New Orleans Coming Back Better Than Before? 5 New Reasons to Visit the Big Easy

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http://www.alternet.org/culture/new-orleans-coming-back-better-5-new-reasons-visit-big-easy



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1. The Brain Gain

Before Katrina, launching a business or trying to attract interest in a new idea would run you up against exclusive networks that used to wield power in the city. These have been broken up by the storm, and NOLA has seen an entrepreneurial burst hot enough for Forbes Magazine to name NOLA “the biggest brain magnet in the country." Entrepreneurial activity is now 40 times the national average.

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2. The WWII Museum

The WWII Museum is the #1 attraction for NOLA on TripAdvisor, and with good reason. Brimming with artifacts, oral histories and other accounts (audio, written, video), the museum has attracted over 3 million visitors since launching in 2000.

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3. The Food

New Orleans has fewer people now than before the storm, but interestingly, more restaurants. Some think it’s an even better place to eat today, as newcomers are adding flavors and keeping old-timers on their toes. You can, of course, enjoy the classics, such as the delightfully old-school Grill Room at the historic Windsor Hotel, where you are serenaded by live piano as you enjoy selections from a menu that’s not resting on its laurels like those at some of the other venerable NOLA eateries. For French Quarter people-watching, get yourself a window seat overlooking Bourbon Street at Bourbon House at the Astor Crowne Plaza (a superb and convenient hotel, btw) and let the carnival of life cruise by as you enjoy local seafood (try the oysters).

4. The Parks

The lush vegetation and enchanting outdoor spaces of NOLA are among the most appealing things about the city. Parks were ravaged by Katrina, but happily they have been restored. Louis Armstrong Park, across from the French Quarter, has finally been brought back to life thanks to tireless community activists and city efforts and is once again safe to visit. A new summer music series attracted 50,000 people in its first year, and hopes to grow to twice that size in 2013. The magnificent orchids of the Botanical Garden in New Orleans City Park were nearly wiped out by Katrina, but they are back and were featured in the 2012 Fall Garden Festival.

[Atman]

1. How long before righties credit Bush?

"Bush provided the opportunity for NOLA to improve itself!"

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2. I've been there twice in the last two years

It has really risen above its scars in the last year. As an outsider (beyond a few areas), I can't really see this as a ravaged city at all. In large part, New Orleans has put Katrina in the past.