In the past three years I have been to NOLA four times… which may not seem like a lot, but for me… it’s a lot. I’m a traveler and I usually dislike returning to the same city twice (unless I’m working), but NOLA is a big exception. This was also the last trip that I was able to take before quarantining began… so fitting for the travel blog this month. I first visited a couple years ago for a big friend reunion, which was a blast… from then on I was hooked.
The first thing that I want to write about is the culture/feel of the city. I can’t think of another US city that has as much charm and enchantment… it reminds me of Europe. The French/Spanish influence throughout the city is so alive and it just makes for such a… I don’t know any other word to describe it then like a ROMANTIC feel. Something easily out of a movie, the pride and culture that the city has is so contagious and always makes me feel welcome and excited when I go.
I’m a big “let’s not go to the same place twice/do the same thing again” type of guy so every time I go I try to switch it up (recommendations to come). There is ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO. You can go the haunted route and do a tour through a cemetery, or get a guide to take you out in the swamps (day or night). Parades happen daily (my favorite is for those recently married) and they are exactly as you pictured them…. lively, fun, and you can join in! Don’t forget to take a walk (or bar hop) through the French Quarter, museums should also not be missed. The New Orleans Museum of Art is always a must for a first-timer, and I always visit the outdoor sculpture garden. City Park is beautiful. Seeing the huge Oak’s everywhere, the bridges and small ponds… it’s one of the crowning highlights of the city for me, I always try and do a couple of runs there when visit. There are boat and bike rentals, dog parks, stables, wildflower fields and fun fact: it is 50% bigger than NYC’s Central Park.
There is an amazing festival scene. Every weekend you can find park events, open bars, outdoor concerts… and endless festivals! The focus can be on any and everything. I have attended taco festivals, featured concerts in the park, The Taste of New Orleans, The Bungalow Bayou, and a tequila festival. They are wide and varied and there is something usually to accommodate everyone. For anyone visiting I highly recommend, especially to escape the predictable tourist hustle and bustle.
This blog would not be complete without bringing up food. THE FOOD IN NEW ORLEANS is the best in the country hands down. Fight me! I always joke that I come home at least five pounds heavier after every trip because of the amazing cuisine. I have to admit that I’m SO biased because these southern, creole, cajun foods are without a doubt my favorite, so the city is ideal for me to go and shove my face like a madman (don’t care). I could name all of the specific dishes that I love and where to go to dine for days… BUT I won’t torture anyone and will add my favorite’s to the recommendations list at the end of this entry. However, while we are on the subject of food, two of the times that I have been in the last couple of years we have done a crawfish broil (a homemade one) and it is always the best. It’s such a food culture experience and doing a homemade one in our backyard is always a highlight… even if you don’t have the means (or place) to have your own make sure to get to one (will rec) before your trip is over.
I hope I have given you some insight as to why I keep returning, why I love it so much, and why the city gets an A+ from me. If you get a chance to go, I hope you enjoy as much as I do… and if you need any tips/more recs feel free to drop me a line! x LH
Recommendations
Tourist:
- Ride the streetcar (Canal Street line for the sights)
- Guided history tour
- New Orleans Museum of Art
- Waterfront (gorgeous area with activities/restaurants) Check Landry’s Seafood House for lunch!
- French Quarter (must)
Dining:
- Parkway Tavern (MY FAVORITE)
- Blue Oak
- Camilia Grill
- Tabloo
- Pascal’s Manale
- Five Happiness
- Boil Seafood House (for an excellent crawfish boil)
Bars:
- Hot Tin (my favorite rooftop)
- Cane and Table
- Carousel Piano Bar
- Saint-Germainex
Lee Hollis 