About New Orleans
New Orleans is a unique city with a rich history and many attractions. Its early days were primarily driven by its strategic port location, which made it a desirable destination for settlers from Europe and West Africa alike.
The city’s colorful culture and vibrant nightlife make it one of the most popular destinations in the United States. It’s also one of the country’s most distinctive cities, famous for jazz music, brass bands, historic architecture, and Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's also a favored location for corporate functions, parties, and social gatherings like high school reunions, often held at landmarks that reflect its vibrant history.
Reunions provide participants with engaging activities that allow them to reconnect with old friends while learning more about New Orleans’ history and culture. The benefits of choosing a high school reunion venue in New Orleans include exploring the city's many attractions, enjoying the local cuisine, and experiencing the city's distinctive nightlife.
High School Reunion Options in New Orleans
- Florists
If you need stunning decorations for your school reunion events, hiring florists is a good idea. Flowers enhance the look of your reunion space by adding a festive touch. There are lists of top-rated florists in New Orleans who specialize in creating unique floral designs using locally grown flowers.
- Bakery
Take advantage of the services of many bakeries in New Orleans that are known for their delicious baked goods. They specialize in delivering baked treats for diverse occasions and welcome customization requests.
- Bartenders
A bartending service can save you the stress of handling the drink service during your reunion. The team of professionals not only provides a vast array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but they'll also set up a bar area for your guests.
- Music
A DJ or band provides the ideal soundtrack for your gathering, getting everyone on their feet and dancing. Live music is an excellent method to create a party atmosphere at your reunion. Hiring a band or DJ or compiling a playlist of your favorite songs is a viable option.
High School Reunion Vendors in New Orleans
- OMGG Pastries
If you're looking for custom cakes, pastries, and more for your special event, OMGG, Pastries might be the place to go. Chef Cowdrey is a classically trained chef with over 30 years of experience serving clients from coast to coast. He's now settled in New Orleans and ready to do his custom creations on demand. Whether you're looking for a stately dinner dessert or something more casual for a cocktail party, Chef Cowdrey can create something perfect for your event.
- Rabadash Entertainment
Rabadash Entertainment is your one-stop shop for dueling Pianos and all kinds of New Orleans music and bands. They provide live music for parties of all sizes, from birthday parties and bar mitzvahs to weddings and engagement parties. Chris Bassman and John Autin are two well-known piano artists who, over time, developed into booking agents for other musicians, acquired more pianos, and became a part of the dueling pianos scene for gatherings.
- Villere's Florist
Villere's Florist is a family-owned business with over 45 years of experience delivering beautiful flowers to the Metairie area. They are dedicated to providing only the highest-quality floral arrangements and gifts and courteous and prompt service. Whether you're looking for something thoughtful for your loved one's birthday or want a beautiful bouquet to brighten up your place, Villere's Florist will go above and beyond to ensure top-of-the-line services.
Pros and Cons of High School Reunions in New Orleans
New Orleans is an ideal city for hosting a high school reunion. Whether you’re looking for an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, it offers plenty of reunion venues and activities. However, there are also drawbacks to hosting a party in the city worth considering before making a decision.
Advantages
- The food in New Orleans ranges from traditional Creole cooking to modern fare – all of which are sure to please any palate.
- The nightlife scene in New Orleans is lively and energetic, making it easy to find music and entertainment on any night.
- New Orleans boasts various accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts, so finding the perfect place to stay isn’t difficult.
Disadvantages
- While public transportation exists throughout the city, navigating around town can be tricky if you don't have your car or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft.
- Depending on the time of year of your reunion, hotel rates may be higher due to peak season demand. It’s wise to book your accommodations early if you plan on visiting during these times.
- Some parts of New Orleans can feel unsafe at night due to crime, so make sure you research different areas before arranging your event or lodging.
Tips on How to Organize High School Reunions in New Orleans
Planning an event can also be difficult and time-consuming. To help you navigate this process, here are some tips on how to organize high school reunion locations in New Orleans:
- Research extensively for possible venues: Look for venues that will fit the size of your group. Check out any food and drink requirements you may have and any entertainment options available to ensure everyone has a good time. Be sure to visit each venue before booking so you know what amenities they have.
- Organize a tour: Booking local tour companies is another great way to add fun activities during the reunion and create new memories as a group. It could be sightseeing through the city’s French Quarter or participating in an organized swamp tour around Lake Pontchartrain.
- Consider accommodations: You want everyone to have a comfortable place to stay and hang out between events. Having a gathering at a hotel gives everyone convenient accommodation options. Otherwise, they can rent an apartment or a temporary home near the reunion venue.
- Take care of transportation: Depending on their needs, you might need to organize shuttle buses from the airport or train station and transport guests from their accommodation spaces back to their homes after the weekend. All of these details should be taken care of ahead of time.
- Be flexible: From the venue arrangements down to tiny details like table settings or décor pieces around, allow yourself plenty of time for last-minute changes that may arise along the way.
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is perfect for learning about voodoo history and practices. Founded in 1972 by Charles Massicot Gandolfo, the museum focuses specifically on local voodoo traditions, which were first brought to New Orleans via the slave trade in the 1700s. Within its walls, you can see fascinating artifacts like a kneeling bench belonging to Maria Leaveau (the city's first Queen of Voodoo), antique dolls used in voodoo rituals, taxidermy animals associated with various spells and charms, and much more.
- Jean Lafitte's Old Absinthe House
General Andrew Jackson needed assistance to ship men to fight the British forces, so he met with Jean Lafitte at The Old Absinthe House. Although Lafitte was an outlaw and a pirate, he agreed on the condition that he and his crew would be pardoned for their past wrongdoings. This was a resounding success, with British ships being repelled and Americans taking command. The continuing construction of this historical meeting remained broadly similar throughout the next two centuries, making it one of New Orleans' most iconic landmarks. While enjoying a drink at this historic bar, visitors may step back in time and imagine the encounter between these two great men.
- Garden District
The Garden District is one of the most historic and unique neighborhoods in New Orleans. With its tree-lined streets and stately mansions, the Garden District is a true oasis in the heart of the city. The neighborhood got its start in the early 1800s when wealthy planters began to build homes here. Today, the Garden District is home to many of New Orleans' most famous landmarks, including Lafayette Cemetery and St. Charles Avenue. It's also a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll or grab a bite to eat at one of the many local restaurants.