Why a New Orleans Vacation Is Awesome! Quiz

Answer: Beignet

Beignets are French style doughnuts which were introduced to the New Orleans area in the 18th century by the Acadian French. Cafe du Monde uses pastry dough, fries up the doughnuts and then covers them in powdered sugar. They are delicious. The coffee is mixed with chicory root which started as a cost-saving measure since coffee was hard to come by during the Civil War. Due to its popularity, the cafe continued to use chicory after the war, giving the coffee its signature flavor. Cafe du Monde usually has a long line for dine-in, so take out is a great option. I recommend taking it to go and heading up to the levy to sit on a bench overlooking the Mississippi River. No better way to wake up in New Orleans!

Answer: Garden District

The Garden District was originally a plantation district popular with the wealthy residents who didn't want to live in the more crowded French Quarter. The plantations were spread out and most had large gardens, lending the district its name. As the population increased, the land was subdivided and Victorian style homes were put on the new plots, reducing the number of gardens but adding gorgeous architecture.

The streets are lined with huge oak trees. Several famous people live or have lived in the Garden District including Anne Rice and Archie Manning.

Answer: A Ferris Wheel

There is not a Ferris Wheel in Jackson Square. However, the square is usually crowded with tourists and artists. Musicians will also frequently set up in the square and fill the air with an eclectic mix of live music. Horse-drawn carriages can often be rented for fun or romantic interludes. St. Louis Cathedral dominates the square and was originally the center of the city.

The square is named after Andrew Jackson to commemorate his victory in the War of 1812 Battle of New Orleans. Of course, the irony is that the battle took place after the war was already over. Jackson Square continues to be a beautiful place to visit and a "must" for any trip to New Orleans.

Answer: WWII National Museum

The WWII National Museum was first opened as the D Day Museum. The Higgins boats used for the amphibious landing at Normandy were designed and made in New Orleans. Originally, the museum's focus was on the allied landing but soon grew to include many aspects of the Allies' efforts.

In 2003 the D Day Museum changed its name to the WWII National Museum when Congress recognized it as the official US WWII Museum. The museum features several aircraft and tanks used in WWII and even has an interactive submarine exhibit.

Answer: Zydeco

Zydeco music is fun dance music usually centered around an accordion. Sometimes a washboard is added to create a unique sound. The music has its roots in Creole French and African American Caribbean cultures. Zydeco usually has a fast tempo and is upbeat and happy. Occasionally a visitor to New Orleans will be lucky enough to run across a band playing Zydeco, but more frequently it is heard in the background at tourist shops and restaurants.

Answer: Bywater

The Bywater neighborhood is a part of the Ninth Ward to the east of central New Orleans and right on the Mississippi River, thus the name. Bywater is full of art, culture, and amazing food. The area is less full of tourists than the French Quarter but still provides a fantastic night life experience. Bywater was settled by the French, Spanish and Caribbean people which is reflected in the unique architecture. During Hurricane Katrina, the 9th Ward was particularly hard hit with flooding; however, the Bywater area is at a slightly higher elevation and much of the neighborhood was spared.

Many of the residents who lost their homes from flooding in the 9th ward made their way to Bywater to find dry ground.

Answer: Prawn

The pictured animal has many names including Crawfish, Crayfish, Mudbug and (much to the chagrin of New Englanders) the Lobster of the South. Crawfish are freshwater and related to a lobster rather than a saltwater prawn shrimp. Etouffee is a popular way to enjoy these crustaceans, which simply means it is served over rice and covered with a savory sauce. Another way to enjoy Crawfish is boiled with potatoes, sausage, and corn on the cob, locally called a Lowcountry Boil.

A note on Creole vs Cajun cooking. The Cajuns were French Acadians who migrated down from Nova Scotia in the 18th century. The Cajuns mainly populated the country areas and their food is simpler in composition. The Creoles, on the other hand, were more often in the cities and a cultural blend of French, Spanish and African Caribbean. Their food is made with a more complex mix of distinctive spices. Both are delicious but distinctly different.

Answer: Heavy improvisation

Jazz music at its heart is about improvisation. Typically a Jazz song will start and end with a structured melody and rhythm, but the middle is usually reserved for each musician to play an improvised solo, often impromptu and different each performance.

The unexpected notes are what makes Jazz fun to listen to and play. While one member is soloing, the rest of the band is subtly playing in the background. Frequently, at a good Jazz bar, a player can come up on stage from the audience and jam with the other musicians. Jazz is commonly associated with brass instruments, keyboards, and bass.

A New Orleans trip is not complete without listening to at least one talented Jazz act.

Answer: Pat O'Brien

Pat O'Brien's started as a speakeasy during prohibition. During WWII, founder Pat O'Brien was required to buy an excess of cheap rum to be allowed to buy the more popular scotch and whiskey. So Mr. O'Brien came up with a very strong rum drink mixed with fruit juice which became a hit. Hurricanes are traditionally served in a tall lamp shaped glass with a rounded bottom leading up to a more narrow neck. New Orleans does allow alcohol to be carried out into the street, so Hurricanes can be bought to go!

Answer: A freshly dug grave

New Orleans cemeteries are pretty spectacular to witness as all the burial places are above ground crypts. The water table does not allow for below ground graves. On the ghost tours, the participants learn about haunted places and probably visit a few bars along the way. Voodoo is also a popular topic on ghost tours with a few tours specifically specializing in Voodoo history and modern practice.

Some of the tours take a softer edger and are child friendly. Ghost tours are a unique and enjoyable way to learn the rich cultural history of New Orleans.