Shea CaruthersComment

NoLA - Things to do

Shea CaruthersComment
NoLA - Things to do

There are a million things to do in New Orleans. Like, literally a million. Here are a few ideas to fill your idle moments or if you find yourself in need of a moment of solitude. I'll keep adding to this list and feel free to add additional ideas in the comments.

RESTAURANTS

  • Cafe du Monde - The world's most legendary beignets. Open 24 hours. everyday. Expect to be covered in powdered sugar. You'll think it's worth it.
  • Brennan's - The official home of Banana Foster (dessert). A very pricey brunch experience but I won't discourage a visit.
  • Shaya - Southern take on Israeli food. I've never been but it comes highly recommended. Plus it has a female chef. I will sneak a visit.
  • The Joint - delicious BBQ in a super casual space with a large outdoor area. Sort a the middle of nowhere but it actually adds to the charm.
  • Pesche - the things I'm hearing about the seafood salad...
  • Coquette - great for lunch
  • Cochon: cajun fare with fancy flair
  • Commander's Palace - Historic Garden District Restaurant. Expensive, fancy, and delicious.
  • Dominica - Italian with a Louisiana flair
  • Luke - $.50 oysters at happy hour. Enough said.

 

MOTHER EARTH

  • Audubon Park - not super close to the Marigny but worth a visit if you enjoy gorgeous majestic trees. It's the largest and most historic of New Orleans parks. It also boasts a zoo and aquarium.
  • City Park - also a lovely park that has the added benefit of being home to the botanical gardens and the New Orleans Art Museum. 
  • Crescent City Park - the closest of the parks to the bday weekend houses though significantly smaller than the other parks. Still, it's worth the walk for a view of the river. 
  • Kayaking on Bayou St. John: http://kayakitiyat.com/products-page/product-category/big-easy-bayou-tour-2/
  • Swamp tour:  http://www.cajunencounters.com (half day commitment)

 

BARS

  • Spotted Cat (Frenchman) - cramped quarters filled to the brim with live music
  • Barrel Proof (Garden District) - 272 Whiskeys...for some of you, I know this stat alone is reason enough to visit
  • Cure - Apparently their Reserve Menu Old Fashioned is not-to-be-missed

  • Siberia (Bywater) -  http://siberianola.com (live music)

  • Hi-Ho Lounge (Bywater) -  http://hiholounge.net (live music or dj)

  • Cajun's (Bywater) -   http://kajunpub.com (karaoke!!)

  • Love Lost Lounge (Marigny) - http://lostlovelounge.com/

  • Miss Mae's (Magazine St) - 24 hour bar with perpetual happy hour pricing
  • Snake & Jakes - can a dive bar truly be legendary? Apparently so. 
  • Pat O'Briens (French Quarters) - not exactly my scene but one of the more famous French Quarter spots. Inevitably someone will ask if you had one of their legendary hurricanes.

 

BIZARROLAND

 

p.s. someone, somewhere is owed credit for this gorgeous photo but I haven't a clue who.