New Orleans Back in Swing

New Orleans remains a city very much in transition, but its fabled nightlife and cuisine have rebounded enough to more than warrant a trip to the Big Easy, says Travel & Leisure. Jazz and jumbalaya not enough? The city also has a wide range of "voluntourism" opportunites related to the Katrina recovery effort.

Foodies can head to Galatoire’s or Casamento's—New Orleans staples that have reopened their doors—or try a promising new place such as Iris. Conde Nast Traveler directs jazz aficionados to Frenchmen Street, where music overflows from joints like the Spotted Cat. MSNBC, meanwhile, says the "Gold" exhibit at the old U.S. Mint should not be missed. (More New Orleans stories.)