SUNDAY | SEPTEMBER 21 | 2025
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Riding the Rails: New Gulf Coast Service
Fall Festivals that Feed the Soul
Exploring Louisiana’s Northshore Waters
Retreats, Spas and Yoga Getaways
A Journey Through Mississippi
RIDING THE RAILS TRAIN TRAVEL EXPANDS
with New Gulf Coast Service
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
For the first time in nearly 20 years, travelers are able to ride daily trains along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service operates twice daily in each direction, with morning and evening departures from New Orleans and Mobile. Along the way, the trains stop in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula.
“With the launch of the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service, we are not just restoring a transportation link; we are celebrating the vibrant culture and community spirit of the Gulf Coast,” said Joe Donahue, Louisiana’s transportation secretary.
The new line links directly with Amtrak’s
City of New Orleans route to Chicago and connect to the Crescent (to New York via Atlanta) and the Sunset Limited (to Los Angeles via San Antonio, Houston and Tucson). For travelers, this means same-day or next-day access from the Gulf Coast to destinations across the country.
The Gulf Coast line is the latest addition to a national network filled with bucket-list journeys. The California Zephyr carries passengers from Chicago to San Francisco through the Rockies and Sierra Nevada. The Coast Starlight follows the Pacific shoreline from Seattle to Los Angeles. The Empire Builder traverses the northern plains to Glacier National Park, while the Southwest Chief reveals New Mexico deserts and Arizona canyons on its way from Chicago to Los Angeles.
In the Northeast, the Northeast Corridor connects Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., in a fraction of the time it takes to drive. And in Florida, Brightline now links Miami and Orlando, offering a fast, modern alternative in one of the country’s busiest corridors.
Rail service is the fastest-growing segment of Amtrak’s business, with 31 statesponsored routes in 20 states. Supported by
partnerships with state governments and the Federal Railroad Administration, these expansions reflect a growing recognition that trains can play a central role in sustainable mobility.
For Gulf Coast travelers, the new Mardi Gras Service is more than a route—it’s a return of choice, culture and community connection.
“This service will open the Mississippi Gulf Coast to a whole new tourism market, making already wonderful places even better,” said Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross.
As more passengers rediscover the joys of the rails—whether for a weekend festival in Mobile or a cross-country trek to the Rockies—train travel is once again proving it has a future as bright as its storied past.
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
Whether you’re ready for a quick weekend retreat or a large family reunion, Reed Real Estate has a beach rental to suit your needs. With an abundance of waterfront properties in Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan at Alabama’s only petfriendly beach in Alabama, Reed has a location that is perfect for you and your guests. Here are some top selections for this fall.
Wave Link West
With six bedrooms, multiple flat-screen TVs, a spacious kitchen with breakfast bar and a dining table that can sit up to 16, this Gulf-front duplex is designed with families and groups in mind. Enjoy the scenery with covered decks and outdoor dining space and a private boardwalk to the beach. There’s also a shared pool with a neighboring duplex.
Gumbo One
Recharge in this three-bedroom, two-bath home with Gulf views, a stock of board games, two porch swings and a private pool. The blend of coziness, serenity and privacy makes this the ideal retreat for a tranquil escape with all the comforts of home. This home is pet-friendly for dogs 15 pounds and under.
Wave Link East
This new listing has six bedrooms, four baths and can accommodate up to 16 guests. A private beach path leads directly to a pool. The main floor features hardwood floors throughout an open living, dining and kitchen area, plus an inviting seating area – perfect for large gatherings. There’s also a wet bar with a mini-fridge and updated kitchen with large island and seating for four.
Wild Oats
This peaceful beach cottage has three bedrooms, two baths and sleeps up to eight guests. Two bedrooms open directly onto the deck with sliding glass doors and sweeping Gulf views. Other features include updated kitchen and bar seating, cable TVs in the living room and all bedrooms, and high speed wifi.
From Swamp Tours to Sunset Dining: ExploringLouisiana’s Northshore Waters
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
This article is brought to you by Visit the Northshore.
There’s nothing like getting out on the water along the Northshore, where Lake Pontchartrain and its surrounding waterways offer endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of discovery of the peace of a waterside sunset, the Northshore promises both joy and unforgettable memories.
