There’s no place on Earth quite like New Orleans, LA. When you have the opportunity to visit The Crescent City for a convention (or, if you prefer a different nickname: NOLA, The Big Easy, or Mardi Gras City), try to make some time to check out the local scene and immerse yourself in the one of a kind culture. This place is bursting with can’t-miss oddities and curiosities.
To help you make the most of your downtime during a New Orleans trade show, here are a few things to check out that you won’t find anywhere on Earth.
The Tree of Life
It might sound silly to take time out of your hectic New Orleans trade show schedule to look at a tree, but the Tree of Life is an absolute must-see. It’s a sprawling, gnarled oak tree whose limbs span over 160 feet. Although its actual age is debated, some estimations put it at several hundred years old.
Locals refer to this tree, officially called the Etienne de Bore Oak after the former landowner, as the “Tree of Life” because of its resilience. It has survived multiple natural disasters, including 2005’s devastating Hurricane Katrina. The tree is now a symbol of New Orleanian strength and fortitude. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb up the Tree of Life, and depending on the time of day you visit, you might even see a local couple’s wedding ceremony taking place.
Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo
Voodoo is a big part of Louisiana culture, and New Orleans Voodoo is a special breed. Combining beliefs and practices from a wide variety of peoples over several centuries, this spirituality is a way of life for some locals. And they encourage visitors to learn more about it from the Voodoo Queen herself at Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo.
Located on the infamous Bourbon Street, this part educational, part relic shop should be at the top of free oddities and curiosities to see during your New Orleans trade show. It’s free to the public, though you’re welcome to purchase any of the items they have for sale, from t-shirts to charms and talismans. You can even sign up for a psychic or spiritual reading while you’re there.
Haunting Cemeteries
Down on the bayou, the ground is swampy and wet. New Orleans’s location on the Mississippi River and on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne—plus its setting at or below sea level—means that it’s difficult to bury the dead at the traditional six feet under. Rather than risk flooding or (even worse) displaced coffins, the City of New Orleans decided centuries ago to build above-ground tombs for their dearly departed. The architecture of these memorial monuments also satisfied the wide variety of cultures and peoples that have called New Orleans home for hundreds of years.
Nowadays, you can walk through some of these haunting burial grounds and learn even more about New Orleans traditions. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is one of the most famous, though unlike several other cemeteries that are open to the public, it requires a paid tour. However, you can find a cemetery that welcomes visitors, where you can stroll through the rows of monuments and pay your respects.
Additional Free Experiences Near the Morial Convention Center
New Orleans is brimming with oddities and curiosities that you can check out for free—but the Crescent City also has a nearly endless list of other things to do near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO). Here are a few options and ideas:
- The French Quarter River Walk, a 1.3-mile path on the shores of the Mississippi River full of gorgeous views, plus shopping and dining opportunities
- The Warehouse Arts District, a neighborhood known for its fine dining and sophisticated boutiques
- Woldenberg Park, a scenic public spot great for relaxing and enjoying scenic views
Whatever your vibe and style, you can always find something fun—and free—to do in New Orleans.
Enjoy the City While We Handle Your New Orleans Trade Show Exhibit
There’s a lot of stuff to do on the show floor, but there’s even more to see throughout New Orleans. We’ll handle your booth and exhibitor services while you take some time to experience this one of a kind city.
Contact us today to find out how we can create a custom rental exhibit for your next trade show in New Orleans, LA!
