“We wander through old streets, and pause before the age stricken houses; and, strange to say, the magic past lights them up.”
~ Grace King, French Quarter Guidebook ~
I absolutely love New Orleans; not the loud, drunken partying New Orleans, but the cultural, culinary, historical and gracious New Orleans.
My husband knows this, so when he had to schedule a business trip to this grand old Southern City last week, he made arrangements for me to accompany him.
{He’s thoughtful that way.}
While Bourbon Street is clearly the most happening place in New Orleans, I tend to prefer the more subdued side of town. You may ask what else is there to experience in this town known for its lively side, so let me share some of my favorite things to enjoy while traveling New Orleans. I’ve included a few tips and links to help you plan your own vacation.
1. Step back in time and tour the plantations on Louisiana’s old River Road. From the stunning Houmas House and Gardens to the lesser known St. Josephs plantation (owned by the same family since 1877), these are still estates with working gardens or sugar cane crops!
The Houmas House, also known as the Burnside Plantation or “The Sugar Palace”… The original portion of the house was built in the 1700s with additions made by later owners completed in the 1840s. The original portion of the home was built in the Federal style of architecture that was so common in the late 1700s, but the newer portion is obviously Greek Revival style which was used in many old southern homes.
We toured Houmas House first thing in the morning before the tour buses arrived. It was still cool and quiet which made for a lovely and relaxing morning.
The Houmas House guided tour is quite informative and well worth taking. You will hear stories of several generations who lived there as well as a few details on furniture (Audley loved the 150 year old humidor) and accessories throughout the house.
St. Joseph’s Plantation in Vacherie was built in the 1820s. I love the French Creole architecture of the area and time. The house was originally opened on the bottom as many Creole homes were, but was enclosed prior to the Civil War so that the home is 12,000 square feet! My guide, Rae was full of information and facts including that the home was built from cypress wood since it was inexpensive to use, then faux finished to look like oak which was much more expensive! Very interesting when so many seem to think faux finishes are a newer design concept.
I visited St. Josephs later in the afternoon where I enjoyed a personal tour. There were only a few other people around this time of day so I had plenty of opportunity to ask questions and really soak in the history.
Sugar Cane (certified organic) is still grown and harvested here at St. Josephs.
If you love history and architecture, this is definitely a stop on your list of “to-do’s”.
2. Treat your sweet side with a trip to Sucre’ on Magazine Street for authentic French macarons, chocolates, and pastry. Make sure you have left room in your carry-on for carrying a few delights home with you!
Window shopping is quite sweet while strolling the streets of NOLA
3. Enjoy the beautiful, historic Jackson Square in the French Quarter and take a tour of the stunning St. Louis Cathedral with her Renaissance & Spanish (which surprises me since Louisiana was such a large French colony) architecture, first completed in 1793 and added onto in 1850!
The Andrew Jackson statue … Hence the naming of Jackson Square.
4. Enjoy a carriage ride through the French Quarter with a knowledgable and entertaining guide. If you are limited on time, this is one of the best ways to take in a little of local New Orleans history and flavor.
We took our tour at twilight and left from in front of the cathedral, where tours leave from all day. We participated in a group tour so our ride was $20/each, Carriages for two run about $45/each.
5. Indulge your taste buds with delicious New Orleans flavor by dining at one of the many local restaurants found in the downtown area. We thoroughly enjoyed dining at the Red Fish Grill located on Bourbon Street (near Canal).
Start your meal with fresh, Gulf oysters shucked right in front of you, then venture into the dining room for a delicious meal showcasing traditional, local flavor.
I highly recommend the shrimp and grits topped with friend pickled okra and pancetta, although Audley was totally suggest the wood plank grilled red fish with lump crab meat.
No matter which you prefer, make reservations before heading out for the evening. This is true for almost every restaurant in the area!
6. And while you are making reservations be sure make time for a cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking.
Our demo and tasting class included Gumbo, jambalaya, and Pralines and was only $28 each. We were so full when we left, so it is well worth participating in.
Here you can choose a demo and tasting class, or a full hands-on instructional class. Either way, you are going to learn a lot about traditional French cooking from Colonial, Louisiana and how it evolved with Italian, African, and Haitian influences into the amazing flavors we enjoy today!
7. While I’m definitely not a fan of Bourbon Street, I LOVE strolling down it long enough to reach Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub. A stop in Fritzels is like stepping back in time to mid-century France or Germany with their jazz clubs, long wooden tables and benches included. It doesn’t take long for you to find yourself lost in the music, leaving the present day behind.
There is not a cover charge for Fritzels, but there is a minimum one drink per set purchase required; bottled water counts as a drink!
8. Tour an old historic cemetery as there are plenty to choose from. The old St Louis Cemetery #1 is the most popular and requires a $20 admission and comes with a guide. Audley and I enjoy exploring on our own and there are several which allow you to do just that. One of our favorites in the Hook and Ladder cemetery (established in 1858) in Gretna. It’s not too big, still lovely in a unique way, and definitely worth checking out. If you want to make your tour a little more interesting, read up on how these family mausoleums work… extremely interesting!
The Hook and Ladder is located next to fabulous restaurant, The Red Maple, which I also highly recommend you visit for supper one night!
9. Take some time out to shop the market in the French Quarter. From local boutiques artisans to stereotypical gift shops, there is something to be found for everyone on your shopping list.
10. Did you really visit New Orleans if you skip over Cafe du Monde? Located next to Jackson Square in the Quarter, stopping in for beignets and a cafe au lait in this famous open-air cafe is a must-do on your trip. Choosing from a very limited menu of hot chocolates, coffee, cafe au lait and beignets takes little time. There is really no excuse to miss this cafe as they are open 24-hours!
Have you visited New Orleans before? What are your favorite things to do in this grand old city?
Fiddle Dee Dee by Jennifer Jones 