New Orleans is unlike any other city in America. The history, the music, the culture, the food, the booze, the Mississippi, the cemeteries, the architecture, the streetcars…New Orleans is a sultry, soulful place with serious strength of character. It’s the contagious energy and friendly hospitality of the people that really makes New Orleans stand out. I can’t think of another place in the U.S. where the locals have such a pronounced and consistently high level of passion for where they live. Whether born and raised there or deliberately transplanted, all of the Uber drivers, bartenders, shopkeepers, bellmen, writers and strangers I encountered on a recent visit talked about their city with such great reverence and affection. Those who were raised in New Orleans and had moved away, be it for college or Katrina, said they simply couldn’t stay away. The transplants who followed the sirens' song were completely enamored with their adopted hometown and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. I think it’s safe to say tourists agree with New Orleans’ addictive quality—this was my fourth visit and I’ll no doubt be back for another fix sooner than later.