Swamp Tours
Honey Island Swamp on the northeast edge of St. Tammany Parish features pristine beauty, lush nature and abundant wildlife. Alligators can be seen sunning themselves on logs or watching warily from the banks – unless your tour guide lures them closer with a few marshmallows! Also be on the lookout for turtles, eagles, snowy white egrets, herons and nutria.
Make the most of your trip by booking a Honey Island Swamp tour in advance. Most tours run about two hours. Cajun Encounters Tour Co. brings visitors out on a pontoon boat, while New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours lets more adventurous explorers get right on the water.
Outdoor Dining
There’s no shortage of restaurants along the Northshore that take advantage of the picturesque setting with outdoor seating. It’s hard to beat the combination of scenic views, good company, friendly service and Louisiana delicacies prepared with fresh ingredients and lots of love. Whether you’re looking for familyfriendly options, a low-key date night or a place to let your hair down over the weekend, there’s a Northshore restaurant for you. Some popular waterside options include Abita Roasting Company, Aperifid Spritz & Bites, GilliGil’s Island, Morton’s Seafood Restaurant and Bar, Palmettos on the Bayou, Rips on the Lake, The Anchor, The Wakehouse and T River’s Bar and Grill.
Lake Pontchartrain
Despite its name, this body of water is actually an estuary that encompasses about 630 square miles. The water averages 12 to 14 feet in depth and is brackish – mostly freshwater on the west, but increasing in salinity the farther east you go. No matter where you are along the lake, there’s something to appreciate about it.
In Mandeville, a seawall, restaurants with a view, a marina and parks let locals and visitors make the most of the lake. More than a dozen fishing charters operate out of Slidell, taking anglers out for the chance to catch trout, bull reds and triple-tail. The St. Tammany Parish Fishing Pier in Slidell and the Sunset Point Fishing Pier in Mandeville offer great access if you prefer to fish from the banks.
Numerous businesses with kayak, paddleboard and canoe rentals are all along Lake Pontchartrain, or you can take guided boat rentals out of Fairview-Riverside State Park down the Tchefuncte River to the mouth of the lake.
Waterfront Parks
Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville and Fairview-Riverside State Park in Madisonville both are great spots to enjoy the crisp fall weather in Louisiana.
Located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Fontainebleau spans more than 2,800 acres featuring ancient live oaks, scenic trails, a sandy beach, fishing piers and more. Extend your visit with a lodging option, including cabins, campsites and RV hookups.
Fairview-Riverside is situated along the Tchefuncte River, where visitors can enjoy picnics, fishing and boating from the convenient launch. A boardwalk winds through the marsh, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife observations. Well-maintained cabins and campsites are available for longer visits.
V I S I TTHE N O R T HS HO R E . C O M and happiness ripples through The Northshore. It ’s not simply a destination, it’s a feeling.
V I S I TTHE N O R T HS HO R E . C O M and happiness ripples through The Northshore. It ’s not simply a destination, it’s a feeling.
Festivals That Feed the Soul: America’ s Best Autumn
Culinary
Events
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, culinary enthusiasts are celebrating autumn’s vibrant flavors across the United States. Some of the biggest food trends for 2025 include bold tastes, regional specialties, elevated comfort food, healthier snacks, plus the flavors of pumpkin and caramel. These and other trends are sure to be highlighted at some of the nation’s top food celebrations this fall. Whether you’re craving smoky bourbon, sweet garlic or festival-tested comfort food, here are the some of the top upcoming tours and events.
Sports & Eats – Chicago Gourmet
Chicago, IL | Sep 25–28
This year’s Chicago Gourmet festival adopts a playful sports theme: “Step Up to the Plate”. Held at Millennium Park, the event features Tacos & Tequila with Rick Bayless, a Hamburger Hop competition, Saturday’s Asian Late Night Market, and charming brunch events like “Rise & Shine Gourmet.”
Panda
Fest | Nashville, TN | Oct 24-26
Held at Fair Park, this fast-growing Asian food festival offers over 80 vendors serving 250+ authentic street food dishes, along with artisan crafts.
