I went to #NOLA in September 2014. My husband (then boyfriend) surprised me with a trip down for my birthday! It was a great time and a trip we will never forget... unless you include the few-hour gap after the hurricanes hit me from Pat O’Brien’s.
We flew direct from Pittsburgh to the airport in NOLA and took a yellow cab to the amazing, historic hotel- The Cornstalk Hotel. (This was prior to Uber/ Lyft in the area, and we actually paid in the cab via Square Cash (a new thing back then).) The Cornstalk Hotel is a historic boutique hotel right in the middle of the French Quarter. The staff and rooms were great, and the hotel was beautiful (it is actually one of the most photographed buildings in the French Quarter). There is a little courtyard out front and on specific days, there is a crepe cart (they were delicious).
When we checked in, the staff told me to ‘Keep an eye on him’ referring to my boyfriend. I wasn’t sure what this meant. Honestly, I was taken back since I thought she was hitting on him (reminder, he planned this trip for me, so was the one in contact with the hotel). We freshened up and headed out. As we made our way around, we understood what the staff meant by that comment… it turned out to be Southern Decadence. It was a sight and experience, to say the least.
It was HOT in September. We had a chance of rain every day, but there was only a small window when it did rain. This made for great views for the celebration of Southern Decadence. Let’s just say we were the ones walking around with one too many layers of clothing. This made for a great parade. I had heard that parades occur through town even when it is not Mardi Gras, so it was great to see a parade while we were there. The parade was loud, fun, colorful, full of life, and had many beads, along with elaborate costumes.
NOLA really isn’t like anywhere else I’ve been. There is so much history in this town, with influence from African- American, French and Spanish. The culture and the people are really what makes the experience. As you walk down any street, you will hear live music (so much jazz!), from doors open at a restaurant and from groups/ individuals on the street performing. You will also have the opportunity to take in the art and literature that is through the city (there was a giant wall with paint on the ground, and anyone walking by could take paint and write or draw what they wanted to make their mark). As you walk around Jackson Square, and the St. Louis Cathedral, there is plenty of vendors that are set up to get a feel of the city. You have the voodoo type shops, and of course different tours offered from cemetery, to ghost and swamp/ bayou rides. We did not take any tour or cemetery walk but would when we go back (Google while cemetery plots are above ground.)
An example of how the city keeps its history... for any buildings that need the usual up-keep, if it’s the exterior paint, or if you want to update the inside, everything needs to get approved by the city. There are specific types and color of paint that you must use, and you must use a specific type of French wood to update the inside within the French Quarter (we learned this from a horse and carriage ride). The buildings and structures look exactly like any picture you may have seen, with 2-story buildings lined up, and the top story balcony with floral growing all along.
The food is delicious. There are adventurous menus out there, we didn’t stray too much off the main items. Obviously, you have the gumbo that was tasty at every place, you have oysters that are shuck in front of you, Po Boys, Seafood Nachos, and of course beignets. Going to Café du Monde is a must while you are there, it is not just a tourist thing to do. It is in a great location by the river, has open-air to sit outside (or inside if you wish), and right next to the French Market to walk around before or after you enjoy your coffee and beignets.
We went to 2 different places for food out of the main French Quarter. One place for dinner called Drago’s, it is a different feel and experience than the rest of the city, they do shuck oysters, but it a little more upscale than the rest of the city. The other is Port of Call- for the best burger in town. This was recommended to soak up the alcohol after day drinking and I would recommend this place over and over again (I still have my souvenir cup, that only had water to help sober up).
I wanted to call this next section Night Life, but it really isn’t restricted to nightlife at all. The party occurs all day and all night. Bourbon street is crazy, it is a sight to see, but we were only there for a short while. There is defiantly a smell, of urine and sweat, and in the morning once the party has died down, they hose of the street with water, so just be prepared. Most all places offer drinks to go. Some places you can ask for your drink to go, or you could just walk up to the ‘to-go drink’ area that is right off of the street, and you can get your drink/ souvenir cup that way.
There are plenty of bars and areas to go to that are not on Bourbon Street. A very popular area is Frenchman street and is a must-go-to experience. Go to this street for live music, there are some areas that are more party-like, but you will find many that have open areas that you can sit, and enjoy a cocktail in a calmer setting, or even an open garden area with jazz music all around.
A few places to make sure you go... Lafitte’s blacksmith Shop (at the end of Bourbon St.) This is the oldest bar in the USA. Cane and Table for amazing and unique cocktails, and great conversation with the mixologists and staff. And of course, Pat O’Brian’s for Hurricanes, it has a large outdoor garden area with live music, but also offers indoor bars… be careful how many hurricanes you get, they are addicting. Also, if you see Frozen Hot chocolate, get it, you won’t be disappointed.
#Recommendation: New Orleans is a must-experience city.
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