[ New Orleans ] No Lie NOLA
NOLA is no joke when it comes to living that wild life. From the bountiful variety of eatery to the exuberant music reverberating through the streets to the tireless energy decorously filling the thick, humid air, New Orleans is a chapter of its own in a world of animated buoyancy. But even amongst its restless spirit, there is no mistaking its heavy history and distinct artistic culture. It carries through every rustic wall and austere fabric, pridefully and unapologetically--a nod to its unconventional nature and past. You are constantly reminded that early American history is still as ever-present in our homes as much as we open our eyes to it.
I'm grateful to be able to see this side of American roots, adding more dimension to understanding the soil beneath our feet and sky above our heads. But even more so learn the land I call home through new eyes and expansive curiosity. It just goes to show that you don’t have to travel far to take in different cultures and perspectives, while still coming home feeling fulfilled by a foreignness that makes you wholly appreciate these specific opportunities.
Though I was only there for a couple of days, we were still able to pack in a lot and really take in NOLA for all that it had to offer. I do plan on coming back, especially to experience Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest but until then here are just a couple of my recommendations:
Food & Drinks
This is an old-world inspired restaurant with its interiors and decor boasting a time warp back into the 40s-50s eras. It was our first stop for food as soon as we walked into the main NOLA area and we did not hold back on ordering as many of the French- & Spanish-influenced dishes. They also have a great Sazerac cocktails collection to try. But what you absolutely must have is the Bananas Foster! They will make it in front of you, fire and all, for the fresh and crisp taste of the best dessert you’ll have in NOLA.
If you don’t get some famous NOLA seafood on your trip, you are doing it wrong. Especially oysters. We did a lot of research into where the best spot for oysters would be and Acme was on the top of the list…and we can see why! Though there is quite a wait, it definitely doesn’t disappoint. Order yourself a heaping of oysters, raw and fried, and let the cajun decadence melt fully in your mouth.
New Orleans is just vibrant with oldtime classics and ode to the many prominent cultures its gathered influences from. Commander’s Palace is one that surely does that with its Creole-infused Lousiana cuisine in an extravagant location that mimics the many mansions in the Garden District. It’s a little on the fancier side so I’d dress up a little and does require reservations ahead of time. I can’t say this was my favorite meal, and it definitely wasn’t my wallet’s favorite either, but it’s more for the experience and jazzy vibes.
Cafe Du Monde
I mean, do I even have to add this?! Everyone knows that if you’re not knee deep in these powdery sweetness of beignets, then why did you even go to New Orleans??? This is a classic and an absolute must. Yes, there will always be a wait and yes, you will be sharing tables or at least brushing shoulders with the next table, but this is all part of the authentic and perfectly messy experience of enjoying these melt-in-your-mouth order-by-the-dozen doughy goodness. (pictured above)
All I have to say is YES YES YES. This place is right on Frenchmen Street aka the heart of nightlife in NOLA and was absolutely so much fun. Can’t say I remember much about the food because my attention was focused on the live music playing in here, which is the perfect start to your night out. NOLA doesn’t shy away from all the live music you can listen to, especially jazz, so I’d highly recommend just checking them all out. But this place certainly stood out for me, and it helped that our waitress took a shot with us :)
This was recommended by a friend, specifically for brunch. It’s a quaint little spot with a certain raw and rustic charm that reminded me of something you’d find in Brooklyn. The food was amazing and absolutely perfect, authentic dishes with a modern twist. Definitely coming back on my next trip here! (pictured above)
I mentioned how you cannot come to New Orleans without having seafood, right? Gumbo is a staple dish and the kind of food you want when you’re sick, having a bad day, need a little warmth and comfort, or maybe, more likely, hungover. It’s a little hidden where you’ll see the wooden hanging sign that just says The Gumbo Shop, which is really all you need to get at this place. It was so cute and absolutely perfect for our first meal of the day after quite a night out.
New Orleans is home to the classic Sazerac cocktail and Carousel Bar is known to house one of the best. It’s located inside a fancy schmancy hotel called Hotel Monteleone and grandly boasts an actual, rotating, carousel bar in the center of the room. Seats are usually full but wait a while to grab yourself a seat on this moving bar because it’s actually pretty cool and because, why the hell not? (pictured left)
Music
Frenchmen Street
As I mentioned above, NOLA thrives at night with the streets echoing with all sorts of live music. It just makes the city feel so alive and pulsating with raw energy. I think that’s what makes me love it here so much because it reminds me of how NY comes alive at night, too. And you really can’t go wrong with walking into any place your ears guide you to because any place will host amazing performances, people will be dancing, and everyone will just be having too much of a good time to care about anything else! It’s quite the scene, really. We just walked around Frenchmen Street and went into any place, like the one pictured to right where we ended up dancing on stage with the band!
