Culture
Solo Travelers and Couples Cultural Tour
Discover Hidden New Orleans
Insert Caption for Photo here
By: JamesAC
Introduction
Some say New Orleans isn’t a city in the southern United States, but instead the most northern city in the Caribbean, and when you come to understand the unique blend of cultures that formed and shaped our city over three centuries, it is hard to disagree.
While we are certainly steeped in some of the traditions of the American South, our swaying palm trees, relaxed pace, French and Spanish architect and live Afro-Caribbean tinged music and cuisine have more in common with Havana than Savannah. New Orleans is a welcoming place and a somewhat mysterious place all at the same time. And it is best explored with someone who knows the ins and outs and the peculiar rhythms of the beautiful Crescent.
Overview of the tour
Have you ever been to a second line parade? Or seen the Skull and Bones Gang wake up the neighborhood on Mardi Gras morning? Or shared the bounty of a St Joseph’s Day Altar in the morning before heading out to see the Black Masking Indians on St Joseph’s Night? Have you wandered the Bywater and seen the eclectic art galleries and thrift stores, and caught a late night show afterwards by a local brass band? Or went to a fish fry at a neighborhood bar that resembles someone’s living room? These are the experiences we offer. Experiences that aren’t just tours, but initiations into the culture of our great city.
Tour Highlights
Spend your day like a local, with a local. Visit artisan bakeries and barrooms where they might not know your name, but soon will. Find out of the way galleries and boutiques. Listen to live music that will move not just your feet, but your spirit. Eat fried chicken at a gas station and swear you were at a four star restaurant.
In New Orleans each day is different. On a Monday, we might meet for the best coffee and beignets you’ve ever had, followed by a walk through Armstrong Park to learn about our rich culture, and then hit the Treme to grab the best red beans and rice you’ve ever had for lunch. After that we may hit a rum tasting on our way to hear a brass band play.
And if we get together on a Sunday just know that we’re going to a second line. Don’t know what that is? Spend a day with us and find out.
Why choose us?
- Small group sizes for personalized attention.
- Everyone wants to go behind the scenes, but we actually do that. Meet the people who make the city tick.
- Commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices – we focus on small groups, and because we are mainly walking, make less of an impact on the environment.
- Giving back to New Orleans’ Culture – a portion of each tour goes to the Roots of Music, a program that teaches at risk youth the musical and marching band culture of New Orleans
BROWSE OUR TOUR PACKAGES
About The Accidental Cajun
James Cullen is a longtime chef, journalist, photographer, and proud New Orleans resident with a deep and abiding love for the city, its people, and its rich culture. A Boston College graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English, James further honed his culinary passion at the prestigious French Culinary Institute, graduating in 2007.
Since moving to New Orleans in 2012, James has cooked and consulted in some of the city’s most renowned kitchens, immersing himself in the vibrant food culture that defines the Crescent City. His photography and writing have been featured in leading New Orleans publications and beyond, showcasing his dedication to telling the city’s stories through words and images.
Spiritually moved by the people of New Orleans—their culture, resilience, and heritage—James founded Accidental Cajun Experiences to share the magic of the city in a way that’s as personal and authentic as the community that welcomed him. Through these experiences, he invites you to explore the heart and soul of New Orleans, just as it was shown and shared with him.
