• Georgia vs. LSU in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta

    SEC Championship Game: What To Know About Georgia Vs. LSU

    5 Min Read

    The No. 1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs take on the LSU Fighting Tigers for the SEC Championship this weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.

    Although LSU’s loss to Texas A&M knocked them out of contention, the Bulldogs are trying to finish with the top ranking going into the College Football Playoff.

    If you’re going to the big game in Atlanta, which determines the champion of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), we’ve got some vital information for you. If you’re looking for a bar to support your team, we’ve listed the best Atlanta sports bars to watch Georgia-LSU.

    Here are the deets for the SEC Championship:

    Georgia Bulldogs vs. LSU Tigers

    When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 4 p.m. ET

    Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

    Need streaming options? You can watch the Georgia game for free here. 

    Who’s Playing In The SEC Championship This Year?

    The 2022 SEC Championship Game participants are LSU, who has won the SEC West division, and Georgia, the repeat champs of the SEC East division. Each of them clenched berths in the title game with signature wins over Mississippi State and Arkansas and Ole Miss.

    Their other common opponent was the Tennessee Volunteers. While Georgia beat up on Tennessee, LSU was blown out by the Vols.

    Where Will The SEC Championship Game Be Played?

    The 2022 SEC Championship Game will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The address is 1 AMB Drive NW Atlanta, GA 3031. If you’re not aware, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the sleekest sports venues in the world and features state-of-the-art amenities and premium restaurants.

    Here are 5 key things to know about Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

    What Time Will The SEC Championship Game Start?

    The game is set to kick off at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 3, 2022.

    It will be the 31st edition of the SEC Championship Game. The winner wins the SEC.

    How They Got Here: Georgia

    The University of Georgia Bulldogs have not lost a game for the better part of two seasons. Coach Kirby Smart solved the Alabama curse — all the coaching assistants that Tide Coach Nick Saban has had lost to him — before anybody.

    The UGA season started with a resounding 49-3 disposing of the Oregon Ducks in the Chick-fil-A Classic in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, site of the SEC Championship.

    Their closest game of the season was Week 4. The Georgia Bulldogs came from behind to beat the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022 in Athens. Even though the Dawgs won, the team dropped to No. 2 in the latest AP poll. Alabama was named No. 1.

    Since then, big wins over the Vols and Ole Miss put the Dawgs in the driver’s seat. Many pundits say even with a loss to LSU, the Bulldogs will make the College Football Playoff.

    How They Got Here: LSU

    LSU had a lot to prove this year with first-year coach Brian Kelly at the helm.

    An opening loss to Florida State, where the Tigers missed the tying extra point and played a game filled with mistakes, including two muffed points, had many writing off the Bayou Bengals.

    But the increased confidence of Arizona State transfer signal caller Jayden Daniels has allowed the Tigers to return to form rather quickly.

    Methodical wins over Ole Miss, Florida and a dramatic one-point victory against Alabama in overtime served notice that the Tigers were back in a big way.

    Where To Watch The SEC Championship Game In Atlanta

    LSU Tiger fans should strongly consider going to the Copeland’s on Cumberland Parkway. It’s a known Louisiana sports bar for LSU and Saints game during the season.

    Copeland’s Of New Orleans

    3101 Cobb Pkwy SE #220, Atlanta, GA 30339 | (770) 612-3311

    Copelands has the best jazz brunch in Atlanta

    As for the Bulldogs, you’ve got a lot more options, given that Athens is about an hour’s drive away.

    Dantanna’s

    3400 Around Lenox Rd #304, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 760-8873

    best sports bars: Where to watch UGA football games in Atlanta

    Dantanna’s restaurant features an upscale spot to watch the game and enjoy some top-notch food. Located in CNN Center in Buckhead, Dantanna’s has an extensive menu with spirited drinks and a rowdy atmosphere — perfect for watching the games!