Of course, if you want to experience traditional jazz in an historic spot that is specifically made to preserve the authenticity of the city that started it all, Preservation Hall is where you’ll want to be. It has been around since the 60s and is the heart of jazz origins in NOLA. It’s a venue but emulates a setting of gathering in someone’s home to listen to some evening music. This is the kind of place you’d have to reserve and purchase tickets ahead of time and is usually about 45 minutes per set. I’d suggest doing this at the start of your night to get the live jazz momentum going for the rest of the evening. (pictured left)
Things To Do
Day stroll through French Quarters
How else are you going to get that iconic corner picture with the recognizable floral iron railings (pictured right)? I’m not even saying that as sarcasm, the architecture and structures of New Orleans are unique in every way and deserve extra attention and appreciation. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a different time and country just by strolling through the small streets and delicate shops (and check them out!). Not to mention, you’ll come across the most talented musicians just playing on the sidewalks. It really is a culture on its own here!
DAY DRINK, duh.
But actually, because you absolutely and legally can. And you’ll see everyone walking around with these giant tubs with multiple straws so you might as well join in on the fun. Especially because it is very hot and humid and sure, stay hydrated with water, but while you’re at it, get yourself a large size of a Hurricane cocktail because New Orleans invented it and you can’t not try it.
Who doesn’t love outdoor markets? Okay, I’m pretty sure there are people out there but I have yet to meet one and don’t plan to any time soon. Anyways, I find that outdoor markets are such a wholesome and lovely way of getting to know the local culture and art through works handcrafted and/or curated by the people who know the city best. It’s like getting to know a place right through the hard work and commitment of a local community.
Nightlife on Bourbon Street
This is the area where all the bachelor, bachelorette, wedding parties, birthday parties, college parties, any time of party group will come out at night and invade the streets. It’s equivalent to Sixth Street in Austin where people just walk around from bar to bar with drinks in hand and get loud and rowdy. There will be cover charges so just be prepared for that but it’s a whole scene you don’t want to miss out on. You can even get those special Hurricane drinks in these large tubular plastic green cups that come with a straw and sip on that while walking around because again, completely allowed in NOLA. But also, be prepared for some fights to breakout because alcohol and loud people, you get the idea.
We stumbled upon this cute little open air market one evening as we were wandering for some food in Frenchmen Quarter. It’s pretty small but worth checking out all the local art pieces. We even had our own poems done by a poet and his typewriter, which was really cute! Just give him one word and he’ll come up with something beautiful and memorable for your trip. (pictured left)
Ride a streetcar
They’re so outdated in most places now but they’re still fully functional in NOLA and a nice little ride through the city. Just like any public transportation, you’ll need to get tickets ahead of time then hop on one from the nearest stop. Then make your way through other districts such as…
Mansions in Garden District
This is a little further away from the main areas of French Quarter since that’s where everything is walking distance and close by. But if you spend early afternoon exploring further, you can check out the Garden District (easily accessible by streetcar!) and walk around to window shop all the beautiful mansions in the area. They aren’t the kind of mansions you’ll see in LA but rather grand with history and old architectural charm. And if you’ve seen AHS Season 3, this is where they filmed the Coven house with the witches. You’ll definitely see why it made sense.
Also located in the Garden District (and nearby Commander’s Palace), Lafayette Cemetery is a historic cemetery originating from the 1800s and holds lots of stories and interesting people. They have guided tours everyday that will take you through the entire place and give you an entire run down of famous or historic people who have been buried here. Can’t say it was my favorite part of NOLA but I did learn a lot about the politics of familial burial and such lol. And it’s free so why not.
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
New Orleans Voodoo is specific to the fusion of African voodoo and the Catholic religion that dominated the city. Though I don’t know much about it, it is still very much learned in the city (possibly even still practiced by some) as a significant part of the culture’s history. There are tons of stores that sell voodoo paraphernalia and the museum itself is a small house that displays the history and certain stories of past voodooism. It’s kind of creepy learning about this sort of spiritual practice but also peaks your curiosity as to how and why it all began.
Take a Ghost Tour
Not going to lie, this was sort of cheesy and I can’t tell if some were overly exaggerated but NOLA is known for its eeriness and haunted stories so might as well entertain yourself one night and check out a ghost tour. You’ll learn about the specific places that are still haunted and some interesting celebrity stories of weirdly spook incidents.
There are definitely a lot more things to do and you will find lists upon lists online or from other people but you’ll never be able to do it all in just one short trip. I know I want to come back to experience the big celebrations and festivals, but I’d also love to check out the famous swamps and explore even further outside the main city area. There’s really something quite spectacular about the vibrant energy in the thick of it and I really hope more people get to experience New Orleans for its natural beauty (especially since it might sink all together!)
