Mardi Gras has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean The Big Easy doesn’t still have it going on in so many ways. Here’s a healthy handful of reasons travel nurses and allied travelers think New Orleans, Louisiana, is the place to be in spring.
Culture-Rich Festivals
New Orleans celebrates all things New Orleans April 11–14 during the French Quarter Fest—the largest showcase of Louisiana music in the U.S. and the world
What goes great with hot air balloons? Polo, of course! OK, we thought it sounded like an odd pairing too, but New Orleans nails it every year with its Hot Air Balloon Festival and Polo Match happening April 13.
The Jazz and Heritage Festival takes over the fairgrounds April 25–May 5 with a list of headliners like The Stones, Katy Perry, DMB, Al Green and Pitbull.
Big-Name Concerts
In April, Death Cab for Cutie and Willie Nelson will play April 9 (separate venues, you’ll have to flip a coin), DMX hits the House of Blues April 13 and Melissa Etheridge takes the stage April 28.
Shinedown will rock the house May 6, and Sir Paul McCartney will shake up the Smoothie King Center May 23 before Ariana Grande’s Sweetener World Tour comes to that same venue May 25.
Extra! Extra! Here’s a little music trivia for ya: Ariana Grande recently beat The Beatles’ 55-year chart record with “Thank U, Next.” We’re not sure how we feel about that, but it’s a thing for sure.
Great Grub
Travelers quickly feel like neighborhood regulars at this year’s eagerly awaited launch of Bywater American Bistro. And they say you’ll taste New Orleans in every locally inspired (and sourced as much as possibly) bite.
Dian Xin dishes up traditional dim sum yum, yum Tuesday–Sunday until 3 p.m. This hot spot is the cultural twist locals love—so much so, the place had to close down for a few days when it first opened due to an overwhelming wave of hungry humans.
James Beard award-winning chef Sue Zemanick opened Zasu this past New Year’s Eve to the city’s foodie scene benefit. From grilled octopus to wagyu beef carpaccio starters to gulf-caught seafood and beef bourguignon entrees, you’ll enjoy a high-quality meal that doubles as an amazing way to spend an evening.
If you’re ready to reap what New Orleans really has to offer as a travel nurse and allied traveler—now is a great time. There’s 300 years’ worth of stories there. Is it time you made one of your own?
