Canal Street

Named after a canal that was to be built in the place where the street is now, Canal Street has served as a thoroughfare that houses plenty of interesting shopping, dining, and entertainment spots. It is said to be one of the widest roadways in the United States that is called a street. For the creatively inclined, theaters such as the Saenger, the Orpheum and the Joy host numerous plays and shows. If you like the creepies and the crawlies, take a tour of the Audubon Insectarium, a large museum that is centered around creatures that can crawl, fly or walk. Shopping enthusiasts can find high-end designer stores as well as more affordable options lining the busy streets. Whether it is clothes, shoes, jewelry or other accessories, there's something for every taste here. But, perhaps, what the street is most famous for, are the numerous parades that happen throughout the year. Whether it is Mardi Gras, the Christmas Parade, the Reindeer Run & Romp and Holiday Scavenger Hunt, the Krewe of Jingle Parade, or the Canal Street Lighting Ceremony, locals and tourists can enjoy the riot of colors, smells, and sounds that make the street come alive during these events.