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SPORTS
Within a few short days of your arrival in New Orleans, one thing will become abundantly clear: we love our Saints! Cheers of "Who Dat!" and "Who Dat Say Dey Gonna Beat Dem Saints!" can be heard all year long. We're also home to the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans, who play just across the street from the Super Dome in the New Orleans Arena. The New Orleans Zephyrs, a Miami Marlins Minor League Affiliate, play locally in the suburban community of Metairie, offering a night of inexpensive fun for all ages.
Multiple sports leagues across the region make it easy to get in on the action. Coconut Beach, a sand volleyball complex in Kenner, is a popular spot for players at any skill level. Rec centers and courts across the city provide both youth and adults opportunities to play basketball, tennis, and soccer. Play NOLA is another resource for those in search of a casual or competitive league in which to stay active and socialize.
Louisiana is known as a Sportsman's Paradise. The state boasts millions of square miles of open wilderness, conveniently located near city centers. Rivers, lakes, parks and recreation spaces are perfect for enjoying the outdoors. With mild winters and sunny, warm summers, Greater New Orleans is the perfect location to spend time outside and enjoy nature.
BOATING
In addition to Lake Pontchartrain, Greater New Orleans lies amidst a network of bayous and waterways. The New Orleans Yacht Club is among the oldest boating groups in the country, and is one of a number of regional yacht clubs offering slips and boat rentals. The parishes of St. Bernard, Plaquemines and Jefferson all offer unparalleled access to both freshwater fishing, and deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Casual canoeing and kayaking is also popular throughout rural areas, and in the city along Bayou St. John in Mid City.
CYCLING
New Orleans prides itself on being a bike-friendly city. Whether commuting to work or riding for leisure, Greater New Orleans is ideal for those who love to cycle. As bike-usage climbs, the city continues to add additional bike lanes and paths throughout the Crescent City. The St. Tammany Trace on the Northshore spans 28 miles and is an excellent trail for cycling and other recreational activities.
GOLF
Greater New Orleans is home to an array of outstanding golf courses. Both private and public courses feature lush greens, challenging fairways, and world-class course design. The golf course at English Turn Golf & Country Club was designed by legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, while Lakewood Golf Club hosted the 2012 U.S. Open Qualifier. On the Northshore, country clubs including Beau Chene Country Club and Money Hill Country Club provide eighteen-hole courses in quiet, residential settings.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Area stables offer both lessons and trail rides through local parks. Cascade Stables at Audubon Park and Equest Farm at City Park are conveniently located for urban equestrians. Amongst the region's rural communities, multiple stables and miles of open trails are perfect for serene riding experiences.
HUNTING/FISHING
The Louisiana bayous and forests are home to diverse ecosystems in the country. You'll find alligator, deer, turkey, quail, rabbit and squirrel all within the region. Venice, Louisiana, located in Plaquemines Parish, was voted one of the top five best hunting locations in the United States.
Easy access to water makes fishing one of the most popular pastimes of regional residents. Redfish, speckled trout, flounder and bass thrive in area waterways. Whether spending a relaxing afternoon on the lake, or booking a chartered trip to the Gulf of Mexico, fisherman are sure to be pleased by the many area offerings.
RUNNING/HIKING
Southeastern Louisiana sits on mostly flat land, making it the perfect place to take an evening jog along the levee, or run laps at a local track. The Crescent City Classic 10K, Jazz Half Marathon, Iron Man and Race for the Cure are just a few examples of the many regional races that attract runners from around the country.
With more than 22 state parks in Louisiana, and six within an hour of the city center, Greater New Orleans offers a wide array of hiking paths and nature trails. Snakes, frogs, alligators, birds and even the rare Louisiana black bear are all creatures that can be spotted while hiking local trails. Jean Lafitte State Park, Bayou Savage National Wildlife Refuge, and Fontainebleau State Park all have exceptional networks of wilderness trails.
SWIMMING
Warm weather makes the region's pools some of the most popular spots for relaxation on a summer day. Residents can join one of the many local country clubs or dive in at a public community pool. Many hotels in the French Quarter or CBD also open their doors to locals looking for a refreshing dip. But if only surf and sand will do, Greater New Orleans is just a short drive to some of the region's most beautiful Gulf Coast beaches including Gulf Shores, Pensacola and Destin. Cruise lines dock right downtown, offering easy access to tropical Caribbean vacations.
Greater New Orleans is a great place to shop and is frequently ranked among the best shopping destinations in the country. With a mix of traditional malls, independently owned boutiques and funky markets, it's a great city for those in search of a little retail therapy.
NATIONAL BRANDS
The Shops at Canal Place, located at the edge of the French Quarter, is the region's high-end shopping destination, featuring Saks Fifth Avenue, Coach and a brand-new Tiffany's. Lakeside Mall in Metairie offers national brands such as Macy's, GAP, Apple and Sephora. Familiar brands including Target and Barnes and Noble are also found throughout the region.
BOUTIQUES
Regional residents enjoy boutique shopping, especially in the city center along Magazine Street, which stretches from the Central Business District to Audubon Park. Miles of independent shops feature everything from name brands such as Free People to eclectic flea market finds. Downtown corridors in Slidell, Covington, Mandeville and Hammond are also premier destinations for browsing small stores.
ANTIQUES
Royal Street in the French Quarter is one of the world's most highly regarded antiquing destinations. Beautiful furniture, clothing and artwork can be found in the dozens of shops which line the sidewalk. Small antique shops can be found in nearly every city in Greater New Orleans, making the region a fantastic location for searching for historic finds.
OUTLETS
Two outlet malls are located within a 90 minute drive from the city, offering low priced designer goods from nationally recognized brands such as Nike and Ann Taylor. These include the Tanger Outlets in Gonzales, LA and Gulfport Premier Outlets in coastal Mississippi. The Riverwalk Marketplace, currently under construction in the Central Business District, will become the nation's first downtown outlet center, offering upscale fashion and local culinary flavors.
FOOD
There are a wide array of options for grocery shopping. National brands such as Walmart, Whole Foods, and Costco can all be found locally. Regional favorites such as Rouse's, Winn Dixie, and Robert's all offer national products with a Louisiana twist at affordable prices. Local stores such as Dorignac's, Canseco's, and Langenstein's all provide a friendly, neighborhood feel while providing high quality items.
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