The Best City on the Gulf Coast

In America, we've got our East Coast and we've got our West Coast.  Middle America is referred to as 'flyover country' but you rarely hear about America's Best Coast.  That's the Gulf Coast, in the south, along the Gulf of Mexico.  The best city on the Gulf Coast is New Orleans.  We can debate it if you like, but, really, the case has already been made time and again.  Why bother?

You never know who you'll meet in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The best city on the Gulf Coast is New Orleans.  New Orleans is on the Mississippi River and people are always surprised to learn that we are located about a hundred miles from the Gulf of Mexico, following the twists and turns of the river.  There are other cities that are directly on the Gulf Coast.  Mobile, Alabama and Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi are three that come to mind.  There is Corpus Christi in Texas, a city that is gloriously named, but, like the other three, I wouldn't want to spend a lot of time there.  There only city where I think you should spend a week or more is in New Orleans, Louisiana.  New Orleans is the best city on the Gulf Coast.

You've heard of it.  That's a start.  I can go anywhere in the world and tell people I live in New Orleans.  They'll know where I mean.  The first Mardi Gras celebration in America was held in Mobile, as they'll be happy to tell you (especially if they learn that you live in New Orleans).  It's true.  As in most things, New Orleans does everything at least 3x better.  Usually it's more than that.

New Orleans is a world unto itself.  Food tastes better here.  The air is thicker.  Drinks are more satisfying.  Colors are more vibrant in the sun and they are more seductive in the moonlight.  New Orleans just feels good.

An artist's interpretation of La Belle Esplanade

Take the time to get to know the best city on the Gulf Coast.  Some people say New Orleans is the best city in America.  Tennessee Williams, of all people, said: "There are only three cities in America: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans.  Everywhere else is Cleveland."

We have nothing against Cleveland.  It is a wonderful city.  So are so many other cities, large and small, that power this great nation---and so many towns, villages and homesteads, too.  New Orleans is unique but New Orleans is not alone.

Discover what it means to fall in love with New Orleans.  Home is where the heart is.

If we've whetted your appetite to discover more about the real New Orleans and experience this wonderful city in an authentic New Orleans state of mind, there is only one place you should stay:  La Belle Esplanade.  We run a small craft hotel on a beautiful street.  Go to our website to learn more.  You can read the blog there, too.  There is no such thing as too much New Orleans.  Take it from someone who lives here.

Sincerely,
Your friends at,
-La Belle Esplanade