The Big Easy

I am heading here tomorrow! Sooo excited!!! This is our first time to New Orleans and I can't wait to visit. Looking forward to taking some time off, and enjoying a long weekend with my fiance.

Since we've never been to The Big Easy before, I'd love some travel tips if you have any to give. Any tips on what to see, where to eat, and what to do in New Orleans? I'm all ears!

16 comments

Dorothy at Belle of the Kitchen said...

I'm so jealous! We went last summer, and I've been itching to go back ever since. Some of our favorites: Muffalettas at Central Grocery, of course Beignets and Cafe au Lait at Cafe du Monde (I don't eat fried food, and I had to partake--so glad I did!). Forget the Hurricanes and try a Sazerac--it's much more authentic NOLA.

My favorite meal was our big splurge at Commander's Palace. It was wonderful, and the wait staff seemed so delighted to serve us, we thought they would break out in chorus at any time.

I would also recommend riding the St. Charles line out to the end, just to go through the beautiful garden district and to see the gorgeous college campuses. Other than that, just stroll through the neighborhoods and enjoy lots of good food and drink!

Allison said...

My dad's side of the family is from NOLA. You HAVE to get beignets downtown at cafe de monde with coffee. seems touristy... but they really are the best there. It's beginning to be King-Cake season. Another must. Any bakery has them, and it's a great tradition to experience. I don't know the name of the restaurant, but in the square on the north west side, there is a place on the corner with red ceilings. It's amazing food and drink. Oysters...sitting at a bar are also great. When I go I usually just hang with my family and don't "go out" much, but there is a jazz/piano bar that is really popular in the french quarter that was really fun and quite beautiful. Hope any of that helps. Really get a king cake if you can, they are super fun!

Allison said...

oh yes yes... the St. Charles Line... take it to the zoo and just walk around the gardens if you don't feel like going in... it's so beautiful!

tam pham said...

My husband and I are headed to NOLA tomorrow morning as well for a long weekend! Also my first time! So excited!

the southern hostess said...

I've never been either. Hope you have a great time!

Leslie said...

What an exciting trip! I've only been to New Orleans once, and very briefly, so I don't have any travel tips. I hope that you have a lovely time. :)

Jennifer said...

How exciting! It is one of my favorite places on this earth!
We lived in New Orleans for three years and I go back every winter for a couple of weeks.
A few of my favorite places are Bayona, the Marigny Brasserie, Cochon and Cochon Butcher.
If you want the best New Orleans BBQ shrimp, an absolute must in my opinion, go to Mr. B's Bistro.
Have fun!

Melanie's Randomness said...

Ohh Have fun!! I've always wanted to go to New Orleans!! =)

Melanie's Randomness

Kazmowife said...

You MUST check out Mr. B's Bistro. Its a little pricey, but by far the best meal I have ever had. Hands down! We never miss it when we're in NOLA! The shrimp and grits are amazing... Have fun!

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

Have a blast - I'll take good care of Jenga! Call me tonight!

Anonymous said...

I just came back from a trip to New Orleans! I did a couple of blog posts on my trip last year that you can see here:

http://thisisallisonwonderland.blogspot.com/2010/01/french-quarter-tour.html

http://thisisallisonwonderland.blogspot.com/2010/01/this-weekend-i-took-trip-to-new-orleans.html

I haven't done a post from this recent trip but I highly recommend eating at NOLA (one of Emeril's restaurants) and Stanley. Also, in case you haven't heard yet, Cafe du Monde is a "must" but the service is pretty horrible. Just thought you should know ahead of time because a lot of people are disappointed when they get there and discover this.

I also highly recommend riding the St.Charles line all the way to the end. It's a great way to see a large portion of the garden district in a short amount of time.

Anonymous said...

Wow, my boyfriend and I are headed to NOLA this weekend too! Definitely walk through the French quarter and get beignets at Cafe Du Monde. It's touristy, but must be done if it's your first time in NOLA. Also, something a little bit more unusual but very awesome is to visit one of the famous cemeteries- they're beautiful! And of course, you have to see some live jazz before you leave.

Amanda said...

Oh, that is definitely on the list of places I want to visit soon!

Have fun dear girl!

Holly said...

what a fun trip and def should be on everyone's list i think. cant wait to hear your write up!

Anna said...

How fun! I hope you loved New Orleans

KK said...

Have a great time! The best tips we got were to wander through the French Quarter, but remember there are other places to eat! We loved Cochon. Cafe du Monde is an obvious favorite - but take cash! We found ourselves there one night with no cash and next to a broken ATM. The Carousel Bar in the French Quarter is a great time as well.