Everyone should have a great love affair with a city.
A love affair that rivals Holly Golightly and Paul Varjak’s in Breakfast at Tiffany’s – its passionate and crazy and always leaves you guessing.
Mine is with New Orleans.
A city full of debauchery, excitement, and thrill.
And let’s be honest, booze – lots of booze.
I hate to put a cliche to it, but you truly never know what’s going to happen when you’re there.
My love affair with New Orleans began when I was 13.
My father took my brother and I to the French Quarter.
We went in the daytime, otherwise, I too, like you probably are now, would be questioning his parenting skills for taking a 13 year old and an 8 year old to the quarter.
One look at all that architecture and I was hooked.
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There is a spirit in New Orleans that you just can’t quite describe.
You either love it or you hate it.
There can be no gray area with this city.
I am madly in love with it – and not just with the architecture anymore.
No, no.
I am madly in love with the lore of Marie Laveau and her voodoo, the legends of Storyville and Norma Wallace, The Last Madam, the cities of the dead, the sound of jazz in the air and the ghostly whispers of great writers that once walked the quarter.
When I drug Grunt Labor there for the first time, he balked at me as I left pennies on Marie’s grave, followed by a visit to the voodoo temple to buy vesta powder, sage, and brick dust.
The day he came home and found me scattering the brick dust across our threshold and waving burning sage through our beloved foreclosure, I’m pretty sure he was ready to call the psychiatric ward.
We haven’t had any evil spirits here yet. Just sayin’.
Grunt Labor and I had to cash in some unused plane tickets before the new year. We had one weekend to jet away and only one place made sense: NOLA.
We left on a Friday at noon and were enjoying drinks and BBQ shrimp (a messy, but must-have dish) in the quarter by 7pm.
We spent too much money, ate too many beignets, drank too much bourbon, and walked it all off perusing the quarter.
And the best absolute my-life-is-now-complete thing about this trip?
I got to go in a whorehouse.
One of the most fascinating things to me about New Orleans is its history of vice.
I devour books on Storyville (New Orlean’s Red Light District in the early 1900’s).
My absolute favorite tale of prostitution in New Orleans in the one of The Last Madam, Norma Wallace. I have read the book three times now. I will read it at least 100 more times before I die.
Norma Wallace was, as the title of the book states, The Last Madam of New Orleans. She ran her upscale house of prostitution until the mid 60’s. She entertained movie stars, gangsters, and high political officials. There wasn’t a better house than The Queen’s.
Armed with my book in hand, Grunt Labor and I set out to see her last residence in the quarter where she entertained: 1026 Conti Street, coincidentally (or not?), also once the house of E.J. Bellocq, the famed photographer of Storyville. As we walked down Conti, I was worried the house may no longer be standing while I was frantically scoping out house numbers.
But it was still standing.
I snapped a few pictures of the front of the house, the sign hanging on it, and then realized someone was coming out of the door. I apologized for being that corny tourist and started to walk away.
But then something amazing happened.
One of the men coming out of the house was Mark Boline.
A broker who just so happened to be the broker for the apartments which 1026 Conti have become.
A ridiculously nice man that asked if we would like a tour.
I nearly wet myself.
As Grunt Labor gives me the look of, Are you crazy?! Should we really be going into a house with a man we don’t know in a city that’s crazy as hell?!, I followed the man inside the house.
I may die in the whorehouse, but damn it, I’ll die crossing something off the bucket list.
Mr. Mark Boline was completely harmless – and totally made this girl’s day year. Thank you, sir.
The entryway is lined with paintings and photographs remembering the past owners of the residence, Norma Wallace and E.J. Bellocq.
The painting on the left was done from one of the famed photographs E.J. Bellocq took in Storyville. The top right picture is of two paintings that grace the wall – one of Norma Wallace and one of E.J. Bellocq. The bottom right picture is a series of photographs of Norma and the residence.
The courtyard was nothing short of stunning.
The area of the courtyard photographed above is actually much longer – I just couldn’t get a good shot. If I remember correctly, Mr. Boline said that area was where Ms. Wallace’s girls would perform their “shows.” I’ll let you read the book to learn more about those shows.
