Adventure: Catch me down in New Orleans

N'awlins. NOLA. New Orleans.

You heading down to New Orleans anytime soon? Check here for all the sights, sounds, and tastes you don't want to miss!

Sights and Sounds of NOLA

Just know that anything can change from street to street, depending on what section of the city you are in. There is a historical section, a built up section, and areas down by the river. When we went, we made sure to go to a Crawfish Festival, which was located in the Garden District. This area of town goes through residential, and also includes many cute "non-touristy" shops. This festival was held in April, and stretched for many blocks. Locals enjoyed food trucks, beer trucks, authentic Cajun food, and a presentation put on by the Mardi Gras Indians (in full outfits and headdresses). Also at this market, were many local artisans, which was perfect for getting unique souvenirs to take home!

                                                                  

When you go to explore the French Quarter, make sure you park at the Visitors Center, but don't walk too far. The Visitors Center has every bit of information you need...and when you walk out, you are face to face with the most well known spot of NOLA, St. Louis Cemetery. Getting a tour through this cemetery is an absolute must. Here is the thing though...you need a guide. It used to be you could walk through on your own, but it got to where people were going inside and vandalizing the grave sites. Don't worry, there are plenty of guides standing around that area that will take you in. We joined a group for 20 bucks, and made our way through. You will see that the graves are above ground due to the sea level in the city. I wont give too much info, but you will see graves for the rich and famous, including one actor who isn't even dead yet.
                                                                     

Whatever idea you have of what the old streets of the French Quarter look like...it will be pretty spot on. You have the older sweet Southern homes with the front porches, and the flowers hanging from the balconies. The uneven streets have history and stories to them...and they also have smell. Just be aware...every now and then you may get a whiff of sewage, but it passes. Its an old city...crap happens.
                           

You got to make a pit stop at the Marie Laveau Voodoo Shop. I will say it is not for the faint of heart...there is certainly some interesting retail in there. Like for real Voodoo dolls and potions! Marie Laveau was considered the "Voodoo Priestess" and was a free black woman in the 1800's...so she was known to be the 'real deal'.
                                                                   
Louis Armstrong Park is 31 acres of beautiful green space in a busy city.
                                                                   
Jackson Square is a sight for sore eyes. The square sits right across from the river, and houses the St. Louis Cathedral, which is from the 1700's with gorgeous stained glass. Go ahead and step inside! Immediately outside of the church you have local artists, jazz bands, fortune tellers and maybe a harmless napping drunk. Its really a mixture of everyone right there in front of the church! Right across the street is the French Market, which is a market that has been around since the colonist days. The market stretches for what seems like forever, allowing your taste-buds to explore.
                                                                 

Tastes of NOLA

Friends, I am a lover of food! Check out this list of grub that will make your mouth water (there are a few restaurants on here as well that won't break the bank).

Oceana (restaurant on Bourbon Street...which has a beautiful patio and fountains in the back)

• Fried and Blackened Alligator with remoulade sauce
• Alligator and Fried Shrimp Po'Boy

Pat O'Briens (popular spot on Bourbon Street)

• Drinks: Abita beer (local) and Hurricane 

Café du Monde (across from the Cathedral in Jackson Square, be prepared to wait in line, but they also have a to-go area which is just as fast)

• Beignets (one order includes three large beignets covered in powdered sugar)

French Market (across from Jackson Square)

• Gator on a stick
• Crawfish Bombs
• Fresh Juices

Chartres House (*if I can recommend any place in NOLA it would be this one.* This restaurant is off a side street near Jackson Square. We sat on the balcony, jazz music in the background, a wedding parade walking down the street, and a gorgeous view. 100% romantic and worth it. I remember the host was super passionate about his job, and their service was right up there behind Chick-Fil-A.)

• Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Red Beans and Rice
• Gator Sausage
• Sampler of NOLA platter: Gumbo (pretty close to my mamas recipe), Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, and Crawfish Gumbo.
• Top it off with cheesecake! 

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This is just a sample of things that you can do in New Orleans. There are many sections of the city that all have their own unique characteristics about it. 

Have you been to NOLA? What is your favorite thing to do in New Orleans?