From the sonorous sounds of a saxophone to the heartfelt lyrics of a country ballad, what would the world be without music? The US is a melting pot of musical influences—each genre giving a peek into its rich past. So for your next family excursion, how about visiting the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans? You’ll hear syncopated beats on Bourbon Street while savoring Creole fare. Farther east lies Nashville—a whole different kind of experience. Home to famed country crooners and the Grand Ole Opry, the city’s got plenty to see (and hear!) as well.
BY CAR: New Orleans, La.
What to do: Being the birthplace of jazz, it’s no surprise that musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Harry Connick, Jr. have called this city home. Throughout the month of April, you can catch performances from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, playing swingin’ shows such as Swing in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park. The LPO is the only musician-owned and collaboratively managed professional symphony in the U.S., so it’s from-the-ground-up good tunes! During the afternoon, you’ll also want to take a stroll through the French Quarter, where you can mingle with mimes, clowns, magicians and musicians. You can even take a ride in a streetcar ($1.25 per ride).
504/523-6530; lpomusic.com
Where to stay: They say, “The family that plays together stays together.” While you’re on vacation, why not stay at a place that runs on that principle? When you check in at Loews Hotel, you’re greeted with a Loews Loves Kids portfolio, featuring information on cribs, rollaway beds, night lights, kids first-aid kits, outlet guards, strollers and everything else you could ever need for a kid-friendly stay. Loews also offers a toy lending library, featuring a variety of games and toys for kids under 6 (no charge; keep items throughout your stay). Traveling with older kiddos? Loews hands out iTunes cards with two free songs, perfect for those who are past the blocks and balls stage. Rates vary based on availability.
504/595-3300; loewshotels.com
What to eat: Nothing says “Nawlins” like Creole cuisine. If you stop by for brunch at Mr. B’s Bistro, you can feast on Gumbo Ya Ya or Seafood Gratin, or if you wait around until the evening you can try Mr. B’s Crabcake, Salmon and Scallop Papillote or Mr. B’s Barbequed Shrimp. Kids can nibble on chicken strips, shrimp or pasta marinara, and while you’re waiting, they’ll stay entertained with crayons and coloring sheets. Open for lunch from 11:30am-2pm Monday-Saturday and dinner from 5:30-9:00pm daily; Sunday brunch (from 10:30am-2pm) features a three-piece jazz band.
504/523-2078; mrbsbistro.com
BY PLANE: Nashville, Tenn.
What to do: No trip to Nashville is complete without a visit to the Grand Ole Opry (It is, after all, the show that made country music famous.). This month, country star Trace Adkins is one of the many guitar-strummin’ country crooners on the lineup. Tickets start at $28.50 for adults; $18.50 for kids 4-11. If honky tonk isn’t your style, check out the Nashville Jazz Orchestra Annual Jazz Writer’s Night 2011 presented by the NJO and Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music on Apr 15. Songs include favorites such as I’ve Got Rhythm, Summertime and other Gershwin classics. $20 adults; $15 seniors; $10 students.
615/871-6779; opry.com
615/322-7651; nashvillejazzorchestra.org
Where to stay: Don’t get too comfortable at the Gaylord Opryland—with so much exciting family entertainment right on the hotel grounds, you may be hard pressed to venture out into the city. If the weather is right, make a splash in the pool (If it’s not, there’s an indoor version!). While dad dusts off his 9-iron on the golf course and mom treats herself to the spa, kids can let off some steam in the arcade, featuring everything from classic claw and racing games to floor-stomping fave, Dance Dance Revolution. Come evening, the whole family can take in the “scenery” on a Delta Riverboat Tour—a Mississippi River-style flatboat that winds through a lush indoor garden ($9.95 adults; $7.95 kids under 12). Room rates vary per occupancy.
615/889-1000; gaylordhotels.com
What to eat: Some have described Jack Cawthon as Nashville’s King of Barbecue. With a title like that, you may need to decide for yourself. Jack’s Bar-B-Que has drawn the attention (and taste buds) of Opry stars such as Alison Krauss and Union Station, who filmed a music video there. For everyone else (locals and tourists alike), it’s just good eatin’. After you fill up on tender Tennessee Pork Shoulder or Texas Beef Brisket, you’ll be lucky if you have room for green beans, apples or the salad du jour. Satisfy the whole fam’s appetite with Family Meals that consist of ribs, chicken or any boneless meat (serves 3-5) plus two pints of veggies, pickles, sauces and bread. While you’re there, be sure and taste what has been dubbed “The best sauce on the planet.”
Downtown, 615/254-5715
Trinity Lane, 615/228-9888
jacksbarbque.com
