September 13, 2010
New Orleans Beyond Bourbon
As a top travel destination year-in and year-out, New Orleans, L.A., is known for the French Quarter, Mardi Gras, the birthplace of jazz, creole cuisine, and above all one of the most well known streets in the world, Rou Bourbon. While any trip to New Orleans is not complete without a stroll down Bourbon Street there is much more to be discovered just around the corner and in the neighborhoods that surround the French Quarter. So venture a little bit further beyond Bourbon and discover the food and music at the heart and soul of the city.
Situated in the southeastern part of the French Quarter near the French Market on Decatur Street is “where the not-so-elite meet to eat” according to the
Zagat Review. Coop’s Place, serving locals since 1983, is best described as a small hole in the wall dive bar, leading most to pass by this gem of a restaurant. As the old adage goes, do not judge a book by its cover as Coop’s Place is widely known as the place to go for the best jambalaya or fried chicken in the city. With a full menu featuring all of the Cajun and Creole classics and a true down to earth atmosphere, Coop’s Place is the perfect spot to experience the people and food of New Orleans without the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street.
Another way to experience New Orleans with the locals is by visiting the Foubourg Marigny neighborhood. Also known just as the Marigny, the bohemian neighborhood is infested with exotic restaurants, distinctive architecture, and a multitude of bars with live music. Every night Frenchmen Street comes alive as locals pour into the street to enjoy the sounds of Reggae, Latin, Blues and of course jazz at one of the many quaint clubs. Leave the neon lights of Bourbon behind with a short trip to the Marigny and see why the locals spend their time in this authentic neighborhood.
To truly understand the heart beat of the city and its people be sure to take a cab ride a few blocks northeast of the French Quarter and visit Bullet’s Sports Bar. Bullet’s Sports Bar is literally located in a residential neighborhood and is a local
hangout that looks like a house on a street corner. You can forget about ordering any fancy cocktails as drinks are served in a flask with a glass of ice and a mixer on the side. Every Tuesday night New Orleans legend and world famous jazz musician Kermit Ruffins and his band can be seen playing their weekly gig at Bullet’s. Do not worry if there are no tables open when you arrive as the hospitable patrons often invite visitors to sit amongst them. Next time you’re in New Orleans be sure to indulge yourself with a visit to this authentic bar only minutes from Bourbon Street.
With an open mind and a knack for adventure visitors can escape the grasp of Bourbon Street and experience New Orleans like never before. For additional information on New Orleans visit www.neworleansonline.com. For lodging be sure to check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Frenchmen Orleans just across from the French Quarter in the heart of the Marigny.
August 23, 2010
Bloody Mary’s New Orleans
Along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, deep in the Bayou of southern Louisiana sits America’s most haunted city, New Orleans. The dark haunted side of New Orleans, filled with seductive images of voodoo, vampires and ghosts, is as compelling as the jazz, spicy food and art that the city is often defined by. To unveil the true mystique of New Orleans’ history join one of the many ghost tours and discover why the city embraces and celebrates the paranormal.
Founded in 1718, New Orleans has had nearly 300 years of murder, mayhem and disaster as as a backbone for the many haunting tales that have unfolded. One of the best ways to get up close and personal with the city and the stories that define her is with Bloody Mary’s New Orleans Tours. Born and raised in New Orleans, Mary Millian has gone by the pen name Bloody Mary for 3 decades. Bloody Mary’s vast knowledge and experience in the paranormal combined with her love for people and storytelling has earned her accolades such as “The Ultimate Insider,” “The Cultural Diva” and “The Poet Priestess of the Spirit of New Orleans” by publications such as Southern Women Magazine and the Times Picayune. Bloody Mary’s knowledge is so respected she has appeared on shows for the Travel Channel, Sci-Fi Channel and National Geographic.
