Behind the Photo: You Never Say "No" to NOLA

I’ve been to New Orleans six times, including five times in the past seven years – that’s approximately every 18 months. Trips in winter, spring, summer and fall, but I’ve never been there for its most famous celebration, Mardi Gras.

It began with a solo trip or so after Hurricane Katrina. Then a visit with my mom. Followed by four trips with the man who became my husband – including for our wedding in 2019. It was the place we chose to celebrate Independence Day in 2021 following a year plus of COVID-driven lockdowns. And when given the opportunity to wrap up a four-week, multi-continent tour with a quick visit to the Crescent City, I opted to fly overnight from Taipei to New York, drive to Philadelphia and jump on the 6 a.m. flight to Louis Armstrong Airport, just to spend a few jetlagged days there.

Because I never say “no” to New Orleans.

Authors, artists, and celebrity chefs have hoisted compliments upon the Big Easy after being inspired. It is a city steeped in history and resilience. It is comfortably familiar, while constantly evolving. It is a progressive community, with a side of southern charm. I’ve been enchanted time and time again.

And I’ll continue to be enchanted because I never say “no” to New Orleans.

The people there are generous with recommendations on what to do and where to go to enjoy your time, whether you’re looking for a walk on the wild side or exploring off the beaten path. Streets teeming with energy, music and mouthwatering cuisine can awaken even the most reserved traveler. You can visit all the same spots time after time, yet each would be unique, because can never anticipate what you’ll see, hear, or feel in New Orleans.

Why do I keep going back? Because it keeps calling me back, and I never say “no” to New Orleans.