My third favorite travel destination (save for the humidity) is New Orleans. I've been there a couple of times, the second time on a business trip for the printing company I worked for.
As it happened that trip was scheduled for March during my hubby, John's birthday.
I remember phoning him from work and asking him "How would you like to go to New Orleans for your birthday?"
He thought I was pulling his leg. I said "Nope, I have to go for business and they'll pay for your air fare to go with me."
He was thrilled!
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We took off in a blizzard in our heavy winter coats and landed back home in an even worse blizzard. But we had a blast in New Orleans.
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Our reservations were at Le Pavillion in the CBD or Central Business District, a short distance from the French Quarter. It was my kind of hotel - old fashioned elegance with a few ghosts that hung around just to make things more interesting.
The Haunted Le Pavillion
With such an intriguing and rich history, it would be strange if Le Pavillon Hotel didn't have some ghosts haunting its corridors and guest rooms. But in the case of Le Pavillon, it's not just one or two ghostly spirits who have stuck around after death, but a much larger number. One paranormal investigating team that visited the hotel claimed that they caught nearly 100 entities during the night they stayed at the haunted Le Pavillon Hotel. Yet another argued that the reason Le Pavillon is so paranormally active is because the land on which it sits is actually a portal to the other side.
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Unlike some haunted hotels in the city, management at Le Pavillon Hotel truly embraces its paranormal guests. Upon arrival, guests can ask for a pamphlet regarding the hotel's history and a paranormal investigation that was conducted in 1996 by the famous parapsychologist, Dr. Larry Montz. And guests who are looking for that something extra to happen to them while they're vacationing in New Orleans can certainly ask to stay in one of the hotel's more haunted rooms. Even so, management can't guarantee that a ghost sighting will occur.
Article The Ghosts of Le Pavillion Hotel
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​I asked for room 930 if it was available as this was reported to be one of the more haunted rooms and being a psychic medium, I wanted to see if I'd see or experience anything paranormal. (Why waste a perfectly good opportunity?)
I did see the teenage ghost of the young girl who'd been crushed by a carriage and had died of internal injuries that was mentioned in the above article.
It's not at all uncommon for those in spirit who died a sudden and unexpected death to make a psychic medium physically feel what they did at the moment of their death - as Ava did with me. (She gave me the name "Ava")
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She had long, dark hair and was dressed in Victorian attire, although I couldn't tell if it was a sheer dress or nightgown she was wearing.
She didn't seem much interested in communicating but she seemed so confused that I told her she had passed on and it was okay for her to go to the Light She then disappeared.
If you're into the paranormal, then book a room at Le Pavillion.
I had to be at my business conferences early in the morning so hubby was on his own for breakfast. They had a breakfast buffet offering just about anything you could imagine. As luck had it, he met an elderly black waitress that like himself, was a diabetic. She was lovely...he became like her adopted son, she always checking on him to make sure he had the proper diabetic breakfast. She was a pro at Southern hospitality.
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Luckily they only scheduled my business meetings during the morning hours, leaving John and I free to explore New Orleans together. Since I'd already been there, I knew just what attractions and activities he would enjoy.
The Natchez Jazz & Dinner Sunset Cruise
The Natchez is the paddleboat with the iconic calliope.
For our dinner, on the Steamboat Natchez, we were offered a menu of: Steamboat Salad Salad, Louisiana Style Fried Fish, Bronzed Chicken, Top Round of Beef with au jus, Paddlewheel Pork Loin with Creole Mustard, Penne Quattro Formaggi, Pilot House Potatoes, Maque Choux, Creole Creamed
Spinach, and Bread Pudding for dessert.
I was very impressed with the food being sometimes buffets can be iffy, but our food was top notch. The live jazz band was fantastic and I'm not even particularly partial to jazz.
Sunset cruising down the Mississippi was gorgeous as were the lights of the city after the sun set.
If youi're going to visit the "Big Easy" then you definitely need to take a riverboat cruise.
Different options are offered. Visit their website for details.
St. Louis Cemetery #1
You'll want to take a guided walking tour of St. Louis Cemetery #1. Be sure to book a guided tour so you get the history and entertaining scoop on the graves and their occupants.
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I first visited this cemetery when I was in high school. Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau is buried there (at right) and if you did this ritual at her grave and made a wish while making 3 X's on it, it was reported your wish would come true.
My younger brother wished for money, walked out of the cemetery gate and found $20 on the ground. He was in no hurry to leave THAT cemetery and Laveau's grave!
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​Hubby said he never thought a tour of a cemetery could be so entertaining and informative.
