If there is a Southern city that best captures the charm, the character, and the diversity of the South it would be New Orleans. A city that throughout its history has maintained its multicultural flavor. A city that instead of conforming to convention embraces its unique vibrance. A city that truly represents what Southern hospitality is all about.
After Hurricane Katrina New Orleans did not just survive, it thrives, experiencing a cultural rebirth that has given the city a new energy that flows through the rues and rooftops.
Where To Stay
Hotel Monteleone – There are so many wonderful places to stay in New Orleans but if you want to be right in the heart of the French Quarter in a historic hotel, Hotel Monteleone is for you. Towering beautifully above the quarter in an iconic white building, Hotel Monteleone has luxury suites with separate sitting rooms, gorgeous marble bathrooms, and plush robes. Also enjoy the rooftop heated pool year round. Hotel Monteleone is also pet friendly meaning the pooches can go too. Don’t forget to have a sip at the world famous rotating Carousel Bar and dine at the delicious Criollo located in the hotel.
Where To Eat
Elysian Seafood – Opened in the St. Roch Market by husband and wife chef pair – The Blackwells, Elysian boasts a menu of fresh seasonal ingredients including satsumas, baby greens, turnips paired with the best selection of oysters (including Murder Points from Alabama) and seafood.
Cochon – Whether you choose the restaurant or the the butcher you will be in for a treat. Cochon delivers some of the best food you will ever put in your mouth with the key ingredient being ‘simplicity’. It is restaurants like this that are redefining the way people think if New Orleans cuisine.
Peche – Honored with two James Beard Awards it is easy to see why Peche has become a must eat in NOLA. Steak tartare with oyster aioli, marinated crab claws, crab and jalapeño capellini, Louisiana shrimp roll – are just a few choices you may want to try.
Galatoire’s – For a taste of traditional New Orleans there is Galatoire’s. This iconic restaurant is one of those that should be on your bucket list.
Cafe Du Monde – Whether it’s early morning or late night – you just have to dive into that powdered sugar sand castle.
What To Do
Preservation Hall – Open nightly and all ages are welcome. What a treasure Preservation Hall is to New Orleans, to the South, and to jazz music. This is a must whether you are traveling with friends, on a couples trip, or with the family. Every night, Preservation Hall presents intimate, acoustic concerts featuring bands made up from a current collective of 100+ local master Traditional New Orleans Jazz musicians. These masters have learned the traditional style from the greats that played before them at Preservation Hall. Click here for tickets.
NOMA – Impressive collections and unique exhibits await you at New Orleans Museum Of Art including George Dunbar: Elements of Chance, Dunbar played a pivotal role in introducing abstract art to the South, and African Art: The Bequest from the Françoise Billion Richardson Charitable Trust.
Night Cap at The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt – The original ‘who dat’ drink , the Sazerac was created in New Orleans and The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt carries with it as much history and folklore as the famed cocktail.
So if you are looking for meaux culture, meaux music, and meaux flavor out of your travel, it’s time to plan a trip to New Orleans.