New Orleans has a special place in my heart. I visited this amazing city for the first time over a decade ago as part of a road trip with my husband and two children. Its impact on us, however, was long-standing, with my hubby and I talking about returning again one day as just a couple. Fortunately, a special birthday and a jazz festival proved to be the catalysts for making our wish come true. Join us on our four fun-filled days and a Big Easy birthday celebration we shall never forget.
Day 1 – Arrival in the Big Easy
Unlike many big cities, New Orleans has little in the way of a mass transit system. There are no subways to whisk you downtown. Choices of transport into downtown include an airport or hotel shuttle, a taxi, or an Uber or Lyft. Of course, if you rent a car, finding your way into downtown is not an issue. But a word of advice: If you plan on just spending time in NOLA and not branching out into other areas of Louisiana, no rental car is needed. You’ll wind up paying a hefty daily parking fee at your hotel. Walking and the streetcar are really all you need to explore this city.
Since an early morning arrival did not allow hotel check-in, we dropped off our luggage and headed out for some breakfast. Ruby Slipper Cafe was our breakfast choice and it did not disappoint. A breakfast margarita was in order along with shrimp and grits, a gulf shrimp omelet, and of course some homemade biscuits.
With our bellies full, we began exploring.
Our first stop was the Historic New Orleans Collection, a museum and research center located in the French Quarter dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region of the United States. I booked our online, FREE-timed tickets before we departed from home. Great way to get acclimated to the city.
Hotel check-in time was finally upon us. After unpacking and cleaning up, we headed out to Treme, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, which was initially the main neighborhood of its free people of color.
Our walk took us through Louis Armstrong Park, past many residences as well as the Treme community center. Our final, and major reason for heading over this way, was our dinner destination. Before we departed from home, I booked dinner reservations at the iconic Dooky Chase Restaurant. I suggest if you want to eat here, please do the same. They don’t take walk-ins. There is a sign on their entry that clearly states this.
An Uber back to the French Quarter, an evening stroll along the Mississippi a walk through Jackson Square and stunning views of St. Louis Cathedral topped off our perfect day.
Day 2- Satchmo Festival & White Linen Night
It’s Satchmo Festival time!
The main reason for visiting NOLA this time around was to celebrate my husband’s birthday. To say he is a huge jazz fan is an understatement. And by happenstance, his birthday fell over the same weekend that the Satchmo Festival was to be held.
In honor of the legendary Louis Armstrong, who was born on August 4th in New Orleans, attendees are treated to two stages of music, a delicious culinary lineup featuring Louisiana restaurants, and an incredible indoor lecture series on Armstrong’s history and enduring impact.
The man known around the world as “Satchmo,” short for Satchelmouth, was widely recognized as a founding father of jazz – a uniquely American art form.
This nickname was given to Mr. Armstrong back in 1932, when Melody Maker magazine editor Percy Brooks greeted Armstrong in London with “Hello, Satchmo!” and the nickname stuck.
His influence as an artist and cultural icon is universal, unmatched, and very much alive today.
The National Jazz Museum was opened up for this event. Housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint, it is in the heart of the city’s vibrant music scene, offering visitors interactive exhibits, multi-generational educational programming, research facilities, and engaging musical performances.
It was time to get back to the hotel, wash up and don our white clothes. Why? It was the White Linen night!
Every year on the first Saturday in August, Fidelity Bank White Linen Night takes over the Warehouse/Arts District in New Orleans with a sea of white attire.
Art galleries open their doors for the public to view what the talented local artists and galleries along Julia Street offer. All attendees are invited to don their favorite white linen apparel and head out to Julia Street for an evening of gallery hopping, art shopping, food, and drink.
This couple enjoyed every minute of it.
A hankering for some Mexican food led to dinner at Juan’s Flying Tacos. Yum!
Day 3- Sunday Jazz Brunch, Satchmo Festival, and Marie Laveau
Our day started with a delicious jazz brunch at the Red Fin Grill. Sunday jazz brunches are offered throughout the city so just do some research to decide which one works best for you.
More amazing jazz at the Satchmo Festival followed. After we had our fill, we were off to explore some more.
The next stop was a visit to Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo. My family stopped into this store over a decade ago and, yes, this skeptical woman opted to have a reading. Quite a bit of what she said was spot on so I figured I’d go for it again this time.
No visit to New Orleans is complete without having a delicious Po’Boy sandwich and Killer Po’Boys in Erin Rose bar did not disappoint.
Day 4 – The Garden District, Preservation Hall, and Birthday Dinner
Happy Birthday to my husband!
His special day started with us taking the St. Charles streetcar to explore the Garden District of NOLA. A lovely breakfast at The Vintage and we were off on our DIY walking tour to explore the beauty, history, and architecture of this area. Download a map and you can do the same.
After we were done, a ride back into town and some pizza was in order.
We explored more of the French Quarter, including the William Faulkner bookstore on Pirate’s Alley.
Next up was a 5 pm show at the iconic Preservation Hall to hear their famous brass jazz band.
Thanks to all the members for an amazing show, especially our new favorite trombone player!
A beautiful birthday dinner at GW Fins topped off the day.
Day 5 – Departure
Sadly, all amazing travel adventures come to an end. But what an amazing time we had in the Big Easy! We know we will be back and I hope you’ll give this special city a visit as well.
Keep a look out for my next post which will include my top tips when visiting The Big Easy!
