Life in the city they call the “Big Easy’ has a culture distinct from the rest of America. New Orleans boasts the mighty Mississippi, the elegant architecture of the French Quarter, and a unique cuisine which blends Creole, Cajun, French, Spanish and African influences to mouth-watering effect. As if that wasn’t enough to tempt visitors, it also stages one of the world’s greatest parties: Mardi Gras. Visit http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/new-orleans for more information about New Orleans.