New Orleans, Louisiana – “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler”

New Orleans has always been one of my absolute favorite cities in the United States. New Orleans has a long history and plenty of superstition to go along with it. No other city in the US holds onto its history & culture the way New Orleans does.

A quintessential Louisiana phrase, “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler” is a Cajun expression meaning “Let The Good Times Roll.”

The buildings, the food, the cemeteries and crypts, the celebrations and traditions and even trees all serve as landmarks to a time not long ago and certainly not forgotten. The city and territory went back and forth between the French and Spanish and the evidence of that is displayed even today with a mesh of architectural, culinary and cultural styles.

Tour New Orleans

Apart from eating my way through the city, my favorite activity is the ghost tours. There are so many to choose from and so many different types and whether you believe in it all or not, it can be such a fun experience walking around at night listening to stories about the city and hearing a bit of it’s darker history. I personally believe in ghosts and had a pretty wild experience seeing a ghost in the window of Madame LaLaurie’s house. If ghosts are not your thing you can also participate in any number of tours available, from swamp tours to food tours, history tours, drink tours and everything in between. There is no lack of options for those seeking a tour to participate in.

Do a Bit of Shopping

Of course, you can’t walk around the French Quarter and not take the opportunity to visit the Outdoor Bazaar – French Market. You can kind find all sorts of goods and treasures, jewelry, clothes, old books, masks, crocodile heads, costumes, and makeup. At one end of the market, you’ll find some amazing little restaurants and stands to grab a snack or a full meal depending on your preference.

Delve into New Orleans’ More Spiritual Side

If you are interested, you can also check out the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. It was extremely tiny and there were so many people so I recommend getting there early and taking your time as there is a lot packed into such a small space. Right around the corner from there is Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo shop which you can purchase some souvenirs and other things.

New Orleans is known to be a highly spiritual place for many different people and if you’re anything like me, curiosity will grab you pretty quickly so I made it a point while there to find an Oracle or Reader so I could have a reading done. It’s not so much a fortune teller as much as someone who can read your energy and your past, present, and future and give you information about yourself. I went to Royal Street Stones & Jewelry and booked my appointment through them. I was really happy with the experience overall and found it enlightening and fun.

Eat All the Things

Like I’ve said before, eating is by far my favorite activity anywhere I go and New Orleans is my favorite place in the United States to eat so I will list a few of my Favorite Restaurants, The must-try foods for New Orleans & some great Bars below.

• Cafe du Monde – Beignets & Coffee
• Napoleon House – Jambalaya and Muffuletta
• Meril – Everything!
• Acme Oyster House – Charbroiled Oysters
• The Ruby Slipper Cafe – Chicken Sandwich, Catfish, Fried Green Tomatoes
• Coop’s Place – Red Beans & Rice and a Pork Chop
• Cornet – Crawfish Étouffée
• French Market Bazaar – Gator Sausage, Crawfish, fresh oysters, Gumbo
  Southern Candymakers – Pralines

Other food everyone should try in New Orleans

• Crawfish Mac N Cheese
• Po Boy, Gator Balls
• Oyster shooters!

Wet You Whistle

In reality, you will not have a hard time finding a decent bar in or around the French Quarter. There truly is something for everyone. New Orleans also has a history of Pirates and you can even visit the famous Pirate, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, which now houses a bar.

There have been many reports of sightings of his ghost and ghostly activity.

• Preservation Hall
• Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
• Mahogany Jazz Hall
• The Rusty Nail
• The Saint Bar & Lounge
• Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits

If you only have a few days I highly recommend just taking your time, wandering around, exploring the city and taking in all this city has to offer. The French Quarter is always alive and something is always happening. There are over 100 different festivals at different times throughout the year, hundreds of delicious restaurants and plenty of fun shops to browse around in. I don’t know if I will ever get tired of visiting this city and when people ask me where in the US they should visit, it is always the first place I recommend.

For a ton more information on tours, festivals and other attractions in New Orleans click here, they have got you covered!

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