Mr. Boline showed us one of the units available to rent. In that certain unit was the place, Norma would stash her cash:
I was thrilled to see they had preserved it. Of course in her day, a brick would have covered the hiding spot.
In this same apartment was the side door of the house where Norma would pay off the police.
She would hand it right through the door and carry on with business.
This is the kitchen of that apartment.
I was taking photos with my phone, thus the blurriness – I had left my camera at home as I had promised I wouldn’t do any photography for work, but ya know, when duty calls… Anyway, these apartments are small, but have beautiful high end finishes.
Upon leaving the whorehouse, Grunt Labor put his arm around me, laughed and said, “Well, I guess nothing else we ever do in New Orleans will top this.”
Nope.
But I’ll still go back to my beloved city. I just can’t get enough.
Here are our favorite things to do in the city, photos and commentaries included. ๐
Must Do’s in New Orleans:
1. Peruse the quarter, preferably with coffee from Cafe du Monde or booze in hand. Bask in the architecture.
And then bask a little more.
2. Have a breakfast of cafe au lait and beignets (french doughnuts) at Cafe du Monde.
And then go back a couple hours later for more.
3. Dance to a jazz band in the street.
And then leave them a few dollars.
4. Walk down Bourbon Street at least once in the daytime and once in the nighttime.
This should also be done drink-in-hand. People watch – you won’t believe the stuff you’ll see at night.
5. Visit Faulkner House Books where, yes, William Faulkner once lived.
Take in all the fine literature here, buy a book or two – I suggest a Faulkner or New Orleans one as a souvenir.
6. Visit a City of the Dead
New Orleans cemeteries are known as cities of the dead. I think you can see why from the photo. If you have never been to NOLA before, I highly suggest taking a cemetery tour. Going alone on your first visit isn’t the best idea. Some of the cemeteries are not safe.
If you visit St. Louis #1, leave some pennies or gifts on Mrs. Laveau’s tomb. It can’t hurt.
7. Take the St. Charles Street Car to the Garden District
Peruse the garden district. Take in all the beautiful mansions.
If you have read any of the Anne Rice Mayfair Witches books, many of the places in those books are in this district.
8. Visit the Roosevelt Hotel, preferably at Christmas time.
This was suggested to me by Kim from O is for Organize, and boy was she right on. This hotel is stunning at Christmas.
I also couldn’t resist this old letter box in the hotel.
9. Stop in at NOLA Couture.
This is a new favorite shop Grunt Labor and I discovered on our recent trip. Pick up a classy bow tie for your man and an out-of-this-world good smelling candle inspired by none other than the city of sin itself.
10. Visit the address where Marie Laveau once lived.
Her house is no longer standing, another one is in its place, but its still worth the walk.
11. Have a cigar in the quarter.
According to Grunt Labor, the cigar shops in NOLA are pretty good. This visit, we stopped in at the Cigar Factory on Bourbon Street.
12. Drive out to River Road and visit an old Plantation.
Grunt Labor and I didn’t have time to do this on our recent visit, but the time before we drove out to River Road (I think it was about a 45 minute drive out of the city) to tour a plantation. The one pictured above is Oak Alley Plantation (you’ve probably seen it in movies before). We just stopped at it and looked around, but didn’t tour the inside. However, we did tour a creole plantation, Laura, and we throughly enjoyed it.
Books I Love about New Orleans & Their Characters:
The Last Madam by Christine Wiltz – hands down, my favorite book.
Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches Series
Voodoo in New Orleans, Robert Tallant
Storyville, New Orleans, Al Rose – This book contains many of the famed Storyville photographs taken by E.J. Bellocq.
Empire of Sin, Gary Krist- Just got my hands on this one, but I think its going to be great.
See more of my favorite southern books here.
If you have any suggestions on things to see in New Orleans or books to read, please leave them in the comments!
More posts about Southern travel:
Things to Do in Nashville – probably my 2nd favorite southern city!
Isle of Palms Beach Vacation – no traffic like in Florida!
Fried Green Tomatoes Road Trip – visit the place where the movie was filmed!
Jimmy Carter Sunday school in Plains, Georgia – attend a Sunday school class taught by former President Carter.
You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.