Southern
Charm — Food & Wine Classic Charleston, SC | Nov 14–16
Join celebrated chefs, including Emeril Lagasse and Gail Simmons, at this three-day standout. The festival blends cooking demos, tastings from 100+ wineries and restaurants, and themed gatherings like the Southern Living Tailgate and Sea to Table crabbing workshop.
Bishop’s Orchards Pizza-Themed Corn Maze Guilford, CT | through Nov 2
This creative corn maze honors Connecticut’s pizza legacy. Explore pizza-themed art, and enjoy wood-fired pies and a Cider Hut at the orchard.
Wine, Food & Coastal Vibes — Food + Wine Festival San Diego, CA | Nov 7–9
Held along the golden California coast, this event pairs panoramic sunsets with farm-fresh food and wine. Elite chefs, farmers, and local vintners converge to offer gourmet experiences, chefs’ demonstration kits, and coastal tasting tents.
Austin Food & Wine Festival | Austin, TX | Nov 7-9
This year’s highlights include the “Made in Texas” event, fire-pit experiences, grilling sessions by Chef Tim Love, and demos from celebrity chefs.
Wurstfest
| New Braunfels, TX | Nov 7-16
This 10-day celebration of German-Texan culture includes sausage, schnitzel, beer halls, music, and authentic Bavarian cuisine.
A Taste of the South — Highlands Food & Wine Festival | Highland, NC | Nov 13-16
Set in the cozy Blue Ridge Mountains, this festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with Michelin-star talent, Grammy-winning performers (The Wallflowers, Blind Boys of Alabama), and culinary craft from James Beard Award winners.
A Journey Through Music, Cuisine and Civil Rights History
FMi i i i
rom soulful music and unforgettable cuisine to the powerful history of the Civil Rights Movement, Mississippi has preserved its heritage in a way that invites travelers to not just visit, but experience. One of the best ways to do that is its visitor trails, which weave culture, history and flavor into journeys that speak to the soul.
Walk the Mississippi Blues Trail
With more than 200 markers across the state, the trail honors legendary musicians, recording studios and historic venues that gave rise to America’s most influential music.
In Clarksdale, the Delta Blues Museum tells the story of Muddy Waters, B.B. King and other pioneers through exhibits and artifacts. Down the street, catch live music at Ground Zero Blues Club, co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, for an authentic taste of today’s blues scene.
From there, head to Indianola, where the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center offers an in-depth look at the life of the “King of the Blues.” Music history fans will appreciate Dockery Farms in Cleveland, widely considered the birthplace of the Delta blues, where Charley Patton once played. Cap off your tour at Club Ebony, a historic Indianola venue where B.B. King and countless other greats performed.
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
Taste Your Way Along Mississippi’s Food Trails
No Mississippi journey is complete without savoring the flavors that define its communities. The state has several food-themed trails, but two stand out for fall travelers.
The Tamale Trail – Hot tamales are one of the Delta’s most beloved dishes, blending African American and Mexican culinary traditions into a spicy, comforting bite. Greenville, often called the “Hot Tamale Capital of the World,” is the perfect starting point. At Doe’s Eat Place, world-famous for both its steaks and tamales, you’ll experience Delta dining at its finest. Another local favorite, Hot Tamale Heaven, is known for its perfectly seasoned, no-frills tamales that locals swear by.
In Rosedale, make time for the White Front Café, a tamale institution since the 1940s. At Airport Grocery in Cleveland, tamales pair with Southern sides in a rustic setting. Round out your tour at Solly’s Hot Tamales in Vicksburg, a family-run staple with recipes passed down through generations.
The Seafood Trail – Along the Gulf Coast, restaurants showcase shrimp, oysters, crab and fish straight from local waters.
For an elegant start, dine at Mary Mahoney’s Old French House in Biloxi, known for its oysters and seafood gumbo. Next, enjoy the casual, beachfront vibe at The Reef, also in Biloxi, where shrimp po’boys are a favorite.
In Gulfport, Shaggy’s offers a fun, familyfriendly atmosphere with seafood baskets and coastal cocktails, while White Pillars in Biloxi elevates coastal cuisine with locally sourced, gourmet dishes.