    STATS Brewpub

    300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, (404) 885-1472

    best sports bars: Where to watch UGA football games in Atlanta - STATS brewpub

    The go-to sports bar in downtown Atlanta, STATS is a short walk from the Omni, CNN Center and College Football Hall of Fame. Inside the brewpub, customers can try their hand at tabletop beer taps and exquisite food with screens all around to watch the NFL playoffs.

    One Google reviewer says: “This place was incredible! Service was excellent, food was amazing! There were so many delicious looking things on the menu that my waitress had to help me out with a recommendation. I’m glad I listened to her, the BBQ Brisket Burger was out of this world. The fries were really good too. And then she talked me into getting the key lime pie, it was every bit as good as everything else was. I will definitely go back whenever I’m in Atlanta again.”

    See our list of great bars for some Dawgs football.

    What’s There To Do In Atlanta?

    If you’re visiting for the game, you may be wondering what is there to do and see in a big city like Atlanta, Georgia. From the World of Coca-Cola exhibits to the scenic settings at Piedmont Park in Midtown, there are so many things to see and do

    Read Our Guide On What To See And Do In Atlanta

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  • New Orleans murder rate

    Report: New Orleans Again Among Worst Cities For Murders

    3 Min Read

    New Orleans once again is among one of the worst metropolitan cities in America when it comes to murders.

    For the Pelican State, it’s not just New Orleans that gets a bad rap. As the New York Times reports, Louisiana has had the nation’s highest murder rate for 31 straight years.

    After a COVID-19 pandemic-induced lull in early 2020, near the end of the that year, violent crime began to rise in many major U.S. cities, with law enforcement officials blaming the prevalence of guns and easy access to them.

    Where Does New Orleans Rank For Murders Per Capita?

    According to World Population Review, a website that analyzes statistical data for metropolitan areas.

    The twenty cities in the United States with the highest murder rates (murders per 100,000 people) are:

    1. St. Louis, MO (69.4)
    2. Baltimore, MD (51.1)
    3. New Orleans, LA (40.6)
    4. Detroit, MI (39.7)
    5. Cleveland, OH (33.7)
    6. Las Vegas, NV (31.4)
    7. Kansas City, MO (31.2)
    8. Memphis, TN (27.1)
    9. Newark, NJ (25.6)
    10. Chicago, IL (24)
    11. Cincinnati, OH (23.8)
    12. Philadelphia, PA (20.2)
    13. Milwaukee, WI (20.0)
    14. Tulsa, OK (18.6)
    15. Pittsburgh, PA (18.4)
    16. Indianapolis, IN (17.7)
    17. Louisville, KY (17.5)
    18. Oakland, CA (17.1)
    19. Washington D.C. (17.0)
    20. Atlanta, GA (16.7)

    Why Does New Orleans Always Rank Near the Top For Murders?

    Now the hard part: Why does New Orleans perennially rank among the worst cities for homicides? The answer to that question had made many policy makers weary.

    Guns

    Former Mayor Marc Morial told the Times the issue could be guns. “Lots of illegal or stolen weapons, an illegal system in trafficking in weapons, plus drugs and narcotics, produce this lethal mixture. Look at the Legislature to see how many criminal laws versus efforts to address homelessness there have been. The state’s response is more of the same rather than addressing what’s driving it.”

    Poverty

    “Poverty by itself is a very powerful variable in trying to make sense out of crime and homicides, but it requires more nuance,” Dee Wood Harper, an emeritus professor of criminal justice at Loyola University, told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “In New Orleans, look across our neighborhoods. In some, homicide is more common than the common cold, while others have never had a homicide.”

    Lack Of Adequate Police Force

    New Orleans Police Department Superintendnet Chief Shaun Ferguson told reporters in December 2021 that he had lost more than 150 officers in 2021 while recruiting 44 new officers. He said he would devote much of 2022 to recruitment and retention of police officers

    Final Word

    Whatever the cause of deadly crime, it’s going to take a citywide effort for New Orleans to break the cycle.

