A LOCAL GUIDE TO NEW ORLEANS FESTIVALS! A city that takes joie de vivre to new levels, New Orleans naturally organizes its celebratory approach to life into some of the world's most popular and eclectic festivals. Festivals are more than a great time for New Orleans; they are an important driver for the city's tourism industry, its economic backbone. But even more, festivals are a joyous celebration -- and the very embodiment -- of the city's cultural heart and soul. And there's so much to celebrate: our city's fascinating history and unique cultural heritage; its natural beauty; its creative and culinary arts; its world famous music; and, perhaps most of all, the very spirit of its people, who invite the world to laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll) at New Orleans' myriad of festivals! Here are a few of the 'lesser' known festivals (just to name a few). May 24-28 New Orleans Wine & Food Experience May 27-29 Greek Festival June 10-12 Vieux To Do July 8-10 San Fermin in Nueva Orleans July 20-24 Tales of the Cocktail August 4-7 Satchmo SummerFest August 6 Whitney White Linen Night August 13 Dirty Linen Night and the Red Dress Run October 14-16 Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival November 12-13 New World Rhythms Festival Click here for a complete list on these and other New Orleans festivals.		Make Maison Dubois your home base for festivals!
LEARN TO COOK NAWLINS' STYLE Since 1980, the New Orleans School of Cooking has introduced countless visitors from around the world to the wonderful food and rich culture of Louisiana and New Orleans. Classes are held seven days a week in the beautifully renovated 1830's molasses warehouse, just a short stroll from Maison DuBois in the French Quarter. The cooking classes are taught by well-known local chefs' skilled in the arts and traditions of Cajun and Creole cuisine. Visitors will be treated to a wide range of local classics such as Jambalaya, Gumbo, Corn & Crab Bisque, and Pralines. The class costs just $29 for the lunch class, which includes a meal of the demonstrated dishes and iced tea, coffee or beer. The two-hour afternoon class is only $24. Come see what's cookin'. Book now at Maison DuBois and enjoy this unique experience.		Cookin' in N'awlins.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOMA! New Orleans Museum of Art, located in the heart of City Park, is celebrating its 100th birthday this year with a year's worth of festivities.  While visiting the park, enjoy the beauty of this majestic museum, or stroll through the newly renovated Bestoff Sculpture Garden. Come experience what New Orlean's is all about!		There's culture everywhere!
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL With a flick of the wrist and a roll of the dice, New Orleans' flourishing casino scene has sprung back to life. Whether part of a day's itinerary or an out-of-this-world nightlife experience, time spent at any of New Orleans' three area casinos is a guaranteed thrill. Any level of gaming enthusiast will appreciate the wide range of slots, table games, poker rooms and more. Beyond the games, New Orleans casinos offer a fantastic array of world-class entertainment and dining options. In Downtown New Orleans, check out Harrah's New Orleans Casino on Canal Street near the French Quarter or visit one of the riverboat gaming hotspots or Treasure Chest Casino. Make Maison Dubois part of the experience!		Masion Dubois offers a relaxing atmosphere after a night at the tables.
LEARN THE LINGO: NEW ORLEANS STYLE Gris-Gris (Gree-Gree) Originally gris-gris were probably dolls or images of the gods, but presently most gris-gris are small cloth bags containing herbs, oils, stones, small bones, hair and nails, pieces of cloth soaked with perspiration and/or other personal items gathered under the directions of a god for the protection of the owner. The gris-gris became traditional in New Orleans, the American headquarters for voodoo, where they were used for various things such as attracting money and love, stopping gossip, protecting the home, maintaining good health and achieving innumerable other ends. A gris-gris is ritually made at an altar containing the four elements of earth (salt), air (incense), water and fire (a candle flame). The number of ingredients (placed in the gris-gris) is always one, three, five, seven, nine or thirteen. Ingredients are never an even number or more than thirteen. Stones and colored objects are chosen for their occult and astrological meanings corresponding to the purpose for which the gris-gris is to be used. "X" marks the spot. Voodoo spells, often indicated by Xs, are still found on tombs like that of legendary voodoo queen Marie Laveau. Call Maison Dubois to book your stay!		Discover your New Orleans!
ENTER TO WIN A FREE NIGHT STAY AT MAISON DUBOIS Win a free night stay in New Orleans. Come see us and celebrate! So here is hoping that we will see you soon and be able to say Bienvenue New Orleans. Click here to enter. This month's winner: Billy Koehler, Atlanta, GA		Click here to enter.