DRIVE ACROSS THE USA: INSPIRATION PHOTOS
NEW ORLEANS
Don’t these photos make you want to leave your life right now and be transported to New Orleans!? That’s what these photos do for me! When planning the stops for our upcoming road trip, spending time in New Orleans was a MUST for both Rachel and I. We have always wanted to go there…always. One of my favorite things about planning a road trip is that you can stop wherever you damn please…such freedom! Our plan is to spend a whole weekend exploring the city of New Orleans (compared to one night most other cities) and we also hope that our lovely boyfriends can fly out to join us for some fun.
I am so excited to immerse myself in the New Orleans culture for a few days. Have any of you guys been there? I would LOVE to know your favorite restaurants, bars, coffee shops, stores, hotels….anything!! Please share your secrets!
365til30.com 
Gosh, New Orleans is so freaking amazing. Really, really :). Interestingly enough, it was also the first city that I felt alone in on my own road trip. I think because it’s one of those places that is meant to be enjoyed in groups. So… lucky you! Make sure to have at least one beignet and a catfish po’boy. Probably not at the same time. A jazz club is a must, and definitely venture outside of the French Quarter and take the streetcar Uptown, too.
Thank you sharing Danielle! I always love your comments missy:) I will NOT miss eating a beignet or a catfish po’boy:)
Carousel bar was cool, unfortunately though, much of NO is cheesed out by the strip clubs and business’ that appeal to the mardi gras crowd… not to pee on your big dreams and all, but it’s still worth going and checking out… There is a great restaurant called Commanders Palace, brunch is amazing, don’t miss that. Also the graveyards are very cool, but go w/ a guide, you can get robbed….
Thank you Rickster for the tips!!!!
OK, I am giving you full permission to make as much fun of me as you want. I have never been to New Orleans, but have always wanted to go. You know what I think of when I imagine being there? That scene from Boomerang (Eddy Murphy and Robin Givens?) when they are dancing in the jazz club. No idea if that was actually supposed to be New Orleans or not, but it sure made me want to dance. And there’s some random Tuesday commentary from maternalmedia.com. 🙂
hahahahah! You got a really good laugh out of me!! I know exactly what scene you are referring to! I will try to re-create it! Thank you Maternalmedia 🙂
I’ve been to New Orleans twice (my bff now lives there), and one of the best spots she took me to was Bacchanal, this fantastic wine bar/outdoor patio. You buy wine and cheese in the front store, then take it to the backyard patio. They have live music and other food available in the back… really a cool place. http://www.bacchanalwine.com/
ooooooooh I LOVE this idea. Thank you so much!! Nothing makes me happier than a patio, live music, wine and cheese:) I will be checking this out for sure…
amazing tastes found around town!
hope you write about your discoveries!
David in Maine USA
David, of course I will!!
New Orleans is one of my absolute favorite cities. So excited for you. I’m not going to make any restaurant or bar recommendations, though, because you need to explore and find all the cool places on your own. There are so many! If you have the chance, find a small town outside the city and check out some authentic Cajun food and live Cajun music. Cajun music is the happiest music on earth, and makes you want to dance when you hear it. Can’t wait to read about your trip.
@ Mind Margins…thank you so much for your comment!!! I am so excited to experience New Orleans!!
I visited last year for the first time, and I’m itching to go back! Yelp was a big help to me in planning where to go and what to do. I created a list of the places I visited: http://www.yelp.com/list/two-days-in-new-orleans-new-orleans. Also, wikitravel is one of the best resources out there. I read about the “where you got your shoes” bit there, and it actually saved me! So definitely check that out. The most important thing to know about New Orleans, I think, is “just go with it.” 🙂
Elizabeth, I just read your New Orleans yelp review and it is AMAZING!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the tips!!! I can’t wait to go to Dauphine Street books, Preservation Hall and Muriels Jackson Square!!