Rathbone Mansions
Historic New Orleans Hotel, Steps From the French Quarter
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Insiders Guide of things to do, eats and drinks in New Orleans

Rathbone Mansions Insiders Guide

With its unique, vibrant history, award winning chefs, craft cocktail bars, and party atmosphere, there's no wonder NOLA is consistently ranked one of the best cities to visit. We've got you covered with insiders' tips on the best places to visit, eat and drink during your stay. Click through our blog for suggestions, current events and truly experience New Orleans like a local.

New Orleans has a unique, vibrant history, award winning chefs, craft cocktails galore, and a low-key, Southern fun atmosphere. There's no wonder NOLA is consistently ranked one of the best US cities to visit.  We've got you covered with tips on locals' favorite spots to check out during your stay. Scroll through our blog for suggestions, current events and truly experience New Orleans like a local.

 

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Spooky Halloween Loves Ghosts

 

We’re now on our third October blog: all are set up to give you lots of pertinent info very quickly. We’re heading for Halloween so here’s an overview or history of this annual event that can be read in a couple of seconds: (1) It goes all the way back to an ancient Gaelic festival called “Samhain,” (2) It marks a pivotal time of the year: when the seasons change OR the boundary between this world and the next becomes especially “thin” and (3) It almost didn’t make it across the Atlantic – the Puritans were against this holiday’s pagan roots, but then (4) the Irish and Scottish arrived in America and the holiday made its way back. Since I’m 50% Irish, I love this version.

1. WHAT TWO EVENTS ARE WE GOING TO COVER?

We’ll begin with the Halloween festivities in all their various forms – this will take you from Friday, October 29th to Sunday, October 31st. Then we’ll go back a bit and take a close look at the Krewe of BOO. It takes place on Saturday, October 23rd and promises to be a real eye-opener.

FIRST: HALLOWEEN IN ALL ITS VARIOUS FORMS

No matter how old you are or how many times you’ve been around the block, this holiday never gets old. The littlest ones get a chance to dress up and go trick-or-treating while a parent can take a break with a Halloween cocktail.

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The New Orleans Art District: Here’s where you’ll see brick warehouses that recall NoLA’s industrial heyday. Now, it’s fine restaurants and galleries that showcase our thriving arts + culinary scene.

II. WHERE DOES HALLOWEEN TAKE PLACE?

New Orleans is thought to be one of the most haunted places in the entire country. It’s known for: its ghosts, voodoo, vampires, above ground tombs and much more. Or, the perfect place for a little fright and fun! This brings us to a parade that you and your family won’t want to miss.

CLICK HERE to read our blog about New Orleans + Halloween in 2018

SECOND: THE KREWE OF BOO PARADE

Are you bringing the family to the French Quarter for Halloween?  Well, this parade is one you don’t want to miss. The Krewe of BOO Halloween parade is a family-friendly parade where the little monsters can collect beads, toys and more!

III. WHERE – EXACTLY – DOES IT TAKE PLACE?

Read carefully because you don’t want to disappoint the young ones. The 2021 Krewe of BOO parade winds its way through the French Quarter, the Central Business District and into the New Orleans Arts District.  

IV. WHEN AND WHAT TIME DOES IT START?

It takes place on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 6:30 pm.

V. THE VIEUX CARRE BECOMES THE BOO CARRE

Just so you know: the “Vieux Carre” means the “French Quarter” or, where spooky things happen! The Krewe of BOO became the official Halloween Parade in 2007 and it’s grown every year since that time.

You’ll see great, heart stopping floats pass by AND guess what? Smiling parade riders will throw lots of items to kids and adults as they pass by.  This includes: light-up medallion beads, voodoo doll pins plus magnets, doubloons and children’s toys. (If you – like me – don’t know what some of these things are – then come to the parade and find out.)

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? Do consider us when you are planning to visit – we’re a 15-minute stroll to the French Quarter.

PLEASE CHECK THE WEB if you are looking for any changes or more information about the events described in this blog.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

 
Christina DiPierro