Page 14 - AAA Northampton County – AAA Now! – Winter 2018

TRAVEL
TM
TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST®
CELEBRATING NOLA’S 300-YEAR HISTORY
By Dorothy Crouch
Often thought of as the epicenter of Mardi Gras indulgence, New Orleans offers much more than beads, brews and debauchery. While the city is a magnet for history enthusiasts, 2018 marks 300 hundred years since New Orleans’ founding by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville in 1718. Though the city has experienced its share of growth and rebirth over the last 300 years, the excitement found in this town is bigger and easier to find than ever, and with more to celebrate this year, New Orleans – or NOLA – is sure to sate the travel palate of all visitors.
As the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, the French Quarter serves as the heart of the city’s cultural and historic scene. Also known as Vieux Carré, the French Quarter is home to the city’s most unique shopping, popular dining, and impressive architecture. While strolling through this neighborhood, visitors can admire the famous building designs that blend Spanish, French, Creole and American styles.
Once a center of trade for Native Americans, the French Market has served as a place of commerce along the Mississippi River since 1791. Now an open-air market, it spans five blocks, from the famed Café du Monde to Esplanade Avenue.
In addition to the Farmer’s Market Paviliion and Dutch Alley, visitors will find clothing, local art and crafts.
Within the French Quarter, lies one of New Orleans’ most infamous attractions – Bourbon Street. Though this strip has been known to be the site of wild behavior, there is more to Bourbon Street’s bars than Mardi Gras. The Royal Sonesta New Orleans is housed on a property whose existence can be traced back to 1721. Inside the hotel that opened in 1969, visitors will find an extensive art collection, dining options – including Restaurant R’evolution, and Le Booze to enjoy a well-deserved nightcap. Another NOLA staple, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar traces
its roots back to the 1720s, enjoying the title of “...the oldest structure to be used as a bar in the United States.” At the Old Absinthe House, visitors will find a 200-year-old bar that survived war and Prohibition, allowing guests to enjoy its signature cocktail, The Absinthe House Frappe, which dates back to 1874.
Though New Orleans’ reputation is based in revelry, this notoriety has grown from a strong history that has provided stories of resilience and tales of local life that live on through the city’s culture. Look beyond the mystique of NOLA in 2018, as the region’s history comes to life during its 300th anniversary.
BOOK EARLY & SAVE IN THE BIG EASY!
5 NIGHTS FROM $451
With a fabulous Royal Street address and smartly appointed accommodations, this is the ideal French Quarter hotel for your New Orleans adventure.
Reduced Rate Promotion: Booking Window*: Now – 12/21/18 | Travel Window: 4/16/18 – 3/31/19
Package price is per person and includes:
5-night accommodations in a Standard Room | Hotel tax
Call 610-258-2371, Click aaanc.com or
Visit AAA Northampton County, 3914 Hecktown Road, Easton, PA 18045
Ask about your Travel Impressions AAA Member Benefits.
Tours operated by Travel Impressions, Ltd. *Must be booked 120 days in advance for reduced rates promotion. Rate is land only, per person and based on double occupancy. Advertised rate is based on travel 4/16/18 – 4/26/18 and varies by departure date. Blackout, holiday and peak season surcharges apply. Rate and promotion are accurate at time of printing and are subject to changes, exceptions, cancellation charges and restrictions. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the printing of this ad. Additional higher priced packages available. Valid for new bookings only. CST # 2029006-20, IOWA#758. Washington UBI # 602 425 801. AG11785-17_SH_10.19.17.
a music lover’s
America’s Music Cities 8 Days • 11 Meals · Starting at $2,349*
Highlights: French Quarter, Choice of French Quarter Walking Tour or Panoramic Tour of New Orleans, New Orleans School of Cooking, Swamp Tour, Graceland, Grand Ole Opry Show & Backstage Tour, Historic RCA Studio B, Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame
AAA Vacations® Complimentary inclusions: AAA Members Receive a $50 credit towards a pre-booked optional tour. SAVE $50 per person!
Call 610.258.2371, click aaanc.com, or visit AAA Northampton County 3914 Hecktown Rd, Easton, PA 18045
*Rate is land only, per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Member Benefit savings is reflected in above rate. CST#2006766-20 UBN#601220855 NevadaSellerofTravelRegistrationNo.2003-0279
14
3914 Hecktown Rd., Easton, PA • (610) 258-2371 • northampton.aaa.com
WINTER 2018
Now!
dream