Still working on this one, but there’s just SO MUCH to tell you about!

New Orleans and surrounding Louisiana is pretty much where my now husband romanced me during our initial year of dating (he knew what he was doing!) and because of this, I am fairly certain it’s where I fell in love with him and his family. We still visit NOLA regularly and every time I experience something new and wonderful. I often see posts on several travel groups about where to stay, what to see, what to eat, etc., so I decided to compile a list of my favorites here for safekeeping and to sometimes share!

You know what’s fun about New Orleans? Every time we visit, we do all the things “tourists do”. We take the streetcar to the park, eat beignets, and browse the French Market.  I think that’s pretty special. There no separation in New Orleans, nothing that’s too touristy too enjoy or nothing that only locals do…everyone just wants to have a good time.

That’s what makes this city magical. It’s welcoming, in the truest sense.

Where to stay

AirBnb is pretty great and will allow you to stay in a neighborhood setting. We’ve used Airbnb quite a bit and never had a bad experience. I recommend the following neighborhoods when you’re booking: French Quarter, Mid City, Garden District, & Lower Garden District. Let’s be safe!

Hotels I am bias and prefer the Garden District for unique hotels. The Saint Charles Ave streetcar is right there, so getting the Quarter is no problem and it’s a bit more peaceful at night.  I also love all the shade from the giant oak trees during the warmer months.

My very favorite hotel is the Pontchartrain. It’s truly the jewel of the Garden District (finally, something AS advertised!). The hotel is also home to the Tin Roof bar, the eclectically decorated Jack Rose restaurant and a cute little diner-the Silver Whistle.

Another wonderful hotel in the Garden district is the Henry Howard Hotel. This meticulously maintained historical hotel is perfectly tucked away on Prytania street. You are surrounded by other beautiful historic homes and just a short walk from both the street car and Magazine Street. It’s also a great spot of wedding parties (so if you’re looking…)

If the Garden District is not your thing, there’s always the famous Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter. This hotel is home to the Carousel Bar (yes, a real functioning carousel) and the lobby is gorgeous.

The Roosevelt is also another iconic option in the French Quarter worth checking out and the rates are usually a little more reasonable. Plus the Sazerac Bar is right there in the hotel!

Hotel Protips

• For great pricing on the super fancy hotels, visit in July. It’ll be sauna outside, but the rates are low across the board. Like $109 low. 
• You can always visit as the lobby and bar are open to anyone. In fact, we usually visit the Carousel Bar at Monteleone, have a spin and drink and then head out. Or during Christmas we’ll visit the Roosevelt to see all the lights–it’s pretty wonderful and free.
• If you have furry kids, La Quinta on Camp Street is great. The hotel is super clean and does not charge or limit your family members. It’s a stress relief for many of us that travel with furry kids.

Let’s Eat!

If you fly into MSY you’ll see the adverts for 25 cent Martinis at Commander’s Palace and if that’s your thing- you check it out! It’s not as expensive as I thought it was going to be either; average is somewhere around $50-$75 a person. Otherwise, here are a few options with shorter wait times (and just as delicious).

Devour Beignets

We never make them at home so having them is always a treat. Cafe Du Monde is the most popular location, so popular there might be a long line.

Protips

• Go at 2:00-3:00 AM after your nightly entertainment. The cafe is open 24 hours a day! My first time was during the wee hours after a night of dancing and actually quite romantic and WAY less hectic than during regular hours.
• If it’s daytime hours and and you need em now, but don’t want to wait in line, you can go to the one in the nearby mall. It’s just as good and within walking distance of the original—promise!

I also recommend Cafe Beignet which has way more than beignets and it also has outdoor seating.

If you venture out a little into the Garden District, New Orleans Coffee and Beignet Co. is where we had our wedding “rehearsal” beignets. They are just as delicious and there’s more room to sit with less stickiness. If you go to New Orleans Coffee and Beignet Co. get the bites! 

Still have a sweet tooth? May I introduce District Donuts?! New flavors everyday, check out their insta for menu options. Although they make some of the best donuts, their savory cuban is to die for and make sure you try the nitro brew–delish!

Right next door to the DD Magazine Street location is Stein’s Deli. You can get a heck of a lox bagel here and the selection of craft beer is top notch.

Try Gumbo…WITH Potato Salad

I don’t want to start a huge debate here, but if you’ve never had gumbo WITH potato salad you haven’t lived. My favorite place for gumbo is in Houma, but I like this Stanley’s in New Orleans because they have potato salad AND they don’t look atcha all crazy when you ask for it…or ask if you’re from the country. The location is great as well. Also the Blood Marys are on point. P.S. Please don’t crucify me, but Mother’s and a few others weren’t that great…just sayin. If it’s on your list though–check it off! That’s my nephew downing a milkshake at Stanley’s–it’s a good family spot because they have something for everyone!