    With that being said, you might be wondering how safe New Orleans is for travel. Find out.

    More Nolafi.com Articles:

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  • How to save on travel in New Orleans

    How To Save Money The Next Time You Travel

    4 Min Read

    You’ve packed your sunscreen and now you’re ready to book a trip. How can you save along the way?

    This article is going to list ways you can save money, from the booking process to the destination, during the trip and back.

    5 Steps To Save Money On Your Next Trip

    This article is going to show you how to save money on travel so that you can spend your cash how you please.

    1. Get A Travel Rewards Credit Card

    How to buy a Visa gift card online
    Photo by Gustavo Fring: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-in-the-sofa-holding-a-credit-card-and-a-digital-tablet-6496045/

    The first thing you want to do — perhaps a year in advance — is to see if you can get a travel credit card. These cards unlock savings that you can’t get anywhere else.

    A travel credit card with a rewards program can save you big bucks because what you spend can be redeemed for points. Points can be transferred into miles or money toward your trip.

    Here are some top travel credit cards:

    2. Have Travel Flexibility

    How to save on travel in New Orleans
    Photo by Godisable Jacob from Pexels

    Flexibility is paramount for booking a trip. When it comes to saving money on travel, knowing when and the best time to book your trip is half the battle.

    Travel experts say that if you book a flight between 21 and 30 days out, you should be able to get a deal.

    But no matter what, it pays to be flexible with your travel dates. Use Google Flights to find wiggle room in the days you plan to travel. You’ll be thankful for the money you save.

    3. Fly On A Budget Airline

    save on Southwest flights
    Photo by Daria Shevtsova: Pexels

    If you really want to just get there, avoid the United and Deltas of the world by flying on a budget airline. You can save up to 60% on your airfare by choosing low-cost airlines that fly in smaller or regional airports.

    Don’t know of any budget airlines? Check out WhichBudget.com to research some carriers.

    Here’s a list of budget airlines to choose from.

    4. Don’t Rent A Car

    Best car insurance rates in Louisiana
    Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

    Need transportation? Don’t rent a car. Before you arrive at your destination, plan ahead so that you can use public transportation to get where you need to go.

    You can choose to use Uber or Lyft to get around the city, or you can opt for a taxi.

    Here are the best taxicabs in New Orleans.

    Oftentimes, that may even mean staying at a hotel closer to the action. Rental cars eat up huge parts of your travel budget. And you may even have to pay for parking at the hotel or other places.

    5. Eat Like A Local

    best gumbo in the city

    One of the surest ways to go broke on vacation, especially overseas, is to eat exclusively at tourist traps. These restaurants will have you paying $8 for a bottle of water!

    To really maximize your savings (and enjoy choice food), choose to eat where the locals eat. That way, you’ll pay what they pay, which is refreshingly affordable prices.

    Final Word

    New Orleans is one of those cities that you can get lost in once you take the time to explore it. As the former capital of Louisiana, New Orleans is one of the most eclectic and eccentric cities in the world.

    One of the things that makes the place special is the people, which are eager to show you a good time via parties and authentic New Orleans cuisine.

    More From NolaFi.com:

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  • hurricane season new Orleans

    Hurricane Season 2022: Here Are The Named Storms This Year

    3 Min Read

    The 2022 hurricane season is still projected to be an active one. Weather experts are forecasting warmer than normal waters in the Atlantic Ocean.

    So far, 19 storms are being predicted this year, which is two more than last year. It’s going to be a busy year, unfortunately.

    When Does Hurricane Season Start?

    Hurricane season also begins on June 1 and runs until the end of November. With that said, there is nothing that says a large storm system can’t form before or after that time.

    The New Orleans area has only been hit by a relatively few number of storm systems the last couple years, but as we know, what we miss out on in frequency can more than be made up for in intensity.

