Things To Do
Katie's
A TASTE OF HOME: ST. LOUIS Abby's absolute favorite restaurant in the city. Opened in 1994 by a husband and wife team, the menu is the perfect blend of both of their hometowns - New Orleans and St. Louis. A great example is the Boudreaux pizza: topped with Louisiana cochon de lait and St. Louis provel cheese (cut into squares of course). The restaurant is beloved by locals and was even featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Everything on the menu is delicious but we highly recommend you order a pizza for the table to share if you go (Abby's favorite is the Yardbird). When you walk in make sure to note the little gold plaque next to the front door, showing the water level following the devastation of hurricane Katrina.
Manolito
A TASTE OF HOME: MIAMI Founded by Manuel "Manolito" Carbajo Aguiar with the goal of bringing the traditions of warmth and hospitality he learned during his tenure as a cantinero at the legendary El Floridita bar in Havana, Cuba (the former sister city of New Orleans). Manolito is a super charming and quaint bar with exceptional service and Cuban inspired bites. This is by far the best place in the quarter to get your Cuban coffee fix (Cafe Bustello only - sorry Pilon fans), although not at the usual ventanita prices. Abby also highly recommends the Mojito Criollo #1.
Coop's Place
A cozy neighborhood dive bar serving great Cajun food at a decent price from their outdoor kitchen. We highly recommend going for lunch. Do NOT leave without ordering a Bloody Mary - it is one of, if not the best in New Orleans.
The Pontchartrain Hotel
If you are looking for cocktails with a great view of New Orleans, Hot Tin, the Pontchartrain's penthouse bar is the answer. Modeled after a 1940s artist’s loft, the interior space is airy and eclectic, with lounges for relaxing. However, we recommend you snag a seat on the balcony for a 270-degree view of Downtown New Orleans and the Mississippi River. After taking in the view, head downstairs to the Pontchartrain's Bayou Bar. Once a drinking den for both Sinatra and Capote, and the location of the historic christening of the New Orleans Saints in 1966, The Bayou Bar features an extensive whiskey and beer list (and we would argue even better cocktails than Hot Tin). We HIGHLY recommend you go Tuesday through Saturday - when they have amazing live music.
Brieux Carré Brewing Co.
A cute and funky craft brewery located just off the iconic Frenchman Street. The have a constantly evolving menu with a wide variety of brews to satisfy any beer lover. P.S. if you are the first guest to make it out to this little gem you may be able to find a surprise left by the bride and groom!
The Carousel Bar & Lounge
This is where Kurk and Abby went for a champagne toast after getting engaged! The Carousel Bar originally opened inside the historic Hotel Monteleone in 1949, becoming New Orleans’ first and only rotating bar. The bar opens at 11 am every day and if you want a chance to take a ride we highly recommend getting there at opening, as there are only 25 seats on the carousel and they are extremely hard to come by later in the day!
Famous Local Drinks
New Orleans is one big party, combine that with its long and rich history and it's no surprise that New Orleans has produced many iconic drinks! Below is a list of some of our favorite famous (and infamous) local libations. - Vieux Carré at the Carousel Bar - French 75 at Arnaud's French 75 Bar - Hurricane at Pat O'Brien's (you can experience these first hand at our welcome party!) - Absinthe Frappe at The Old Absinthe House - Ramos Gin Fizz at Bar Tonique (or the Sazerac Bar) - Cafe Brulot at Antoine's - Hand Grenade at Tropical Isle (these will sneak up on you! don't say we didn't warn you) - Frozen Irish Coffee at Molly's at the Market - Pimm's Cup at Napoleon House - Sazerac at The Sazerac Bar (or visit the Sazerac House for a free tour, history lesson, and samples) - Grasshopper at Tujague’s - Voodoo Daiquiri - "Purple Drink" at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop (reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the US)
Arnaud's
A quintessential french quarter fine dining restaurant offering classic Creole Cuisine and exemplary service. First opened in 1918, Arnaud's has many dining rooms, however, we recommend sitting in the main dining room for the true Arnaud's experience - this room is where we celebrated our engagement! Definitely order the soufflé potatoes (the best in New Orleans) and the turtle soup to start your meal. After you finish, stop over at the French 75 for their namesake cocktail - one of the couples favorites. Keep in mind that the dress code here is business casual.
Commander's Palace
A New Orleans institution, and for good reason. Located in the beautiful tree lined Garden District neighborhood, Commander's Palace is a must visit landmark known for its Haute Creole cuisine, spectacular service, and whimsical Louisiana charm. Kurk and Abby rounded out their engagement weekend at the Commander's Palace famous jazz brunch - the perfect ending to the perfect weekend. If you happen to be in town during the week, swing by in the afternoon for their 25¢ martini lunches (you heard that right!). Just note they do have a dress code (no shorts, sport coat for men).
La Petite Grocery
La Petite Grocery’s name pays homage to the storied history of this more than century-old building that has acted as a cornerstone of the community throughout the years – as a coffee and tea depot, grocery store, butcher shop, florist’s studio, and since 2004, a restaurant. The perfect spot for a date night, if you find yourself here the blue crab beignets are an absolute must order (Kurk ranks them as the best appetizer he has ever had)!
