City Guide: New Orleans

This past weekend we went down to New Orleans for one of our best friend’s Bachelorette parties, so we figured today we would spotlight the city as one place you definitely need to visit if you haven’t already. Since we grew up in Alabama, New Orleans was always a short drive from home – meaning we were visiting as often as possible! Whether it was a family trip, cheer competition, weekend with friends, whatever, it was always one of our favorite spots in the South – and safe to say that hasn’t changed since we ventured to Texas.

Clearly New Orleans has so much hype around Mardi Gras, but it is one of those cities that is ALWAYS fun no matter what time of year it is. Between the culture, the history, the food, the celebrations, there’s always something going on and never has a dull moment. This past weekend happened to be the Red Dress Run – which unlike your typical charity run, thousands of people dress up in red dresses (yes, men too) and take over the city for one massive party to celebrate the finish. Definitely a sight to see!

So regardless of whatever weekend you decide to choose, you are always in for a great time. Check out our travel guide and tips for a look into this one-of-a-kind city. As they say, laissez les bon temps rouler! xo

WHERE TO STAY:

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Though a lot of areas in New Orleans feature cool boutique hotels, our recommendation for where to stay as a traveler is the French Quarter – so here are our picks:

– W New Orleans

– Ritz Carlton

– Hotel Montleone

– Hotel Roosevelt

– Windsor Court

– Royal Sonesta

For those of you that prefer the authentic charm and historic feel, these are some great boutique hotels in the French Quarter that we recommend!

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– Soniat House – Three historic townhomes converted into a 24-room boutique hotel. Upscale and peaceful, but we don’t recommend it if you are in NOLA for a weekend of celebrating

– Hotel Royal – A recently renovated boutique hotel in the French Quarter just steps from live music and art galleries

WHAT TO DO:

– Visit Jackson Square – Take a stroll around this historic square for local art, quirky palm readers, and see a variety of street performers. This is home of the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest Cathedral in the US. Pop in and out of the local shops, and be sure to make a stop at Cafe du Monde while you are there.

– Visit the Garden District – Take a drive down to the Garden District and view the beautiful historic homes – perfect to pair with your lunch at Commander’s Palace (see below)

– Stroll through all of the local art galleries and antique shops for unique finds to take home with you!

– Take a Ghost Tour and get spooked by all of the history – or at least use it as an out-of-the-box way to learn some fun facts about the city!

– Test your luck at Harrah’s Casino

– Museums – The National WWII Museum and New Orleans Museum of Art

– Listen to some jazz at Preservation Hall

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WHERE TO EAT:

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– Commander’s Palace

– Galatoire’s – Men, don’t forget to pack a blazer.. otherwise you will have to borrow one from the restaurant!

– Antoines – This may be one of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans, as it’s packed full of history – and the food is delish!

– Mr. B’s

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– Brennan’s

– Cafe Du Monde – the best beignets

– Foods to try – crawfish, beignets, a po boy, jambalaya, red beans and rice…. or anything Creole

WHERE TO GO OUT:

– Pat O’Briens – Our FAVORITE spot in the city. The dueling pianos and energetic crowd keeps the night lively while sipping on their famous Hurricanes

– Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar – This is the oldest bar in the city (actually the oldest building), and it needs to be on your bucket list! The bar is lit only by candlelight, so order one of their delicious purple drinks and cozy up!

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– Bourbon Street – Let me preface by saying, the locals are not the biggest fan of Bourbon.. But for anyone visiting the city, you HAVE to go. With endless live music, cocktails galore, quirky shops lining the streets, and the most eclectic mix of people packed throughout – It’s a must. (Pat O’s is located here as well)