New Orleans- “The Big Easy”

I have been to New Orleans several times, but have yet to go for Mardi Gras or Essence! Crazy right?! So I’ll definitely have a part 2&3 to add to this list! Until then, I’ll share the things I like in New Orleans! Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Traveling to New Orleans- depending on where you’re coming from, you have 3 options-drive, fly or train! I’m from Memphis so the drive and train is usually our go to. If you plan ahead of time, the train can be a cheap round trip and a great adventure! There’s plenty of space(more room than on a plane!) and you can always go to the observation car for the views or card games! You can also bring your own snacks and BOOZE! Getting a room in N’awlins can be a little tricky as well especially if you want to be close to Bourbon Street (AND YOU DO!) We always find a hotel across Bourbon and Canal. This way you can walk down Bourbon 2 mins and get to the hotel.

The most important thing in New Orleans is FOOD! (Well to me lol) First thing first, I know everyone says going to Cafe Du Monde is a must but PLEASE go to the French Market Place and try the praline beignets at Loretta’s Authentic Pralines! You will never wait an hour in line for Cafe Du Monde again! I promise you will go back for a to-go order as well! While you’re at the French Market, try the rum daiquiris at Organic Banana! The Tropical Daiquiri (pineapple and coconut) is the best! There are several places in the market to try crawfish, oysters, fish tacos, gator sausage and gator jerky. Don’t be afraid of the gator, it’s delicious! Definitely take the trolley down to the market.

The best breakfast I’ve ever had is definitely at Ruby Slipper. There are several locations and there’s always a wait so-quick tip, sign up to get in line on the app No Wait. When you arrive, get a Big Easy Mimosa to start you off right! To me, the best thing on the menu is the Grilled Fish ‘St. Peter. You will come back and thank me later! The Catfish&Grits are good as well. Now I don’t drink Bloody Mary’s, but my sister swears that Ruby Slipper’s is great so yall try those as well!

For lunch, Deanie’s Seafood will give you a platter full of delicious fried fish for cheap and Oceana Grill has a really good Cajun Jambalaya Pasta. We did try fine dining for my husband’s birthday last year and had a rather interesting time at Arnaud’s off of Bourbon. The food was good, but it was overshadowed by our experience there. The staff was friendly, but the other guests stared at us the entire night. I think they were use to the staff being the only black people in the room. Imagine having dinner in the middle of a restaurant with people staring at you as if you’re out of place the entire night. AWKWARD! We were all extremely uncomfortable so we won’t go back there again, but you can try it. Also try Neyow’s, Heard Dat Kitchen, Willie Mae’s and Dooky Chase.

If you’re interested in tours, New Orleans has it all. We’ve been to the Old New Orleans Rum tour three times! Not that we love the tour, we love the rum! Organic Banana also uses it in their daiquiris! Wander through Garden District if you like historic mansions and trendy restaurants and bars. The French Quarter is probably top of everyone’s list because you’re close to Bourbon (drinking) and Royal (shopping), Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral and of course there are plenty of street entertainers as you walk around. New Orleans gets pretty hot so be sure you stay hydrated and hope you’re nose isn’t sensitive because drunk people let it go day and night. You can take a voodoo tour, ghost tour, cemetery tour, swamp tour, you name it! Just be sure to wind down and end your nights on Frenchman Street listening to a live band. If museums are your thing, New Orleans also has The National World War II Museum, The Confederate Memorial Hall Museum and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

You will also more than likely run into at least one celebrity while you’re there so have your cameras ready at all times! Enjoy!