5 Things You Have To Do In New Orleans

April 27, 2018

we had the hardest time keeping this list down to five things! the city is an intricately detailed mix of history, music and food. it's beautiful and tragic and well, here's the list:

1.) DuMonde

i'm not even kidding. it's cliche and it's on every single list out there, but it's essential. start there. check into your hotel, get a good nights sleep, when you wake up fill your mind with thoughts of french fried dough and cafe au lait. make your way to the southern side of the French Quarter and wait in line, because there is always a morning line. chat with your line mates. find out where they are from or if this is their 1st or 50th time here... listen to the one guy out front playing his saxophone and trying to sell you his self published album. and when you are finally seated, immediately ask for beignets and coffee. if you wait to order it may be a minute before the waiter gets back around. the menu is simple and beignets are the whole reason you are there. order them. eat them. love them. 

Pro tip: don't wear back (powdered sugar everywhere) and bring cash, because they don't accept cards.

2.) the French Markets

next door you'll find the french markets. some of the best food in the whole city is under those tents. along with rows upon rows of African treasures, french styles, hats, dresses, beignet mix... walk around. touch things. buy things. eat things. experience the whole essence of the city right there in the markets. 

Pro tip: haggle. for the cheap souvenirs, those prices are negotiable. they say $6? say you'll give them $10 for 2! they'll shoot you a look and take the deal. 

3.) the Warehouse District

just outside of the French Quarter there is a blossoming little area lovingly referred to as the Warehouse District. it's a great place to get a hotel if you want to be close enough to walk into the french quarter but don't want to pay the exorbitant price of a room in the quarter. there's a restaurant in this district called Couchon. make reservations, ask to sit at the chef's counter. the food is amazing and the show is incredible. 

4. ) the Garden District

please, pleeeeeease take the street car out of the French Quarter and make your way down to the Garden District. once there, stop at Surrey's. wait in the insanely long line. because it's worth it. you deserve this.. 

order the shrimp and grits. cry tears of utter bliss and the rich texture, warmth of home and spice of the city explode in your mouth. i'm serious. Surrey's is an absolute must.  

5. ) Jackson Square  

okay, so turns out this should have been a list of places to eat... because the number one reason to check out Jackson Square is The Gumbo Shop. hands down the best gumbo in the city, and let's face it, that's really why we're here. oh! and try the crawfish pasta. 

come hungry. the best view of the church is from the raise platform across the street, next to Cafe DuMonde. if you are looking at the front of the church, just to the left in the shadow of the magnificent cathedral there is a book store, Beckhams. floor to it's enormously tall ceiling, it's completely packed with volumes filled with adventures, gardening tips and other worlds... walk through its aged doors, take a deep breath and fall in love with this quaint shop. 

i'm not a huge drinker, i enjoy something sweet and too fruity, but i'd much rather waste those calories on something more, ya know, deep fried or smothered in gravy. #noshame i'll have Rye give y'all the skinny on where to get a drink.

Bonus Pro Tip just because I love y'all: if you see a little pop up tent and they have street food, S.T.O.P. staaaaaahhhhhp. stop. staaaahp. because this: