New Orleans, Louisiana

Here is a snapshot of one of my most favorite weekend getaways in New Orleans:

Day 1: 
After flying into New Orleans from Los Angeles, we were eager to check into our lodging. It took about 45 minutes to determine which bus pick-up location was right and which bus was right to get on. Despite the initial confusion, we were right on time to check into Sonder at 1500 Canal Street, a modern and clean apartment in an accessible and quiet location. After refreshing up, we walked around the city for dinner and exploring. Our first stop was Gumbo Shop, where we ordered Jambalaya, Seafood Okra Gumbo, and Crawfish Etouffee (our favorite). For dessert, we had the bread pudding. Our first taste of New Orleans did not disappoint! We looked forward to seeing what this vibrant city would offer the next two days. 

Highlights: Bourbon Street, Gumbo Shop




Day 2:
We initially scheduled our swamp tour for the second day of our trip, not knowing there was the French Quarter Festival during our stay. Fortunately, our vendor Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours was accommodating and rescheduled our tour for the next day with no hassle. We were free to walk to the festival which took about 25 minutes from our apartment. We knew we had arrived at the right place once we saw crowds congregating toward food booths and live music stages. Admission to the French Quarter Festival is free. Most people brought lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the jazz music and relax in the atmosphere. We walked to Cafe De Monde and had to order the classic coffee and beignets. In the evening, we had dinner at Napolean House and ordered Red Beans & Rice, House Salad, and Seafood Gumbo. The food was delicious after a day out in the sun, however, it was not our favorite of the trip. What was most charming about this restaurant was its antiquated character and historical background. After dinner, we were lucky to stumble upon Mahogany Jazz Hall to listen to live jazz up close. We met the friendly bass player who played his heart out with his band. There is a one-drink minimum per set. After one set, we looked up Carousel Bar & Lounge and ordered the Sazerac cocktail, New Orleans' famous whiskey drink. We also met friendly tourists at the bar who highly recommended trying Mr. Ed's Oyster Bar for lunch tomorrow. 

Highlights: French Quarter Festival, Cafe De Monde, Napolean House, Mahogany Jazz Hall, Carousel Bar & Lounge







Day 3:
The Oyster Bar did not disappoint! We ordered a half dozen of the Bienville Oysters and Seafood Gumbo. We snuck in a free tour of the Sazerac House before heading back to the Jung Hotel, where our Sonder apartment was located. The tour van was timely and before we knew it, we were on the boat riding through bayous and swampland. We encountered several alligators and wildlife. The Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour was professional throughout and fun for everyone! The tour was about 3 hours including drive time. Once we arrived back at Jung Hotel, we had enough time to get dressed for dinner at Brennan's. Our favorites were the Turtle Soup, Blackened Redfish, and of course the famous Bananas Foster for dessert! It was a special treat and the perfect dinner to end an amazing time in Nola. Before the night was over, we stopped at Cafe Beignet on Bourbon Street to enjoy some fresh beignets and jazz one last time on this trip! 

Highlights: Mr. Ed's Oyster Bar, Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour, Brennan's, Cafe Beignet 






"Everything in New Orleans is a good idea." - Bob Dylan

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