new orleans 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: 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)

MAP

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!