New Orleans

Carriage In Front of Royal Cafe (Photo: Carl Purcell/NOMCVB)

Executive Editor Anne Banas fell in love with the spirit of New Orleans this last year. "Tourism is definitely coming back to New Orleans—Jazz, beignets, Creole cuisine, and all—especially in the French Quarter. I was so inspired during an April visit that I planned a second trip in June to not only re-experience the tourist areas but also to work on a Habitat for Humanity house in still Katrina-devastated Central City."

Cafe au Lait and Beignets (Photo: Carl Purcell/NOMCVB)

St. Charles Avenue streetcar (Photo: Carl Purcell/NOMCVB)

Jazz trumpeter (Photo: Jack Edwards/NOMCVB)

Secondline Parade at Jazz Fest (Photo: Richard Nowitz/NOMCVB)

Mardi Gras Float and Crowd (Photo: Romney Caruso, New Orleans CVB)

French Market hot sauces (Photo: Carl Purcell/NOMCVB)

The steamboat Natchez (Photo: Zak Patten)

Antoine's Restaurant (Photo: Zak Patten)

Oyster Shucker at Acme Oyster House (Photo: Richard Nowitz/NOMCVB)