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Nicolle says
Jenna…I’m so glad you love my city & I’m also glad you included more than just the Quarter as NOLA truly is more than just that. I live in Algiers Point, which is similar in appearance to the Quarter & just on the other side of the river. It’s the 2nd oldest neighborhood in NOLA (with the FQ being the 1st). I have lots of pictures of the Point if you are interested (and pics of my hundred year old house looks like)…if you are so inclined to take a gander. ๐
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Nicolle, I would love to see those photos! I’ve never had a chance to visit Algiers Point when we’ve been there – its on the list for the next trip though!
Stephanie, Sandpaper and Glue says
I have that first picture on the post too– I just lovedddd those shutters! We honeymooned there this past April and my husband has some family as well so we’re planning a return trip for 2016. I freaking love New Orleans. Also, I want to go on a swamp boat tour everyday. And eat at Yo Mama every night.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Aren’t those gorgeous, Stephanie?! We have never done a swamp boat tour, but my husband SO wants to – doing that next time!
chris aka monkey says
this city is right up your alley, i bet your jaws hurt from grinning lol xx
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
You know it, Chris!!
Krista @ the happy housie says
Wow, I read this word for word… Definitely on my bucket list!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
This city should be on everyone’s bucket list! hahaha! In my opinion, anyway!
Kirsty says
We did a tour of the deep south for our honeymoon and I must admit that New Orleans was my least favourite part, it just felt a bit full on to me. I agree it’s a love/hate place. The architecture is so beautiful though, if a bit run down in the quarter, and the garden district is stunning. Laura plantation was my favourite tour of the whole holiday and we bought back a beautiful frame for our wedding photo. Great memories, thanks for bringing them back to me!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
We really enjoyed the Laura plantation as well, Kirsty. It was so interesting and since it was Creole plantation, it was different than others I had read about before – so cool!
Candy Walsh says
GREAT job on the New Orleans post! You did me proud, lol! Have you ever been for Mardi Gras? Make sure if your do, you bring Grunt Labor and plenty of male protection! It’s a lot of fun, but not the safest place. We used to go in high school so young and carefree, not a worry in the world!
Next time, ride a street car down St. Charles (beautiful homes) and go to the zoo! Then you gotta go get a snowball!
And when you’re in the Quarter, make sure to get you some Gris Gris to bring home with you~kinda like voodoo, nobody will ever mess with you again! Haha!
So glad you loved the city that holds my heart!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh, I totally forgot about mentioning the Gris Gris, Candy!! I got some of that the time before last when we went!! So far, no one’s messed with me! Haven’t been the zoo – next time! And haven’t been for Mardi Gras, but that is on our bucket list. In fact, Grunt Labor and I both said that the next time we go, we should go for Mardi Gras!!
Tammy says
Oh. MY. Goodness! My first trip to NOLA was this past June… I fell in LOVE and would go back in a heart beat! The second photo in your post? I took a pic of that building and have it hanging in my powder room. The only thing we didn’t do on your list is the Whore House.. dang it! Thanks for the reminder of one of the best trips ever!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Tammy, the architecture there is perfect for making into DIY art, isn’t it?! I just love it!!
Kellie Smith says
Very cool!! Next time I want to go… I’ll never forget, I met the man of man dreams there, but alas, he slipped right through my fingers. He had the most amazing eyes… Yeah, one had a spider tattooed on the eyelid and spider web covered half of his face. Lol!! Omg I love NOLA!!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
haha! The man of man dreams!! A spider tattooed on his eyelid and a spider web on his face – Kellie you like the bad boys…haha!
Ariel says
Jenna, I love your blog and I love your tribute to NOLA! I do have some ideas for more books. (Being a librarian and all.) 1) James Lee Burke’s Dave Robichaux mystery series is set in New Orleans. The first book is NEON RAIN. They are all beautifully written and very gripping and also very NOLA. 2) OUT OF THE EASY by Ruta Sepetys. It’s a young adult novel, won a bunch of prizes. It’s set in New Orleans in the 1950s, and much of it takes place in a brothel, about the daughter of a working girl who is determined to make her way to college. 3) A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES by James Kennedy O’Toole. One of the funniest books ever, though the author himself was tragic. The hero is one Ignatius J. Reilly, “huge, obese, fractious, fastidious, a latter-day Gargantua, a Don Quixote of the French Quarter. His story bursts with wholly original characters, denizens of New Orleans’ lower depths, incredibly true-to-life dialogue, and the zaniest series of high and low comic adventures” (Henry Kisor, Chicago Sun-Times) Enjoy! And thanks for sharing…
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Ariel, thank you so much for sharing those titles!!! I am headed to put them in my Amazon cart right now!!! YAY!
