent Park for an amazing view of New Orleans. Keep making your way along the Mississippi River past the Steamboat Natchez and peruse shops at The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk . For a more personalized shopping experience, visit Fraques NOLA Outfitter in the Central Business District . Afterwards, head to the James Beard Award-winning Shaya for an unforgettable dining experience. City Park is a great daytime alternative for local romance. Have a picnic or paddleboard along the lake — there's even an intimate gondola ride to quietly guide you through the park's breathtaking lagoons. Afterward, head over to Swirl Wine Bar , a place to have fun, relax and feel at home learning about, buying or drinking wine, and socializing with friends. V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E A T NE W O R L E A N S I NF O . C O M 19
New Orleans Official Visitors Guide Winter/Spring 2017: Page 19
