New Orleans is a city bursting with history, jazz, and - of course - beignets. From the moment we arrived, we dove headfirst into the vibrant culture, eager to soak up every moment. Wandering the lively streets, we met incredible people, saw unforgettable sights, and experienced moments that made the entire trip truly one of a kind.
Where We Stayed
We stayed in a cozy HomeAway/VRBO guest house tucked behind a private home in the Uptown/Carolltown neighborhood, just off of South Claiborne Avenue. The location was perfect for easily hopping on and off the streetcar. It offered the best of both worlds - privacy and our own space, while still being close to all the action.
How We Navigated
I truly believe one of the best tests of a relationship is traveling together - especially when it involves a 13-hour road trip. That's how we kicked off our vacation. Now, I'm someone who falls asleep in the car almost instantly, but we both knew we needed to keep each other awake. The solution? A car concert, of course. Shout out to Avril Lavigne for helping us power through the miles with some serious throwback jams.
Once we arrived in New Orleans, we were excited to try out the historic streetcar. While it was charming and full of character (which, let's be honest, is code for old), we quickly learned that it moved very slowly. We hopped on for the experience...and then hopped right off when we realized we could walk faster. The rest of the time, we were grateful to have our car or our trusty walking shoes to get around and explore.
What We Explored
The French Quarter
The French Quarter is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in New Orleans, bursting with energy, charm, and rich history. From live jazz music drifting through the streets to local vendors showcasing their crafts, there's something to see - and hear - on every corner.
Don't miss legendary landmarks like Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the bustling French Market. Before you wander off to your next adventure, be sure to grab a classic beignet (or two) and browse the local shops - because no perfect trip is complete without the perfect souvenir to remember it by.
Bourbon Street
We knew we had to stroll down the famous Bourbon Street - and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The charm, the energy, the one-of-a-kind atmosphere...there's truly nothing like it. The weather was perfect, and we loved simply walking around, taking it all in, and enjoying the time together. Every so often, we'd pop into a bar or cafe for a quick snack or drink - no real plan, just letting the day unfold.
At one point, we learned you could actually walk around the street with your drink in hand (yes, legally!), which made exploring even more fun. Sipping something cold while walking the vibrant streets? A whole vibe.
But the highlight came that evening. We were casually walking around when we heard music start playing behind us - The Cupid Shuffle. Without warning, people poured out of nearby restaurants and bars and into the street. Within seconds, we were all dancing together in the middle of Bourbon Street, strangers moving in sync, laughing, living in the moment.
It was spontaneous, joyful, and the perfect way to wrap up our day.
New Orleans City Park & Gondola Ride
After exploring the energetic side of the city, we were craving some open green space -
City Park was just the escape we needed. As we strolled through the park, we passed beautiful gardens, sparkling fountains, and a picturesque pavilion. It was peaceful and refreshing, the perfect reset.
As we wandered, Jeff suddenly started guiding us down a very specific path. I didn't think much of it...until I realized he had something planned - a surprise romantic
gondola ride through the park!
We found ourselves stepping into an authentic Venetian gondola, right in the heart of New Orleans. With champagne in hand, we drifted through the park's canals, soaking in the beauty and serenity around us. Just like in Venice, we were encouraged to sneak a kiss under every bridge we passed - which, of course, we did.
Fun fact: The tide was so high during our visit that the gondoliers had to shave off the tips of the boats so they wouldn't get stuck under the bridges! Definitely not something you'd hear every day.
It was such a thoughtful surprise and one of the most romantic moments of the trip - like stepping into our own fairytale.
Rode the Natchez Ferry
Hopping on at the French Quarter, we boarded the
infamous Natchez Ferry for a daytime cruise along the Mississippi River - a two-hour tour (cue
Gilligan's Island theme song).
We kicked back with some light snacks as the boat chugged along, offering panoramic views of the city from the water. Along the way, we learned about the rich and often wild history of New Orleans - told with just the right amount of southern charm. It was a relaxing way to take in the city from a different perspective and gave us a newfound appreciation for its riverfront roots.
New Orleans School of Cooking
Along with its legendary jazz scene,
New Orleans is equally famous for its food - rich, bold, and rooted in tradition. One of our favorite ways to experience a new culture is through its cuisine, and what better way to dive in than with a
hands-on cooking class?
We joined a class with three other couples who, let's just say, were clearly a bit more practiced in the kitchen than we were. But we were up for the challenge (and the food, of course).
We rolled up our sleeves and got to work on authentic Creole and Cajun recipes. One of the first things we learned was how to make a roux, the magical thickening base of many Louisiana dishes. I had never made one before, and it was fascinating to see how much depth it adds to a dish.
For dinner, we prepared fish etoufee, a flavorful corn side dish, and pralines for dessert - sweet, nutty perfection.
After all of the cooking, we gathered around a table with our new culinary companions and shared the meal we created together. It felt like one big family dinner - laughing, storytelling, and enjoying the fruits (and fish) of our labor.
Before we left, we were each given our own aprons and a recipe packet to take home, so we could recreate the magic in our own kitchen. It was such a fun and memorable way to immerse ourselves in the culture - definitely a highlight of the trip!
St. Patrick's Day Parade
When we stepped out of our cooking class - bellies full and hearts happy - we were greeted by music, laughter, and the unmistakable sound of celebration. As it turned out, we had walked right into a St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Only in New Orleans can you stumble upon a full-blown party without even trying.
We quickly joined the crowd, swept up in the energy of the moment. People were dancing, laughing, and tossing beads from floats. It was festive, unexpected, and perfectly NOLA. By the time the night was over, we were carrying more beads than we started the day with - a sure sign of a day well spent.
Where To Grab A Bite
New Orleans is full of tempting spots to grab a bite as you wander, but if you're looking for specific recs, here are two standout favorites from our trip:
🍽
Luca Eats A charming counter-service stop that's perfect for a quick meal. Grab a seat on the patio and enjoy one of their homemade, hand-pressed sandwiches - simple, fresh and delicious.
🍽
Ye Olde College Inn This place is
popular - so prepare for a wait or make a reservation ahead of time.
What you
must try: the
crawfish mac and cheese with white truffle essence. No exaggeration - I was dreaming about it afterwards. Absolutely unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
From trying new things to soaking up new places, this trip gave us everything we needed. We came home happy, refreshed, and with stories we'll be telling for years.
If you love dancing in the streets, romantic gondola rides through a park, food so good you won't care about the extra calories, and music around every corner - then New Orleans absolutely belongs on your bucket list.
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