I've only been to New Orleans twice but it has secured a place in my heart. Long time readers know that I love destinations with delicious food and charming gentleman and NOLA has both in abundance. A city of resilient people with big hearts, New Orleans ALWAYS moves forward - even in her darkest hour. After all, this is the city where jazz was born and NOLA's soundtrack is sultry, swinging, and strong.
Recently, I was chatting with some friends who have never been to New Orleans and we are thinking of visiting as a group in the fall. I'm still in the early stages of planning our excursion but I have some pretty cool suggestions. Let the good times roll!
Where to Stay
Do the Big Easy in style and rest your head where literary giants Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote stayed - the legendary Hotel Monteleone. The largest hotel in the French Quarter, Hotel Monteleone is celebrating their 125th anniversary this year and is in the midst of an impressive $15,000,000 upgrade to their restaurants and other public areas.
Ideally located just a block away from the bustle of Bourbon Street, Hotel Monteleone puts you in the perfect spot to explore NOLA's restaurants, shops, and clubs. Within the hotel, pamper yourself with a spa treatment at the Spa Aria or a refreshing dip in the rooftop pool. Dining options at Hotel Monteleone include The Hunt Room Grill and Le Cafe. Order a classic Vieux Carre cocktail at their revolving Carousel Piano Bar and Lounge - the only bar in New Orleans that revolves around the room. The bar always revolves at the same speed but after a few cocktails you may think the pace has picked up!
Festivals
Everybody knows that New Orleans knows how to party! Mardi Gras may be the best known, but the Crescent City hosts many festivals throughout the year. Here are a few happening in the fall months that celebrate the city's love for food, music and the arts.
New Orleans Seafood Festival (September 9-11)
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival (October 14-16)
New Orleans Film Festival (October 14-20)
Where to Eat
Cochon Restaurant
Chef/Co-Owner Stephen Stryjewski won the prestigious James Beard Award for "Best Chef South" in 2011. Known for authentic Cajun cuisine, as the name implies, pig reigns supreme at Cochon. The restaurant receives whole pigs and oversees an in-house Boucherie, creating tasty boudin, andouille, smoked bacon, and head cheese. The menu also features handmade crawfish pies, rabbit and dumplings, and spoon bread with okra & tomatoes. No calorie counting allowed!
Live Music
You can't visit New Orleans and not head over to Frenchmen Street to hear some live music. I'm a big fan of HBO's Treme and each week they feature real New Orleans musicians doing their thing! I would love to see Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers on my next trip. All aboard!
For more tips on planning your autumn or anytime vacation to New Orleans, visit www.neworleanscvb.com.
