Curator’s statement
We visited New Orleans for a long weekend to celebrate our anniversary. Everything about the city feels iconic and so unique. We are huge Vampire Diaries and The Originals fans, so this felt like stepping into the stories, and was such a fun experience. It is definitely a city where anything goes, but in such a fun way!
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Where to stay in New Orleans, LA
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Things to do in New Orleans, LA
Paddle Wheeler Cruise
Paddle wheeler cruise: This was the first thing we did the day we arrived in New Orleans, and it was the perfect start. Moving slowing along the river while sampling Gumbo or Jambalaya is the perfect start to the weekend.
French Quarter/Voodoo walking tour: New Orleans has a dark history for sure, but I’m willing to bet it’s different than you think!
Garden District tour: Not only absolutely beautiful, but interesting history for sure and a nice escape from the bustle of the French Quarter.
Cemetery tour: I know this may sound a little morbid, but the history of the cemeteries in New Orleans is fascinating!
Mardi Gras World: Even if you are not visiting during Mardi Gras, you can get a little taste of it here! This is where many of the floats are made and you can see up close how its done. There is a whole warehouse full of past floats that you can walk through and it is so cool to see them up close! You will get to taste some King Cake during your visit as well.
Frenchman Street: This is a MUST DO! There are so many jazz clubs lining the street, and each one is unique and fabulous! There were jazz bands performing on the street as well, and it was such a good time. Hands down, one of our favorite things.
Swamp tour: Take a boat ride into the Bayou, get up close with some of the local wildlife, including birds, alligators, and even a baby raccoon! Who knew alligators loved marshmallows?!
The New Orleans School of Cooking cooking class: Learn how to cook authentic New Orleans traditional dishes.
Vue Orleans: A really cool and unique museum that follows the history of New Orleans.
Shopping in the Arts District
Places to eat & drink in New Orleans, LA
Balcony view at Cornet Restaurant on Bourbon St.
Café Du Monde: Iconic beignets and chicory coffee
Cornet Restaurant: Snag a table upstairs on the balcony for amazing views of Bourbon St. and Cajun Creole cuisine.
MRB Restaurant: Crawfish, Oysters, and bar food with a rustic atmosphere and a great back patio. There are games and pool tables as well.
Pat O’Brians: Irish Pub on Bourbon St, also with a great patio and fountain. Home of the original Hurricane cocktail.
Olde Nola Cookery: Classic New Orleans cuisine
Café Beignet: Don’t tell anyone, but we actually preferred the beignets here to Café Du Monde, but don’t take my word for it; definitely try both!
Need to know
New Orleans is a place that definitely needs a plan. Wandering around Bourbon St. can get old really fast, but this city has so much history and much of it is fascinating! It is one of those places that is so unique and iconic, you feel like you’ve been there before.
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Ayn Anderson
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