Reflect on the Mississippi Freedom Trail
This is one of the state’s most powerful experiences, highlighting key locations from the Civil Rights Movement and inviting visitors to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for equality.
In Jackson, the Medgar Evers Home Museum preserves the home of the civil rights leader, and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum offers immersive exhibits that trace the movement’s statewide and national impact.
Travel east to Philadelphia, where a marker honors James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, three civil rights workers murdered in 1964. Back in Jackson, Tougaloo College stands as a symbol of student activism and organizing power.
In Oxford, visit the University of Mississippi, where James Meredith became the first Black student admitted in 1962. The site remains a powerful reminder of the courage and persistence required to desegregate higher education in the South.
Each stop is not only a lesson in history but a call to reflect on how far the nation has come — and the work still left to do.
to some of Louisiana’s TOP ... Your guide
Tangipahoa Parish Fair | Sep 28 to Oct 6 | Amite
The oldest fair in the state continues its tradition of showcasing local culture, preserving history, promoting economic development and nurturing community pride through agricultural exhibits, music, food, talent showcases, rides and more. Details: tangifair.org
German Fest | Oct 4 and 5 | Rayne
Nestled in the heart of Acadiana, Rayne proudly celebrates its rich German heritage with live entertainment, delicious authentic German food, a fantastic selection of German beer on tap, folklore demonstrations, and plenty of activities for the kids. With a clean, family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a great spot for visitors of all ages to create unforgettable memories.
Details: robertscovegermanfest.com
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
FFa Festivals
all in Louisiana is filled with celebration and community spirit. As the summer heat finally eases, towns and cities across the state come alive with festivals that showcase the best of local culture, food and music. Here are some of our favorites that we’re looking forward to in 2025:
Red River Revel Arts Festival | Sep 30 to Oct 8 | Shreveport
Musical performances for nine days in downtown Shreveport and a vibrant atmosphere that caters to diverse interests. Families eagerly participate in creative and educational activities during nights and weekends. Meanwhile, the festival serves as a magnet for talented visual artists nationwide, attracting individuals from various regions who eagerly showcase and sell their art, captivating both local residents and visitors. Details: redriverrevel.com
Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival | Sep 21 to Sep 28 | New Iberia
There’s something for everyone to celebrate one of Louisiana’s premier crops. The Farmers Tractor Parade features vintage farm equipment. Local kids lead the Children’s Parade. The Royalty Parade is highlighted by Queen Sugar and King Sucrose. In Bouligny Plaza, dance the night away at the Fais-Do-Do. Also downtown is a street fair with a kid-friendly carnival atmosphere. Details: hisugar.org
Beauregard Parish Fair | Sep 30 to Oct 4 | DeRidder
A celebration of 96 years of cultivating the land by hand, this event celebrates central Louisiana with exhibits, a parade, carnival, live entertainment, baked goods and much more. Details: beauregardparishfair.com
Louisiana Gumbo Festival | Oct 10, 11, 12 | Thibodaux
Think you know Gumbo? Want to sample truly authentic Cajun gumbo? Then head on over to the "Gumbo Capitol of Louisiana" for the Louisiana Gumbo Festival! Volunteers cook nearly 500 gallons of fresh seafood and chicken & sausage gumbo during the festival weekend. Details: lagumbofest.com
Zwolle Tamale Fiesta | Oct 10, 11, 12 | Zwolle
Celebrate the delicacy with a tamale making demonstration, tamale eating and tamale judging contest, treasure hunt, live bands & dancing, arts & crafts, and a parade. The Fiesta also features pageants, arm wrestling contests for all ages, a trail ride, Spanish costume contests, rides and food booths, a very popular Fiesta Mud Bog Race for trucks, and over 20,000 dozen tamales for sale.
