by Janet Perry

Created on: March 12, 2009   Last Updated: August 12, 2011

Visiting New Orleans can be like visiting a third-world country with all of its interesting sites, sounds and smells. It's also got character so different from most American cities, that you can feel like you've left the states. I traveled there several times years ago, when my daughter was two years old. Visiting this old city with my child proved to be both wonderful and challenging.

Children respond well to interesting stimulus provided in a safe environment. New Orleans had this in spades. People from around the world gather in the city where music pours into the streets regularly and art can be found in the most remote alleyways.

My daughter was enchanted with the music, especially the jazz bands leading impromptu parades through the streets. The amazing shellfish and spices filled the French Quarter Market with strange and intoxicating new smells. I can still taste the spicy crawfish, and the sweet beignets. I grew accustomed to having my coffee spiced with chicory. The food of New Orleans is simply irresistible and unforgettable.

The French Quarter Market's vendors' wares range from local hand-crafted quilts to African imported textiles, Balinese hand carvings and essential oils from around the world. The sights and sounds of the Market are exciting and the vendors' booths are filled with splashes of color. My daughter was delighted by the unique kid's toys and fun' contraptions' we found there. We met vendors from around the world, and bought gifts and souvenirs to take home.

One of my daughter's favorite past-times was the horse and buggy rides through the French Quarter. It provided a nice way to relax and explore the famous old community. Two-year-olds love horses, and at the end of each ride, she fed them carrots. Tea and a snack in an old cafe' before my daughter napped was the perfect way to top off the afternoon. We would then take our siesta in the afternoon heat, avoiding the hottest part of the day.

Once you break away from the touristy French Quarter, there are wonderful people speaking wonderful versions of English and French and Spanish, living a lifestyle that doesn't seem to fit into the rest of the States. We were fortunate enough to befriend a very nice fisherman and were treated to a private tour of Bayou Segnette. Giant ancient Cypress trees adorned with beards of Spanish Moss lined the edge of the marsh, dwarfing us and our boat. We were thrilled when we saw the eyes and backs of 'gators' sitting in the water. We rented a Bayou Segnette

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>