World's 8 most really, truly romantic cities | CNN Travel

Favorite place to visit?   Check.

Now, romantic.  Check.

World's 8 most really, truly romantic cities | CNN Travel:

America's Favorite Cities 2012 - New Orleans | Travel + Leisure

See why New Orleans is once again America's sweetheart!   No surprise that we rank so highly in music and people watching, but personally we love that NOLA is #1 for Happy Hour!

America's Favorite Cities 2012 - New Orleans | Travel + Leisure:

A new app for NOLA

There's an app for that!   iPhone/iPad users can now download a great new tool from the city's convention and visitors bureau.   Features attractions, restaurants, lodging (you already know where to stay, though!) and more.

You can search for it under "GO NOLA" but here's the rather clunky URL:  http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/go-nola-official-tourism-app/id523868920?mt=8

New Orleans tops for shopping!

Okay, we don't have a Costco (yet) nor does Crate & Barrel grace our fair town, but readers of Travel & Leisure magazine don't care.   They just named New Orleans as the best shopping city in America thanks in large part to our great boutiques, flea markets, and antique stores.    We enjoy browsing Magazine Street on Saturdays and always love a stroll down Royal when the weather is nice, so I guess it's not so much of a surprise after all!

America's top city for sports?

We're in the midst of a whirlwind of sports activity in the Crescent City.   Over the course of two weeks:
--sold out Hornets home opener
--sold out Sugar Bowl, featuring power programs Michigan and Virginia Tech
--NFC South champion Saints hosting Detroit in the playoffs
--BCS National Championship game with LSU facing Alabama (again!)

Later this year, both the Southeastern Conference and the NCAA Final Four tournaments will be in New Orleans, followed by the Super Bowl in 2013!   Whew!