23

NEW ORLEANS is often referred to as America’s most European city, but I tend to agree with interior designer Ann Holden when she said, “It’s not Europe, but its not America either. I’ve been everywhere, but there is no place like New Orleans.”

New Orleans is special because when you visit all of your senses are awakened and the soul of its people embrace you. It’s a convivial city where celebrities hang with locals and no one tweets about it because it just wouldn’t be the proper thing to do. Summertime is hot, but the rest of the year New Orleans is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

In the Big Easy, you can relax and do nothing and still have a great time, but who would want to when you could shop Magazine Street, the French Quarter or stroll the many galleries in the Art District? Sports fans should not miss seeing the New Orleans Saints in action at The Superdome or the most spectacular carnival celebration called Mardi Gras. Music lovers should attend the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival. And for kids, check out the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium.

MUSEUMS + MONUMENTS

New Orleans Jazz Historical Park
835 N. Rampart
www.nps.gov

This Treme park was once named Congo Square in honor of the slaves who gathered there in the 1800s to meet, dance, and play drums which became one of the foundations of jazz.

Long Vue House & Gardens
7 Bamboo Street
www.longuevue.com

This National Historic landmark that was once the home of Edith Rosenwald Stern, heiress to Sears + Roebuck.

Ogden Museum of Southern Art
925 Camp
www.ogdenmuseum.org

Explore the world’s largest collection of Southern Art in its many forms.

Preservation Hall
726 St. Peter
www.preservationhall.com

Preservation Hall is a definite must-do if you want to have a truly New Orleans experience. Its going to be hot, and crowded, and you’ll be sitting on the floor, but you will also hear some of the best jazz in the world.

Snug Harbor
626 Frenchmen
www.snugjazz.com

Located just shy of the French Quarter, Snug Harbor is another great place to listen to live jazz.

Southern Food and Beverage Museum
500 Port of Orleans, Suite 169
www.southernfood.org

This museum explores the traditions, artifacts and history of Southern cuisine.

St. Louis Cathedral
Jackson Square
www.stlouiscathedral.org

One of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the U.S. located in Jackson Square. Open all day, so folks will party on Bourbon Street then walk right in and say a prayer or two, before heading back out for more fun. Also, the area around the cathedral features some of New Orleans finest street musicians and tarot card readers.

Tipitina’s Uptown
501 Napoleon Avenue
www.tipitinas.com

I have never had a bad experience at Tipitina’s and I’ve seen some of the best Blues and R&B performances there. “Tips” is a definite when you visit New Orleans.

RESTAURANTS:
Chef Paul Bocuse once said, “Next to Parisians, the people of New Orleans have the most refined taste for food of any city in the world.”

Bayona
403 Dauphine
www.bayona.com

Susan Spicer has been creating some incredible dishes with a world view for years, so there is always something interesting on the menu.

Bon Ton Cafe
401 Magazine
www.thebontoncafe.com

If you want authentic Creole cooking prepared from family recipes, then head to Bon Ton. Try the Rum Ramsey cocktail.

Cafe du Monde
800 Decatur
www.cafedumonde.com

Three beignets for $2. The best dessert money can buy in New Orleans.

Casamento’s
4330 Magazine
www.casamentosrestaurant.com

Casamento’s is the best place to try an oyster loaf. It’s fried, but totally worth it. If you don’t like oysters, they have shrimp, fish and delicious gumbo too.

Cochon
930 Tchoupitoulas
www.cochonrestaurant.com

I don’t eat pork, but my friends rave about Donald Link’s Cajun small plates.

Creole Creamery
4924 Prytania
www.creolecreamery.com

Try the unbelievable flavors at Creole Creamery like Apricot Grand Marnier, Black Raspberry Mojito, Cayenne Lime Butter, French Toast and Red Velvet.

Dooky Chase
2301 Orleans
www.dookychaserestaurant.com

Dooky Chase is decorated with one of the finest collections of African American art in New Orleans, but folks dine at Dooky’s for the soulful creole cuisine, especially Ms. Leah’s gumbo.

Emeril’s
800 Tchoupitoulas
www.emerils.com

Without a doubt this is the most requested restaurant when friends come to visit New Orleans because everyone loves Emeril, but what they discover is that Emeril’s food is much more sophisticated than his Bam! TV persona.

Gautreau’s
1728 Soniat
www.gautreausrestaurant.com

Susan Zemanick is creating delicious French inspired dishes at this Uptown restaurant.

Patois
6078 Laurel Street

Serving inventive French dishes with a local twist. Don’t miss the grilled lamb ribs.

Port of Call
838 Esplanade
www.portofcallneworleans.com

When in need of a burger, consider Port of Call, where the lines are always long, but waiting is a testament to how good the burgers are and their baked potatoes are enough for two people.

Willie Mae’s Scotch House
2401 St. Ann’s
504.822.9503

Really, really good southern fried chicken. Go. Now.

HOTELS

Loews New Orleans
300 Poydras
www.loewshotels.com/en/new-orleans-hotel

One of New Orleans best located in the Central Business District.

International House
221 Camp
www.ihhotel.com

A beautiful Beaux Arts building with elegantly appointed rooms, suites and two penthouses. Just two blocks from the French Quarter with 12-foot high ceilings and every amenity imaginable.

Loft 523
523 Gravier
www.loft523.com

If you love the idea of a loft-like boutique hotel, then Loft 523 is for you. Furnishing are spare, but well thought out, think Fortuny lamps and Frette linens. Just two blocks from the French Quarter.

Ritz Carlton New Orleans
921 Canal
www.ritzcarlton.com

A block from Bourbon Street and perfect for those who prefer 5-star accommodations and attentive Southern hospitality.

Roosevelt New Orleans
123 Baronne Street
www.therooseveltneworleans.com

Part of the Waldorf Astoria collection, the Roosevelt is an elegant hotel with superb fine dining.

Royal Sonesta
300 Bourbon
www.sonesta/royalneworleans

If you want to stay on Bourbon Street, then the Royal Sonesta is for you.

Soniat House
1133 Chartres
www.soniathouse.com

A quaint hideaway in the French Quarter preferred by celebrities and discerning travelers because the service at Soniat is topnotch.