By: Marcia Abramson
Kids of all ages can enjoy early American history by seeing signs on buildings where pirates held sway and where generals overthrew the British.
This is also the city famed for many new songs of joy and literally America's first music. I saw many children fascinated by the street musician's strumming out soothing jazz sounds, the jugglers, the mimes and some "oddball" characters. It was all the adults could do to get the kids to move on in the fabulous French Quarter. They seemed to bribe the children with the colorful horse and carriage ride at Jackson Square. What a wonderful diversion to continue touring this section!
Another treat for suburban children are the original Riverfront and St. Charles Avenue streetcars. I, too, enjoyed the street car ride stopping at the shopping centers along the river front and seeing the grand old ante bellum Southern mansions. The youngsters can ride the restored "fling horses" at the City Park's Carousel Gardens (dating back to 1906) or the miniature train for two-mile loop beneath the park's elegant ancient oak trees. Then, to get out of the ever-present New Orleans sun, there is comforting shade at Storyland. This is where the kids' favorite fairy tales come to life among slides, a real fire truck and daily puppet shows. For the older kids who want some adventure, there is the Zydeco Scream, Pirate Ship or Skycoaster rides at Six Flags, New Orleans. Toddlers can have their own fun at Kids' Carnival where everything is sized just for them.
Even I was thoroughly wowed by the sight of the magnificent white tigers a the Audubon Zoo. I also understand that "bugs" are coming to Canal Street in New Orleans in 2004. This new Audubon Insectarium will be the largest free-standing museum in the United States, devoted to the more than 900,000 known species of insects and their relatives.
If the kids want more, there is the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas just a block away. This is rated as one of the top five aquariums in the United States. The spectacular attraction here is a rare white alligator and many baby sharks which can be petted safely.
Other aquatic creatures, including every species of frogs and penguins, are in residence at the Aquarium. Just next door, there is the Entergy IMAX Theatre, where the exciting "Lewis and Clark: Great Journey West," to celebrate the Louisiana Purchase, is playing.
In preparation for the fabulous New Orleans Mardi Gras this winter, I found a backstage look at Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World fascinating.
The colorful floats are being prepared for the annual tradition of Carnival. If you can't actually experience the excitement and hoopla of Carnival Week, you can get a feel for the event at Blaine Kern's workshop. Actually, Mardi Gras is referred to as the "Greatest Free Show on Earth." Social organizations called krewes pick up the tab for the extravaganzas, buying or renting the floats, purchasing throws (gold coins and beads), hiring bands and marching acts to keep the crowds dancing.
The public parades wind through the streets ending at grand society balls. Kids are placed on adult shoulders to watch the festivities and catch as much loot as their little hands can hold. The spectacular ends at midnight on Ash Wednesday when Lent begins.
Another fun thing for the family is a ride on the river boats down the Mississippi River. In the 1800s the original river boats played a unique role in opening up the huge inland waters and territories to trade out of New Orleans. On my recent trip I was reminded of the travels of Mark Twain when I heard the sounds of the whistle from the river boats. I particularly liked the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen's cruise to the Chalmette Battlefield, the site of the Battle of New Orleans.
The Riverboat Cajun Queen also does that cruise, while the Natchez can take you for a cruise around the harbor while jazz is played during dinner.
The early travelers on the paddlewheelers that sailed the river between St. Louis and New Orleans were rumored to have lots of money and became the willing victims of professional gamblers. In fact, craps was created by Bernard de Marigny of New Orleans and quickly made its way up the rivers of America on steamboats.
I agree that New Orleans is a great family destination and can claim fame for more than just Bourbon Street.
Copyright by © Marcia AbramsonE-mail: mascribe@aol.com