Known by such nicknames as “The Big Easy” and “Crescent City,” New Orleans has also been given the title of “City of the Dead’ for its many famous above ground cemeteries. Due to a high water table settlers had to bury the dead above ground in tombs and vaults
to avoid caskets resurfacing during floods. Bloody Mary’s New Orleans Tours offers 3 different cemetery tours, including the Voodoo Tour of St. Louis Cemetery #1, the oldest cemetery in the city. St. Louis #1 is the resting place for some of the city’s early politicians, pirates and most notably of all the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. For a more in depth insight on the cemeteries check out the Moonlight Graveyard Tour which visits 10 cemeteries and is the only evening cememtery tour offered in the city. Be sure to sign up for a cemetery tour and discover the mystique surrounding these world famous New Orleans burial grounds.
No exploration into the paranormal legends of New Orleans would be complete without a tour of the French Quarter. Bloody Mary’s Tour of the Undead focuses on the French Quarter and the voodoo, vampire and ghost trilogy. The tour begins with a visit to 
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, a pirate bar reputed to be the oldest in America and listed by the Discovery Channel as number 5 on the “World’s Ten Creepiest Destinations.” The tour also makes stops at other haunted locations throughout the French Quarter including old slave quarters, a vampire lair and the LaLaurie Mansion where Madame Delphine LaLaurie reportedly killed and mutilated nearly 100 slaves. Let Bloody Mary guide you through the haunted history of the French Quarter, unveiling secrets hidden in brick laden courtyards behind wrought iron fences with the Tour of the Undead.
Not all tours are recommended for younger children. For additional information on kid friendly tours, special events, and Bloody Mary, visit www.bloodymarytours.com. For lodging check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Frenchmen Orleans located in the acclaimed cultural and arts district of Frenchmen Street only a few minutes walk from the French Quarter.
August 6, 2010
10th Annual Satchmo SummerFest
The city of New Orleans, L.A., is steeped in a unique and rich musical history and no other artist reflects that history more than beloved native son Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. In honor of Armstrong the city will hold the 10th Annual Satchmo SummerFest from August 5 through August 8 at the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint. The 4 day festival will feature an extensive array of musical artists, food, speakers and special events.
Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong was born into poverty in New Orleans August 4, 1901. At a young age he quit school and began singing for money along the city streets and outside of clubs. At the age of
11 he was taught by local musician Bunk Johnson to play the cornet by ear, and as they say, the rest is history. Considered one of the most dynamic personalities of the 20th century, Armstrong single handedly transformed jazz into the popular musical art form it is today. Armstrong’s trademark solos, gravelly voice, for which he earned the nickname “Satchmo,” and numerous other stylistic innovations made him an industry superstar. By the time of his death in 1971 Armstrong had become and international star and ambassador for jazz and American music.
Started as a one-time salute to Armstrong to commemorate his 100th birthday in 2001, Satchmo SummerFest now averages 26,000 guests a year. The event features 4 stages of live music in the 
French Quarter and seminars by leading Armstrong historians at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe. Known as the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans has plenty of local jazz legends that will be paying tribute to Armstrong including the Treme Brass Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Soul Rebels and most notably Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers. Also performing will be international jazz star Yoshio Toyama, who formed a jazz band called the Dixie Saints after falling in love with Armstrong’s music. Toyama and his band have become local favorites at Satchmo SummerFest by consistently delivering stellar performances year after year.
In addition to an endless selection of live music the free community event will feature a variety of alternative activities. Saturday and Sunday the NOLA Jitterbugs will be giving free jazz and swing dance lessons on the third floor of the Old U.S. Mint. Just down the road from the Old U.S. Mint at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe an impressive array of speakers will present seminars that include discussions, music and movies all relating to the importance of Armstrong and his influence on the revolution of jazz. The weekend festivities will conclude with a traditional “Trumpet Tribute” and second line parade down the musically rich Frenchmen Street.
For a Satchmo SummerFest schedule of events visit www.fqfi.org and for additional information on lodging in the area be sure to check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Frenchmen Orleans, ideally located on Frenchmen Street.
January 20, 2010
Consumer Advisory for Festiva owners and members
If you have been contacted by someone regarding the resale of your unit on the website listingdepartment.com, please be advised that this is NOT a Festiva affiliated company, nor can we verify their legitimacy.
We have had reports from several owners and members who have been contacted by e-mail or regular mail and we are currently investigating this company.
If you have received an e-mail from this or any other suspicious company please forward it to ownerservices@festiva.travel.
