Oooooh New Orleans.... how I am so enamoured with you. The passion, the history, the culture, the heartbeat, the food, the vibrancy... everything. I love you.
I was recently able to celebrate the anniversary of my 29th birthday in New Orleans. I don't travel for pleasure much these days but I could not turn down an opportunity to go with a friend for the weekend.
We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn on Gravier St. This was about a $20 ride from the airport and close enough to the Quarter and Bourbon St we didn't need or want a car. This was a really nice hotel, the rooftop pool is small but sufficient. It was pretty low key, there were a few bachelor parties there and one night we had "pedestrian traffic" back to the hotel due to filming of the new Will Smith movie. We had fresh beignets and drinks from Cafe Beignet, so we settled in on the corner and watched filming for a while. Sure, we could have gone around all of this, but why? We were on vacation and don't get to see this very often in "real life".
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| filming of "Focus" |
There are SO many places you should go while in New Orleans. Let's get started shall we?
Muriels Jackson Square. It was sweltering hot during our visit, so we made a stop into Muriels to see the seance lounge and have a refreshing drink. The Frozen Irish Coffee is delish! On your way up to the seance lounge, you will pass the table with the offerings for the resident spirit. Creepy and super cool.
Just outside of Muriels you will find an abundance of local artists selling their goods along with the psychics, palm and crystal ball readers. Do not just pass this up, you will miss something great. I have found one of my favorite artists there, Sherrie Larson. I am proud to have a few of her pieces hanging here in my loft in Atlanta. She may also be one of the nicest people you'd meet, as are most of the artists in the area.
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| Sherri Larson, Spooky Art |
Another must see is Louis Armstrong Park. It gets a little sketchy here around sunset, but man this park is amazing. Just be aware of your surroundings, don't do anything stupid and you'll be fine here. There are people everywhere, biking, skate boarding, playing music. It's ideal for people watching if you're into that (we all know I am!!). We walked through the park and on the other side stumbled into a real jazz funeral. The ONE thing I wanted to see while we were there and we caught the tail end of it. I felt very fortunate to have experienced such a thing.
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| Louis Armstrong Park |
I am going to preface this by stating I know a few of the staff here, so I have a different perspective of this place and I "may" be a bit spoiled every time I visit AND I go with a dear friend of mine who worked and even met her husband there. I have been all over this building on several tours, through the kitchen, ballrooms and on the balconies. This place is amazing. The food is to die for you will not have a bad meal here!! The drinks... heavenly. The atmosphere and history are breathtaking. If you have time, ask for a tour. If you make it to the kitchen, tell Skeeter I sent you. That man is magic in the kitchen and has a stellar personality to boot.
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| Mike, me and Skeeter. |
If you are in the mood for a cocktail in a gorgeous setting, the Hotel Monteleone cannot be beat! Their bar is actually a carousel. That's right. It spins, slowly, but it still makes full rotations. It would be a lot more fun if there were horses and such instead of the bar stools, but hey - still fun. The decor in this place is to DIE for, muted greys and purples with a clean, simple 1920s feel. I indulged in a few Jezebel's, very nice. Just a side note, you cannot order any kind of food or appetizers at the bar.
For the more "typical" New Orleans drinks, you can wander up Bourbon St. Do yourselves a favor people. Do NOT wear open toed shoes here!!! If you wonder what that smell is, it's vomit, urine and God only knows what else has been marinating out there for hundreds of years. You probably don't want it on your feet. I digress. Anyway, drinks. There is always Pat O'Briens, home of the famous Hurricane. I personally don't love the hurricane, so I treated myself to a Pat O's Rainstorm instead. This may actually be my favorite drink Pat's.
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| Pat O'Briens Rainstorm |
If you want to try something you cannot get in many other places, go to the Old Absinthe House
They prepare your Absinthe in the traditional manner by slow dripping cold water over a sugar cube into the drink. I am NOT a fan of licorice, but I like Absinthe - it's smooth, not too over powering and easy to drink. I love that Edgar Allen Poe would drink Absinthe and Brandy to find both his clarity and madness. Bring cash.
I don't believe you can get a bad meal in New Orleans. I suppose it's possible, anything is possible, but I have NEVER had a bad meal in this city. Here are a few of my favorites (outside of Antoine's, of course)!
I had the BEST bolognese I've ever had in the US here. It was dreamy and I washed it all down with some water and a cocktail called "Gator Juice". Easy, laid back atmosphere, professional yet fun staff, an ideal place to unwind at the end of a long day or beginning of a long night, whatever tickles your pickle.
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| Bolognese and Gator juice |
Next would be Stanley
The breakfast at Stanley is to DIE for; you really cannot go wrong with anything there but 2 of my favorites are the Breaux Bridge Benedict and the Eggs Benedict poor boy. I would love to try everything they have on the menu... maybe next trip.
Cajun Sausage Breakfast... 'nuff said. Andouille & Gator sausage, eggs, what??
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| Cajun sausage breakfast, Oceana Grill |
My last suggestion is Arnaud's. It's nice to dress up a little and go out at least one night on your vacation, this was Arnaud's for us. Get the shrimp and grits. You will NOT regret that decision. I know what you're thinking, I can get that anywhere. True. But it won't be THIS good.
I am not big on shopping, but I did a ton of it on this trip. There are so many unique shops here, things that appeal to my strange and dark side, beautiful creations. Go to each of the markets and walk to them. You might need to after all of the rich food you will stuff in your gullet.
Oh! VERY important. Please do NOT touch the performers. They are entertaining, working and not your pet. Be polite, if you take pictures with any of them or watch their shows, please tip them.
One of my absolute favorite artists is Arkicide Demonicus. Intimidating, beautiful, strange - all of the above, and one of the kindest creatures I've had the pleasure of meeting.
Oh! VERY important. Please do NOT touch the performers. They are entertaining, working and not your pet. Be polite, if you take pictures with any of them or watch their shows, please tip them.
One of my absolute favorite artists is Arkicide Demonicus. Intimidating, beautiful, strange - all of the above, and one of the kindest creatures I've had the pleasure of meeting.
In general, when you are in New Orleans, you must slow down and take a look around. You never know what you might see or who you may meet. Don't miss any opportunity to see the artists, the characters, the lovers, the fighters, the creative spirits, the sensitive souls. BE a part of it, let it inspire you, romance you, wrap you up in passion and touch the deepest parts of your soul.
Live it and love it or leave it.
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