Heather Loyd

St Louis, MO

Travel Advisor for Couples, Families, and Groups

Personalized Travel Planner for Couples, Families, and Groups

I have always had a love for travel, culture, and history. I can remember, I was always planning trips with a road map, encyclopedia, and travel books. I then started researching...
Learn more about me.

Email me Call Me

New Orleans Travel Agent Specialist

Are you looking for a vacation that includes beautiful architecture, fascinating history, and an amazing culture with extraordinary food? Then a trip to New Orleans is something you must experience. . Situated along the banks of the Mississippi River, New Orleans is entrenched in a rich story of history, strength and survival. This city is a true testament to the heart and soul of Louisiana and it would be my pleasure to plan your once in a lifetime vacation. New Orleans has long been a mixing pot of people, cultures and languages. Before Europeans stepped foot on the Americas the area where New Orleans sits was a mixing pot of different tribes, different tongues, and different cultures blending. The area was, and still is, so diverse that the Native Americans named the area Bulbancha,meaning “The place of many tongues”, in Choctaw.From the late 1600’s through the early 1800’s, New Orleans boasts a remarkable history. Jackson Square and the French Quarter were built by France by the time the first enslaved Africans arrived in New Orleans in 1719. The first Creole people were born during this time. The term “Creole” was coined when the French and the enslaved Africans had children together. Creole means “a person of mixed European and black descent”. Spain acquired New Orleans by 1763, This led to the creation of the amazing Spanish architecture that is still seen throughout the buildings in the French Quarter. From the ornate iron work, flat-tiled roofs, arched passageways, and secluded backyard gardens all can be attributed to the Spanish rebuilding of the French Quarter. The arrival of Spain, and the culinary influences of Native American, French and African cuisines melded together to become the delectable Creole food New Orleans is famous for. By 1800 New Orlean’s ownership reverted back to Spain and finally became part of the United States of America in 1803. The infamous Louisiana Purchase occurred in the French Quarter at the first city hall, the Cabildo. . The Cabildo would later house the Louisiana Supreme Court. In 1908 it transferred ownership to the Louisiana State Museum and remains a museum to this day. The Cabildo is located in Jackson Square, right in the heart of the French Quarter. After 1803, the word Creole was cemented into local dialect. . The word Creole was used as a way to distinguish people originally from New Orleans to the Anglo-Americans who were newly arriving to the U.S.A. The two groups which were opposite in almost every way also resided opposite each other from Canal Street. Canal street was considered the neutral ground for the Creole mostly residing on the French Quarter side and the Anglo-Americans residing in what is today's Central Business District. Canal Street is still a busy thoroughfare with cars, bikes, pedestrians and street cars. Canal Street as well as Rue Saint Charles is where you will find the large Mardi Gras parades.Mardi Gras began as aristocratic, masked society balls in the 1740’s. The first Mardi Gras parade, held in 1857, ended by performing at a secret society ball. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday in French, was originally the practice of using up all the fatty and rich foods left in a household in preparation for the Lenten season. During the Civil War celebrations temporarily stopped due to shortages of goods caused by the conflict. . During the Civil War the Mardi Gras celebrations were put on hold due to shortages. In 1866 celebrations resumed and in 1870 the tradition of throwing trinkets from parade floats began. Organizations called “Krewes” put on Mardi Gras parades. Starting in 1866 with the first Krewe, and grew to four in 1873. The Krewe of Rex was formed in 1872 and they began the tradition of the “King of Mardi Gras” and in 1921 introduced throwing beads from their floats. Mardi Gras had been a one day celebration until it was changed in 1934. Now participants can enjoy the festivities for a full week in New Orleans. In One of the more unusual traditions surrounding Mardi Gras is the King Cake. The cake is served between the Epiphany and the first day of Mardi Gras. Inside the brightly decorated confection, doused in purple, green and gold, is a tiny baby Jesus figurine. The lucky person who’s piece of cake has the baby in it is named an honorary “King” for that day. Whether you are visiting for the history, the culture, or Mardis Gras I would love to plan your amazing New Orleans vacation. New Orleans is one of a kind and you deserve to enjoy it with a spectacular vacation plan built with your needs in mind.

My Reviews

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Romantic Kid Free Getaway!!

Beautiful romantic week to Key Largo planned completely by Heather. My husband and I both work full time, and are full time parents so anytime we get alone together is rare and means a lot. With that said, our week long vacation to Key Largo meant the world to us both. We flew into Miami, had a fun, sporty, no kids allowed, rental car waiting for us upon arrival, checked into our hotel steps from the pristine beach and the gorgeous blue water. Heather planned all of our excursions with our highlight being the glass bottom boat tour. It was truly magical and a vacation we will remember forever. Heather made everything so easy and carefree. She was just as excited for us to go as we were to go. I will email her any and every time we are planning a trip or getaway. She is wonderful!

By Sami from St Charles, MO
Traveled to Key Largo ~ Florida ~ USA

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends