Turkey in roasting pan on table for holiday meal

Local Lagniappe: Happy Thanksgiving, ya’ll! šŸ¦ƒ

Today, we're all living that life of pie ... and turkey.

by Clint Durrett | November 28, 2019

Today, we’re all living that life of pie … and turkey. Most importantly, we’re just being thankful today. That’s right! It’s the big day to give thanks for the wonderful things and people in our lives. Thanksgiving Day. Do you smell the thanks wafting through the air yet? I can tell you that we’re thankful for all of y’all enjoying what we have brought to the dinner table of your inboxes this year, the side dishes of events and the desserts of your feedback. We’re thankful. Today is no different. We have a cornucopia of things to make your Stretchy Pants Day all the more full. So enjoy the feast and Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Thankful for New Orleans

So you’re staying in town, and you’re not sure what to do after the big meal? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Because New Orleans and Thanksgiving fit together better than a chicken stuffed inside a duck stuffed inside a turkey (which we invented), there’s plenty to do today! Click here for our guide to Thanksgiving in the city. 

 

Retail Therapy

Let’s be honest, shopping brings us joy during the holidays. We’ve gotten together a list of local retailers to help you get your gift-giving a special flair. From apparel to self-care and little lagniappe in between, we’ve got you covered. Click here to see our Geaux Local Gift Guide.

 

Thankful for second chances

For many veterans, leaving their uniforms behind for a “normal” 9-5 is virtually impossible. ā€œI wake up one day and go, ā€˜What happened?ā€™ I was this very powerful, physical, warrior guy, and all of the sudden, Iā€™m applying to be a cashier at Walmart,ā€ said chef Eric Cook. He and Jack Keen, another local veteran, are stepping up to the plate to help others like them help find work as a civilian. Click here to read how local veterans are helping one another transition into civilian life.

What To Do This Weekend

Fri. Nov. 29, 2019

Audubon Zoo Lights | 6 – 9 p.m. | Audubon Zoo | $15 for non-members, ($3 more at front gate)

For the second year, Audubon Zoo is presenting its holiday light display. Thereā€™s an elves workshop, Santa photos, Twinkle Tunnel and a 30-foot endangered species holiday tree!

Celebration in the Oaks | 5-11 p.m. | New Orleans City Park | $10 per person

City Parkā€™s famous oaks are swathed in over a million twinkling lights and breathtaking light displays are scattered throughout 25 acres of the Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.

Sat. Nov. 30, 2019

Miracle on Fulton Street | Hourly “snow” starts at 11 a.m. | Fulton Street | Free

This Christmas lights display features daily ā€œsnowā€ hourly from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., twinkling lights, a 30-ft mega tree and a magical gingerbread display in the Harrahā€™s Hotel Lobby.

Mannie Fresh + Mainline Brass Band | 10 p.m. | The Maison | Free with RSVP

Ready to party after hitting all the Black Friday sales? Mannie Fresh is hitting the stage with Mainline Brass Band for a free show. Early arrival is encouraged.

Sun. Dec. 1, 2019

Teddy Bear Tea | 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. | The Roosevelt Hotel | $55 for children ages 3-10, $75 for ages 11 and above

One of the New Orleans’ premier holiday events, this fancy but kid-friendly holiday tea includes a presentation of delicious holiday food, specialty teas, and tasty pastries, as well as sparkling wine and mimosas for Mom and Dad.

 

What Else You Should Know

Stream original series on the Very Local app

What is Very Local?

Very LocalĀ is your best source for shows about local communities, bringing you 24/7 access to news from your trusted local news source, weather updates, and more. The Very Local app also brings you fresh, untold stories from your city and communities like yours, with exclusive original shows and local stories specific to where you live. Get the channel to stream Very Local free onĀ RokuĀ orĀ Amazon Fire TV.

FollowĀ Very Local on FacebookĀ andĀ @VeryLocalĀ on Instagram for more

Clint Durrett

Clint Durrett

Hi. Iā€™m Clint.
Iā€™m the Local Market Manager for Very Local New Orleans. Iā€™ve lived in New Orleans since 2001 and been living my best life in this rad place since that year.
I have 10 years of broadcast journalism and digital media experience. Before Very Local New Orleans, I worked for WDSU-TV ā€“ producing, product developing, digital media managingā€“ Iā€™ve done it all. Iā€™ve seen first-hand the trials weā€™ve suffered in this city and the celebrations weā€™ve enjoyed. I love New Orleans. Itā€™s home.
Iā€™m going to work my hardest to bring you the content and experiences you care about to live your best life here in one of the best cities on the planet.
I love finding things to do here ā€“ concerts, food, drinks, nerding out, etc. And I love sharing those things with others.
Contact me via email. Gimme a shout on social. If you see something you think we should know about, hit me up. If you see something that needs fixing on the site, ditto. I want this website to be yours, too. Not just one I manage, but one we as a community and New Orleanians use to help us live our best lives.

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

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