Please note that Festiva does not offer a resale program at this time. Further, if anyone from Festiva does contact you, their e-mail address will end with @festiva.travel. An e-mail from any other domain regarding your ownership or membership could be an illegitimate business and should be forwarded to us for further investigation.
For information on legitimate resale agencies and practices, please click here to read the Resale Guidelines from the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).
January 18, 2010
Festiva Hospitality Group creates Haiti Relief Fund
Thousands are feared dead and millions have been affected in Haiti by the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake and its aftershocks. People all over the world are doing what they can to help, but it will be a long, difficult road to recovery for the country and people of Haiti. They need all of the assistance they can get in the form of funds, supplies, water and food.
The earthquake has not only affected millions on the ground in Haiti, but has had an impact on the Festiva family as well. We have several employees and service providers at our Caribbean resorts and sailing destinations whose friends’ and families’ whereabouts are as yet unknown.
Immediate help is needed
Festiva Hospitality Group’s Charitable Fund has pledged an initial $1000 to the American Red Cross for Haiti relief. Festiva employees are able to make donations through payroll deductions. Guests can add to that by contributing a few dollars upon checking out of any of our resorts. No matter how small or large, every single donation will help whether it’s for immediate or long term needs as we cannot yet comprehend the extent of the damage.
You can also donate through the following organizations:
- American Red Cross has raised over $5 million through $10 donations. Text “Haiti” to 90999 to donate through your cell phone bill. Most wireless carriers are waiving messaging fees.
- Doctors Without Borders has treated over 1,000 victims, and an inflatable hospital with operating facilities should arrive soon.
- CARE is continuing to send emergency team members into Haiti, CARE is also distributing food.
- UNICEF has released $3.4 million in emergency funds and is focusing on the safety and care of children in Haiti.
- Oxfam will be flying in 10 tons of equipment including water, sanitation, health and shelter equipment and tools to help clear rubble in the search for trapped people.
Be wary of hoaxes
Unfortunately, there is misinformation circulating about certain organizations’ efforts and some are trying to make a profit from this terrible disaster through scams or hoaxes. Before you donate to any organization, particularly on the Internet, be sure that they are legitimate.
A Reuters article published today has tips to avoid getting scammed and useful information to determine whether a charity is legitimate. For example, be aware of e-mails sent to you from an unknown person or organization, donate to organizations rather than individuals and check out charity-watchdog group the American Institute of Philanthropy for a list of reputable organizations with specific relief operations now underway.
Rumors circulating about UPS shipping packages under 50lbs for free are not true. The UPS website explains that they have halted all shipments from individuals and local organizations to Haiti so that they can help organizations like Red Cross, UNICEF and CARE ship supplies there.
Rumors about JetBlue and American Airlines flying nurses and doctors to Haiti for free are also false. According to CNN, this hoax originated from an unknown source on Twitter. In fact, American Airlines has been sending relief flights full of supplies, food and water to Haiti. JetBlue is working with agencies such as the American Red Cross to transport relief workers to the Dominican Republic who have already been vetted by the Haitian Consulate, who then helps them get to troubled areas. At one point Thursday, the FAA halted all U.S. flights to Haiti because of lack of fuel and overcrowding on the runway.
Looking ahead
At Festiva Hospitality Group, we will continue to keep the people of Haiti and their loved ones in our thoughts. This far-reaching tragedy is deeply saddening and we will do all that we can to assist, and hope that you will too. A huge amount of help is needed right now, but there will be many long term needs as the country and its people go through a tough recovery process. If you aren’t able to help financially right now, think about saving a little every week and donating to an organization for Haiti relief in the coming months when resources may be running low.
November 28, 2009
Finding the Green Faeries in New Orleans
October 2, 2009
Hello world!
Welcome to the Festiva Resorts New Orleans Blog! We will use this Blog to keep visitors updated on events, local information, businesses, activities and attractions in the New Orleans area.
This is a brand new Blog, so please continue to visit us and look for some exciting updates soon!
In the meantime, visit our friends at the Festiva Resorts Blog.
You can also read about us or about Festiva Resorts on this site.
