I just got back from New Orleans and I have to say I have been to NOLA several times and at different times of the year but Halloween is the best.  If you haven't gone its worth the trip...there are so many costume parties, and just random people walking around in costume all weekend.  The food is amazing and I really need to stay away from the art galleries on Royal st. (I made a nice contribution to their economy this weekend through the local galleries and restaurants! )  check out http://www.paintedalive.com

they have some amazing art. 

It is sad to see how much the city has changed and it makes me angry to know how much has not been done (no grocery stores or schools in the ninth ward, new houses sitting empty, houses that were built for certain people are given to others because they couldn't pass the credit checks...my list could go on and on. ) Regardless they can use the help of tourists to help boost their economy and bring back jobs, so even if you just go to have fun you are helping, it doesn't have to be just about rebuilding...dollars spent while visiting are helping to rebuild. 

I grew up in N.O. and lived there most of my life.  Halloween is great, but Mardi Gras is even better! :)  My mom is spending the night in a "haunted house" in the french quarter this weekend. I'm so jealous!

We visited the month before Katrina and will  be going back for the first time since then this Christmas.  I'm so excited to be going back "home."  It just seems surreal to me to hear my mom talk about how things have been there over the past two years.  We wanted to go back last year, but the crime was just so bad that I didn't feel comfortable bringing my kids. 

Actually I love Jazz fest also.  I can't deal with the heat during the summer months.  I was there in June and wanted to die and thats not even the worst month.  I couldn't imagine August.  Uhg.  I don't know how they did it way back when with all those skirts etc.