Sneaky Veg
BK Glamor
Going completely starry eyed over this dreamy Brooklyn home. Those floors, those fireplaces, that crown molding! Need I say more? Absolutely resplendent. See the rest over on Apartment Therapy.
Travel Guide: New Orleans
I've been to the magical city of New Orleans many times over the years, but this was the first time I visited over Christmas. Unsurprisingly, it was just as magnificent as ever, if not more so. It's always been one of my most favorite cities and each time I go is a different experience. Read on to see what I did while there.
Eat:
Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro
Located on St. Charles Ave. in Central City, Copeland's was a superb experience and made for a great first meal in NOLA. The crawfish ravioli was just magnificent. Creamy, flavorful, and not too spicy. I'm still dreaming about it...
Milkfish
If you get tired of gumbo and po' boys (which really though, how could you?), head to Milkfish on Carrollton Ave in Mid-City. This Philippine spot offers authentic fare in a low-key and friendly environment. The Bicol Express was fantastic, and if you've never had Philippine food, definitely start with an order of Lumpia.
Melba's
I found this spot around the corner from our Airbnb the afternoon I got in. A little overpriced for a neighborhood spot, but still excellent shrimp po' boys!
Sleep:
Aibnb
During our visit we stayed in a little shared apartment in the St. Roch neighborhood. It worked fine for us, but had I more to spend on lodging, I'd love to stay in this cute spot on Treme. The owner actually has two lovely apartments available. Check them out!
See:
New Orleans Museum of Art
Located in City Park, the NOMA is the city's oldest fine arts museum. Their permanent collection has a substantial selection of American artists, including, Cassatt, O'Keeffe, and one of my very favorites- Cornell. They're lucky enough to have an entire gallery dedicated to 21 donated works of the late assemblage artist.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
As the name implies, the Ogden specializes in contemporary artists local to the region. While I was there, the Education Gallery featured collaborative works by students from the Lafayette Academy Charter School with artist Jackie Inglefield. The work (a detail of which can be seen above), created from recycled materials, evoked the spirit and colors of the city of New Orleans and I fell completely in love. Probably took a few too many snapchats of the amazing sculptures.
Garden District
I could honestly wander the historic streets of the Garden District for hours checking out all the dreamy real estate and fantasizing about my new life as a southern belle. Seriously- just try not to fall in love. I dare you.
Play:
Frenchman Street
When the witching hour strikes, skip Bourbon Street (especially if you've been before) and head to Frenchman Street instead. We heard some of the most amazing live, local bands, and it felt so much more authentic and chill than Bourbon. Our favorite spots were Blue Nile and Maison, the later of which my man and I went to two nights in a row because it was so good. Not to mention the late night street eats (Best. Mac and cheese. Of. My. LIFE.) and the Frenchman Art Market, which we happened upon a little before midnight on Christmas eve. It's open from 7pm-1am Thursday through Sunday, and when you need a rest from all your drinking and shopping (always a good combo), take a seat at one of the outdoor living rooms.
Hattie Sparks
I stumbled upon this darling shop (seen above) after spending the day working at Pulp & Grind down the street and I'm so glad to have found it. Specializing in unique, locally sourced items, the shop carries everything from screen printed cards to party dresses to sparkly home goods. The best part? It's also woman-owned and operated.
Cliché but Iconic:
Café du Monde
It would be a sin to visit New Orleans without stopping at Café du Monde for beignets and café au last at least once. You'll most likely have to wait for a table, but trust that it will be more than worth it. And yes- you will leave covered in powdered sugar. That's half the fun! (Stop at Aunt Sally's around the corner and pick up some famous pralines afterwards if you still have a sweet tooth).
Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo
One of my favorite memories of my very first trip to NOLA (I think I was 8 maybe?) is buying a tiny voodoo doll from this famous haunt. Sure, it might not be the most authentic, but I guarantee you will not find a shop like this in any other city. Pick up some sage, a mojo bag, or a new set of tarot cards. Just remember- no pictures allowed inside!
Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro
Located on St. Charles Ave. in Central City, Copeland's was a superb experience and made for a great first meal in NOLA. The crawfish ravioli was just magnificent. Creamy, flavorful, and not too spicy. I'm still dreaming about it...
Milkfish
If you get tired of gumbo and po' boys (which really though, how could you?), head to Milkfish on Carrollton Ave in Mid-City. This Philippine spot offers authentic fare in a low-key and friendly environment. The Bicol Express was fantastic, and if you've never had Philippine food, definitely start with an order of Lumpia.
Melba's
I found this spot around the corner from our Airbnb the afternoon I got in. A little overpriced for a neighborhood spot, but still excellent shrimp po' boys!
Aibnb
During our visit we stayed in a little shared apartment in the St. Roch neighborhood. It worked fine for us, but had I more to spend on lodging, I'd love to stay in this cute spot on Treme. The owner actually has two lovely apartments available. Check them out!
See:
New Orleans Museum of Art
Located in City Park, the NOMA is the city's oldest fine arts museum. Their permanent collection has a substantial selection of American artists, including, Cassatt, O'Keeffe, and one of my very favorites- Cornell. They're lucky enough to have an entire gallery dedicated to 21 donated works of the late assemblage artist.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
As the name implies, the Ogden specializes in contemporary artists local to the region. While I was there, the Education Gallery featured collaborative works by students from the Lafayette Academy Charter School with artist Jackie Inglefield. The work (a detail of which can be seen above), created from recycled materials, evoked the spirit and colors of the city of New Orleans and I fell completely in love. Probably took a few too many snapchats of the amazing sculptures.
Garden District
I could honestly wander the historic streets of the Garden District for hours checking out all the dreamy real estate and fantasizing about my new life as a southern belle. Seriously- just try not to fall in love. I dare you.
Frenchman Street
When the witching hour strikes, skip Bourbon Street (especially if you've been before) and head to Frenchman Street instead. We heard some of the most amazing live, local bands, and it felt so much more authentic and chill than Bourbon. Our favorite spots were Blue Nile and Maison, the later of which my man and I went to two nights in a row because it was so good. Not to mention the late night street eats (Best. Mac and cheese. Of. My. LIFE.) and the Frenchman Art Market, which we happened upon a little before midnight on Christmas eve. It's open from 7pm-1am Thursday through Sunday, and when you need a rest from all your drinking and shopping (always a good combo), take a seat at one of the outdoor living rooms.
Hattie Sparks
I stumbled upon this darling shop (seen above) after spending the day working at Pulp & Grind down the street and I'm so glad to have found it. Specializing in unique, locally sourced items, the shop carries everything from screen printed cards to party dresses to sparkly home goods. The best part? It's also woman-owned and operated.
Cliché but Iconic:
Café du Monde
It would be a sin to visit New Orleans without stopping at Café du Monde for beignets and café au last at least once. You'll most likely have to wait for a table, but trust that it will be more than worth it. And yes- you will leave covered in powdered sugar. That's half the fun! (Stop at Aunt Sally's around the corner and pick up some famous pralines afterwards if you still have a sweet tooth).
Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo
One of my favorite memories of my very first trip to NOLA (I think I was 8 maybe?) is buying a tiny voodoo doll from this famous haunt. Sure, it might not be the most authentic, but I guarantee you will not find a shop like this in any other city. Pick up some sage, a mojo bag, or a new set of tarot cards. Just remember- no pictures allowed inside!
{all photos are my own}