No city in North America competes with New Orleans when it comes to culture, food, historic architecture and joie de vivre. The Crescent City has suffered plagues, wars, imperial regime changes and devastating floods. Yet it always wakes up with a smile on its face. This may be because its inhabitants step to an easy beat first laid down three centuries ago. Moving at this relaxed pace, visitors are delighted by the French Creole elegance of the Vieux Carre or the opulence discovered in a streetcar ride through the Garden District and Uptown. During Mardi Gras season, the city becomes the world’s center. Downtown transforms into an adult playground, while parades in residential areas provide children thrilling entertainment. Each spring, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival moves the focus to the charming Gentilly area and the Fair Grounds Race Course. But no matter the time of year, the Crescent City’s calendar overflows in celebration.