    These Are The Named Hurricanes For 2022 So Far

    Here is the list of major storms predicted to hit this year in the Atlantic Ocean:

    • Alex
    • Bonnie
    • Colin
    • Danielle
    • Earl
    • Fiona
    • Gaston
    • Hermine
    • Ian
    • Julia
    • Karl
    • Lisa
    • Martin
    • Nicole
    • Owen
    • Paula
    • Richard
    • Shary
    • Tobias
    • Virginie
    • Walter

    Why This Hurricane Season May Be A Bad One

    Weather forecasters are warning that this hurricane season may be worse than normal is because of the warmer temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico.

    Storms generally get their power from the top 100 feet of the waters. In the Gulf, the Loop Current, a subtropical pattern that loops from the deeper and warmer parts of the ocean into the more shallow waters close to the United States, normally mix together to cool the waters.

    So far these season, the Loop Current has been of a higher temperature than normal, making the penetration of warm waters more than 100 feet and possibly as deep as 500 feet. This means the waters this summer are especially hospitable for hurricanes to thrive and maintain speed and power.

    What To Do In A Hurricane Warning

    Whenever a tropical depression or storm forms in the Atlantic or eastern North Pacific, a government agency known as the NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues tropical cyclone advisories to warn the public.

    The advisories are issued at least every six hours and can increase as the storm progresses.

    If a hurricane warning is issued, here are some safety steps to follow:

    • Stay inside your home and away from windows and glass doors.
    • Close all interior doors and brace all external doors.
    • Take shelter in a small interior room like a closet or hallway in the basement or lower level of your home.
    • If flooding occurs, get out of the basement or lowest level of your home and take refuge on higher ground.

    For the latest, stay with Nolafi.com for New Orleans-area news.

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  • Restaurant Week New Orleans

    New Orleans Restaurant Week: Here’s What To Know & Where To Go

    2 Min Read

    it’s New Orleans Restaurant Week! That means your favorite eatery may have a food special or deal waiting for you — along with a table.

    If you’re not familiar with the weeklong celebration, it’s a time to cheer on the Crescent City’s best dining spots and show them a little love as they fill up your bottle and your tummy.

    When Is New Orleans Restaurant Week?

    New Orleans Restaurant Week runs from June 20-26, 2022.

    New Orleans Restaurant Week: Participating Restaurants

    Here are the restaurants participating in New Orleans Restaurant Week.

    • ACME Oyster House (New Orleans and Metairie)
    • Andrea’s Restaurant
    • Anna’s
    • Antoine’s Restaurant
    • Arnaud’s Restaurant
    • The Blue Crab
    • Boucherie
    • Bourbon House
    • Brasa Churresqueria
    • Brennan’s
    • Briquitte
    • Broussard’s Restaurant
    • Brown Butter Southern Kitchen
    • Cafe Degas
    • Cafe Maspero
    • Cho Thai
    • Commander’s Palace
    • Commons Club
    • Copper Vine
    • Costera
    • The Country Club
    • Creole House
    • Criollo Restaurant & Lounge
    • Curio
    • Desire Oyster Bar
    • Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse
    • Dickie Brennan’s Tableau
    • Domenica Restaurant
    • Ernst Cafe
    • Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar
    • Flamingo-a-Go-Go
    • Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
    • Gabrielle Restaurant
    • Galatoire’s
    • GW Fins
    • Jack Rose
    • Johnny Sanchez
    • Katie’s Restaurant & Bar
    • La Petite Grocery
    • Luke Restaurant
    • Mother’s Restaurant/Mother’s Next Door
    • Mr. B’s Bistro
    • Muriel’s Jackson Square
    • Palace Cafe
    • Patios
    • The Pelican Club
    • Pier 424
    • Pizza Domenica
    • Ralph’s On the Park
    • Red Fish Grill
    • Restaurant August
    • Restaurant R’evolution
    • Rib Room
    • Royal House
    • Sala
    • Silk Road Restaurant
    • Suis Generis
    • Sylvain
    • The Bower
    • The Chloe Restaurant
    • The Commissary
    • Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco
    • Tony Mandina’s
    • Tujague’s Restaurant
    • Ugly Dog Saloon & Bar-B-Que
    • Trenasse
    • Willa Jean

    Final Thought

    New Orleans is second to none when it comes to culinary greatness in the Southeast, but the city has much more to offer.

