I just got back from spending a weekend in New Orleans. It was my first time in the flavorful city–and I absolutely loved it! There is so much color, grit, smiles, art, good food, and music (not to mention you can roam the streets with the adult beverage of your choice). Let me show you around: 
Don’t miss out on brunch at Restaurant Stanley, right in the heart of the French Quarter. Get a load of the seafood concoction we enjoyed. While you’re at it, grab a large Irish coffee to go.
The New Orleans Museum of Art has a spectacular free Sculpture Garden. There were so many great pieces to wander around and discover.
There are quite a few oyster bars in the area, and many of them are packed. We got in immediately at Felix’s after waiting some time at another restaurant. I’m so glad we gave it a try. They folks working behind the bar were fun to talk to and it’s so cool to watch them shuck. If you’ve never had charbroiled oysters, get on it. They are so good!
We accidentally stumbled across the House of Blues who happened to be hosting a craft beer fair alongside some tunes.
Anyone who’s spent time in New Orleans will tell you that you have to hit up Cochon–and they are completely right. This place rocks. Order as much as your tummy can handle. Don’t miss out on my new favorite Louisiana beer, Envie, from Parish Brewing.
Now if you’re in NOLA, you at least gotta get the Bourbon Street experience for a drink or two. Sadly, there isn’t a ton of the great Louisiana blues you’d hope to find there–except at Maison Bourbon. Stop by and listen for a while.
Cochon’s sister restaurant, Butcher, is also a must. I swear, they serve the best shrimp and grits I’ve ever eaten in my entire life. While you’re there, pick up a bottle of their hot sauce. It’s killer.
If you need a pick me up, swing by Revelator Coffee. It’s cute and quick. 
We hopped on the Mississippi for an afternoon cruise. There’s not a ton to see, but it was fun. The Steamboat Nactchez claims to be the only real steamboat around.
Instead of spending all your time on Bourbon Street, walk up and down Frenchman Street. This is blues central! While exploring the area, we swung by 30/90 and got the poutine, topped with crawfish etouffe. YUM.
Next we split an alligator sausage at Dat Dogs. It was fantastic. Then you get to sit back on their second floor balcony and watch the city’s mayhem unfold before your eyes. It’s almost as entertaining as the live music.
Out of nowhere, we stumbled across Cafe Amelie, a quite garden which seemed slightly out of place because it was so peaceful. Again, we split the creamed oysters (and probably gave ourselves gout it was so good).
Another great spot on Frenchman Street to soak up some vibes is Bamboula’s. The city really is filled with amazing talent and so many artists. All you have to do is wander around and listen for something you like–when you do–grab a drink and stay a while.
We split our stay between two hotels, the Aloft and Moxy Hotel. Both were great. Moxy had so much personality and was definitely geared toward millennials with all its tiny trendy details and quirky furnishings.
Can’t wait to see you again, NOLA!
for the love of nike 
Love the photos! I’m looking to visit New Orleans in a couple of months and your photos show it just how I imagined it!
oh man! I loved New Orleans even more than I thought I would. You could people watch for hours, the architecture is breathtaking, and it feels like you’ve stepped back in time.
Just so you know, we are not a blues city. We are a jazz city. If you want good blues, head to Memphis. If you want real Creole cooking head into Treme or the 7th Ward. Next time you come, let me know. We’ll help you get away from tourist central 🙂 and into the neighborhoods. If you are lucky, you might even get to see a neighborhood second line or jazz funeral. Or, come down for Mardi Gras. But, start planning and booking it now.
Oh really? I didn’t realize that. You’re so lucky to live in New Orleans–what a city! I really loved it!!!!!
Hi. Jazz began here. In Treme. Louis Armstrong brought out into the world. It morphed into the street sound you hear, bounce, funk and so on… If you want to hear what it sounds like now, look up Trombone Shorty on YouTube. His second album nails it. Living here is like living anywhere else, I suppose. Don’t get me started on the pot holes, the crime or even the major roadwork that is never ending. OTH, we live here. So that should tell you something. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed. BTW, the park that you went to.. was designed by the same man who designed Central Park in NYC.
I’ll definitely have to check that out!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!! and I didn’t know that about the park either!
No place like it. Eat much? Hope you strolled Bourbon St. with at least one Mango Daiquiri in hand. Yummy.
It really is a great place! I loved it there. And yes! We did indulge in a giant daiquiri–hahaha! yum!
I am in love with the photographs! The city looks so vibrant and colourful. Thanks for sharing. Do drop by my blog as well : http://styleovercoffee.com 🙂
Gorgeous gallery. Would love to visit there!
thank you!
Photos look amazing! New Orleans is high up on my bucket list.
it was for me too! can’t wait to go back. Thanks for stopping by!
Amazing pictures! I visited once and badly want to go back.
thank you so much!