Tarron Johnson says
When your dad and I went, it was a very short visit. I wanted so bad to see the cemetaries and tour old locations. This makes me want to go back soon. Thanks for pics and stories. I love it.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Well, you should totally make him take you again…or all of us! haha!
Lynn says
I feel in love with the city when my husband and I stumbled onto a wedding party in the street. The bride and groom were leading a procession, waving, laughing and dancing, while a jazz band played following them and the guests. They were all waving handkerchiefs. Right then and there, I wished I had been born in that beautiful city. It was also my first visit to the Garden District – I could have walked around there all day long. Next time a swamp boat tour – how wonderful!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Yes, Lynn!!! We have seen one of those wedding parties before too and they are so much fun!! Totally makes you wish you had been born there or at least lived there when you got married!! haha!
Patty says
Jenna I love NOLA. My mother and her family is from NO. I fell in love with the architecture at a very young age and the food oh my gosh. My grandma was a wonderful cook so I grew up with the food, it’s a wonder that I’m not the size of the side of a barn. My grandma used to tell us the stories and the legions of NO. I grew up drinking strong chicory coffee and beignets, to bad I didn’t inherit her cooking genes. The cities of the dead fascinate me, they are kind of scary, but fascinating and you are right never go with just one or two people always go with a group. I love all the history of NO and anyone who has not been and you love history and architecture and really, really good food then go you will fall in love with this wonderful city.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh Patty, you are so lucky to have had a Grandma who was from there!! That is so cool!!! And yes, that food!! Oh. My. Goodness. Honey, if I lived in NOLA, there is no doubt in my mind that I would be HUGE!!!
Angie says
Oh my goodness, I was just watching a show on 1026 Conti minutes before I began reading your post I’m not even gonna think about whatever freaky omen that could mean!
Angie says
Sorry, iPad decided to quit typing before I finished. I’ve never been to NOLA so this is a great article for a first time visitor!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
hahahaha!! That is so cool, Angie!!! And I have to know what show that was – gotta watch it!
Angie says
It was an episode of Unsolved Mysteries, lol!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh my gosh! I LOVE Unsolved Mysteries!!
Vernnetta says
I absolutely love the suggestions of where to go check out in NOLA. I have been twice and each time I leave, the city calls me back! My spouse and I have even considered living there because we love it so much. There is so much culture and history that it is impossible to do everything you want in a couple of visits. We will definitely check out the plantations the next time we go and at least one city of the dead. I suggest to anyone visiting NOLA for the first time is to let the city talk to you and enjoy yourself…it’s hard not to.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Wonderful suggestion, Vernnetta and so true! Yes, you must see a plantation – they are beautiful!
Stephanie Loman says
You might like Mr. New Orleans. Fab book! And pls plan to come visit one year in April for French Quarter Fest. There is nothing quite like it!
Love your site!!!! ๐
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oooo! Thank you for the book suggestion, Stephanie! Its now in my Amazon cart! I will put the French Quarter fest down as a must do too!
Michelle Vincent says
I love NOLA too and this is a great list! Thanks for sharing!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I love it too, Michelle! Great city!
Nance in Reno says
Our family has done three mission trips to New Orleans post-Katrina. One time we did a walking tour of the French Quarter; another time we did a Plantation tour (Laura) and the 3rd time a swamp tour. I also took a cemetery tour.