    When New Orleans’ food is mentioned on a national level, it somehow always reverts back to gumbo, which is the best around, although the city’s eateries certainly represent those dishes well, there’s so much more.

    More From NolaFi.com:

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  • best taxi cabs in New Orleans

    Best Taxi Services In New Orleans

    5 Min Read

    If you’re planning coming to New Orleans for one of its top-rated festivals, you should know that it can be difficult to get around in the city. Getting the right taxi can make all the difference.

    In this article, we’ll discuss the best taxi services you can use to get where you need to go around New Orleans.
    Continue Reading…

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  • Nola Caribbean Experience in New Orleans

    Nola Caribbean Experience: What To Know Before You Go

    2 Min Read

    The Nola Caribbean Experience is coming back to New Orleans this fall. The festive event is again expecting throngs of people throughout the 12-day event.

    If you’ve never been to carnival in Brazil, this is the closest to that experience in the Southeast. And with a little New Orleans flavor, you’ll love it even more.

    Everything You Need To Know About The Nola Caribbean Experience: 2022

    As always, you can expect a party atmosphere, delicious food, great entertainment and live music. It’s also one of New Orleans’ top festivals.

    When Is The Nola Caribbean 2022 Taking Place?

    This year’s Nola Caribbean Experience is set to take place October12-23, 2022. This year, the event will feature Kevin Hart, Nikki Minaj and more.

    As is the tradition, there will be a carnival parade among the festivities. In fact, the NOLA Caribbean Experience consists of 21 official events, including brass bands, and Mardi Gras Indians.

    Final Word

    New Orleans is one of the most fun places to visit in the warmer months. Truthfully, there’s always something to do and someplace to go.

    New Orleans is not only a world-class city, but a cultural centerpiece of the Southeast, from restaurants to its parks, the city stands out as a place to visit and live.

    Looking for something to do in the city? What To See And Do In New Orleans

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  • Vacinnation children in New Olreans

    Vaccination Mandate Begins For New Orleans Children

    2 Min Read

    In one of the strictest COVID-19 mandates in America, all children ages 5 to 11 in New Orleans will be required to be vaccinated to attend school or visit public spaces.

    The mandate is one of many the New Orleans officials have been considering as a way to curb the spread of the coronavirus that has plagued us all for nearly two years now.

    Not all vaccines have been approved for use in children, but one has: Pfizer.

    The Pfizer low-dose COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for children ages 5 to 11. The vaccine received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA .

    If you don’t want your child vaccinated, you can opt out of the program by simply citing a medical, religious or philosophical objection.

    Where Can Children Go To Get Vaccinated?

    Parents can take children to get vaccinated at the following health institutionns.

    Existing pediatrics patients:

    Don’t have a Children’s Hospital pediatrician?

    U.S. health officials continue to push prevention as the #1 to ward off COVID among all age groups. Remember to wear a masks in public indoor spaces, social distance and wash your hands regularly.

    If you’re looking for the booster shot near you, here’s where to get one at.

    What COVID phase in New Orleans in?

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  • When is Mardi Gras in New Orleans

    Mardi Gras 2022 Is Happening: Here’s What To Know

    2 Min Read

    New Orleans is planning for Mardi Gras in 2022, the mayor recently announced. That means the Southeast’s largest party is back on, despite the threat of the omicron variant of coronavirus.

    The celebration will be curtailed compared to Mardi Gras in the past, she said. For instance, parade routes will be shorter and the number of first responders and police officers needed will be reduced as well.

    “The big news and the best news is that Mardi Gras is returning to the city of New Orleans and to the world in 2022,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

    She also tweeted: “No krewe is being moved from their traditional day. Every parade will be asked to make SLIGHT accommodations No one is being singled out! No one is being given special treatment!”

