There's really no way (for me at least) to adequately describe the magic, the odd, unique, special charm of New Orleans. It is, without a doubt, one of our national treasures.My parents lived in New Orleans during Katrina and sadly (and reluctantly) had to relocate after the storm. After years of trying, they've finally made it (almost) back, as they currently live about 30 minutes from the city.
This trip was my first visit since the storm and I've only grown fonder... There were so many highlights -- an amazing meal at Herbsaint, perfect jazz at Snug Harbor (Jason Marsalis), beignets at Cafe du Monde (because you can't not go, no matter how many tourists are in line) and dark chocolate macaroons at Sucre.... yes, we ate a lot.
But without a doubt, the highlight of the trip was seeing the girlies experience the wonder of the city for the first time. We spent Millie's birthday there, and every street performer, musician and passerby wished her a happy day. She was serenaded on the street...a queen for a day. And Audrey, oh sweet Audrey... her eyes were wide and twinkling all day. She fell in love. Hard.
But how could you not?
28 comments:
I must say, New Orleans looks and sounds like a wonderful place to visit.
We've been thinking about taking our kids there for spring break (15, 13, and 10). Seems like a fun city with lots to do. This confirms it.
There is NOTHING like New Orleans. We lived there while my husband went to school. We still make it back at least once a year. Snug Harbor has always been one of our favorites. We spent many Friday nights enjoying Ellis Marsalis. It will always be home to me.
my folks took me to new orleans when i was 17 and i fell in love too. someday i'll take my kids there.
Mmmm...I'm hungry just thinking about it...I took my first real vacation there 16 yrs ago and haven't stopped going back...magic is exactly right! Good to see the city regaining steam...hoping to go back agin for Jazz fest this year - cochon de lait poboy here I come!
I had my first experience with New Orleans this past Halloween weekend and I was instantly in love. I want to go back during a low key time of year to truly enjoy the city and all she has to offer. Your pictures are beautiful! Thank you for sharing and Happy New Year! ox
Sucre is a must visit each time we head into New Orleans. Love that you can enjoy dessert with a nice glass of bubbly right there while doing some great people watching. Their macaroons are delish and their drinking chocolate & handmade marshmallows are second only to Jacques Torres.
I just told Josh the other day that we should go to New Orleans for our vacation this year. This is definitely more incentive.
Oh! I would love to go to New Orleans! It just seems like such a fun, imaginative place to visit!
looks like a fun trip!
I love New Orleans so much. I am waiting for the right time to take my beau there so he can experience it.
I went to school in new orleans and miss it heaps. loved reliving a little bit through your trip!
New Orleans is at the top of the list of cities we want to visit when we're back in the US... and I love getting recommendations from locals/natives whenever I travel. Would you (and/or your parents) consider putting together a little New Orleans guide? I bet you guys have the scoop!
Wow, what a beauty, so nice to see what a gem the city is, despite what mother nature did to her.
Happy New Year
Engracia
Oh wow. What a lovely photo collage. Sounds like you had a lovely time.
Happy new year!
Nichole
Such a vibrant, rich city. We actually stayed at the Bienview House Hotel you have pictured.
A lovely place to relax after stuffing yourself silly with beignets...
Anna -- we stayed one night at the Bienville House too...we loved it!
i've always wanted to go to new orleans - it looks absolutely gorgeous!
it's most definitely on my life list. :)
Your photos are lovely. I've always wanted to go to New Orleans, it's on my to-do list for 2010.
I love that you travel with your girlies. One of my favorite food memories was a trip to New Orleans when I was about 10. I clearly remember cafe du monde to this day. Such great memories they are beginning to collect!
I honeymooned in New Orleans 13 years ago and before that I marched in several Mardi Gras parades. New Orleans is a unique and beautiful city. Your photos capture it!
What a charming city! I love it!
looks like a great trip! and i so love sucre...one day i'll visit!
i just LOVE new orleans! growing up in southern louisiana, i was really spoiled by all the unique culture there...and yes, no matter how touristy it gets, cafe du monde is a MUST! :)
Oh, thank you for this! We've been wanting to go to New Orleans and I wasn't sure we should bring the kids. This has me totally rethinking that decision!!!
Kim -- NOLA can be totally kid friendly! great museum, great zoo, great aquarium...the food, the street cars, the street performers...it's all good!
just stay off bourbon street ;-)
xo
New Orleans is absolutely magical. We've participated in Jazz Fest for the past two years and it's always hard to leave after the show is over. We're crossing our fingers (and toes) that we're juried into the craft section of Jazz Fest again this year.
My favorite store: Fairy on Magazine Street.
Ali Walsh
dolangeiman.com
dolangeiman.etsy.com
hey joslyn! we stayed at the monteleone when we were in New Orleans last summer, too. visited many of the same places (sucre, etc), actually! we loved it. you can see my post about it here.
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