Are you familiar with David Fulmer? He does a mystery series sent in the Storyville district in the early 1900s. http://www.davidfulmer.com/StoryvillePage.html
Also, two non-fiction books that I enjoyed: Cane River and Red River. They are each in the 500+ page range. One story is about her mother’s family history, the other her father’s. http://www.amazon.com/Lalita-Tademy/e/B001IGSPZC/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1 Lalita Tademy’s riveting family saga chronicles four generations of women born into slavery along the Cane River in Louisiana. It is also a tale about the blurring of racial boundaries: great-grandmother Elisabeth notices an unmistakable “bleaching of the line” as first her daughter Suzette, then her granddaughter Philomene, and finally her great-granddaughter Emily choose (or are forcibly persuaded) to bear the illegitimate offspring of the area’s white French planters. In many cases these children are loved by their fathers, and their paternity is widely acknowledged. However, neither state law nor local custom allows them to inherit wealth or property, a fact that gives Cane River much of its narrative drive.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Nance! Thank you so much for the information on the Storyville series and the book suggestions! I am off to check them out now!
Julie @ Girl on the Move says
I am going to be in New Orleans in May so I’m definitely pinning this list to remember for our trip!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Have SO much fun, Julie! Its amazing!
Jennifer Boudreaux says
Loved Oak Alley! We did the tour and it was fascinating! My husband is from Louisiana. From the town Hammond , it’s about an hour north of NOLA. We visit at least once a year and I drag him to do all the touristy things ๐ . Thank you for the suggestions and great reads! We will be out there again this summer and I’m looking forward to scoping out a few of the spots you mention In your blog. I hope you get to go again !
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
We have went to Oak Alley, Jennifer, but never did the tour – didn’t have time. ๐ Its on the to-do list for next time, though! Love me some NOLA!
Cathy says
A girlfriend and I are going to be in NOLA from April 18-24. Almost here…Yikes!!
We are doing a bus tour on Sunday, swamp tour on Wednesday a concert at the Hilton on Thursday!! Rest of the time, we are flying by the seat of our pants!! CAN’T WAIT!!!
Cathy says
Sorry, hit post button too soon. I just loved reading your post. Really got me excited about Bourbon Street.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Cathy, you are going to have SO MUCH FUN!!! Enjoy!
Darya says
Thanks for the exciting article. I love NOLA. I’ve been there 3 times and feel like I will keep going back for the rest of my life because some forces I cannot explain or resist draw me back lol
Couple suggestions on things to do are a visit to a rum distillery about 15-20 min cab ride from FQ, where they give tour of the facility and explain how rum is made with tasting. Also, to the city Park/botanical garden. It’s not large but is old and lovely and those same ancient Oak Trees with moss hanging off them can be seen there as well. You can also take steamboat ride up and down Mississippi River with or without jazz dinner. As for the food, last time my husband and I discovered that french market sells killer muffaletas. And finally, the book…ah the book…first of all, thanks everyone here for your suggestions. I’ve been looking for more books about New Orleans but here’s my all time favorite (I like to listen to in the car on my 15 hour drive down) – “Hell or High water” by Joy Castro. It’s an awesome fiction crime story loaded with NOLA character ๐
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
It is a powerful force, Darya!! Thanks for the suggestions. I just added “Hell or High Water” to my Amazon cart!!
Anahi says
I love New Orleans with a passion! I’m always happy to know others feel the same way about her as I do. the New Orleans spirit is just so beautiful! I’d do anything to move back again. I read books that take place in New Orleans when I miss the city. Check out “yellow jack” its a good read of early New Orleans.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Isn’t it just the best city ever, Anahi!? I love it! Thanks for the book recommendation – I will be sure to check it out!
Sharon says
Totally agree with you about NOLA. I’ve been there 11 times and #12 is coming next week. It’s been 4 years. I’m a totally different person when I’m there. Makes me wonder if that’s the real me. Pretty sure it is. Love it so much that my bedroom is decorated in the Nola theme and my dogs names are Jockamo and Zydeco. Laissez les Bon temps rouler!!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Love it, Sharon!!! Enjoy your upcoming trip – leave a couple of pennies on Marie’s grave for me! ๐
Nancy says
Thank you for this post! I am going to NOLA for the first time the end of August. Guess what, I get to stay for free! I have friends that now live in the French Quarter! I am sooo looking forward to this trip. Made a list of places I wanted to go and several are on your list – lucky me. #1 on my list is Marie’s grave ๐ and then onto a voodoo shop.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Nancy, I am so jealous of you!! Its been too long since I’ve been to NOLA! I think I need a dose of it every few months! Enjoy your trip and leave a penny on Marie’s grave for me! ๐
Melissa Barnett says
I lived in NOLA for a year and will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart for this special city! There is no place like it anywhere! ???? I would also suggest having a muffelata and a Shrimp po’boy from one of the many delis and a hot dog from the Lucky Dog hot dog cart will cure what ails you after a wild night on burboun street! ???? if you are lucky enough to be around for Mardi Gras, you will never forget it!!! ???? ????
