Five Day Wedding Fete
Nola Highlights
Vessel NOLA
[Birthday Request for the Bride] Located in an iconic 1914 church, Vessel is not only a restaurant, but a beautiful architectural setting. The Vessel offers a menu emphasizing locally-sourced, fresh seasonal ingredients in a uniquely New Orleans's tradition.
Jacques-Imo's
Since 1996, Jacques-Imo’s Cafe has been one of the hottest tickets in New Orleans for anyone looking for “real Nawlin’ food”.
Maple Leaf Bar
Opened on Feb 24, 1974, it is one of the longest continuing operations of New Orleans' music clubs with live performances seven nights a week. Frequent performers at the Maple Leaf have included local legends James Booker, the Rebirth Brass Band, Papa Grows Funk, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, "Money Mike" Armstrong, The Radiators and Henry Butler. The poet Everette Maddox was a famous denizen of the Maple Leaf, so closely tied to the venue that his ashes are buried in the bar's patio area.
Commander's Palace
Built by Amil Commander in 1893, the restaurant has been serving up creole and cajun favorites for 124 years, with a constellation of other influences and flavors mixed in. A New Orleans restaurant dynasty, the Brennan family, took over in 1974, and since then the restaurant has been home to four outstanding chefs, Emeril Lagasse, Paul Prudhomme, Jamie Shannon, and now Tory McPhail. Also known for it’s live music.
Louis Armstrong Park: Congo Square
In the southern corner of Armstrong Park is Congo Square, an open space where slaves and free blacks gathered throughout the 19th century for culture meetings, unique African food, markets, and jaw dropping African dance and drumming celebrations that played a substantial role in the development of jazz, which is why this little place is the Musical Capitol of New Orleans, Local Voodoo practitioners still consider Congo Square a spiritual base and faithfully gather at the Square for rituals today.
St Patrick's Catholic Church
Among the most revered of New Orleans historic landmarks is Old St. Patrick’s Church, a stunning example of the arts and crafts of another era. It stands in the heart of the business district and is one of the treasures that remains from early 19th century days when the city began moving outside the boundaries of Bienville’s original settlement, the French Quarter. The church was established in 1833 & blessed by Bishop Antoine Blanc in 1838.
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
Voodoo has been a significant part of New Orleans culture since the city was first established in the 1700s. The museum explores the mysteries, legends, and sacred traditions of voodoo, and informs visitors on the influence this powerful African religion has had throughout the city’s history. Today Voodoo is still practiced heavily in New Orleans and other southern states by African descendants. New Orleans is the only city in America where enslaved and free Africans were not forced into the shackles Christianity and other European religious practices. #MussiObeah!
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Open 7 days a week with free admission, The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is home to over 60 sculptures by renowned artists from around the world. This garden is located within a mature existing landscape of pines, magnolias and live oaks. A reconfigured lagoon bisects the site and creates two distinct halves: a mature pine and magnolia grove adjacent to the museum, and a more open area of 200-year-old, Spanish moss-laden live oaks across the lagoon near the New Orleans Botanical Gardens. The Sculpture Garden has grown from its inception in 2003 to include 64 sculptures, most of them donated to NOMA by the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Foundation.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is home to the largest and most comprehensive collection of American Southern art in the world! The collection includes artworks from 15 southern states and spans the 18th to 21st centuries. The Ogden Museum also hosts a weekly entertainent series, Ogden After Hours, every Thursday from 6PM to 8PM.
The National WWII Museum
Formerly known as The National D-Day Museum, The National WWII Museum is the second most visited museum in the world. Offering a compelling blend of sweeping narrative and poignant personal detail, the Museum features immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and an expansive collection of artifacts and first-person oral histories to take visitors inside the story of the war.
French Quarter Chapel
It is the only wedding chapel in the Historic French Quarter of New Orleans, but also the entire state of Louisiana. At The French Quarter Wedding Chapel, over 15,000 (and counting) weddings have been officiated. The New Orleans City Council has officially bestowed upon the wedding chapel the honor of being called “one of the most memorable, romantic, and unique venues in The Romance Capitol of the World for two people to unite in marriage.”
Napoleon House
For almost two centuries, the beloved landmark, The Napoleon House, on the corner of Chartres and St. Louis streets in the historical French Quarter of New Orleans, exudes a European charm. The deeply patinated walls, uneven floors, luminous photography, and a sea of quotes from famous to regular guests covering the walls between the weathered paintings, speak to the many decades of dedicated service and one of the world's greatest bars.
Pat O'Brien's
Pat O’s is a must do when visiting the Quarter. This home of the Hurricane is loaded with charm and lush gardens, lively piano lounge, courtyard restaurant and even private party rooms. Also known for live music and Piano Bar.
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
Built between 1722 and 1732 by Nicolas Touze, is reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States. Between 1772 and 1791, the property is believed to have been used by the Lafitte Brothers, Jean and Pierre as a New Orleans base for their smuggling operation. Like most New Orleans legends, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is a gumbo of truth where you will find African French, Spanish, and Cajun embellishments.
St. Louis Cathedral & Jackson Square
Jackson Square is known as the site where in 1803 Louisiana was made United States territory pursuant to the Louisiana Purchase. It’s also know for the St. Louis Cathedral. With a history dating back to 1720s, St. Louis Cathedral is a historically rich landmarks. Before its completion the church’s Chief Engineer, St. Louis, Adrien De Pauger, died in 1726. He was buried within the unfinished building and the church was completed a year later. Hours are from 8am to 7pm.
Cafe Du Monde
Since 1862 this has been the French Market original coffee stand serving beignets & cafe au lait. This land mark is located across from Jackson Square. It’s a must try! The beignets are figuratively thought of as “the doughnut of Nawlin”
The Camellia Grill
Camellia Grill is an absolute must for anyone visiting New Orleans. The diner-style eatery opened in 1946 and is an old-fashioned, landmark restaurant in the city. The counter seating, happy servers, and vintage uniforms inspire a retro feeling among guests who dine on quality, southern diner food. Camellia Grill is famous for its chocolate pecan pie, double-scoop freezes, and enormous breakfast omelets served at anytime. The grill stays opened for late nights.
The Dungeon
Originally opened in 1969 by Howard Clark. This was and still is today the rock and roll scene of New Orleans. Only known by word of mouth. This dark intriguing bar down the eerie ally was built on classic rock and roll. Everyone from Kiss, Queen, ZZ Top, 38 Special, Bad Company, and so many more would come here to hang out.
The Spotted Cat Music Club
Great music and inexpensive drinks make this Frenchman St. spot a favorite for everyone. On any given night catch two sets of blues, jazz, latin, or any of their various permutations. The space is small and the energy is contagious—it can get packed, but it's all part of the experience.
Toast
Simply delivers a meal to remember.
District Donuts Sliders Brew
The owner does everything from scratch, down to the sprinkles! Food made with integrity; no pre-made mixes or artificial flavors. Only natural ingredients wherever possible. Everything is made 100% from scratch and 100% fresh.
Oceana Grill
Featured on Gordon Ramsey, Kitchen Nightmares, Oceana Grill serves classic New Orleans creole seafood dishes. The vibe is laid-back includes courtyard & late-night dining.