A New Orleans Girls Trip
A New Orleans Girls Trip
On the bayou with one of our new friends.
Firs things first, I LOVE New Orleans. Like that over the moon, reach for the stars kind of love. There’s nothing not to love from their food, music, party atmosphere and did I mention the food? It’s really the perfect place for a lively weekend trip, hence the amount of bridal parties you’ll see lining the streets. In this post, I’ll tell you about all you need to have a successful weekend trip in NOLA including what to do, what to see and where to stay. But first, let’s do a little history on this culturally rich city.
In the French Quarter looking cute.
History
New Orleans, formally Le Nouvelle-Orleans, was founded in 1718. Through the Treaty of Paris, the french colony ceded to the Spanish Empire. By 1724, a large amount of blacks populated Louisiana after the importation of enslaved Africans. During this time, Voodoo became extremely popular as New Orleans had the largest slave market in the nation. After the Louisiana Purchase and the increased migration of Anglo-Americans, New Orleans then became the nation’s wealthiest city. Fast forward to this century, in 2005 New Orleans was hit by Hurricane Katrina, flooding 80% of the city, resulting in the death of more than 1,500 people throughout Louisiana and primarily in NOLA. As a result of the hurricane, many people settled outside of the area. Today, New Orleans is thriving with more than 80% of the population the same amount as it was in 2000. It is also one of the top ten most visited cities in the U.S.
Where to go
Now that we’re done with all that boring stuff, let’s talk about where you’re going to hit the streets in NOLA. The most popular areas are The French Quarter, Frenchmen street and Canal street. Within the French Quarter is Jackson Square which, in 1960, was declared a national historical landmark and was also the site where Louisiana was declared a territory of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. And you thought we were done with our history lesson. Here you’ll enjoy beautiful architecture, colorful buildings with a French and Spanish twist. An array of artists line the street including musicians, street painters and tarot card readers. If you like to get friendly with the locals and dance in the street with strangers, this area is for you.
Jackson Square
Bourbon street. Also in the French Quarter is arguably the most important part of any visit to New Orleans. At least if you’re there to drink and party which, why else would you be there. Lined with restaurants, bars and clubs; you’ll no doubt end your night here even if you don’t remember how you got there.This area is especially popular during festival season when the possibility of flashing is very high amongst both men and women. While there, I suggest making buddies with some locals, if you can find one, and bar hop to some of their favorite spots. What’s lovely about this street is you can walk in and out of most clubs and bars without worry of an entry fee. There is also an open carry law. Drinks not guns, where you can walk the streets with your hurricane (New Orleans most popular drink) all day long. Hang out on balconies, throw beads, drink and laugh with friends in one of the most exciting streets in the country.
Frenchmen street and Canal street are noteworthy places as well. Mental note check, all of these places are within walking distance of each other. Have a short trip? Explore all of these areas in one day. If you’re a lover of brass instruments and really any other types of instruments, Frenchmen Street is your guy (or gal). Quench all your jazz needs here as this street is filled with musicians on the street as well as in the bars. On Canal street, hop on one of New Orleans iconic streetcars. Here you can explore more of the city. Sight see the mansions from the antebellum south period and enjoy a relaxing ride for only a dollar.
Lalaurie Haunted Mansion
What to eat
Now to my favorite part, the food. If you haven’t heard about how good the food is in New Orleans well I’m telling you now, the food is top notch. The first time I visited NOLA, I was skeptical of how good the food really was. I left mostly dissatisfied as I felt that the food was good, but not great how everyone had hyped it up to be. That was my mistake. The second time I made sure to try all the food I possibly could and now I understand. Now I am obsessed. Now I will be going back strictly for the food. New Orleans really has something for every palate. They explore many cultures from French, Spanish, Italian to classic soul food. Some restaurants you must try are the Shrimp and Grits at Desire, egg benedict at the Ruby Slipper and of course beignets at the famous Cafe Du Monde. Check out Cafe Beignet for a tasty alternative if you’re not down for those long lines. Other dishes to try where most restaurants get it right are gator bites, crab cakes, gumbo, crawfish etouffee, po boy’s and pretty much fried seafood anything. If you’re going to do anything in New Orleans, please do this one thing. Try their char grilled oysters. I promise it will change your life. If you’ve never had oysters or were never fond of them, this will change your mind completely. My favorite spots are Dragos and Creole House, but there are multiple places throughout the city that serve the best oysters you will ever have. Not to be dramatic.
Desire restaurant on the corner of Bourbon Street.
Where to stay
Now that you have an idea of where you’d like to go and what you’d like to see in the city, lets figure out where you’re going to sleep. Sleeping might not be the most important thing on this trip as you’re likely to be too busy walking down the street singing jazz tunes oysters in hand. Nonetheless, I have some recommendations for you. Of course Air Bnb is a choice but with the extra fees added it might be more cost efficient to stay at a hotel where they’ll clean up after you the morning you wake from your hurricane induced haze. Booking a room near the French Quarter is your best bet to keep from the additional costs of using an Uber or Lyft at a low. A few hotels that I’ve stayed at and recommend are the Embassy Suites and Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Any hotel that has all suite rooms and complimentary breakfast is perfect for any group and those pockets. Keep in mind the time year. During Mardi Gras, which occurs in the beginning of March, and Essence Fest in July, the prices of flights and accommodations sky rocket. So if you’re planning on coming during their high season, be sure to plan far ahead as rooms are bound to be sold out as the date nears.
Activities
This may be a surprise for you, but there are other things to do in New Orleans besides partying and eating. Shocking, I know. If you’d like to spend the day enjoying some activities, here are some ideas for you. About 30 minutes away from the French Quarter, hop on a boat and take a swamp tour on the Mississippi river and gawk at their gators, maybe even hold a baby gator. Walk through some of the cities famous cemeteries as there are beautiful tombstones that have been standing strong for a hundred years. Take a plantation tour. Not necessarily sure why you’d want to see the land where slaves were beaten and killed, but to each his own. Venturing from that, take a ghost tour through the city. If you’re into history, visit The National World War Two museum. If art is your thing, visit Royal Street. Lined with art galleries and antique stores, you might find your take home souvenir here. Don’t forget to check Groupon for all of these activities to find some sweet deals.
Gator tour on the Mississippi river.
You’re all caught up! Practically a New Orleans expert. I hope this has encouraged you to visit my favorite city. Perfect for a long weekend, this city has everything for every traveler to enjoy. From nature to music, to food and art, this city will soon have you singing Sweet Home Louisiana. That’s how it goes right? That’s all folks. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll find yourself in the south on a trip with me. Don’t forget to try the oysters!