The Big Easy

In the spirit of Mardi Gras beginning today, I thought I'd share some of my photos and activities from a recent trip to New Orleans. I traveled to the Big Easy a few weeks ago to celebrate the upcoming marriage of one of my friends. I'd never been to this city before, so I was excited to visit and see for myself what this crazy city that is all about.

We stayed in the Marigny area, one block away from Frenchman Street, or "where the locals go." For a long weekend, we strolled, wandered, danced and explored the city; and, with New Orleans' open-container law, we did it all with drinks in hand. :o)

French Quarter/Bourbon Street

Arguably the most classic New Orleans neighborhood, the vibrant French Quarter and Bourbon Street were on our must-do list. We stopped by Jackson Square, enjoyed a street performance (which the bride took part in), and walked passed many delicious looking restaurants and gorgeous buildings.

French Market

We stayed extremely close to the French Market, a market and series of commercial buildings spanning six blocks in the French Quarter. It's filled with vendors of all types, from cheesy (t-shirts, keychains) to unique items, damn good Bloody Mary's, and foods like alligator sausage on a stick. There's usually live music happenings in the afternoon. It's definitely worth a stop once or twice if you're in New Orleans.

 

Magazine Street

We loved this six-mile long street known for its shopping, restaurants, and art. Although we were in no shape to walk the full six miles, we found this area definitely had a more local feel than the French Quarter tourists. Overall it was a great place to spend an afternoon!

St. Louis Cemetery

We arrived at this above-ground cemetery at 3:30 pm just a half an hour after it closed for the day. Sigh. We were hoping to do some exploring in this old, famous graveyard, but we'll have to save that for another trip. We were able to get some pictures and peek around through the gate. Fun fact: Nicolas Cage purchased a pyramid shaped tomb in this cemetery to be his future final resting place...so obviously we have to go back.

Here are some miscellaneous shots of our time in the big easy! Scroll through to the bottom to see some photos of the delicious food we experienced in NoLa.

Food

Lüke

Chef John Besh's Franco-German brasserie was an amazing spot for an early dinner/happy hour. Oysters on the half shell were fifty cents! After two dozen of those (well, just about), we kept on the oyster train and ordered a fried oyster salad with thick cut bacon, romaine lettuce, and avocado. The girls who got the burger said it was one of the best they'd ever had; our waiter said it's known to be one of the top five in the country.

Red Fish Grill

Redfish was a great, casual place for a New Orleans seafood experience at a reasonable price. I had the signature BBQ fried oysters with blue cheese dressing and hot sauce, and shrimp with sweet potato grits and crispy onions. Afterwards, you can walk right out onto Bourbon Street for an unforgettable bayou bar experience.

Cafe du Monde

Cafe du Monde is pure beignet bliss. This spot is open 24/7, serving the heavenly square French-style doughnuts, lavishly covered with powdered sugar. A great people watching spot and one of those obligatory places you just have to visit. Be prepared to wait in line!