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Great suggestions, Melissa!! Those are classic NOLA food staples!
Lorri says
I was born and raised in New Orleans, even got married in a courtyard in the French Quarter. I loved your story. All good suggestions, btw. If you go for Mardi Gras, go to the parades in Metairie. You won’t have to worry about your safety and you’ll have just as much fun. And definitely get a snowball! The “snow cones” found in other places don’t come close to the decadence of a snowball from NOLA. They’re seasonal, but a few places sell them year round. Ask a local where to find them if the weather isn’t warm next time you’re there.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks for the tips, Lorri! Mardi Gras is definitely on the bucket list, so knowing that about the ones in Metairie is great! We must get snowballs as well – that’s the one thing we haven’t done there yet!
Terry says
I’m sure you have…but have you read Confederacy of Dunces? There’s a statue of Ignatius in front of the old department store. Love NO, usually go twice a year. The Backstreet Cul
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I haven’t read that one, Terry, but I’m going to check it out! Thanks for the suggestion!
Lynne says
My son lives in NOLA..a transplant from S Calif. You didn’t even mention FOOD…omg. Got to go have fried chicken at the Scotch House in 7th ward…Find a local and go to one of the great bars restaurants on Oak St…I can’t remember all the names…but none of these are on the main drags
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
The food is amazing, Lynne!! I think sometimes I’m just so enthralled with all the sites, I forget the food!
Renee Ivey says
I so love New Orleans and living here, there is no other city like it, it simply has it all and the people here truly know how to live…City Park, especially at Christmas, is a must-do and make sure to try a snowball next time you’re in town and drive across the 24 mile Causeway bridge to visit the Fontainbleu State Park on the Northshore in gorgeous Mandeville, LA.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks for the recommendations, Renee!! I so appreciate them! It’s been over a year since I’ve been now and I’m itching to go!! I need a fix!
Brigitte says
I think I commented on another post that the hubby and I were going to NOLA for New Year’s weekend. We had a BLAST! NO LIE, I saw that exact same band playing in Jackson Square! We visited St. Louis #1 (I have a thing for old cemeteries) so we saw Marie Laveau’s tomb (which has been whitewashed after it was vandalized last year, so no X’s left on it) and Oak Alley on the way home Sunday (absolutely beautiful home!) Had the requisite coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Mond (yummy!) and took a ghosts and vampires tour which went by the LaLaurie mansion, the sultan’s palace, St. Louis Cathedral, and the Ursuline convent. Way fun! Next time I’m going to see the Garden District and ride a streetcar. Didn’t make it to either of those this time. New Orleans will definitely be seeing my face again soon!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Yay, Brigitte!!! I am so glad you enjoyed it! It’s my most favorite city. It’s been about a year since I’ve been last and it is seriously calling my name – I need a fix!! We have not done Oak Alley (it’s on the list for next time), but we did the Laura Plantation that is just down the road from Oak Alley. We also ate at this little dive on River Road too down from those plantations that was great – can’t think of the name of it though. And the Garden District is a must for next time for you – it’s stunning!
Samantha says
Hi Jenna! I’m going to NOLA for a bachelorette party and this list was so exciting and helpful! I am a Young Adult librarian and wanted to leave a book suggestion, especially since you are such a fan of Storyville! It is called Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys about a girl who was raised in a cat house in the 1950s. While it is written for YAs it’s still a great read, rich with history and culture, as well as action and mystery. Definitely check it out!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Hi Samantha!! Have fun on the bachelorette party!! NOLA is perfect for those! And thanks so much for the book suggestion! Just added it to my cart on Amazon!
