New Orleans is one of those special places that takes a hold of your heart and doesn’t let go.
And it does so without expectation. Known as the birthplace of jazz, the place to be for Mardi Gras and the epicenter of Creole cuisine, visitors come here unaware of its power on your soul. This city will draw you back again and again. Perhaps, it’s the city’s overall vibe — its Creole culture and vibrant history, amazing food and music. Or maybe it’s the people — resilient, creative and so friendly. I believe it’s all of these things, just like a perfect recipe! My family spent three days exploring New Orleans as part of a road trip that included other “southern” stops including Memphis. And although our kids were young back then – too young to enter most bars and jazz clubs- we discovered that the “Big Easy” offers enough things to do to enjoy family time in the “Big Easy.”
So let’s start with a brief..
HISTORY
New Orleans is heavily influenced by its French and Spanish history. It was founded by the French and ruled for 40 years by the Spanish. In 1803, it was bought by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. And a couple of “small” battles were fought over this city, including the War of 1812 and the Civil War.
Its nickname — the Big Easy — refers to its people and their easy-going, laid back attitude to life. No rushing around in the Big Easy.
Getting the most out of your visit to this city, like most places, requires planning, especially if visiting during popular events like the Mardi Gras. So let’s begin with…
WHEN TO GO
New Orleans is an extremely popular place to visit. And like I stated before, there are certain times of year when crowds take over the city. Spring is considered New Orleans’ peak season. Weather is warming up and it’s the beginning of festival season — from Mardi Gras, to the French Quarter Festival, to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the list goes on. It’s also a great time to explore the bayou or take a swamp tour. Less buggy!
My family’s visit took place in the summer time. And yes — it is hot and humid. But this weather means less crowds and great hotel and restaurant deals.
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation choices abound in the Big Easy. Looking to be right in the middle of the party action of the French quarter or perhaps want a more quiet place to rest your head? No worries. There are many options ranging from upscale hotels, motels to lovely b&bs. The Big Easy offers accommodations for any taste and budget. You just need to do some research to find what works best for you and your fellow travelers.
Our choice was The Drury Inn and we couldn’t have been happier. Clean, spacious rooms with a free, bountiful breakfast AND a happy hour with free drinks and food everyday starting at 4pm. Perfect!
Now it’s time to plan how to spend your time and all the…
THINGS TO DO
Explore the French Quarter
Like with any city, my advice is to start your visit by walking around. And there is no better or more beautiful place to start your Big Easy journey than in the French quarter, the city’s historic heart. New Orleans is one of the few cities in America that truly has a European vibe.
It is here that visitors can take in its colorful buildings with cast-iron balconies as well as enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife. And then there is Bourbon Street. Quite an interesting street to explore with small kids but it’s worth the adventure. Full of jazz clubs, Cajun eateries and raucous bars, it’s certainly an eye opening experience.
But like I’ve said before, always make sure to explore outside the tourist hub. Branching off from the revelry of Bourbon Street, one can find quieter streets that offer other treasures. Explore the French Market with gourmet food and local crafts, and then head over to Jackson Square to visit…
St. Louis Cathedral
Originally built in 1727 and dedicated to King Louis IX of France, It is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States. The original St. Louis Cathedral burned during the great fire of 1794 and was rebuilt.
Visitors can attend mass, tour inside this beautiful cathedral and watch street performers in front of this soaring beautiful cathedral.
For more information on this iconic site, visit its website: https://www.stlouiscathedral.org/
Once you’re done exploring this area, head over to…
Pirate’s Alley
one of the “must see” locations of the French Quarter.
The alley is one block long, and extends from Chartres St. at Jackson Square to Royal St.
Stories abound about its origins. Some claim that it was a haven for pirates while others claim that slaves were sold nearby. Truth or fabrication? Either way, it makes for good storytelling.
No. 624 Pirate’s Alley was designated a Literary Landmark by the Friends of New Orleans Public Library on June 25th, 1993 in honor of American author William Faulkner. Faulkner lived on the ground floor of the house in 1925 and wrote his first novel here.
Tired of all the walking? Then, it’s time to…
Take a Trolley ride
on the historic St. Charles Streetcar line. It is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world, as it has been in operation since 1835.
We took the historic St. Charles trolley car to…
Explore the Garden District
a charming neighborhood with oak lined streets and beautiful gardens and homes.
