TopFlight-Travel.com
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destination
  • Travel Ideas
No Result
View All Result
TopFlight-Travel.com
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destination
  • Travel Ideas
No Result
View All Result
TopFlight-Travel.com
No Result
View All Result
Home Destination

What To Do In New Orleans: Here’s My (Boyfriend’s) 4-Day Plan

Ashleigh Graham by Ashleigh Graham
0
What To Do In New Orleans

I have to tell you; I had a marvellous time in New Orleans! Have you ever been? I hadn’t, and it’s really like nowhere else I’ve ever been. In certain spots, it’s like you’re wandering around the streets of Paris, only everything has been magically bathed in tropical colours, and the people are suddenly entirely relaxed. You feel like you’re in the South with a capital’ S’ in other neighbourhoods. Still, other parts seemed not terribly unlike places we’re used to in DC and Maryland. And it’s all washed over with this incredible attitude of savoir-faire and charm—absolutely unique flavour. I was wild about it. If you’d like to have a glimpse of what to do in New Orleans keep on reading what I experienced in my trip, organised by my boyfriend.

What to do in New Orleans: Day 1

Cafe, parades and delicious dinner

At arrival, we dropped our bags at our lovely little hotel and went straight for beignets at Cafe Beignet, which were ridiculously fabulous. Beignets beat the pants of doughnuts because of their crunchiness, in my opinion. It’s like the best funnel cake ever for breakfast.

RelatedPosts

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia

5 Epic Challenging Hiking Trails for Experienced Trekkers

Thrill-Seeker’s Guide to Cliff Diving: Where to Find the Best Spots for Jumping Off Cliffs 

We ate them outside in Music Legends Park (where they have live music, even at 10 am…), and having just left 12°, New York, we could not get over how warm it was! I mean, we were sweating, but it felt so great. For the rest of the afternoon, we wandered around the French Quarter listening to street musicians, having gumbo at Coop’s Place, wandering through the French Market, eating deep-fried peanuts, walking along the Mississippi, and having Sazeracs at Napoleon House.

We woke up very early, so at check-in time, 4 pm, we took a nap courtesy of air travel and several Sazeracs. I was crazy about our hotel, the Place d’Armes, which was in an incredible location in the French Quarter and had a courtyard that knocked my socks off every time we came and went. Straight out of Tennessee Williams!

what to do in new orleans_hotel
Source: Frenchquarter.com – Facebook

Now, I’m sure this will not surprise most, but I (with my mid-Atlantic-centric knowledge base) was not aware that Mardi Gras is a season. I thought it was just a day. Not so! On our first day, there were three parades, so we went to Canal Street and caught the last one. The whole shebang was with marching bands and floats and bead throwing and drinking in the streets. (Curiously, there was no flashing.) An incredible and unique experience.

After the parade we wandered into a cool little joint, The Three Muses, to hear some music and have dinner (mussels and feta fries and Abita’s), all of which were wonderful. Why have I never thought of FETA on FRIES? Delicious. During the band’s set, an incredible washboard player, Washboard Chaz, quite literally wandered in off the street and began playing with them. Very impressive.

What to do in New Orleans: Day 2

Steamboat, po’boys and Degas House

The following day we took a ride on the Steamboat Natchez. I love boats – I find them exhilarating – cruising along and having some truly exceptional, award-winning Bloody Marys. All of the Bloody Marys I had in New Orleans were amazing (and believe me, it was no small number). The pickled okra and green beans instead of celery. Genius!

what to do in New Orleans_Steamboat
Source: Steamboat Natchez

After the boat, it was officially Po’ Boy Time, so we went to Parkway, where we shared a truly incredible fried shrimp po’boy and more Abitas. Out-of-control delicious. Highly recommended – sit at the bar to avoid the massive line. Be still my heart; that was amazing.

We explored the Mid-City neighbourhood the whole afternoon, looking at the gorgeous houses on Esplanade and eventually popping in to look around the Degas House. There’s a print of his there, and as you’re looking at you, you realise it’s a painting of the room you’re standing in!

