NOLA November: Top Things You Can Do

Planning a trip, you say? Want it during that beautiful time of year when the leaves are turning, but you still crave a touch of warmth? New Orleans in November just might be your ticket. That city is positively brimming with character. And when you go in November, you sidestep the intense summer heat, plus you are right before the holiday rush. Sounds pretty attractive, almost. It’s not too crowded, and the weather tends to be just nice for walking around, taking in the music, and, yep, the food, too It’s really a feast for your senses.

1. Experience the New Orleans Film Festival

You enjoy movies? Then this one is right up your alley. The New Orleans Film Festival, typically happening in early November, happens to be a pretty huge deal. I mean, film buffs totally gush about it. Independent films, documentaries, shorts— you name it; they show it. Plus, there are workshops. You see, it’s a chance to see movies, and, also, it gives you the opportunity to kinda mingle with filmmakers and other like-minded people, very possibly. Just think about the creative energy flowing around there. Who knows? Perhaps you’ll get inspired yourself. In some respects, it’s not just about watching movies; it’s very much about participating in the culture.

2. Celebrate Treme Creole Gumbo Festival

Alright, so if there is one thing that New Orleans is popular for, well, really very known for, it has got to be the food, right? The Treme Creole Gumbo Festival kinda underlines this very point. Picture this, now. A park, ideally tree-lined, and it has, more or less, this amazing smell of gumbo in the air. All sorts of gumbo, too. Seafood gumbo, chicken gumbo, even vegetarian gumbo because everyone deserves amazing food. Local chefs show off their recipes, there’s really some music going on. It might be jazz, it might be something else. Either way, it will be good. It is not just a food fest, you understand. It really celebrates the city’s Creole heritage. Going there supports local businesses and it gives a taste, literally and figuratively, of a unique culture, nearly.

3. Stroll Through City Park

City Park might be one of those spots that everyone, including yours truly, raves about, tends to be. And for amazing reason, very possibly. That urban oasis has everything. Botanical Garden, New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), and Storyland— all kinda wrapped into one area. You are looking to just relax a bit? Find a nice bench and then simply enjoy the scenery. Up for some activity? Rent a bike. Wanna learn something? The botanical gardens or the museum tend to be right up your alley. If you travel with kids, Storyland could be a total hit with them, actually. The place happens to be expansive enough that you could spend a full day there and yet, somehow, barely scratch the surface of everything there.

4. Wander the French Quarter (Without the Mardi Gras Crowds)

You just simply can’t go to New Orleans and not wander the French Quarter, even a little. It just really can’t happen. The iron balconies, the architecture, and also the vibe, more or less— it’s one of a kind. November gives you that advantage to enjoy that French Quarter at a less hectic pace than, say, Mardi Gras. The street performers happen to be still out there. Those cafes still tend to smell of chicory coffee. You want to take some pictures? By all means, very definitely do so. Feel like some shopping? This is a great spot for browsing those unique boutiques because everything looks pretty. Keep an eye out for those hidden courtyards. You see, those gems exist and just wait to be discovered. Very much so.

5. Take a Swamp Tour

Feeling very adventurous? Fancy wanting something very different? So you might wanna think about a swamp tour near New Orleans. These tours tend to take you out into the bayous, giving the chance to see a totally unique ecosystem. Picture this. Moss-draped trees, that is very iconic for that area, maybe a gator swimming, a little lazily, along the water. It can be just a completely amazing experience for those of you that like photography, or even wildlife. The tour guides also live in that area, very often. Which suggests that they happen to be really good sources for local lore and stories and also information about the swamp. You know, those tours range. So some are airboat tours and really move. And others tend to be a little slower. Pick what seems very good for you. This gives an outside of ordinary view and also allows supporting local communities. A little, maybe? You might never view nature the very same way again.