Jill says
Great article! And several great suggestions from people leaving comments! I went to LSU in Baton Rouge (an hour away from NOLA). I have several sorority sisters who are from there. Wow, there are tons off things to do depending on the time of year you plan your visit. There’s always a festival in the state of Louisiana. But, Jazz Fest is always fun! Central Grover is well known for a true muffaleta. If you have a sweet tooth, also try a praline. They can taste slightly different depending on where you get it from. Got to find the best swamp tour company name for you…. There are tons of plantations! Just down river road alone; not including the rest of the state. All cool in their different ways. Magazine street is great for “antiquing”. If you have kids or like ocean creatures, the Aquarium is great! I probably could come up with even more info if I ask my sisters for their top favorite places…. Have fun on your next trip!!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks for all the suggestions, Jill!! I have done River Road before, but it’s been a while – I LOVE it! One of my favorite roads ever!
Dorothy Hunt says
A Confederacy of Dunces is brilliant!
9 Lives
The Gorilla Man the Queen of Steak
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks for the recommendations, Dorothy!
Taylor says
Speaking as a local, Cafe Du Monde is an over priced tourist trap with ridiculous prices. I suggest going to a local small cafe for some good bengiets for a decent price without all the crowds.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Good to know, Taylor. Thanks!
Brando says
You have to read Doll-baby by Laura Lane McNeal. The characters are wonderful and the era in which it takes place will make you fall in love!
Loved this post and am now formally “stalking” you. lol
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I love stalkers! ๐ Thanks for the suggestion – I just added it to my Amazon cart for my next purchase!! It looks great!
Libby says
I love this article. I’m about to take my first trip to New Orleans and you’ve definitely given me a few ideas. ๐ I’d love to hear about more fun things to do there.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Awesome, Libby!!! I hope you enjoy it – it’s my favorite city ever!
Randy says
I have been going to NOLA every year for gosh lots of years….there is always something new to see and do…the food drink and people are just the topping on the cake..the qtr. Garden district just to mention 2 of many places I love to roam….for a great burger try the clover in the quarter neat place…just a few blocks out the quarter past the French market place is a whole new world of restaurants bars and music venues….we have been there last couple of times and have really enjoyed it….they say this is the new French qtr as far as music and food go…..I could go on and on but it only pains me because our next trip is still a couple months away…….
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh Randy, I’m so jealous of you though – at least you have a next trip date! I don’t know when I’ll get back there, but it needs to be sooner than later!
Angela says
So my family and I are visiting Biloxi, MS for spring break and decided to take a day trip to NOLA. Words cannot describe how amazing our day was! Obviously we couldn’t do it all, but I left knowing I would be back! I am now obsessed with reading and pinning NOLA tidbits and can’t wait for a time when we can return. Your post has made me giddy just thinking about the city and its beauty! Thanks so much!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh girl, NOLA just pulls you in and eats you up – it’s amazing! My most favorite city ever!! So glad you loved it!
Aurora says
Magical writing. I have been researching NOLA articles for some months now and your writing is second to none. Captivating! We will be visiting the Crescent City in early May and will put your tips to workโ especially the walking through the FC with drink in hand!
Jenna says
Thanks so much, Aurora! I hope you enjoy your trip!
Lori says
Love your writing Jenna, and thanks for the book suggestions and request. My reading list is much longer now. The NO books I like have been listed, The Mayfair Witches and Cane River are my favorites. Merrick by Anne Rice is a cross-over of the Mayfair’s and Vampires, I also recommend it. Just got home from my 2nd NO trip and decided to take shorter trips more often, I feel so at home there, hope you get back soon.
Jenna says
Thanks, Lori! I read Merrick a while back and loved it!! I’ve only read it once, so I might have to read it again! I love her writing!
Tara Lynn says
I am lucky enough to have done a lot of your suggestions. Well worth it. The architect is amazing. I was with my husband who drives a tour bus for a company out of Illinois. The tour guide was given a balcony on Bourbon St. While the guys walked around I sat on the balcony. Oh my yes, you see LOTS of things, some you cannot unsee…LOL Never take kids there at night. I know a lady who named her daughter NOLA. It’s cute and I do not know her well enough to ask if she was conceived there!LOL
Shelby says
I just found an old Tapestry at an estate sale of Cats playing poker. This piece was the only surviving item on the top floor of this cat house. I am trying to get more information on it. Email me so I can send you a photo of this rare piece.