New Orleans & Magnolia

New Orleans is a Louisiana city on the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico. Nicknamed the "Big Easy," it's known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and spicy, singular cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. Embodying its festive spirit is Mardi Gras, the late-winter carnival famed for raucous costumed parades and street parties.

New Orleans is the Festival Capital of the World. New Orleans is one of the world's most fascinating cities – its home to a truly unique melting pot of culture, food and music.

Laissez les bons temps rouler! In New Orleans the good times are perpetually rolling down Bourbon Street, which, thanks to the city’s annual Mardi Gras celebration, has quite a party animal reputation. Once you’ve enjoyed the scenery of the historic French Quarter, tour the elegant Garden District and meet the colorful characters of Frenchmen Street. Before you leave, be sure to experience the city's supernatural vibe at the Voodoo Museum or by taking a guided ghost or vampire tour through taverns, alleyways, and cemeteries.

Food Favs: Muffuletta, Red Beans & Rice, Jambalaya, Beignets and Po Boy’s

Magnolia

The Magnolia has been the official state flower (emblem) of Louisiana since July 12, 1900. Mississippi is known as the "Magnolia State," where Magnolia has been the official state flower since 1952 and the official state tree since 1938.

Blooming Magnolias in the springtime are a spectacular sight. The magnolia family accounts for about 200 species. Magnolia was named after French botanist Pierre Magnol , the man behind the current scheme of botanical classification. Magnolia is believed to be one of the most ancient flowering plants.

The magnolia flower meaning is connected with perseverance, nobility, beauty, sweetness, dignity and love of nature. The white magnolias flower meanings include purity and perfection. The pink magnolia flowers mean youth and innocence added with joy. The purple magnolias help in achieving the wishes of luck and health.

Magnolia flowers are often fragrant. The scent is creamy sweet with a light citrus nuance. Magnolia is a common ingredient in floral perfume bouquets.