In this district, visitors have an array of sites to take in. Lafayette Cemetery is filled with ornate, 19th-century tombs. Into shopping? Boutiques and antique shops along with lovely cafes and restaurants line the main street. Looking to take in some nature? Explore Audubon Park. And if you’re feeling a bit “collegiate,” head over to Tulane University to walk around its campus.
All of this exploring certainly will work up an appetite. And New Orleans won’t disappoint with its offerings of unique and delicious food. Try some…
Beignets, Muffalattas and Po’Boys — Oh My!
New Orleans is know for its amazing cuisine.
The European influence as well as its proximity to great Gulf Coast fishing resonates loud and strong in all its dishes.
Here are some of our NOLA “food” highlights:
- Cafe du Monde is a must stop for their famous beignets. Donuts without a hole and sprinkled with sugar, these pillowy delights are so delicious. Just ask my daughter! But she learned the hard way that wearing black while enjoying these delights is a fashion mistake.
- Muffalattas reign supreme at the Central Grocery, where these very big sandwiches got their start. Consisting of a large round roll of Italian bread split in half and filled with layers of hard salami, ham, provolone, and olive salad, this is one amazing sandwich.
- Oysters served in all ways are a must at Acme Oyster House and,
- Po’Boy sandwiches served throughout the city became one of my favorites. These sandwiches orginated in the Martin Brothers’ French Market Restaurant and Coffee Stand during the 1929 streetcar strike. Po’Boys almost always consist of meat, which is usually roast beef or some sort of fried seafood served on New Orleans French bread.
You’re eating all this amazing food so, of course, you want to learn how to whip it up when you get home. So…
Take a Cooking Class!
Immersing yourself in the foods of your destination is a wonderful way to meet locals, brush up on your cooking skills as well as get helpful hints on where to go for your next meal!
The New Orleans Cooking school offered a variety of classes and was a hit with the entire family. We learned how to cook gumbo, jambalaya and pralines. Kudos to our amazing teacher!
Enjoy Mardi Gras (even when it’s not February!)
Not able to visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras? No problem. Head over to the Mardi Gras Museum.
Located in the Port of New Orleans along the Mississippi River, this “art museum” provides visitors with a behind the scenes of the work of Kern Studios who design the Mardi Gras floats. It’s really a not to be missed museum!
Voodoo, anyone?
New Orleans conjures up all things voodoo. And when in New Orleans, one must visit the famous Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo.
This tiny shop sells voodoo dolls, talismans & spell kits, plus offers on site psychic readings. So I went for it!
And this skeptic was blown away! I was told things that were too personal or specific for her to have known.
Believe or not to believe? That is up to you! Either way, it provided an hour of fun and lots of conversation afterwards.
Explore its cemeteries
Sounds a bit spooky? Perhaps. But New Orleans is known for its beautiful cemeteries and the famous who are buried there. Whether you take a tour or explore on your own, here are some “cemetery” highlights.
St.Louis Cemetery is one of the oldest and most haunted of them all. Marie Laveau is buried here. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is another popular resting place. Featured in Anne Rice novels and several movies including Double Jeopardy, it is quite historic and beautiful. Art lovers will love St. Louis Cemetery No. 3.
Whether you visit all or just one, you won’t be disappointed. And did you know that New Orleans has the largest percentage of above ground burials at 90%? This is due to the city’s high water table.
Visit some famous music institutions (even if your kids can’t enter!)
Two famous places to experience jazz and all things New Orleans included “Preservation” and “Tipitinas.” Unfortunately, at the time of our visit, our kids were under age. But that doesn’t mean we couldn’t take a listen or take a picture.
Take in a football game at the SuperDome
The Caesars Superdome is a multi-purpose stadium located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana. It is the home stadium of the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League.
Our visit coincided with the 5 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the Saints first exposition game at the SuperDome since the big storm.
There was such energy in the city and the people were just amazing.
Of course, if you wish, you can explore more of this area and…
Venture outside its center
Swamp and bayou tours are popular options for visitors. Experience – and even feed – gators and other wildlife. My family didn’t have time to participate in these tours. But maybe on our next visit!
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New Orleans was one stop on a road trip that included Louisville, Memphis and the Great Smokey Mountains. And in my initial planning, this city wasn’t originally going to make the cut. But I’m so glad that I reversed that decision. It turned out to be one of our most loved places to visit.
Hoping to visit the Big Easy again in the near future ( just hubby and me) and experience the music and clubs of this amazing city.
To read about our adventures in Louisville and Memphis, head over to my destination page and enjoy:https://followmyyellowbrickroad.com/?page_id=5681