Our baby moved to New Orleans this past May. So last week we gave him a little visit and turned it into a vacation for us. NOLA, like a lot of the rest of the nation, is still recovering from the last year filled with closings due to the pandemic. So I thought that I would share things to do in New Orleans with you!
Begniets at Cafe Du Monde
Yep, they are still open and going strong.
However, instead of going to the one in the Quarter, visit the one in City Park!
It’s newer, larger and you have beautiful scenery to look at while eating breakfast.
City Park
After eating thousands of calories at Du Monde’s, walk it off in City Park.
City Park has the most beautiful sprawling trees filled with Spanish Moss.
Follow the walking trail around the water, say hi to the ducks, geese and other wild life while you are there.
Interested in art?
Hit up the Museum of Modern Art.
For the little’s in your family, right outside of Cafe du Monde is a fun playground to work off a lot of energy.
Don’t forget to ride the train that goes through the park!
And there is a miniature golf course for all ages.
The French Quarter
Definitely for adults and I have to say that this past year hit The Quarter hard.
Seven years ago, on our last trip, there was lush plants on the galleries, all stores were open and they had a good stream of tourists everywhere you looked.
Not so this year.
Sadly, a ton of businesses were closed.
Tons of places were boarded up and empty.
I’d hazard a guess of almost 50%.
Even so, we did have a good time and found plenty of things to keep us busy.
Hit Bourbon street once, just to say that you’ve been there, done that and then head on out for other more enjoyable things to do.
Eat!
My favorite place to eat in The Quarter was Acme Oyster House.
I’m not into Oysters, but I did have their Red Beans and Rice followed by Bread Pudding.
That Bread Pudding had the best whiskey carmel sauce on it that I’ve ever had.
If you love a great small out of the way place to eat one of my Favorites in the area is The Camellia Grill.
It’s small, been around for a long time and has some of the best food – especially breakfast – that you will find anywhere.
Also, we met friends at The Rivershack as they had seen it on Diners, Drive-in’s and Dives.
Super fun, great Po Boys, fried green tomatoes and my husband loved the Turtle soup.
Shop
If you are into touristy type of souvenirs there are a ton of stores to find your treasures.
My favorite store was Bourbon Royale.
Located on Toulouse and Royale in The Quarter.
It has a little more upscale items that you might actually use or wear.
Of course, I found the perfect Queenly wine glasses!
Also, if for nothing else but the experience go to the French Market.
If you can’t find a souvenir there, you can’t find one.
Take A Tour
We took a Ghost Tour at night that was filled with history and very little ghosts.
Fine by me!
Then later in the week took a Garden District tour.
I love to take the tours because you get to see a side of NOLA that you wouldn’t normally find on your own.
These are just a few of the things to do in New Orleans.
Honestly, you could spend weeks in NOLA and not fit in everything you want to do.
I still haven’t ridden a street car or visited Frenchman’s Street to hear some real jazz.
However, I did get to sit at the Carousel bar for a spin or two and I did see where Payton and Eli Manning grew up on our tour of the Garden District.
Although I have to say there is one thing I did do really well.
I ate NOLA!
And I have the shirt to prove it.
Until next time…