Good Morning Darlings!
Happy Saturday! Hope you have something fun planned. Wait, what? Nothing planned? Oh my goodness.
My adorable friend Char, at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans has been busy with a capital B! What better time than spring to visit the grande dame of the south and enjoy the country’s best cocktails, food and music?
What’s cookin’ Char?
NEW ORLEANS, La. – April 1, 2011 – Spring has sprung and summer is on the horizon, so it must be festival season in New Orleans!
From French Quarter Festival and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival to the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, Essence Music Festival, Tales of the Cocktail and Satchmo Summerfest, visitors can enjoy the best of the Big Easy.
The Gem of The Crescent City
Spring forward at the 28th annual French Quarter Fest by listening to “all that jazz” from the hotel’s headline entertainer, Jeremy Davenport. You can catch the Grammy-nominated artist, known for his Rat Pack stylings, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in The Davenport Lounge, a top destination for live Jazz in the French Quarter. It is located on the third level of The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans’. See below for appearances by Davenport at upcoming festivals and information pertaining to events happening both outside and within the hotel. It’s time to spring forward…and all that jazz!
FESTIVALS/EVENTS
French Quarter Festival: (28th annual, 4/7-4/10)
The hotel is in walking distance to French Quarter Fest, the largest, free, outdoor festival in New Orleans. It features 17 outdoor stages showcasing gospel, jazz, funk, classical, cajun and zydeco, brass bands and much more, it’s a don’t miss.
Participation: Catch Jeremy Davenport on Saturday, April 9th at 2:00 p.m. at the WWL Stage.
Location: The hotel is in walking distance to the festival (2 blocks).
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival: (41st annual, 4/29-5/8)
Background: Thousands flock to this seven-day event that has been called America’s best festival. Headliners: Arcade Fire, Bon Jovi, Jimmy Buffett, Sonny Rollins, Kid Rock, John Mellencamp, Wilco, Robert Plant, Ms. Lauryn Hill, The Strokes and John Legend & The Roots.
Participation: Davenport will perform on Saturday, April 30th at 2:50 p.m. at the WWOZ Jazz Tent.
Location: Festival-goers enjoy shuttle service to and from the hotel and can purchase Ritz-Carlton backpacks with sun block, a hat, bottled water, etc.
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience: (20th annual, 5/25-5/28)
In 1991, a group of local wine and food professionals had a vision of creating a series of events to raise money for charity. The five-day festival brings together world-renowned winemakers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders. New Orleans is the “home of the cocktail” so it seems only fitting that this internationally acclaimed festival of cocktails, cuisine and culture would be held in New Orleans.
Participation: Winemaker Dinner (Wednesday, May 25th) and Grand Tastings Competition (Friday, May 27th and Saturday, May 28th)
Nothing but incredible music!
Essence Music Festival: (17th annual, 7/1-7/3)
Known as “the party with a purpose” the three-day festival features empowerment seminars at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center during the day and concerts over three nights. Headliners include Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, Kanye West, Jill Scott, Boyz II Men, Charlie Wilson and Fantasia.
Tales of the Cocktail: (9th annual, 7/20-7/24)
Satchmo Summerfest: (11th annual, 8/4-8/7)
This premier jazz festival dedicated to the life, music and legacy of New Orleans’ native son, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong is free and open to the public.
HOTEL EVENTS
Crawfish Concierge: (Spring-Summer)
The Crawfish Concierge is back in the courtyard every Saturday, teaching guests how to cook, peel and eat a Louisiana staple, crawfish. No need to worry if your travels bring you to New Orleans outside of crawfish season. Our Oyster Butler, Snowball Sommelier and Recovery Concierge are here to serve, seasonally. ($12/portion)
Spring Cleaning Spa Package
You spring clean your house, so why not treat your body to the same type of revitalization with an apothecary scrub, power peel, manicure and pedicure.
New Spa Services:
Drift to Sleep, Table Thai Massage, Velvet Massage and Mimosa Champagne Massage
Easter Tea and Easter Brunch
Jeremy Davenport will perform during Easter Brunch for the 1st time and it will be held in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom for the 1st time.
Pack your prettiest bonnet for tea!
Mother’s Tea and Mother’s Day Brunch
The hotel has added a Mother’s Tea for the 1st time.
Hard Hat Happy Hours
Look for a private media-only invitation to Hard Hat Happy Hours this summer in The Davenport Lounge. Enjoy a Davenport-ini and then a sneak peek at our opulent renovation showrooms. The hard hat isn’t needed; we just like the way it sounds!
Renovation
Slated to begin in July, the hotel will undergo a $9M soft goods renovation. All guestrooms in The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans will be renovated (415 deluxe rooms and 38 suites) including The Ritz-Carlton Suite, also known as The Penthouse.
Summer Rates
Summer is considered off-season in New Orleans, so travelers should plan a trip to NOLA. Rates start at $169, based upon availability.
Are you kidding me? $169 per night? Pack up the kids, Eric, we’re moving to NOLA for the summer!
I adore New Orleans, and as hot as it is here in Atlanta in Summer, you might as well be hot in New Orleans with a perfectly crafted cocktail and a recovery concierge.
And you don’t want to miss MY favorite concierge in New Orleans, the always fabulous Rudy at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. He’s the best.
I really need a vacation. You, too?
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Will Smith – Summertime