Known as the place where ‘the good times roll’, New Orleans is definitely the place to go to if you are looking for hospitality and charm. The city is a great place to spend Valentine’s Day with your partner, offering you a romantic and exciting getaway. If you love Jazz music and good food, then the 24-hour bars in New Orleans are sure to appeal to you.
The Mardi Gras celebration held in New Orleans is also sure to be something all couples will enjoy. Besides that, there are many different forms of culture and tradition that are unique to New Orleans, making it an excellent place for couples looking for a romantic getaway to someplace new and steeped in history. The many festivals to be found there are also a draw for many.
The following is a list of some of the more well-known and popular activities that lovers and couples can spice up their trip with.
Jazz and Heritage Celebration
If you are a lover of Jazz music, then you are certainly in the right place. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Celebration is held over 2 weekends every year, and attracts great numbers of renowned international performers. It is usually held at the Fair Grounds Race Track, although it may be held at other venues as well. This is no ordinary Jazz festival, but a gamut of the finest musicians in genres ranging from rock to folk, country to rhythm and blues, gospel to rap. Some of the better-known musicians who have participated in this celebration are Sheryl Crow, Billy Joel, Alison Krauss, Diana Krall, and Keyshia Cole.
The Mardi Gras Festival
The Festival is an annual affair, lasting from January to February. This is perhaps the most famous party worldwide, with many thousands of people coming specially to join in the festivities every year. Mardi Gras begins with a bang, with parades and marching bands filling the streets. This is an excellent excuse not to turn up at work, thanks to the heavy traffic and sheer numbers of people clogging the streets. If you are interesting in the definitive New Orleans experience, then this is the time for you to be there.
The Zoo
For married couples who have to spend Valentine’s Day with the kids, the Audubon Zoo offers a one-of-a-kind zoo experience. This zoo has been specially built to be a venue for the whole family to enjoy various acts and arcades, and interact with tame animals. Various activities including rock climbing, face painting, and space walks are also available for younger children. Wendy’s Biggie Stage is home to a variety of contests, arcades, limbo, and other entertainment options for the entire family.
And that is not all. The zoo also houses 50 restaurants that specialize in local favourites such as sodas, pizza, ice cream, and other foods that the whole family is sure to love. Opened in 1972, the Audubon Zoo has long been a great place to visit when in New Orleans.
Williams Literary Festival
For couples who desire an interesting yet educational experience this Valentine’s Day, then the Williams Literary Festival is a must-see. The festival honors the great Tennessee Williams, the American dramatist who made invaluable contributions to art and theatre through his works. This festival is typically held in March, and includes various theatrical performances, literary tours, live bands, and even the occasional book fair.
If you are at a loss as to what to do this Valentine’s Day, then why not pay a visit to New Orleans. If you have never been there before, then this is sure to be a treat for both you and your partner.


