Louisiana Archives - Travel Frances

New Orleans, LA: Getting Ready & Getting There

Books – Why New Orleans Matters by Tom Piazza (contributed to HBO series, “Treme”), is the first book I’ve read that reaches into both my heart and soul to express how I feel about this amazing city.

Getting There – Drive, train or fly.

- Train: I’ve done Amtrak’s Jazz Blues & Rock-n-Roll Amtrak Journey, which was one of my most favorite experiences in my entire life!.
- Fly: My favorite is Southwest, as long as you don’t mind a stop or two along the way. No luggage fees (1-2 checked bags and carry-on).

New Orleans, LA: Getting Around & Accommodations

Getting Around – I prefer Lyft or Uber. No need to rent a car and pay for expensive parking.

Accommodations – Utilize your hotel points with your favorite chain, because lodging can be pricey in this city. You can also try Hotels.com or Booking.com for hotels or even Aribnb. If you are visiting when there is a festival, as all rates will be surged – Good luck!

These are some nice options for local hotels:

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New Orleans, LA: Eating & Drinking

Restaurants/Bars – There are many fabulous restaurants in this city, but these are just my personal favorites:

- Acme Oyster House (Seafood, Cajun/Creole)
- Adolfo’s (Seafood)
- Arnaud’s French 75 (French)
- Bon Ton Cafe (Cajun/Creole)
- Bourbon House (Cajun/Creole)
- The Bulldog Uptown (Pub Fare)
- Cafe Degas (French)
- Cafe Maspero (New Orleans Style Bites)
- Camellia Grill (breakfast)
- Cane & Table (Cuban)
- Cochon (Cajun/Creole)
- Commander’s Palace (Creole Jazz Brunch)
- Court of Two Sisters (Cajun/Creole)
- Frankie & Johnny’s (Cajun/Creole)
- The Franklin (Seafood)
- The Friendly Bar (Local favorite/drinks only)
- Gumbo Shop (Cajun/Creole)
- GW Fins (Seafood)
- Jacques-Imo’s (Creole Soul)
- K-Pauls Louisiana Kitchen (Cajun/Creole)
- Lola’s (Spanish/Tapas)
- Mimi’s in the Marigny (Tapas)
- Muriel’s (Contemporary Creole)
- New Orleans Food Co-Op (Health Market)
- NOLA Restaurant (New American)
- Olde Nola Cookery (Cajun/Creole, Seafood)
- Palace Cafe (Creole)
- Pêche (Seafood)
- Red Fish Grill (Seafood)
- Who Dat Coffee Cafe (Brunch)
- Willie Mae’s Scotch House (Comfort Food)

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New Orleans, LA: Things To Do

Walking Tours – This is a great city for walking. I’ve done many walking tours – the ones that stand out are cemetery and French Quarter tours

- Abel Tours does a great Music & Heritage Tour.
- Civil War Tours of New Orleans
- French Quarter Phantoms
- Haunted History Tours
- JFK Assassination Tour through Historic New Orleans Tours was one of the most interesting tours I’ve taken!
- Many options on Viator.com, Yelp.com or Tripadvisor.com.

Walking Ghost Tours – Since New Orleans is one of the most haunted cities in the US, definitely do a walking ghost tour – Yelp.com has many excellent reviews for ghost tours.

Other Tours:

- Especially if you’ve never been to New Orleans, the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen is a great way to learn about the city, feel the power of the Mississippi River, while having your favorite cocktail and possibly a meal.
- Another option is the Harbor Jazz Cruise on the Steamboat Natchez.
- Experience local distilleries at it’s best with a tour at Celebration Distillery.

Music Memories:

Live Music – Here’s my favorites with the styles of music they usually provide:

- BB King’s Blues Club (Blues, baby!)
- Maison (Django style)
- Maple Leaf Bar (Blues, funk, R&B, rock, Zydeco, Jazz, etc.)
- Mulate’s Original Cajun Restaurant (Cajun, what else?)
- Rock ‘n’ Bowl (especially on Zydeco Thursdays)
- Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro (New Orleans Modern Jazz)
- Spotted Cat Music Club (traditional Jazz)
- Tipitina’s Uptown (great roots music)
- Tropical Isle Bayou Club & Music Bar (Trop Rock)

History – Several of my favorites:

- Civil War Walking Tours
- Confederate Memorial Hall Museum
- Milton H. Latter Memorial Library
- National WWII Museum
- New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
- Old US Mint (museum and music)
- Sazerac Bar (at Roosevelt Hotel)
- Southern Food & Beverage Museum
- St. Louis Cathedral

Special Events – Hands down, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival one of the best musical festivals in the USA!

Architecture – I haven’t taken one of these tours here yet, but if anyone has any suggestions, I’m all ears!