“There’s no place on earth like Louisiana, and there’s no city on earth like New Orleans.”
don lemon
Growing up in Louisiana is different. There’s the north, cenla (central Louisiana), and the south. The further south you go, the more the language, food, and culture change.
Driving to New Orleans requires you to be ready as soon as you arrive in the city! The drive over Lake Pontchartrain is as if you are entering another dimension and once you reach the other side, you are transported into an explosion of a cultural symphony.
From the Cajun language, the French accents, the spicy food, and the zydeco music, New Orleans not only engulfs you in it’s cultural trance but gives you a sense of child like wonder.
Once you visit, your life changes. It is filled with experiences like no other place in the United States.
Naturally, being from Louisiana, I’m bias.
Be prepared to either be spontaneous and go with the flow or have a plan. No matter what, make sure to get a taste of the food. I don’t mean the usual places from across the US or fast food restaurants! I mean the restaurants that are only unique to New Orleans.
The First Night
Deciding what to eat in New Orleans is like walking through a maze, blindfolded. Typically the obvious choice is to eat seafood, which is my favorite. During a 2019 visit with some colleagues, the first night, we ate at Gallier’s.
Happy Hour Prices – I ordered shrimp and grits, crab cakes, and an apple pie with lemonade all for $29.08 and that included a $5.00 tip. It was actually better than ordering an entire meal because I got more food for less.
The second Night
I don’t visit New Orleans often but when I do, I try to eat at different seafood restaurants. So, for the second night, we decided to visit Oceana Grill. This restaurant is located in the heart of New Orleans at the corner of Bourbon and Conti Streets. If you’ve never been, GO! The wait in line will be long, but its worth the wait! Take a look at their Instagram page to get a feel for the vibe and peak at their food.
The third and final Night
Visiting New Orleans and not getting a beignet is criminal! It’s not natural.
I wanted to go to the original one on Decatur Street in Lafayette Square but my GPS took us to the one in the Riverwalk Mall. I was disappointed BUT tasting the beignets was like opening that one gift on Christmas Eve!
If you have never ever been to New Orleans – go simply for the beignets!
New Orleans IS its own place, its OWN city, its OWN culture! There’s much to experience and plenty to eat. It’s not all about the food but experiencing New Orleans without experiencing the food takes away from it all!
It doesn’t matter how many storms greet, meet, and pass over New Orleans, no storm will ever take away the spirit of the city or the culture. It will always be there, everywhere you look, everywhere you walk, and everywhere you smell.
For me, it wasn’t only a work trip but an opportunity for me to experience some luxury — New Orleans style.
Have you been? Share your experience in the comments.
I feel ya here!! The other day I managed to get a 45min bath, and I felt absolutely renewed!! I used to do that once or twice a week before baby, so the first one in a year and a half was just the thing I needed!! Haha!!
So glad you were able to take advantage of the conference and explore! I want to get to New Orleans something terrible!!
I hope you have an opportunity to visit New Orleans one day. Moms have to be creative if we want to find some time alone. Just five minutes sometimes is necessary.
I could not agree more with you! Mom time is a must! Glad to see you enjoyed your trip!
If we are not refreshed for ourself then we can’t be all the mom we need to be for our kids.
I hit a breaking point today actually where I just needed some quiet and I needed everyone to just GO AWAY for a while. I put the dogs outside, and sent the kids to their rooms and demanded quiet for 30 minutes. NO ONE WAS TO BOTHER MAMA for 30 MINUTES! It was nowhere near enough time, but hey, it was a start.
You are not alone. I retreat to my bedroom and close the door. My kids automatically understand I need some quiet time. I used to feel guilty. But, it is something that has to happen every once in a while.
What a fun trip! I love Cafe DuMonde, and the fun that is included in New Orleans. I can’t wait to go back. I too always stay at Hilton, I just find they have great service.
Hilton Hotels are the best! I hadn’t been to New Orleans since 2014 before this trip so Cafe Du Monde was a must!