NOLA-ing: Your Choice – French Quarter or Strawberry…Or both

Each week we are going to take a look at things to do in New Orleans and, frankly, Southeast Louisiana.  This isn’t a comprehensive list of things to do, Best of New Orleans and other sources, do that better.  We are going to list the things that if time and money were not a factor we would do.

This weekend, like every first full weekend in April is dominated by two of the better festivals in the area.  What is great about the first one, is that it will lead you to explore the French Quarter with its numerous stages spread throughout the Quarter.  The second lets you explore small town Louisiana with some of the best antiquing in the area.

French Quarter Fest – FQF is the largest free music festival in the United States.  It literally takes place all over the quarter.  The music is free, but because you can’t have a festival without food, there is a ton of food vendors as well.  Locals know that Thursday and Friday are your best bets as the crowds really descend on Saturday and Thursday. April 6-9.

Strawberry Festival –  Take I-10 east and then turn north on I-55 and you will find the Strawberry Festival. This festival takes over the town of Ponchatoula and has tons of offerings of signature fruit in all the different ways you can imagine plus some.  It also has plenty of other great food to offer as well. April 7-9.