Quick & Dirty Guide: NOLA

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Husband and I will have been married for two years two weeks from today. (NBD, IT'S PRACTICALLY FOREVER, I'M SO CHILL ABOUT IT.) For most of our honeymoon, we road-tripped to New Orleans and spent a few days just eating and drinking our way through the town.

The past few days, I've seen a lot of requests come through for recommendations on a trip to New Orleans, and since I'm feeling romantically nostalgic, here are a few recommendations for one of my favorite cities.  

For breakfast...

Grab those famous Cafe du Monde beignets and chicory coffee. Instead of eating at the cafe, take 'em to go and grab a bench either in Jackson Square or along the (albeit brown) Mississippi River. 

Grab those famous Cafe du Monde beignets and chicory coffee. Instead of eating at the cafe, take 'em to go and grab a bench either in Jackson Square or along the (albeit brown) Mississippi River. 

For a unique souvenir... 

Stop by Cigar Factory New Orleans to pick up a hand rolled cigar and watch the rolling artisans at work, right there in the shop. (Husband is 0% embarrassed by this photo. Wife is 25% embarrassed by this photo.)

Stop by Cigar Factory New Orleans to pick up a hand rolled cigar and watch the rolling artisans at work, right there in the shop. 
(Husband is 0% embarrassed by this photo. Wife is 25% embarrassed by this photo.)

Instead of the classic Sunday brunch...

Get your Drag Brunch on at The Country Club. This picture is objectively terrible, but it is 100% indicative of the vibrant joy and movement of the drag brunch experience. Make sure you bring singles (dollar bills) so you can mingle (with the queens…

Get your Drag Brunch on at The Country Club. This picture is objectively terrible, but it is 100% indicative of the vibrant joy and movement of the drag brunch experience. Make sure you bring singles (dollar bills) so you can mingle (with the queens). Plus... they more than deserve it. 

If you want a classy day drink spot... 

or night drink spot... join NOLA's backyard party at Bacchanal Wine. (Photo sourced from the Bacchanal website because mine sucked.) Wine, cheese platters, rose, beer, watermelon balls with pork... This place is my go-to recommendation in NOLA. 

or night drink spot... join NOLA's backyard party at Bacchanal Wine. (Photo sourced from the Bacchanal website because mine sucked.) Wine, cheese platters, rose, beer, watermelon balls with pork... This place is my go-to recommendation in NOLA. 

For a place to stay...

New Orlean's Bywater area is prime for nicely priced Airbnb's, hidden gems, quiet nights, and quick access to the French Quarter. (And it's home to both Drag Brunch at The Country Club and Bacchanal Wine!)

New Orlean's Bywater area is prime for nicely priced Airbnb's, hidden gems, quiet nights, and quick access to the French Quarter. (And it's home to both Drag Brunch at The Country Club and Bacchanal Wine!)

For a place to eat...

Honestly... where does one begin? Coquette for the duck perfection above, District Donuts Sliders & Brew for bomb-ass donuts and biscuits, Cochon Butcher for the sandwiches (plural) of your dreams, Acme Oyster House for the best oysters (obvious…

Honestly... where does one begin? Coquette for the duck perfection above, District Donuts Sliders & Brew for bomb-ass donuts and biscuits, Cochon Butcher for the sandwiches (plural) of your dreams, Acme Oyster House for the best oysters (obviously), and Dat Dog for some unique hotdog variations. 

*Important note* It is extremely difficult to go wrong with food in New Orleans. Stay away from tourist traps, PLEASE research from other blogs, there is so much to eat. If there's a line outside a restaurant, grab a drink to-go from a bar and drink that while you're waiting in line. 

To get around...

Ride a bike! Hands down the best decision we made during our trip to New Orleans. Traffic is terrible in almost all of the places you'll be hanging out, so bikes are just as fast, if not faster, than driving a car. We towed ours with us on our car, …

Ride a bike! Hands down the best decision we made during our trip to New Orleans. Traffic is terrible in almost all of the places you'll be hanging out, so bikes are just as fast, if not faster, than driving a car. We towed ours with us on our car, but it would be super easy to rent some once you arrived. 

To get a museum-fix...

Check out Mardi Gras World. Part museum, part art show, this is a great way to see some amazing creations while learning more about NOLA's Mardi Gras history and culture. 

Check out Mardi Gras World. Part museum, part art show, this is a great way to see some amazing creations while learning more about NOLA's Mardi Gras history and culture. 

To purchase (as opposed to trying to be that guy and "drop-in" and "eavesdrop casually")...

Do a graveyard tour. We stumbled across a tour while exploring the famous Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. We tried to casually listen in, but were quickly called out, justifiably so, by the tour guide and were subsequently permitted "one story." The …

Do a graveyard tour. We stumbled across a tour while exploring the famous Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. We tried to casually listen in, but were quickly called out, justifiably so, by the tour guide and were subsequently permitted "one story." 

The story was awesome. We hated to leave. Next time, we'll be good citizens and pay for the tour.