Stein's Market and Deli
New Orleans’ only Philly-style Jewish deli with all day breakfast sandwiches (on Davidovich bagels from NYC for the purists), overstuffed sandwiches, and a great beer selection. Part of the magic is owner Dan Stein’s Yankee gruffness, and the other part is the daily specials, including a Philly cheese steak on Tuesdays and a slow roasted pork and broccoli rabe sandwich on Thursdays. Note they are closed on Mondays!
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Step inside the walls of the oldest and most legendary burial ground in New Orleans. The storied graveyard—which can only be visited with a guide—is the final resting place of many illustrious Louisiana families and has been featured in Hollywood films like ‘Easy Rider.’ Learn about the city's curious above-ground burial practices as you walk among elaborate vaults and see the mysterious tomb of Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau and future final resting place of actor Nicolas Cage.
St. Louis Cathedral & Jackson Square
St. Louis Cathedral is among the tallest, most imposing, and most recognizable structures in the French Quarter. It is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States, originally built in 1727, the original St. Louis Cathedral burned during the great fire of 1794 and was rebuilt. The present structure was completed in the 1850s. It is flanked by the historic Cabildo, where we will be getting married, which was also the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer in 1803. Exiting the Cathedral, you walk directly into Jackson Square - a historic French Quarter park. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960. This park holds a special place in our hearts as it is where Kurk asked Abby to be his girlfriend, and eight years later, to be his wife.
Frenchmen Street
Frenchmen Street might just be the most consistently musical stretch of asphalt in New Orleans. Its venues offer an array of live performances ranging from traditional jazz to blues to reggae and rock and are, themselves, famous, attracting audiences from all over the world. With one trip around the clubs on Frenchmen, you are likely to hear all kinds of music, as it is what the street is known for. It’s not the first place most visitors know to go to, but inside the clubs and even outside on the street, you’ll hear some of the best live music produced anywhere in the world. Most clubs are 21 and older.
Gallery B. Fos
Abby's favorite local artist, known for her bright bold colors and incredible textures. The couple has her Vieux Carre hanging in their dining room, a momento from their engagement trip!
The National WWII Museum
Designated by Congress as the official WWII museum of the United States, The National WWII Museum is located in downtown New Orleans on a six-acre campus. The Museum features immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and an expansive collection of artifacts and first-person oral histories, taking visitors inside the story of the war that changed the world.
Swamp Tours
The Louisiana bayous and swampland are stunning, majestic and mysterious. Experience the beauty of South Louisiana in a swamp boat. Guides will reveal the mysteries of the swamps and bayous and the Cajun “joie de vivre”. Hear how the Cajuns turned soup into gumbo, the washboard into a musical instrument, and the swamps of Louisiana into a paradise. Observe the nesting grounds of alligators, egrets, raccoons, nutria, and many species of snakes.
Mardi Gras World
Take a tour at Mardi Gras World to get a peek at authentic Mardi Gras floats and see firsthand what it takes to bring Mardi Gras to life year after year. You’ll get an overview of the history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans before continuing through the float den, where artists work year-round to build spectacular floats and props. Tours begin every 30 minutes and last approximately 1 hour. A free shuttle is provided with ticket purchase and provides pickups from Canal Street (including from the Ritz if you are staying in the hotel block!). Please call the gift shop to schedule a pick-up, 504-361-7821. When you are done touring, hop on the streetcar - one of New Orleans’ oldest forms of transportation - for a small fee and ride it to the Canal Street Station.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Housed in the first 'official' pharmacy in the USA, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum presents and preserves the rich history of pharmacy and healthcare in Louisiana; past and present. A very cool - and slightly macabre! - spot to pop into (or spend an afternoon in) while you walk around the French Quarter.
Preservation Hall
Situated in the heart of the French Quarter, Preservation Hall is a music venue founded in 1961 to protect, preserve, and perpetuate traditional New Orleans Jazz. Here you can experience intimate, acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts featuring bands made up from a current collective of 60 local master practitioners. The hall is also home to the world-famous Preservation Hall Band! Make a reservation to see one of their nightly shows on their website.
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
There's just enough Voodoo lore in this small 2-room museum to introduce you to the history and culture of this spiritual practice. Its exhibits focus on mysteries, history, and folklore related to the African diaspora religion of Louisiana Voodoo. A perfect pit-stop as you stroll through the French Quarter! The museum also offers Voodoo walking tours and contacts with contemporary Voodoo practitioners should you be hungry for more.
French Quarter
Carriage Tour: Every day from about 8 a.m. to midnight, mule-drawn carriages line up on Decatur Street in front of Jackson Square. These tours are a staple in New Orleans tourism. Some carriages hold four people, others hold six. They roll through the French Quarter, rain or shine, pointing out all of the expected sites. Walking Tour: Nola Tour Guy offers a “pay what you feel” tour experience of the Quarter. Well known and respected by both locals and repeat visitors to the city. Reservations are required.