What to do in New Orleans: Day 3

Lunch, shopping and Frenchman Street

Monday was very special. We took the streetcar to lunch at Commander’s Palace, which was marvellous from top to bottom. The level of service and the warmth and sweetness of the staff was something. And the place is beautiful. Turtle soup, shrimp and sherry bisque, shrimp and grits, strawberry shortcake, and bread pudding soufflé with WHISKEY CREAM SAUCE were all consumed; each course was more delicious than the last. And get this: for lunch, they do $.25 martinis! It was a meal, and an afternoon I shall never forget.

We strolled around the Garden District after lunch. It was pretty different from expected – on a very human scale like all of New Orleans. How sweet are these painted-on window boxes? Charm for days.

what to do in new orleans_Garden district
Source: Project Expedition

We stopped into a beautiful little furniture store, Nadeau, and I bought a jewellery chest for myself as a souvenir. I was wild for their stuff – lovely mirrors and chests and tables in brilliant colours and super affordable. It turns out they also have a location in New York! I plan to look them up in the Village at my first opportunity. 

That evening we went to Liuzza’s By The Tracks for gumbo and oyster po’boys and then hung out again on Frenchman Street and heard more New Orleans jazz at The Spotted Cat and the very marvellous Maison. You honestly can’t go wrong on Frenchman Street. Ended the evening with a nightcap at Perestroika at Pravda.

What to do in New Orleans: Final day

Bike ride and music

On our last morning, we finally hit up Cafe Du Monde. The coffee was fantastic, but, for my money, the beignets at Cafe Beignet have a slight edge – it’s the crunchiness! We decided to check out Audubon Park. From the French Quarter, it was about an hour bike ride through the CBD and Garden District, all flat as a pancake and lovely, and we even passed Terpsichore Street; thank you so much. We rode around the park and then took a different route back that was just as nice. Given that we had just biked for three hours, we thought it only fair that we should check out the Court of Two Sisters for their Jazz Brunch. Great food, really exceptional setting, and service from another time. Loved it.

The rest of the day was all about music, and all of it was fantastic. The quality and quantity of music in New Orleans are just unbelievable! We caught the show at Preservation Hall, then saw the Rebirth Brass Band at the Maple Leaf Bar, which was super crowded with students and tourists, ESPN people and pro football players and us. It was crazy, but like nothing I’ve heard before—a night must-see.

what to do in New Orleans_Maple leaf bar
Source: Maple Leaf Bar – Facebook

And then, alas, bright and early the following day (well, not so bright – it was still decidedly dark when we left), it was time to catch our flight home.

It was a spectacular trip – one I will never, ever forget. The food, the music, the attitude, and, most importantly, the company were all superb. I feel so grateful to my wonderful boyfriend for planning such a trip (and to the universe for giving me said, wonderful boyfriend). If you are wondering what to do in New Orleans, I’d say a January trip might make a perfect annual winter getaway…

Tags: French QuarterLouisianaUSA
ShareTweetPin1SendSend
Previous Post

Off-Season Travel: 5 Suggestions And Tips

Next Post

5 Food Places To Visit in New Orleans: What and Where

Related Posts

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia - Great wall of China

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia

by Gemma Marks

Discover the Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia with this comprehensive travel guide. Explore the rich cultural heritage of...

Experienced Female Trekker on one of the Challenging Hiking Trails

5 Epic Challenging Hiking Trails for Experienced Trekkers

by Gemma Arnold

Looking for a new challenge as an experienced hiker? Look no further than our list of 5 challenging hiking trails...

Best Spots for Jumping off Cliffs

Thrill-Seeker’s Guide to Cliff Diving: Where to Find the Best Spots for Jumping Off Cliffs 

by Gemma Marks

If you're an adrenaline junkie and love the thrill of jumping off cliffs, this travel guide is for you. Discover...

Fiordland National Park - Landscapes of New Zealand

5 Majestic Landscapes of New Zealand

by Gemma Marks

Discover the stunning Landscapes of New Zealand with this comprehensive travel guide. From the snow-capped Southern Alps to the rugged...

Grand Canyon National Park national parks in the united states

Travel Guide for National Parks in the United States

by Gemma Marks

Discover the natural beauty of the United States by exploring its national parks. This travel guide highlights some of the...

Europe’s Finest Island-Hopping Locations

by Gemma Marks

Europe offers the best island-hopping destinations. If you're looking to spend your summer in Europe, here's a guide for you.

