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New Orleans is quite possibly my favorite place on Earth.

What makes is so special?  It’s hard to pin point one reason why.  For me it’s just the happiness I feel being there, enjoying the atmosphere, the sights, the sounds, the food and the people.

I look forward to my next annual trip the moment I check out of the hotel to go home.  Always knowing I will be back the next year makes me less sad to leave this enchanting city.

The people are wonderful.  I met the nicest “New Orleanian” just walking down the street and stopping to admire her front stoop.  She invited me in to see her lovely courtyard and we wound up having a fantastic conversation over a delicious lunch.  She shared so many tips on the sights and local haunts.  I made a point of going to each spot feeling like a local myself.  How often does someone open their door to a stranger anymore?  We are still friends today and had several lunches on my visits over the following years.

The sights are amazing.  Everywhere you look there is something interesting and beautiful to see.  The architecture, the hanging ferns, the gas street lanterns and the parks.  For those who are fanatics for decor and details, you will never be short on visual delight and inspiration.  Of course the French Quarter is always the top of my list.  I walk and walk and drink it all in.  I never get tired of seeing the sights and walk until my legs are numb.  The Garden District is equally amazing.  The homes, old trees, crooked sidewalks and the St. Charles Streetcar are all a must see.  I can completely understand why Hollywood films so many movies in this beautiful neighborhood.  Again walking until my legs are numb.

The food is the best food I have had anywhere.  From the concession stands at the Fairgrounds for Jazz Fest to the most famous restaurants in the world.  Every bite is pure heaven.  It’s no secret that anything on the menu is going to be exceptional.  The reputation is real.  Thank goodness for all the walking I do!

The sounds of music are never far away.  The streets are filled with music and strolling through Jackson Square you hear lively music from artists young and old.  Even the N.O. Fire Department plays bag pipes for all to hear.  There are great jazz clubs everywhere in the Quarter and on Frenchman Street where more locals go.  Jazz Fest is an event like no other.  The artists are there to share their talents and the crowd is there to appreciate the experience.

The most amazing thing about New Orleans is the atmosphere.  You feel it everywhere, the history and the sense that this city is almost a little haunted.  Not haunted in a bad way, but it feels like people who have visited and loved the city – like me – never really left, even in spirit.

As I walk the streets, I think about all the people who have come and enjoyed New Orleans as much as I have.  They too, have experienced the same charm and surely have fallen in love with this old city.  Who knows, if I’m lucky, maybe someday it will be the place I’ll get to stay forever.  After all, it is my version of Heaven.

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