Well, we just returned from a short trip to New Orleans and we had a great time (although a bit exhausted). Despite a rocky start with airline delays (ugh), thanks to a conference Kristen was attending for work, we decided to take in the views, sounds, and smells of the Big Easy. The first half of our trip was a little rainy, but that didn't deter our sightseeing - the sun did eventually return. We toured the French Quarter, Garden District (beautiful historic homes), toured one of the famous New Orleans cemeteries (we know, a bit creepy, but the history is very interesting), rode the historic street cars, and ate our way around the City. One thing New Orleans doesn't lack are places to eat and drink (particularly drink, when talking about Bourbon Street). Our culinary tour included a beignet at famous Cafe du Monde (open since the early 1860's) and bananas foster for dessert one evening at Brennan's, the restaurant that invented it! We also had a drink at the oldest bar in America (opened 1772), Jean Lafittes Blacksmith Shop - interestingly, although they have electricity, they only have candles for lighting and the bar was supposedly a former pirate (ahhr) hangout back in the day. If that weren't enough, we were in New Orleans for St. Patrick's Day, which was fun, but a bit crazy at times - we can only imagine what Fat Tuesday would be like! Most of all, we just enjoyed walking around the various areas of the City. There are plenty of interesting people, musicians, artists, and shops to check out. And, in case you're wondering, no we didn't see any Hurricane Katrina damage, but then again, we didn't go looking for it either. All in all, we had a great time and enjoyed the cultural experience that is New Orleans. Above are some pictures from our trip. If you haven't been to New Orleans before, we would suggest adding it to your list for a short trip - its definitely not your typical American city!
Well, we just returned from a short trip to New Orleans and we had a great time (although a bit exhausted). Despite a rocky start with airline delays (ugh), thanks to a conference Kristen was attending for work, we decided to take in the views, sounds, and smells of the Big Easy. The first half of our trip was a little rainy, but that didn't deter our sightseeing - the sun did eventually return. We toured the French Quarter, Garden District (beautiful historic homes), toured one of the famous New Orleans cemeteries (we know, a bit creepy, but the history is very interesting), rode the historic street cars, and ate our way around the City. One thing New Orleans doesn't lack are places to eat and drink (particularly drink, when talking about Bourbon Street). Our culinary tour included a beignet at famous Cafe du Monde (open since the early 1860's) and bananas foster for dessert one evening at Brennan's, the restaurant that invented it! We also had a drink at the oldest bar in America (opened 1772), Jean Lafittes Blacksmith Shop - interestingly, although they have electricity, they only have candles for lighting and the bar was supposedly a former pirate (ahhr) hangout back in the day. If that weren't enough, we were in New Orleans for St. Patrick's Day, which was fun, but a bit crazy at times - we can only imagine what Fat Tuesday would be like! Most of all, we just enjoyed walking around the various areas of the City. There are plenty of interesting people, musicians, artists, and shops to check out. And, in case you're wondering, no we didn't see any Hurricane Katrina damage, but then again, we didn't go looking for it either. All in all, we had a great time and enjoyed the cultural experience that is New Orleans. Above are some pictures from our trip. If you haven't been to New Orleans before, we would suggest adding it to your list for a short trip - its definitely not your typical American city!
