36 Hours in New Orleans

Wow, New Orleans. You never cease to amaze me. You have always been the best “foodie” destination in the USA since ever. After have just spent 36 hours in New Orleans, we did not have a bad meal. The Big Easy never disappoints. The reason for my visit was to attend my Alma Mater, Tulane University for our reunion. It was so great to see all my friends after many years, and New Orleans will always hold a close place in my heart. of course, some of us changed, and so did the school. But some things stayed the same. The pastel pink streets, debaucherous groups of roaming travelers, jazz music flowing endlessly from every bar, and the kind of oppressive sticky heat that forces you to run to the nearest watering hole for a cool glass of Sazerac, the city’s official drink.

New Orleans is also known for many other things. It is the home of the Bayou, swamp land, and the French Quarter.

Listed below are the five things to do when visiting New Orleans. 

1. Po-Boys

You can learn so much about a place and its people through its food. And by eating out in New Orleans it might just be the best way to experience the city. We attended a Po-Boy festival on Saturday which had over 6- varieties of Po-Boys, drinks, and live music. Cajun, creole, and blackened fish are just some of the flavors you will taste when you eat down south. We ate sloppy food, and danced our ways through the music-filled street. You get the picture.

2. Learning to Love Music

New Orleans is known for its music. Even if you don’t love jazz, you will after a visit to New Orleans. I became a jazz fan after I attended college there, but there is literally music everywhere. It is spilling out all over the streets. There is a long heritage of jazz musicians and concerts and the local bars and venues represent many of these talents. One of my all-time favorites is Tipitina’s. It is a neighborhood juke bar with the most incredible musicians has been around since the 70’s.  We went both nights and heard Ziggy Marley, Taj Majal, Allen Stone, and the Neville Brothers. and the last night listened to Dupstaphunk.

3. The Garden District

Although New Orleans is known for Bourbon Street, and The French Quarter, The Garden District, a bit further uptown is a place to explore beautiful southern charming homes. It has a completely different aesthetic. We took a self-guided tour which we got through The Ponchartrain Hotel where we stayed, but you can just stop by and pick one up even if you’re not staying there.

4. Hit Magazine Street 

We spent part of our Saturday exploring Magazine Street, also a bit off the beaten track, but a bit more touristy. So much has changed like the amazing coffee houses, boutiques, more food, oysters! and art galleries everywhere.

5. Visit the WW11 Museum 

My husband and I decided to take a break from the eating drinking and touring, and wander into the National D-Day Museum. It was fascinating, and suggest going even if you’re not a history buff. I don’t want to give away what to expect, but it is an exceptional building filled with comprehensive information, anecdotes about the War, and interesting artifacts.

We had such a great time and our days were fun-filled and packed.

Thank you to The Ponchartrain Hotel for hosting us for the long weekend. I can’t wait to return!