A Weekend in the Arts District of New Orleans

Take Friday off and fly into the city, getting there by early afternoon or sooner. Take a cab (Insider tip: $36 fixed rate for 1-2 passengers plus tip) and head to either the Warehouse Renaissance Arts Marriott hotel or the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot.

Get settled into your boutique or unique hotel. Check in and if you’re hungry for a late lunch, walk over to St. James Cheese Co, Warehouse/Downtown location. It’s a block away and you can get some fresh salads, sandwiches and even a customizable cheeseboard. Of course, they also have some lovely cocktails if you’re in the mood for a glass of wine. Don’t worry, if you don’t drink alcohol, the iced tea is freshly made daily and there are plenty of other beverages to enjoy.

Next, start wandering around the neighborhood on foot. Adjacent to the Renaissance Arts Hotel and actually included as part of the entrance from the lobby is the B. Fos Art Gallery. This is a local and modern artist. Enjoy the bright paintings and the Chihuly artwork hanging in the hotel lobby. Next, make your way over to Julia St by 5 pm or so. (If it’s not the first weekend, then get there by 3 pm). Wander your heart up and down Julia St for the next four blocks. One of my favorite galleries is the Ariodante Contemporary Art and Craft Gallery which is run by some lovely ladies and has some of the most creative art pieces which you can take home, without checking a suitcase! Linger as you wish in all of these art galleries and take notes which ones are open on Saturday, so if you wish to return for more introspection, you can do so.

Lastly, it’s up to you — if you want a casual meal, head to Sofia’s for Italian food in a fun and festive atmosphere. It’s right on Julia St and down the street from Ariodante. If you want something a little more fancy, try to find a seat at the bar at Emeril’s, also nearby on the corner of Julia and Tchoupitoulas, or if you want some great cocktails and good seafood, head over to Peche and try to snag a seat at the bar. (Insider tip: if you really want to eat at Peche, then make a reservation weeks in advance.) For a late night cap, if you like a casual vibe, hang in the District bar or Vic's, both on Tchoupitoulas. Or for a more classy and intimate vibe, walk to Pluck Wine bar on Girod St (one block parallel to Julia St.) for dessert and a fancy late night glass of wine. (Insider tip: They usually are open till 11 pm or midnight on Friday and Saturday nights, but check their social media page as sometimes hours can become seasonal).

Saturday, wake up and head to the coffee shop next door to St. James Cheese if that’s what you need. Or, if you're craving some local flavor, have some beignets at your hotel in the Legacy Craft Kitchen Tavern. They have 2 size options, so you can have as many or as few as you want! Their motto is "beignets served all day every day." If you want to stretch your legs a little bit and get some fresh air, then walk around the corner and down the block to 725 Magazine St. for Bittersweet Confections. Although I’m not a coffee drinker, I can attest that they have amazing pastries, a longstanding barista and fantastic chocolate truffles! Resume wandering around the neighborhood and this time take yourself towards the CAC (Contemporary Arts Center) and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Both should occupy the day for you, and between if you want lunch nearby, there is the American Sector restaurant at the WW2 museum, as well as any of the above mentioned restaurants.

There is also the New Orleans Glassworks & Printmaking Studio museum nearby which, if you have an interest, you might enjoy a visit. Or, if you're tired, maybe take a break at the hotel and freshen up after a dip in the heated pool and head over to Gianna, Vyoone’s or Meril’s for dinner. Vyoone's is a classy hidden gem with fine French cuisine owned and run by two women. Meril's is a little more casual and has Southern fare, while Gianna has amazing Italian food and a wood-fired grill. All three can please any appetite and all are within walking distance of either hotel. This time, get your late night beverage to go from the restaurant and then head back to the hotel for a quick dip in the rooftop hot tub before it closes at 10 pm. Take a peek at the stars in the sky and relax and sleep well. (Insider tip: it's a stainless steel hot tub and it's lovely!)

Sunday morning, have a filling brunch at St. James Cheese Co or Bittersweet Confections and check out of the hotel leisurely. If neither of those spots suits you, take a look into dining at Ruby Slipper which has multiple locations and likely has one a few extra walking blocks away. Sunday morning, have some more beignets or brunch at your choice of any of the above mentioned spots, including St. James Cheese Co Downtown. If you can get a late checkout or leave your bags with the bellmen, and if you have time, schedule yourself a massage (book online in advance) at Nola Bliss Massage. (Insider tip: It's New Orleans' premier massage spot and it's walking distance from your hotel!) They can do couples' massage or Ashiatsu and have many time slots and many wonderful therapists! Lastly, have the hotel bellman hail you a cab to the airport in time for your flight home. Remember cabs are fixed rate at $36 for 1-2 ppl plus tip and they all take credit cards. (Insider tip: Uber/Lyft have huge surcharges if there is a major event, such as a home football game going on on Sunday).