Next Post
Food Places To Visit in New Orleans

5 Food Places To Visit in New Orleans: What and Where

US cities to visit in the fall folliage

10 US Cities To Visit In The Fall With Picturesque Scenery

best bungee jumping spots
Travel Ideas

10 Best Bungee Jumping Spots to Experience

by Gemma Marks

Looking for the best bungee jumping spots in the world? This comprehensive travel guide has got you covered! Explore the...

Read more
Waffles - Food tour in Belgium

Food Tour in Belgium: Plan Your Gastric Itinerary

Perfect Vietnamese Destinations for Food Tour

10 Perfect Vietnamese Destinations for Food Tour

Island hopping in the Mediterranean

14 Things to Know When Island Hopping in the Mediterranean

7 Tips for Backpacking in a National Park

7 Tips for Backpacking in a National Park

10 Things To Do In Maui
Destination

Things To Do in Maui – Follow My Top 10 Suggestions

by Ashleigh Graham

I’ve read enough travel articles that provide evidence that people specifically love lists about travel. That sounds right up my...

Read more

An Overview Of The Best Places to Stay in Tokyo

9 Tips For Staying Healthy While Travelling

Hotels in Rotterdam: 8 Of My Favourites

Have A Look At This List Of 20 Free Things To Do In Madrid!

11 Sun-Drenched Winter Escapes

11 Sun-Drenched Winter Escapes
by Gemma Marks

If you are looking for winter escapes, these eleven destinations are my top-picks for you.

Read more

11 Best Top Places To Visit In The USA

Top Places To Visit In The USA Couple Tourist In Statue Of Liberty
by Gemma Arnold

Discover the top places to visit in the USA, from the historic landmarks of the Statue of Liberty and...

Read more

Top 10 Islands in Vietnam

Top 10 Islands in Vietnam
by Gemma Marks

If you are planning to go to Vietnam, this guide is helpful! You'll know which islands in Vietnam you...

Read more

Important Travel Tips in Thailand

Travel Tips in Thailand Ayutthaya Woman Tourist Reading The Map
by Gemma Arnold

Discover important travel tips in Thailand that will help you interact with locals and expand your business cycle.

Read more
Spending Seven Hours in Magnificent Tallinn

Spending Seven Hours in Magnificent Tallinn

by Ashleigh Graham

If you've ever wondered what you can see and do in a city in a mere seven hours, I have...

Top 8 Church Towers to Climb in Europe

My Top 8 Church Towers to Climb in Europe

by Ashleigh Graham

One of my favourite things to do when travelling anywhere is to find places with high vantage points that give...

Magnificent Beaches in Lefkada

10 Magnificent Beaches in Lefkada

by Ashleigh Graham

Cliffs and coves meet azure, pristine waters through which you can see all way to the bottom. Lefkada is undoubtedly...

Awesome Family Resorts in Minnesota

10 Awesome Family Resorts in Minnesota

by Ashleigh Graham

There are many resorts spread throughout Minnesota. The state, popularly known as "The Land of 10,000 lakes", is home to...

  • About
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact Us

Categories

  • Budget
  • Cold
  • Destination
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Luxury
  • Travel Ideas
  • Unique
  • Warm

Topics

Asia Australia bars Beach Brazil California Canada Caribbean Castle Central America China clubs cruise Denmark Europe Finland France fun Germany Greece hotels India Ireland Irish Island Italy Japan Kilmainham Mediterranean museums Ontario Scandinavia Slovenia snow South America Spain Sweden Thailand travelling Turkey UK US USA vacation WA

Recent News

Group of Friends Enjoying Europe's Music Festivals (Source: Canva)

A Guide to Europe’s Music Festivals: The Ultimate Cultural Immersion

Romantic Beach Getaways: Couple Walking On A White Sandbar (Source: Canva)

Romantic Beach Getaways: The Most Romantic Destinations for Couples

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia - Great wall of China

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia

Wilderness Survival: Hiker Couple Preparing Tea In Wilderness (Source: Canva)

Wilderness Survival: Learning Skills and Techniques for Emergencies While Backpacking

  • About
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact Us

© 2022 topflight-travel.com - Brought to you by The Dinner Media Group.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destination
  • Travel Ideas

© 2022 topflight-travel.com - Brought to you by The Dinner Media Group.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In