Random Facts about New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the world, mixing influences from Europe, Africa and the Caribbean to create a distinct cultural melting pot that can be seen through the architecture, food and way of life. With a long history like the Crescent City, it’s no wonder people come down to see what all the fuss is about, and rarely are they disappointed.

New Orleans horse buggy ride

New Orleans is known for many interesting things such as delicious Creole food, music that makes just about anyone want to dance, and, a laissez faire attitude that can be contagious. Here are just a few fascinating facts that you may not know about New Orleans (aka NOLA):

New Orleans food

  • New Orleans is the home of the oldest pharmacy in America at 514 Chartres Street in the French Quarter.  These early medical mixtures became known as cocktails, (guess they were good for what ails ya?) coining the term.
  • Living up to its reputation as Hollywood South, 25 feature-length films and 12 TV series or pilots were shot in New Orleans in 2014, and 130 feature-length films have been shot here in the last five years.
  • Riders on Mardi Gras floats are required, by law, to be masked.
  • New Orleans has more than 120 registered festivals, providing year-round entertainment for locals and visitors alike. The photo below shows the annual Red Dress Run.

New Orleans (NOLA) Red Dress Race

  • New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz, the only true American art form. Jazz gave birth to the Blues and Rock and Roll music. Jazz was originally called jass, in reference to the fragrant jasmine that women in New Orleans Storyland red light district wore. Jazz musicians started off playing the district bordellos.

New Orleans jazz in the street

If you know of some other interesting facts about New Orleans, please leave a comment below.  Click the following link to read about other Random Factoid Friday destinations.

Mike Shubic

Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions…the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure.
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