New Orleans' French Quarter During the Holidays

If you can believe it, it is in fact the holiday season...ALREADY! I started this blog in June, so needless to say, I am shocked that it is time for hibernation (I mean winter) already. I find that many people stay close to home during the holiday season and chill with the family; or others try to escape their families and go somewhere warm if they live in areas that are gearing up for harsh winters. Last year, Husband J and I took a long weekend trip to New Orleans in the holiday dead week between Christmas and New Year's.

I'm not going to gush here a ton about New Orleans, especially about the fact that I think it is by far one of the most interesting cities that I've had the chance to travel to within the U.S. (lusciously decadent food, intriguing and complex history, wrapped up in its own brand of Southern charm..okay I had to throw this description in). Since I won't talk too in depth about our trip for this post, I will tell you that I love the way any city looks decked out in its holiday best.

I feel in the holiday spirit today, so here are some pics of New Orleans, specifically the French Quarter, during the 2009 holiday season.

Gotta love the "Peace Y'all" sign here. It looked great lit up at night.

Jackson Square (do you see the bows?)

In the lobby of the Royal Sonesta Hotel, French Quarter

Being in the French Quarter during the holiday season definitely added a certain flair to our visit. That being said, I think we got the short end of the stick with the weather. We were hoping for 60s Farenheit and got the same weather than NYC was having. 40s...Brr.... I hope to get back to NOLA soon when it's much warmer. I think it would be even more fun in warm weather.

Do you ever travel during the holiday season? What are your favorite local destinations for viewing beautiful holiday decorations?