    When Is Mardi Gras 2022?

    Mardi Gras is Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Parades route adjustments will be make by all krewes, according to Cantrell.

    During the pandemic, New Orleans residents pivoted to “house floats” to keep the spirit alive. This year, the city will continue house floats along with the actual revelry of Mardi Gras.

    Final Word

    If you plan to visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras, you are in for the time of your life. You’ll love it. At the same time, no matter what city you visit, always be mindful of your environment. There are pickpockets and scammers in every big cities in the world.   If you plan to walk down Bourbon Street, you especially need to be careful.

    Travel to New Orleans can be really fun is you plan accordingly. You’ll love the laid back vibes of the people and the instant parties in the streets.

    More From NolaFi.com:

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  • Best car insurance rates in Louisiana

    Louisiana Is One Of The Most Expensive States For Car Insurance – But You Can Save

    2 Min Read

    If you drive these Louisiana streets and highways, you might have noticed that car insurance rates continue to rise. How does the Pelican State rank among states for car insurance rates?

    How Much Is Car Insurance Rates In Louisiana?

    Louisiana is a mixed bag when it comes to car insurance rates. Here are some statistics from QuoteWizard.

    • Average cost for liability car insurance is $135 a month.
    • Average cost for full-coverage car insurance is $348 a month.

    Both of those figures represent more than 55% higher than the national averages.

    The insurance comparison site ValuePenguin has listed the car insurance rates for America state by state. At $4,386 annually, the highest rate is Michigan, and the lowest rate is Iowa ($382 a year). Louisiana, as you’ll see, is the middle.

    Most Expensive States For Car Insurance

    Here are the average auto insurance premiums in each state.

    StateAverage min coverage costAverage full coverage cost
    Michigan$4,386$7,161
    Florida$2,072$2,962
    Rhode Island$1,197$2,750
    Delaware$1,153$2,239
    Nevada$1,138$2,636
    New York$1,085$2,111
    Maryland$1,043$1,922
    Connecticut$1,041$2,179
    Louisiana$1,002$3,720
    Kentucky$1,002$2,346
    Oregon$987$1,827
    Washington, DC$923$2,351
    Arizona$897$2,204
    New Jersey$846$1,828
    Utah$793$1,710
    Massachusetts$784$2,271
    Colorado$783$2,174
    South Carolina$752$1,686
    Minnesota$721$1,779
    Illinois$717$1,751
    Georgia$716$1,612
    Texas$666$1,094
    Mississippi$657$1,795
    Missouri$648$1,859
    West Virginia$644$1,757
    Hawaii$639$1,753
    Alabama$635$1,724
    California$604$2,052
    New Hampshire$596$1,450
    Washington$591$1,475
    Oklahoma$584$1,885
    Arkansas$556$1,709
    Virginia$555$1,350
    Nebraska$552$1,739
    New Mexico$550$1,800
    Kansas$549$1,759
    Tennessee$514$1,534
    Montana$502$1,792
    Pennsylvania$497$1,586
    Alaska$492$1,433
    North Carolina$492$1,291
    Indiana$489$1,345
    Ohio$481$1,378
    Vermont$474$1,360
    Maine$452$1,051
    Idaho$426$1,283
    Wyoming$422$1,753
    North Dakota$422$1,715
    Wisconsin$396$1,175
    South Dakota$387$1,999
    Iowa$382$1,564

    Final Word

    In Louisiana, you are required to have 15/30/25 liability limits. Those limits provide payments of $15,000 for bodily injury to one person, $30,000 for bodily injury to more than one person in a single accident, and $25,000 coverage for damage to someone else’s vehicle or other property.

    How To Save Money On Car Insurance Rates On Louisiana

    The way to save money on car insurance is to comparison shop. It’s best to get at least three quotes from different insurance companies.

    No matter what you do, please comparison shop for rates before you make a decision.

    Here are more ways to save on car insurance.

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