Laissez les bon temps rouler!

In the spirit of sharing, here’s my travel guide for an upcoming trip to New Orleans. You’ll notice many of nola’s main attractions have been omitted. I’ll be spending part of the trip with friends attending a wedding that will cover many of those bases. On the days of solo adventure I’m looking forward to thunderstorms, technicolor wabi-sabi style, day drinking in dark bars, eating all the food, and learning more about the city's storied past. I prefer to explore aimlessly around town, but find it helpful to have a map of interesting spots I may be close to. That way I don’t waste time there looking for things to do or suffering from extreme fomo while eating at McDonalds. Ya feel?

Lodging

I'll be staying with friends for the majority of the trip, but wanted to splurge on one night to decompress before heading home. Hotels like Catahoula, Henry Howard, Old 77, ACE, and Monteleone made it seriously hard to choose! In the end, I picked a historic architectural gem from 1927, The Pontchartrain Hotel. I will put up a fight if any ghosts try to hide the room's Le Labo bath products from me! the building was recently taken over by AJ, known for another space I covet, The Chicago Athletic Hotel. 

Google Maps

Google maps is an amazing resource to plan walking routes and stumble upon unique gems. Currently drooling over these!

FOOD

Food shows, documentaries, YouTube and Instagram are my favorite ways to find restaurants. Use their website to note hours and pre-check menus. 

COFFEE

Find stellar coffee shops by researching local roasters and who they supply.

BEER

Dive bars are a great place for local history lessons. Here you can learn (while doing laundry) 24 hours a day! 

COCKTAILS

Cocktails are a fine way to enjoy the ambiance of a hotel or restaurant that you only have half the time or money for. 

MUSIC

I’m told music can be found everywhere here. These are just a few venues with programming to suit my taste. 

BITS N' BOPS

Finally, I'll sprinkle all that with some art, pinball, swamp adventure, shopping and thrift store action.

The final step is sharing my list and map with you. I hope this helps you make the most of your adventures.