The New Orleans Edit
Are you wondering if you should go to New Orleans (post-Super Bowl of course)? It’s not a question. Go!
When I scoured the school calendar for dates to travel this school year, we decided to take advantage of the long Rosh Hashanah weekend to leave town and perhaps have apples and honey in a new place ;) The break was in October and I had my eye on New Orleans and about 24 hours later, the trip was booked. I get restless and excited and sometimes just can’t help myself!
The last time I went to NOLA, I was 16.
I had battled agoraphobia (a fear of leaving home) for all of my life but wanted to see Ani Difranco at the Jazz Festival so badly that when an acquaintance invited me I said yes and never told her about my panic. It was the 90s, I was determined to make the trip happen and it was one of the first times I can remember pushing through fear for something I really wanted to do. The privacy in my panic somehow made the trip easier and possible. That was the first of so many flights, and one I’ll never forget.
I still remember the hotel we stayed at (which by the way is still there)! I remember walking the streets of the French Quarter, drinking alcohol for the first time (so THAT’S why that smoothie was so expensive ;)) and watching Ani on stage.
The city with music pouring out onto the streets stuck with me and since then, I’ve always wanted to go back.
So, October 2024 was finally the time…and off we went!
In this post you’ll find some things to help you plan your trip to NOLA:
Where we stayed (and the hotel we almost stayed at before we found out there was one huge problem with our room!)
How we booked the trip with points (and why we made the decision to pay cash for the new hotel)
Our favorite restaurants, venues, sights, cafés, shops and everything in between!
Photos from our trip
Our 5 day itinerary!
So, fast forward from the 90s, a bazillion years later, last year, I returned to New Orleans no longer afraid and desperately excited to walk the streets again and hear the music.
NOLA did not disappoint. If you are wondering if you should go to New Orleans, it’s not a question. Go! And read on…
Between the beautiful streets of the French Quarter and the music spilling out onto the streets, the food, the people, the history…it’s the kind of place that stays with you. It's a must.
Read on for all the tips, tricks and recommendations for one of our favorite cities.