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Locals will tell you don't pay to take a guided walking tour of this cemetery but I
Marie Laveau's Tomb
found a tour guide group that gives FREE tours and you just pay what you feel the tour was worth at the conclusion of the tour. Tours By Foot
Carriage Ride with Killer
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
The best way to see the French Quarter is in a horse or mule drawn carriage. We had this wonderful black driver that had us laughing the entire way. His mule's name was "Killer" - although it appeared 'ol Killer already had one hoof through the glue factory door... so it was pretty funny when he'd tell Killer to charge the pedestrians and 'ol Killer would just keep plodding along as if he were deaf.
But you'll learn a whole lot about French Quarter establishments you wouldn't even have noticed otherwise.
When I was last there, there were carriages parked around Jackson Square that you could just approach the driver to give you a tour. I don't know if that's still the case so I'll provide the links below.
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For carriage rides in New Orleans, you have several options:
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Royal Carriages: Offers mule-drawn carriage tours through the French Quarter, providing an authentic experience with knowledgeable guides.
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Visit New Orleans: Lists various horse and carriage tours, including private rides and spontaneous options from Jackson Square.
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Good Old Days Buggies: Provides narrated carriage tours that allow you to experience the French Quarter in a unique way.
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History & Haunts Tour: A specialized tour that explores reported hauntings and legends in the area.
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Private Carriage Tours: Tailored experiences for small groups, allowing for a more intimate exploration of the city.
St. Charles Streetcar
It's a fairly easy walk from the CBD to the French Quarter but it's also kind of nice to take the St. Charles Streetcar once in awhile. There was a stop right by our hotel so it was really convenient.
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Single rides cost $1.25, but if you'd like to hop on and hop off the trolleys a few times, consider buying a Jazzy Pass for unlimited rides: A single-day pass costs $3, a three-day pass costs $8, a seven-day pass costs $15, and a 31-day pass costs $44. Jazzy Passes can be used on any trolley line and on city buses, too. We bought two 3 day passes which gave us access to any trolley line plus the city buses and that worked out really well. Website
Audubon Aquarium
Located on the Mississippi River adjacent to the French Quarter, Audubon Aquarium is consistently top ranked, voted as one of the top five in the country in the USA Today “10 Best” reader poll and ranked as one of the top things to do in New Orleans. The Aquarium transports visitors to an underwater world from the Caribbean, to the Amazon Rainforest, to the waters that give New Orleans its lifeblood: the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. With more than 3,600 animals from more than 250 species, including endangered species, such as African penguins, and rare animals, such as white alligators, the Aquarium offers you an experience you’ll never forget.
A pass will admit you to both the aquarium and insectarium. Website
The French Quarter
The French Quarter IS New Orleans, especially Bourbon Street. I would recommend booking your accommodations in the CBD vs. the French Quarter as the French Quarter is very expensive. With the streetcar and bus pass I mentioned previously, it's very easy to get between the two locations.
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CAFE DU MONDE
Cafe du Monde is an absolute must stop in New Orleans.
The place itself is nothing fancy - outdoor covered dining - but the beignets are ADDICTING.
Warning: The coffee is really strong.
PAT O'BRIENS
Another iconic New Orleans hot spot, where I was introduced to a Hurricane.
It was very hot and humid that day and a Hurricane tastes like Hawaiian Punch going down.
I pounded my first one down in under 15 minutes.
Our waiter came over and aksed if we wanted another drink. He kept eyeing my empty Hurrican glass as though he couldn't believe it was empty.
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"Yeah, I want another one of these!" I said.
He looked worried...and asked "Ma'am are you SURE?"
You betcha. I pounded that one down too and about a block down the street the Hurricanes hit with a vengeance. I had to make my way back to the hotel on my knees. LOL Oh was I hung over the next morning! Hint: They may TASTE like Hawaiian Punch but they're made with two kinds of rum, passionfruit puree, orange and lime juices, simple syrup, and grenadine.
And they pack a WALLOP! I was a hot mess. Pat O'Brien website
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JACKSON SQUARE​
Wander around the famous Jackson Square and take in the musicians and street artists.
You might also want to check out the cathedral there.
World War II Museum
Located at 945 Magazine Street, the National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations can understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Through exhibits, multimedia experiences, and thousands of personal accounts, the Museum takes visitors on an immersive tour of World War II in every theater of war.
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My hubby was military so I thought he'd enjoy this museum...me not so much. Boy was I wrong!
This museum is fascinating! I learned so much about WWII. The museum houses anything you can think of in relation to WWII - planes, jeeps, tanks, a troop train, clothing, weapons used - you name it, the museum has it. They also had a WWII veteran who told his personal tale of fighting in the war and what it was like that really brought it home as to what our troops went through and the true cost of freedom.
The museum just went through an expansion and it also offers special programs.
For what you get during your visit, admission was worth every penny. We paid $26 apiece and $36 per person is the most expensive ticket. Children under 5 are free. You can purchase admission tickets online at their website.
Both hubby and I thoroughly our visit to the museum.
Website
Museum of Death
We were just wandering around the city when we stumbled on this one and our curiosity got the better of us. Definitely not for the faint of heart or stomach, nor would I recommend taking little kids here...but it was interesting in a macabre way.
What you can expect to see:
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Body bags, coffins & skull collection
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Theatre of Death
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Antique mortician apparatuses
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Manson Family photos
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Crime & morgue scene photos
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Artworks & letters from infamous serial murderers
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Graphic car accident photos
The Museum of Death is located at 227 Dauphine St. It is a cashless establishment - Credit/Debit/Tap are only accepted for payment.
Tickets can only be purchased at the door and admission was $20 per person. Website
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Again, FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY!
True Crime Pub Crawl - Adults Only
Get an in-depth look at some of the most unnerving crimes in New Orleans on a guided true crime tour, including how New Orleans was important to the JFK assassination Visit local watering holes (even an old brothel) and learn about the life and crimes of the most infamous criminals in New Orleans' history while sipping on delicious drinks.
The tour lasts 2 hours and is held rain or shine. One free drink is included in your admission and addiltional drinks are available for purchase. 21 and older only on this tour please.
Escape Game in the French Quarter
If you're up for something a little different and love mysteries and puzzle solving then the Escape Game in the French Quarter is for you. Play your way through the French Quarter in New Orleans with a game guide. Use teamwork, communication, and your sense of adventure to find clues, solve puzzles, and complete a mission. Duration: 1 hour.
You will be teamed up with other game players. We had a really fun group that worked well together. Your Game Guide will give you unlimited hints to complete your mission.
The Escape Game New Orleans features 4 unbelievable themes including our most difficult escape room, Prison Break. Every family-friendly escape game can hold up to 8 players, except Playground, which can fit 12 players. All of our escape games include multiple rooms to escape from and are highly immersive experiences.
Choose to play one of four uniquely immersive games:
- Prison Break: Complete a daring escape from the evil warden!
- Special Ops: Mysterious Market: Uncover the truth as a secret agent!
- The Heist: Recover a stolen masterpiece from an art thief!
- Playground: Complete your report card and get to summer break
We did Prison Break and it was a blast. You will be in a room with a locked door, but every door is equipped with an exit button — should you feel the need to leave the room, you are welcome to do so at any time. From $41.79 per person.
Check website for more detailsWe
Dining
New Orleans has come of the best food of anywhere I've traveled to, especially if you like Cajun and Creole. There's no end of great places to eat.
These are my personal favorites:
Creole House Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Central Business District
Crawfish Etouffee
I can't visit New Orleans without having Crawfish Etouffee and/or Crab Cakes and the
Creole House has the best of both that I've found. It is more touristy than I usually go for as far as restaurants of choice but the food is great and reasonably priced. $$
And it was in the CBD where our hotel was, so it was handy to get to.
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If you're looking for good seafood while in the French Quarter then head to Royal House Oyster Bar at 441 Royal St.
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I usually look for restaurants where the locals hang out. They always know where the best and less touristy and uncrowded places to eat are.
This popular establishment is renowned for its authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine, serving up delectable dishes like gumbo, etouffee, and fried seafood platters. They also serve steaks.
The restaurant has a laid back, welcoming vibe. It's comfortable and inviting.
While not a fancy place, Neyow's is popular among locals, thanks to its relaxing atmosphere and delicious food.
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I ordered the combination seafood platter which was delicious and cooked to perfection. John ordered the shrimp creole served on a bed of rice, which was also delicious. The Po-Boys are good as well.
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3332 Bienville Street. Website
Elizabeth's Restaurant
Having brunch has become a worldwide tradition, especially during the weekend. Yet, only some people know that the original brunch was created in New Orleans, and it was initially known as the second breakfast.
Elizabeth’s Restaurant is famous among locals for its comfort food. The menu includes traditional dishes, redneck eggs with fried green tomatoes, French toast burritos and chicken.
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601 Gallier Street.
Morning Call Coffee Stand
I know I told you to check out Cafe du Monde for beignets and coffee but Cafe du Monde can get very crowded.
