Dressage in the Big Easy

You'd want to visit New Orleans, even if the 2012 Adequan/United States Dressage Federation Annual Convention weren't taking place there this week.

Sultry, mysterious, raucous, steeped in jazz history and voodoo lore, the Big Easy is an unforgettable city. It's a French-tinged party town where ghosts walk and music talks.

Spend an evening (or all night, if you wish) savoring Cajun cuisine and the sounds of a jazz bar. Make a pilgrimage to the world-famous Preservation Hall, home of the equally world-famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Stroll the French Quarter, with or without liquid libation. Check out a voodoo shop (if you need to curse an enemy or win a new love, this is the place to go). Then in the morning, chase away the previous night's demons with café au lait and beignets (heavenly puffy "doughnuts" liberally dusted with powdered sugar) at the Café du Monde.

Start your exploration of New Orleans at the comprehensive NOLA Convention and Visitors' Bureau website, with event listings, maps, restaurants, clubs, shopping, and more.

Oh, and yes, there's also a USDF convention to attend, beginning this Wednesday. Highlights will include Thursday night's welcome reception at Michaul's Live Cajun Music Restaurant; a Friday-night dinner and ghost tour; and Saturday night's Salute Gala and Annual Awards Banquet, where we'll be honoring the 2012 Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame inductees, Michael Poulin and Ravel.

There's lots to come this week in New Orleans, so follow this blog for convention news, photos, memorable moments, and fun in the Big Easy.