New Orleans
So many things to be thankful for... Family, friends, relationships, jobs, travel, having a roof over my head and food on the table. Being healthy and lucky enough to wake up and live another day. Thanksgiving is always a time of reflection for most which is fantastic. We need more of those days throughout the year.
This year we spent turkey day in New Orleans. First time there for us both and to be honest, after telling a few friends and family members of our weekend plans I wondered if we had made a bad decision by choosing New Orleans. Everyone automatically talked about Bourbon Street and how filthy and crazy it was... and they were right, it was dirty, the smell of vomit filled the area the next morning, but even with that, I absolutely loved our stay. Bourbon street is such a small part of what the city has to offer. It is a must do while in town of course, but you need to take the time to explore other areas. That one street is surrounded by a 100 other amazing ones!! Here is my list of how to do New Orleans "right" in 4 days.
Dos
- The Saint hotel - Swanky and clean - perfectly located and getting a 1 pm late check out was simple. No questions asked. If you decide to stay here, i'm sure you'll meet Special K - the super friendly & funny doorman.
- Royal Street - beautiful shops, cafes and galleries line the street. It all felt very...Royal lol hence the name. It's amazing to think that this is only one block from Bourbon!
- Magazine Street - My favorite!! I would consider this the more artsy part of town.
- Swamp Boat tour - This was a cool experience and we would do it again at a different time of year. It was pretty chilly and the alligators were in hibernation so we only saw a couple.
- Haunted Tour - Not at all what I expected. I was a little freaked out to do this tour to begin with. I'm a baby when it comes to horror movies and that sort of thing. Our tour guide was great and the stories don't continue to haunt me. It was actually really educational and totally worth it!
- Tastebud Food Tour - Fun way to see the town and try new cuisine.
- Frenchmen street - Where the locals hangout and If you're looking for live music, this is the place. Multiple live music bars and clubs line the streets. My favorite was actually a super talented group of guys on a street corner and the super fan who followed them with his lit up wheelchair. It warmed my heart to see him enjoy life and the music so much. If you thought you couldn't dance in a wheelchair, you are wrong! He rocked it. Also, you can catch the Frenchmen art market here. <3
- VIP Bus tour - It's not actually a VIP tour, that is just the name of the company. Also very educational and it's nice to get off your feet for a bit.
- Muriel's - This restaurant is located in Jackson Square and always looked busy when we walked by. It was recommended by a local so we took his word for it. He was right! Dinner was amazing! I would have that same meal over and over again. Here is what we ordered up for reference. Savory gorgonzola cheesecake, Double cut pork chops and for dessert the flour less chocolate cake was perfection.
- Cafe Du Monde - The house of beignets! Make a quick stop in, just to say you did! Also, I would recommend not wearing black. You'll be covered in powdered sugar when it's all said and done.
Don'ts
- Oceana Grill - This is definitely not a bad review. Just personal preference. You'll see lines out the door so they must be doing something right?! With multiple locations in the french quarter, it's a very convenient spot for lunch or dinner. The food was good, but it didn't blow my mind. I would call it a New Orleans chain restaurant. We had alligators for the first time. It taste just like chicken! The staff was nice, atmosphere was also good. I would try something a little more off the beaten path though.
New Orleans fun facts
- Bourbon street wasn't named after the liquor - it was named after France's ruling family, the house of Bourbon.
- Pioneer square was where they would behead people.
- New Orleans is known to be the place where voodoo was introduced into the US.
- New Orleans is the place where jazz was born.
- It is known as the most haunted city in America.
- This is where the Mardi Gras parade is held.
- The city is famous for it beignets. YUM!
- The superdome is the largest enclosed arena in the world.
- They are known for the creole cuisine.
- Birthplace of poker and craps.
- The first opera was performed here.
- Due to being below sea level the tombs are above ground
