New Orleans, Louisiana
Allow me to introduce you to my absolute FAVORITE American city; New Orleans! I’m passionate about this city, and could really write a book on how much I love it. I’m hitting the high notes, and sharing my favorite activities in NOLA. Having been here more times than I can count, I feel like I have you covered on experiencing NOLA the right way!
I’m kicking this blog post off with emphasis on the New Orleans cuisine. This city is known for many things; poboy’s, muffulettas, jambalaya, red beans and rice, beignets, and let's not forget hurricanes! If you’re a foodie like myself, then you only need one reason to go to NOLA!
For poboy’s you must visit > NOLA POBOY’S > Make sure and get the oyster one!
You can only get dang good jambalya down here in cajun city. When you’ve got the craving, these are the places that I visit time and time again for good ol’ cajun cooking.
RESTAURANT RECS
Mother’s Restaurant > We’ve been known to eat here for breakfast multiple days in a row! Be the first in line at seven am is my advice. Eat all three meals here if you want, this restaurant is iconic and GOOD!
Court of Two Sisters > Put on your pretty dress and enjoy this elevated meal in a gorgeous New Orleans style courtyard.
Pat O’Brien’s > Critics might hate that I included this on my list, but they have great food and stiff hurricanes. Did I mention the piano bar is always rocking?!?
BEST BEIGNETS
There’s two note-worthy beignet joints. Looking to go to the more iconic option, then you must sit down and experience Cafe Du Monde beignets with a cafe au lait on the side. For a more romantic spot, then step inside the tiny and intimate Cafe Beignet on Royal Street.
Nola is a walking town, so bring your comfy shoes because you will log many miles walking around The Big Easy. The best part though, you can do it with a cocktail in hand!
I usually spend all day walking around the French Quarter going in and out of the speciality shops, and of course visiting the French Market.
The art galleries are also something fun to check out. Browse many boutiques and galleries on the very influential Royal Street.
GARDEN DISTRICT & MAGAZINE STREET
Take an über, trolley, or be it a long walk to the charming area known as the Garden District. Stroll along this adorable southern neighborhood, and be in awe of the stunning victorian style homes. Once you’ve exhausted all the beautiful homes in the Garden District, make your way to Magazine Street for six, yes, six miles of shopping and restaurants!
DAY TOURS
While there are endless tours in the city of New Orleans to keep you busy, I encourage you to do one that takes you out into the real N’awlins. We toured the infamous Oak Alley Plantation, and the grounds there are immaculate. If you go, be sure to get a bourbon twist for me! Next time, we are checking a swamp tour off my New Orleans bucket list!
Check out an incredible list of New Orleans tours > here!
For something fun to do at night, you have to book a ghost tour. I can tell you from experience, that you will certainly get spooked walking and listening to some terrifying ghost stories.
After you’ve finished your ghost tour, walk on over to Bourbon Street to get your live music and drinking fix. The night never ends on Bourbon…
Book a ghost tour > here!
People usually ask me why I love New Orleans so much. I always respond with New Orleans is so much more than a drinking town. It’s rich in history, art, culture, cuisine, the list could go on and on. New Orleans is a place you just have to experience for yourself. When you do find yourself here in NOLA, I hope you live it up!