Details: zwolletamalefiesta.com
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International Rice Festival | Oct 16, 17, 18 | Crowley
The celebration honors the rice industry and its hardworking farmers. Throughout the weekend, two sound stages are filled with live entertainment. Festival goers can participate in many additional activities such as The Classic Car Show, the Crowley High 5k Run Walk and the Fiddle and Accordion Contest. The Rice Festival Queen’s Contest, the, Rice Eating Contest and Frog Derby are always must-see events. The festival has not one but two parades during the weekend. A Children’s Parade is featured on Friday afternoon and The Grand Parade takes the streets on Saturday afternoon. Details: ricefestival.com
Rougarou
Fest | Oct 17, 18, 19 | Houma
The Rougarou Fest is a FREE family-friendly festival with a spooky flair that celebrates the rich folklore that exists along the bayous of Southeast Louisiana. It showcases live music, cultural activities, children’s activities, Cajun food, the Krewe Ga Rou parade, and so much more. All proceeds go to the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, a nonprofit organization that is revolutionizing how we think, teach and learn about Louisiana’s disappearing coast. Details: rougaroufest.org
Wooden Boat Festival | Oct 18 and 19 | Madisonville
The charming town of Madisonville, with a population of only 800 residents, swells each October to nearly 20,000 visitors when it hosts one of Louisiana’s most picturesque festivals on the banks of the beautiful Tchefuncte River. As always, the festival will kick off with a Friday evening Maritime Mania party with attendees dressing in “nautical” or pirate attire and dancing the night away on the grounds of the Maritime Museum. Saturday and Sunday are filled with activities that include music, excellent food and beverage vendors, artists’ displays, children’s activities, and the ever-popular Quick ‘n Dirty Boat Building Contest and Parade. Details: maritimemuseumlouisiana.org
State Fair of Louisiana | Oct. 30 to Nov 16 | Shreveport
Get ready for 17 days of fun, food, and family-friendly excitement at the 119th State Fair of Louisiana! This year’s fair will feature the largest carnival and livestock show in the state, along with an action-packed lineup of can’t-miss events and attractions. These include handson agricultural education, an interactive zoo and tasty treats for all. Details: statefairoflouisiana.com
NOLA Zydeco Festival | Nov 1 | Slidell
Set against the Bayou Bonfouca in Slidell, attendees will be treated to live performances by Zydeco bands from Southwest Louisiana, infusing the air with infectious rhythms and energy with dance classes between each musical act! Indulge your taste buds with delicious and flavorful Louisiana cuisine, featuring classic dishes that embody the essence of Creole and Cajun cooking. Details: nolazydeco.org
AWinter
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
s 2025 winds down, many people are searching for ways to finish the year with more calm and clarity. Between holiday stress, colder weather and the fast pace of daily life, winter wellness retreats, spas and yoga getaways are increasingly popular. These experiences invite participants to slow down, reflect, and recharge before stepping into 2026.
mindfulness,
We ne Retreats,
Unlike summer vacations packed with sightseeing and constant activity, winter wellness experiences are designed for stillness and intentional care. They blend movement, mindfulness, nourishing food, and restorative therapies to support both body and spirit. Retreats around the U.S. are curating programs to help guests reset in the colder months. At Vita Pura Yoga in Sedona, Arizona, participants practice yoga under the red rocks while enjoying guided hikes and plant-based meals. The Kripalu Center in Massachusetts offers structured programs focused on yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, while Rivermountain Retreat in Pennsylvania blends breathwork, art and hot cedar soaking tubs to encourage deep rest and reflection. The Lodge at Woodloch in northeast Texas provides nature
plant-based meals. The Kripalu Center in Massachusetts focused
Spas and Yoga Getaways for Seasonal Renewal
winter renewal. setting.
walks, meditation workshops and hydrotherapy pools perfect for
Spas play a central role in winter wellness by providing warmth, comfort and healing therapies when the weather turns cold. In Park City, Utah, The Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge offers hot stone massages, heated outdoor pools and daily meditation classes.
Well Mayflower
On the East Coast, The Well at Mayflower Inn in Connecticut combines Eastern and Western therapies such as cryotherapy, biophilic thermal pools and yoga in a peaceful countryside
In the Gulf South, The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans offers signature treatments infused with regional touches, from sugar cane scrubs to Southern-inspired aromatherapy.
seasonal renewal.
