New Orleans is a city of a thousand names. Every local can pick their favorite. It also just so happens to be the city of a thousand photos. Each picture offers a new perspective on the city, far beyond the confines of the traditional Mardi Gras mask.

Here are my top five favorite views of New Orleans.

1. Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers

There is no one I’ve ever seen play a trombone with more passion and soul than the trombonist in the Kermit Ruffins Band. The entire ensemble shook with music, and it transported me back in time to a simpler era of entertainment. Forget sitting around the TV just to feel light moving across our retinas, or even turning on the radio to the new station for the latest sound-alike hits. This was music you could see, touch and taste. Though the dinner service at The Little Gem Saloon wasn’t the best, the band made the night. Authentic New Orleans jazz is a lot like its food — full of that Cajun spice.

2. The French Quarter

With architecture, history and music abounding, the French Quarter is an excellent place to walk around, get a feel for New Orleans culture and view amazing street art.

I remember looking up in shock at this massive building. “That’s a church?” I muttered. The St. Louis Cathedral, named after the King of France, does indeed invoke an air of worship by sheer size alone. A hush falls over all those who step through the towering doors and high ceilings — that seem to reach toward heaven. If there was ever a building that described the word reverence, this is it. Although there were a good couple of giggles when someone in our group posted a picture and a couple people in the social media world thought it was Disneyland. It’s just that magical.

4. Street cars

One of the things I was most excited to see was a street car. Everything about this town seems to take people back in time; the street cars are no exception.

5. The Natchez

This steamboat is a far cry from the tiny vessel that transported Mickey Mouse in his famous Steamboat Willie cartoon. One of the last steamboats in the area, the Natchez is a treat, from the rustic dining hall to the amazing deck view of a true port town. This was my absolute favorite form of transportation on this trip.