In a repeat of what happened with the Big Ash tourism debacle, the story about the Gulf oil spill is slowly moving from the objective environmental problem to the political nonsense surrounding it. Some states are trying to overplay the disaster to get more compensation from BP. Other states are working to underplay the spill because they don't want to scare away tourists. And now we've got the New Orleans tourism board taking BP's money and using it to print snide anti-British tourism ads. Classy!

The print ad in question, which was obviously and immediately pulled once sensible people saw it, played on the devastating defeat that Andrew Jackson handed to an invading British army during the 1814-1815 Battle of New Orleans. The ad's background has a tilted statue of Jackson and then in the foreground, written up in some kind of weird Alice in Wonderland-esque font, the text: "This isn't the first time New Orleans has survived the British." ]]> Omri 2010-06-22T14:40:56-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/10/30/104720/96

Vampires were wondering the streets of New Orleans long before Robert Pattinson was even a glimmer in his parents' eye. Today, vampire folklore is so deeply rooted in the city's history, from Anne Rice to stories of the undead walking the French Quarter, that is no surprise the movie Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant was filmed here too. The movie, in theaters now, is about Darren, a teenage boy who meets a mysterious man at a freak show and ends up leaving his normal life to become a vampire. Just in time for All Hallow's Eve, here's how to get in touch with your own inner-vampire in New Orleans.

Where to Stay:
The Dauphine Orleans Hotel in the French Quarter is exactly what most people think of when they think of New Orleans. The hotel features courtyards and balconies that overlook the quarter, luxurious accommodations and a history filled with ghosts and vampires. Best of all, even though the hotel is located in the French Quarter, they offer on-site parking and quiet rooms. There's no rowdy, bead-throwing here, just good 'ol southern hospitality. Rooms start at $106 a night. ]]> cmb 2009-10-30T14:11:59-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/6/10/11738/9440

You've heard of Christmas in July, but we're about to get all Halloween in June this week as we prepare for the debut of the second season of HBO's TrueBlood. Any juicy suggestions or questions? Let us know.

Although the True Blood town of Bon Temps and its local diner Merlotte's are both fictional, that doesn't mean that you can't get some good, greasy and exotic southern cooking elsewhere. We're thinking of New Orleans' French Quarter in particular, known as it is for being riddled with restaurants serving up everything from pan-fried yams to heaping helpings of crawfish étouffée.

In particular, we like Antoine's on Rue Saint Louis for their traditional and dramatic dining rooms paired with their famous "Potage alligator au sherry"—a sherry-laced alligator bisque. They've still got the usual fried oysters and lump crabmeat if alligators aren't exactly tickling your palate, but if you're not drinking blood you might as well dine on something equally creepy.

Related Stories:
· Antoine's French Quarter [Official Site]
· Louisiana Travel Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: vidiot]]]> JetSetCD 2009-06-10T13:07:09-05:00 29.9564831 -90.066257 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/3/31/122951/998

Nothing would make us happier right now than to shake out a picnic blanket under a hot sun and settle in for a weekend of funnel cakes and al fresco jazz. For anyone heading to New Orleans during the weekends of April 24-26 and April 30-May 3, this warm weather fantasy is about to become a reality during the Big Easy's Jazz Fest.

With single-day tickets from $40, the NO Jazz & Heritage Festival draws the most passionate fans (some who pony up from $850 for a VIP package) as well as worth-it headlining acts such as James Taylor, Bon Jovi, Neil Young, Etta James and Dave Matthews Band. Since we'd so much rather see the real Etta James than settle for Beyonce's impression of her, we'd happily choose the Jazz Fest as our kick-off concert of summer. ]]> JetSetCD 2009-03-31T13:32:28-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2006/6/14/0374/39982
R&B superstar and clothing addict (well, pants anyway) Usher headed down to New Orleans Tuesday to join volunteers in helping to clean up an overgrown school torn apart by Hurrican Katrina. He spent the day touring various neighborhoods in the area and even made a stop at LA's House of Representatives where he turned down requests for a quick song. Not even something from Streetcar: The Musical?

Instead he rapped--geddit--about his efforts at helping storm victims. Just goes to show you politicians will try and get a free show wherever they can.

He joins a new list of celebs who are heading down to New Orleans to lend a hand. Last month, Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon and Ellen DeGeneres all made stops in the area to raise awareness for hurricane sufferers as well.

Related Stories:
·   Usher Helps Clean New Orleans [AP]
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