In Mississippi, The Alluvian Spa in Greenwood blends Delta heritage with restorative massages, facials, and yoga classes. These destinations prove you don’t have to travel far to find
Yoga remains a cornerstone of seasonal wellness. Programs typically pair energizing morning practices with gentle evening flows, balancing activity with rest. Instructors often highlight themes of gratitude and renewal—perfect for closing out the year.
In Mississippi, The Alluvian Spa in Greenwood blends Delta heritage with restorative massages, facials, and yoga classes. for
In York, intensive
blend, with guided hikes, plant-based meals and structured routines designed to reset body and mind.
In California, Boulder Gardens near Joshua Tree offers yoga in a desert eco-retreat setting, while in New York, The Ranch Hudson Valley provides a more intensive fitness-and-yoga blend, with guided hikes, plant-based meals and structured routines designed to reset body and mind.
Here in the South, Wild Lotus Yoga in New Orleans frequently hosts seasonal retreats and workshops, pairing soulful flows with music and mindfulness. In the Florida Panhandle, yoga and wellness weekends at Seaside or Santa Rosa Beach combine beachside sunrises with restorative evening sessions—ideal for anyone seeking reflection by the water For those who find restoration in nature, winter wellness can also mean embracing the season itself. At Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming, guests practice yoga in greenhouses, soak in natural hot springs and enjoy spa treatments surrounded by snowy wilderness. In Virginia, Wintergreen Resort hosts wellness weekends that combine yoga, farm-to-table dining and guided mindfulness hikes, making the most of crisp mountain air.
Whether it’s a luxurious spa escape, a yoga weekend, or a wilderness immersion, winter wellness experiences provide more than pampering. They create space to pause, reset, and step into the new year with clarity. As 2025 comes to a close, these retreats, spas and getaways remind us that rest is not indulgence—it’s preparation for the possibilities that lie ahead in 2026.
INSTALLEDPRICE
Nonstop Flights Make New Orleans More Connected Than Ever
Not long ago, traveling from New Orleans to other parts of the country – or beyond – meant bracing for layovers. But today,
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) has nonstop direct flights to more than 50 destinations, simplifying travel for everyone. Whether you’re a business traveler trying to make a morning meeting in Houston, a family eager for Disney magic in Orlando or a couple chasing sunsets in Cancún, chances are good you can get there without a stop.
Some nonstop routes are staples: Atlanta, Dallas and Houston remain heavily traveled, with multiple flights daily. But MSY also reaches further. You can board a plane in New Orleans and step off just hours later in Chicago, New York, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles or San Francisco.
Internationally, the airport is more connected than ever. Popular routes include Cancún, London, Toronto and Tegucigalpa. Seasonal flights add even more variety, whisking passengers to ski towns in the Rockies or beach retreats along the East Coast when demand spikes.
Instead of flying east for a transatlantic connection, passengers can board at MSY and arrive in London in under 10 hours. This route connects Louisiana directly to Europe’s financial hub while giving locals a simple gateway to the rest of the continent. From Heathrow, travelers can connect to nearly any major European or international city.
The advantages of direct flights go beyond convenience. For business travelers, time saved is money saved. For families, fewer layovers mean less stress, fewer chances of lost luggage and happier kids. For older travelers, skipping the sprint across a busy airport can make the difference between a good trip and a daunting one. And for New Orleans itself, nonstop flights are a major economic driver. Direct connections make the city more appealing for conventions, attract international visitors and give local companies easier access to global markets.
For many locals, the most popular international getaway is Cancún, just a two-hour flight from MSY. Direct flights mean you can leave New Orleans in the morning and be on the beach by lunchtime, sipping a margarita with your toes in the sand.
The nonstop flight to London-Heathrow is another milestone for New Orleans travelers.
As the travel industry continues to recover and grow, MSY shows no signs of slowing down. Routes are being evaluated constantly, with demand for Latin America, Canada and Europe likely to drive the next wave of expansion. For New Orleanians, that means more chances to skip the connections and go straight to where you want to be. Whether it’s a weekend in Chicago, a wedding in Jamaica or a business trip to London, nonstop flights from New Orleans are making the world feel a little smaller and a lot more accessible.
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See you again in Spring 2026!