So if you're looking to satiate your beignet cravings without the crowd, locals flock to the Morning Call Coffee Stand in City Park. Regarded as the "most famous coffee drinking place" in New Orleans, order some fresh beignets alongside café au lait, a local coffee mixed with chicory and milk.
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5101 Canal Blvd.
Po-Boys
Another famous New Orleans favorite, the Po'Boy, is a sandwich made of French bread, usually filled with fried seafood, roast beef, lettuce, tomato, and a generous slather of sauce like mayonnaise. However, the "best" po'boy in New Orleans is debatable among locals.
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Places like Mother's Restaurant in the heart of downtown serve their famous po'boy sandwiches to tourists and locals
alike. Locals recommend joints like Johnny's Po-Boys, Killer Po-Boys, Acme Oyster House, and Verti Marte in the French Quarter for great sandwiches and deli fare. If someone finds themselves in uptown New Orleans, they should visit Domilise's Po-Boy & Bar to try their sandwiches (they've been a family-owned restaurant since 1918).
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Mother's Restaurant: 401 Poydras St.
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Domilise's Po-Boy & Bar: 5240 Annunciation St.
Food Trucks
If you're on the go and don't want to stop for a sit-down lunch, hit up one of the many New Orleans food trucks.
They serve up a variety of food from Po-Boys to muffulettas. (another tasty sandwich filled with cured meats, provolone cheese, olive dressing, and great bread)
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One afternoon we grabbed muffulettas and sat in a park to eat them while people watching.
Very relaxing!
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"Dont's" in New Orleans
DON'T rent a car or attempt to drive in New Orleans!
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Streets generally have parking on one side of the street and one lane only large enough for one vehicle to get through. Driving and the expense and availability of parking is a nightmare.
You can easily get around New Orleans using the street car and bus system for under $10 for a 3 day pass.
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Not only that, New Orleans roads are in horrific condition. Without local knowledge of the cavernous potholes around the city, you could easily run your rental into one and tear off the front end. Hitting some of the potholes around town can feel like a drone strike has targeted your vehicle; it’s as jarring as crashing an escape pod on the surface of Mars.
There’s a water-filled pothole on Magazine Street so deep that you can fully submerge a human being. No, I'm not kidding.
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Don't visit during Mardi Gras!
It's way less than you imagine it being cracked up to be! If you like trying to navigate through a crowd of drunks and people peeing in the streets (bathrooms are hard to find) then Mardis Gras is for you. If not, there are plenty of other festivals held throughout the year that you'll have a much better time at.
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And for heaven's sake don't relieve yourself in the street.
During Mardi Gras, people tend to regress by a few decades, often turning the most respectable professionals into unhinged children of the night. If you’re bar hopping, you may find yourself on a stretch of street devoid of bathroom options. This situation becomes especially true during Mardi Gras, where many bathrooms are off-limits to non-customers, not to mention the enormous lines of like-minded revelers looking for relief. During the five epic days leading up to Fat Tuesday, the police are on high alert. If caught in the act, they will take you to Orleans Parish Prison, toss you in the general population, and leave you there until Ash Wednesday. They won’t let your friends bail you out either, as the police force is stretched too thin to process any releases. If you get caught on a Friday evening, you’re in the clink until the following Wednesday.
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Don't carry a lot of money or valuables on you!
New Orleans has a high crime rate and you could get rolled/mugged at the very least.
Leave the extra money (apart from what you need for that day) and valuables in your hotel room. Ladies, get yourselves a fanny pack or something that's hard for a potential mugger to remove from your body and leave the purse behind as it can be more easily grabbed.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
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Don't spend the entire day out in the heat.
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New Orleans can be ungodly hot and humid, even in March. Don't risk ruining your trip by getting heatstroke or sunstroke. Get out of the sun and heat a few times during the day to let your body cool down and carry a bottle of water with you.
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Don't drink the sugar water.
Most of the signature drinks that cater to the tourist crowd are nothing more than sugar, food coloring, and cheap grain alcohol. These drinks claim to represent the city’s spirit, but there are more suitable, less crippling cocktails to enjoy while you’re in town. Try a Sazerac at the Roosevelt Hotel or a French 75 at Arnaud’s if you prefer a drink that won’t cause temporary blindness and massive hangovers the following day. Cure on Freret Street specializes in traditional and eclectic cocktails shaken by painfully hip bartenders. While a greasy breakfast can remedy most hangovers, too many sugary cocktails off Bourbon Street can rob you of your will to live. And watch out for those Pat O'Brien's Hurricanes!
So that's my guide to New Orleans. It's a great place to see and visit but keep your wits about you in the process.