things to do in the Big Easy (that I think I could actually accomplish!)

fried chicken at Willie Mae’s

Parade in a second line One of the best things about New Orleans is that sometimes, seemingly out of nowhere, a second line parade just starts rolling down the street. When that happens, you drop everything and roll with them.

View Mardi Gras or the St. Pat’s Day parade from a balcony There’s really nothing like being on high during the big parades. Or better still...

Find the baby (or bean, or trinket) in a slice of king cake You will be the king of the party! You will also have to bring the next king cake. That’s a solid tradition here.

Spend Thanksgiving at the track Turkey Day is also the opening of racing season at the Fair Grounds. A holiday visit to bet on the ponies is a time-honored New Orleans tradition, one that you should experience at least once before you meet your heavenly maker.

Hear the church choir at the St. Louis Cathedral Religious music is far from boring in New Orleans. There's also the amazing Jazz Fest Shabbat at Touro Synagogue, the Trinity Church organ series, Soulful Voices Choir at St. Augustine Church, etc.