Enjoy a lazy brunch at Satsuma

This is hands down my favorite brunch spot. I like the food, the people and the energy. I like to get the lox bagel because it’s one of the best I’ve ever had (nothing personal, Steins!) They have more than one location, we go to the one of Maple street. It’s a nice healthy eating alternative when I’ve indulged too much. James like the french toast!

Down a beer and Dat Dog on Frenchmen at night

Dat Dog>Lucky Dog

Dat Dog has been there for my hangry soon to be hungover self so many times. It’s worth the wait, plus the Frenchman Street location has balcony from which you can watch all the street commotion. And there will be plenty of commotion on Frenchmen at night, trust me.

Experience charbroiled, buttery oysters at Dragos  

There is a location in town in the Hilton, but we always go to the Metairie location. BEST charbroiled oysters and soooooo much butter. I like watching them prepare them from my table (the flame on the open grill is that noticeable) and always smile when I see the ladle of butter. Bring a friend and a big appetite. I pretty much tap out on oysters alone. How terrible, right?

Wait and then want to wait again because it was that good at Jacques-Imo’s

There are many places to enjoy cajun food, but if you don’t mind a little wait this place’s grits might change your life, but I can only speak for myself. Bonus, if you have 4 other hungry travelers with you (5 total), you can make a reservation up to 30 days in advance. Doooo it!

Let’s Drink!

Pat O’Briens Random trivia, this is where my bonus mom and dad (in-laws) hit it off as young students 40-some odd years ago (and I am so glad they did!). You should visit, see the pianos duel and drink a hurricane. 

Lucy’s You can get typical NOLA drinks here. Great beer selection. This place is especially fun on game nights and during Shark Week.

Carousel Bar I love this bar. I mean, it moves! How neat is THAT?

Erin Rose Frozen Irish Coffees! Can’t. Get. Enough.

Tujague’s, since 1850’s! This is where the ORIGINAL grasshopper was made…

Maple Leaf Bar Good prices on drinks, always have danceable music which after two beers, I appreciate. Go on a Tuesday and see the Rebirth Brass Band.They’re kinda a big deal.

There are hundreds of bars you can go to including French 75, Blacksmith, Napoleons, etc. There are so many to choose from. So make your list!

Let’s Do!

Nola is a walking city. If you’re into getting those steps in, you’ll have a great time. Plus, you can take your beverage along for the walk. If you get a little tired or just want a little breeze, take a ride on the streetcar. You can get the app for passes here.

Peruse the French Quarter, specifically Royal Street if you love antiquing. I am sure it goes without saying, but Bourbon Street offers endless entertainment. I am confident you’ll find and enjoy all the familiar sights and sounds of New Orleans and all you have to do is explore!

Live music is everywhere! You can follow the tunes and stop in a bar along the way or see a show at a venue. I highly recommend the world famous Tipitinas. We saw Dr. John (RIP) here and I will never forget it! The photo below depicts Professor Longhair. If you want to listen to a music before your travels–check him out. Warning though, it’s hard not to move!

Check out the local craft beer scene. New Orleans has several awesome craft breweries including, but certainly not limited to: Nola Craft Brewery, Urban South (soon to be in HTX as well), Parleaux Beer Lab, The Courtyard Brewery, Second Line Brewery and of course a little outside of Nola- Abita ! I personally think the world of the folks at Abita–some of the nicest folks around! The photos below are from Nola brewery.

Enjoy the city park. Maybe I AM an 80 year-old living in a 30 year-old body…but I LOVE city parks. In New Orleans the city park is full of delightful things to enjoy like huge weeping trees, bridges, fountains, playgrounds, art, iron work, and the carousel! A walk in the park is free and if it is not 100 degrees out (or heck, even if it is…because this is the south!) should be enjoyed!

 

Visit a museum! Nola has several museums, the newest of which being the National WWII museum. I know it might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to the Big Easy, but it is one of the best historical museum experiences I have ever had.

Speaking of museum and art, did you know you can visit Ashely Longshores studio? This is your chance to experience her colorful, spastic, cheeky, cut to the bone, hilarious, glamorous art! Do it!

 

My biggest suggestion is to relax, walk with a drink or two and maybe wander into something unplanned and something new. That’s one of the best parts of New Orleans…discovering it yourself serendipitously because that’s real life magic.