A view of the security checkpoint at New Orleans' new airport terminal, which opens Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019. (Photo by Jennifer Larino)

Preparing for takeoff: What you need to know about the new airport

Christmas is in 48 days (because who's counting?) so it's time to get together and be festive, ya'll!

by Mary Staes | November 7, 2019

It’s been a long time coming and it’s finally landed — the NEW airport terminal is HERE! There’s a lot to know about it — from how to get there, how much time to plan for your departure AND, duh, the food! With the travel season on its initial descent ahead of Turkey Day, we have the deets on navigating the new space. Speaking of things with wings that fly and food, we get our first shot at Dirty Bird gumbo this weekend. You know, to practice getting the flavor right before Thanksgiving. Get your Fail Cakes ready for some carving. 😎

 

Navigating the new MSY

Scratching your noggin about getting to the new airport terminal? Want to know the food options? Wondering how early you should leave? We went on a dry run before the opening Tuesday, and we’ve got all the answers to those questions and more. Click here to see our guide to the new MSY terminal.

 

“Cooking is fight or flight!”

We all know how important food is here, and one of the brightest ambassadors of Creole cooking started putting a pan to the fire at just 9 years old. No one told her she couldn’t, so she did. Now, she’s cooking for audiences across the nation on TV as well as her YouTube channel. She’s even the feature chef at Very Local’s Friendsgiving Dinner Party next week, and you can get tickets here. Click here to read more about her story and drive for delicious food.

 

The search for cleaner energy options

Ask New Orleanians to locate the city’s first-ever solar power plant on a map and you’re likely to get some puzzled looks. Three years after opening, the neat rows of solar panels lining a grassy site off Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans East are still a surprise to many. Now, the city is about to get a larger $42 million solar plant. How much should we be willing to pay for solar? And who should own it? The East is poised to be on the front line of that debate.

 

Dirty Bird Gumbo

It’s hot then it’s cold, and sweaters are yes then they’re no. But don’t let the roller coaster temperatures allow you to forget that THE FALCONS BLEW A 25-POINT LEAD IN THE SUPER BOWL! So you haven’t gotten tickets to the game? No worries, because even if you don’t have tickets, we know you’ll be watching. So, tap here to check out our list of the best bars in the city to watch the game.

 

What’s Happening This Weekend

Friday, Nov. 8, 2019

Black and Gold Fan Fest | Noon | Hancock Whitney Building | Free

Need a break from work? Head to the pep rally at the Hancock Whitney building to kick off the weekend. There will be giveaways for tickets and sideline passes to the Atlanta game, as well as food sampling and appearances by Deuce McAllister, the Saintsations and Sir Saint.

Movies in the Park: “Little” | 6 p.m. | Oliver Bush Playground, 2500 Caffin Ave. | Free

“Little” stars boss Regina Hall, who wakes up suddenly stuck in Marsai Martin’s smaller body. Issa Rae stars as the one who tries to keep Martin’s big attitude in check. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnics are welcome. The showing is free and open to all. The movie starts at dusk.

Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019

Crescent City Creative Carnival | 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | N.O. Jazz Market | Tickets range

This one-day event brings together artists, creators and entrepreneurs together for panel discussions, master classes, music and lots of networking opportunities.

Salsa Saturdays | 8-11 p.m. | 30/90 NOLA | Free

With 30/90’s stage and a great dance floor, it’s a perfect venue for both dancers and people who just want to listen to a great live Latin band.

Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019

Poolside yoga | 11 a.m. | The Drifter Hotel | $10

Need to breathe before the Saints game? All levels of skill and bodies are welcome to this poolside yoga class that embraces the power of the fall equinox and challenges both yin and yang energy. The $10 cost covers the class and all-day pool access, but be sure to bring your own mat.

 

What Else You Should Know

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Mary Staes

Mary Staes

Mary Staes is Digital Content Lead for Very Local. She works with our freelancers and crafts content for our social media platforms and website. Before Very Local, she worked with CBS affiliate WWL-TV as a web producer and weekend assignment editor for about 4 years. She has also handled broadcast coverage for 160 Marine Reserve training facilities while she served as an active duty Marine. As a native New Orleanian, she takes being "very local" to heart. She loves being intertwined with the culture and figuring out how there are less than two degrees of separation between us all, whether we're natives or not.

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Download the Very Local app to stream all of the Very Local original series for FREE!