Guest Blog by Patti, a Wyndham Worldwide Associate
The first thing that we noticed when arriving in New Orleans is that the people are warm, gracious and very hospitable. Even strangers on the street say "good morning", "hello", and "how you do"... Every courtesy is provided and they are truly happy to share their pride of their hometown.
For first time visitors, "post-Katrina" surprisingly has little meaning. The city of NOLA seems just fine! Of course, the natives are more than willing to tell you the stories of the horrific hurricane and there is a guided tour that visitors can take to gain a better understanding of the events pre and post Katrina and of the "Rebirth of New Orleans".
The city has so much to offer - culture, history and an abundance of local pride. It really is a wonderful blend of sounds, smells, activities and experiences that can fill up a 4-5 day trip easily.
In blogging about a trip, I must start with the food - oh, the food! I've traveled all over the world, and never before enjoyed so many options to choose from or such delicious meals.
Here are some of my top picks:
Restaurant Stella for dinner - lamb is the way to go. A special place for a quiet, adult meal with superb service. Restaurant Stella is located off the main streets in a perfectly restored building. You'll definitely want to make reservations ahead of time.
Bayona is a great spot for lunch or dinner- I highly recommend salmon, trout or any of the fish dishes here. Bayona also has a great little patio for el fresco dining amidst lush tropical greenery, colorful fruit trees and a gurgling fountain. Very pretty!
Hurricanes at Pat O'Brien's is a must - corny? Yes; but still a must!
Bacco is another great place for lunch or dinner. The restaurant has a simply delicious bar for drinks before dinner, gulf fish is excellent and the crawfish ravioli with sun-dried tomato pesto butter sauce is famous. Bring your appetite.
Arnaud's is a must for dinner. When at Arnaud's, you have to go with the "veal wohl" which is a combo of crabcakes, crawfish and veal... It pairs perfectly with the La Creama Pinot Noir.... and, don't forget the okra side dish. Arnaud's is one of the oldest restaurants in New Orleans and although we cannot attest to this firsthand, is said to be haunted. They open at 6:00 pm for dinner and also offer Sunday brunch.
Of course, a trip to New Orleans would not be complete without a stop (or two, at least!) at Cafe de Monde for beignets and cafe au lait. Eat them there while they're still hot while people watching and listening to music. The best part is that the Café is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week - with the exception of Christmas Day and "the day an occasional hurricane passes too close to New Orleans". Afterward, stroll over to the levee to see the great Mississippi.
Café Pontalba Creole and Cajun Cuisine is a great spot for lunch. Located right in the heart of the French Quarter, it's amidst all of the great shopping in Jackson Square. Get the gumbo but be prepared - it's hot!
Wherever you go, drink the local beer - Abita Amber. It's really good stuff.
Chateau Bourbon, a Wyndham Historic Hotel is in a prime location, just inside the French Quarter and across the street from the St. Charles Trolley. They feature spacious and clean rooms and the staff there is very friendly and ready to help in whatever way possible. Many of the suites and rooms have these gorgeous balconies that overlook the courtyard, pool or Bourbon Street. The hotel also has two restaurants and bars.
Places to See; Things to Do:
St. Louis Cathedral - This gorgeous cathedral is the oldest Catholic cathedral in continuous use in the United States. They often offer free concerts,
Jackson Square Park - this historic park in the French Quarter of New Orleans is a definite stop to make. Listen to live music, take in the occasional concert, do some shopping and go get a café au lait.
Riverwalk Marketplace - Shop, eat and be entertained.
Plantation tour - The Laura Plantation & Oak Alley Plantation Tour has been called "The best history tour in the U.S." by Lonely Planet. You can enjoy a narrated tour through the scenic swamps with a professional historian telling a tale of Creoles, pirates, slaves and voodoo. The tour is based on the memoirs of Laura Lacoul, a young Creole girl who grew up on the plantation.
Swamp tour - really, what a wonderful and different place. It is slowly disappearing due to development and we are losing hundreds of species. See them while you can.
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop - the last bar on Bourbon Street and the oldest pub in the country. This place has great atmosphere with the exposed brick walls, a candlelit bar and a great piano man. The pub is also said to be haunted.
Next time we visit New Orleans, and there will be a next time, we will make sure to travel the mighty Mississippi on the Natchez River Cruise, and visit the Audubon Gardens and Zoo. Of course, our culinary delights will continue as we dine at Irene's Cuisine and Cafe Amelia's.
