NEW ORLEANS: A TRIP TO REMEMBER!

STEP INSIDE MY VISIT TO NEW ORLEANS...WHAT A GOOD TIME!

Hi all! Just want to share my (first time) trip to New Orleans. It’s a great place for the family or just hanging out with friends. Recently a friend of mine and her husband showed me around while giving some NOLA history. There was so much to do and experience that I couldn’t get it all in, so I must do a round two in the future, lol. What fun I had, check it out…

I ingested the Southern vibe through my journeys via Magazine, Canal and Bourbon St. (around the city in general). The streets were filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques selling jewelry, antiques, clothes etc. I saw plenty of local bars, casual coffee shops and trendy restaurants. Either catch a pedicab, the bus or hop on The St. Charles Ave. streetcar. The architectural buildings with their historic charm were a pleasant sight. New Orleans is the home of America’s first gambling casino, Harrah’s. So try your luck...if you feel lucky. Harrah's also has a multi-million dollar theater as well as Harrah's Hotel.

 We roamed around Jackson Square, I seen fortune tellers among other things. Here you can have your portrait drawn on the spot, see mimes and hear local musicians play and entertain all for free. We wondered acrossed from the historic St. Louis Cathedral... just beautiful. All the sight seeing struck up an appetite.

Many restaurants here are known for their cajun/creole/seafood dishes,but still have a variety for even the pickiest eaters. We checked out a couple restaurants before settling on Ralph & Kacoo’s, The Seafood Restaurant. The atmosphere was very relaxing but inviting. Upon entering I noticed not one but two pianos (both facing each other) while both being played simultaneously. There were several birthdays that night and a live crowd chiming in singing ‘happy birthday’ then the two piano players broke into the Stevie Wonder’s version as well, lol. This is what we ordered.

Fried Crab fingers, Soft-shelled Crab, Stuffed Crab and steamed vegetables

 

Seafood Gumbo

 

 Fetticini Alfredo Shrimp and lumped crabmeat. The rolls here were so moist, yum.

Oh don’t forget to grab a bag of Beignets (french donut) from the famous Café Du Monde. No one warned me of the huge crowd or the black t-shirt for that matter. Although the line was not wrapped around the corner like I hear (the norm), but it was like a standing room only situation. It’s a must to eat these while they are ‘hot’. As soon as I grabbed one out the bag and took a bite, both my friend and her husband tried to warn/stop me. I found the powdered sugar they generously coat on Beignets, all over my black t-shirt. I was a mess and it did not easily wipe off either. Yep, I’m a tourist, lol!

The 24-7 nightlife on Bourbon St. really comes to life. So much energy as we walked through the crowds, hearing a mixture of music (a lot of jazz as well) blasting from every angle. I seen a little bit of everything, from super hero’s to hanging alligators. As always the streets were filled with party-goers, drinks and fun. Loved her Angela Davis inspired huge afro (upper left). There were people up top ready to give away beads for whoever wanted to earn them. I saw plenty of novelty/souvenir shops, bars/clubs and all in between. I noticed the purple mask at a shop and had to get it (first picture shown above).

Yep this night was a touring success and I will go back. Maybe catch one of several tours, go on a day cruise, grab a po boy and take in some museums. Oh and visit The Mahalia Jackson Theater...Either way it goes, "Les Bon Ton Roule", (Let the good times roll!!) 

***Click like if you liked this post. Have you visited NOLA? What was your experience?
***And shout out to my friend Sharika Mahdi-Neville and her husband Carlos for all your generousity and hospitality...you know how we do,lol

***All pics:URBAN CRUSH

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