Meghan & Brendan
Things To Do
Pat O'Brien's
Pat O'Brien's is a must when visiting New Orleans. They are known for their famous Hurricane and Bloody Mary drinks. Stroll into the legendary Dueling Piano Bar and write your fav song request on napkins!
Cafe Du Monde
New Orleans is not a trip without a stop at Cafe du Monde for Beignets and a Cafe au lait. Open 24 hours :) With a price tag of less than $5 and an atmosphere on-of-its kind we are sure you will make multiple stops here.
Take a Street Car to Magazine Street
For shopping, dining or just a casual stroll, no place in New Orleans is quite like Magazine Street (It's one of Brendan's fav places). This six-mile-long stretch from the Garden District to Uptown features some of the best antique stores, art galleries, craft shops and boutiques to be found anywhere in the city. From the French Quarter we recommend you take the St. Charles Streetcar ($1.25 each way cash!) - hop on at Canal St. & Carondelet & get off at St. Charles & Jackson and walk just a few blocks over to Magazine St.. The dark green St. Charles streetcar is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world. Swaying along St. Charles Avenue through a tunnel of Live Oaks, the streetcar passes dozens of antebellum mansions, Loyola and Tulane universities, breathtaking Audubon Park, and fine hotels, restaurants and bars.
Marie Laveau's House Of Voodoo
Marie Laveau was a Louisiana Creole practitioner of Voodoo, who was renowned in New Orleans (born in 1801 and died in 1881. There's more to voodoo than pin cushions and dolls. Learn about the historical and spiritual significance of the "religion" and the woman who helped revive it in the city at this store that triples as a museum and shrine. You'll find a mix of kitschy souvenirs up front and a spiritual advisor in the back, who performs readings just by feeling your pressure points. Whether you're a believer or not, Marie Laveau's is a spot that's uniquely New Orleans
Frenchmen Street
Where the locals go for the best live music in the city. You are likely to hear anything from jazz to Latin to blues to reggae, and just about everything in between. Frenchman Street sits right on the cusp of the Quarter near the end of the French Market. The Spotted Cat and D.B.A are a couple of our favs. Head over to Port of Call for some hefty burgers open till midnight - it's a unique 50 year old dive spot.
Johnny's Po-Boys
Best Po-Boy in town! Roast Beef is our fav and always go to stop when in the city :) You can't go wrong with their fried shrimp po'boys or red beans and rice with sausage (and cornbread!) either!
French Market Place
Think of your local farmers market x10 + tons of unique gifts and locally inspired artisans. 6 blocks of shopping! The open air market features shopping, dining, music, & local tradition.
Central Grocery and Deli (Original Muffuletta)
Home of the original Muffuletta! Central Grocery and Deli is a small Italian market selling specialty foods & muffuletta sandwiches, which its founder invented. The muffuletta is a sandwich that's made on a round, disc-like sesame bread filled with cured meats, marinated olives, and pickled vegetables.
Ruby Slipper Cafe
The Ruby Slipper Cafe is an award-winning cafe famous for their breakfast, brunch & lunch offerings. They bring New Orleans flair to southern breakfast standards, brunch classics and fresh lunch dishes
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar is reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States, built between 1722 and 1732 by Nicolas Touze. Today, it remains a popular gathering place, and a favorite haunt for the New Orleans Kats and French Quarter Rats
Airboat Adventures
Take a half day trip down to the Bayou where Meghan's Family lives in Lafitte. Take an airboat tour on the swamp with her Uncle Jay (pictured) - make sure you request Jay Boutte when scheduling your tour. Airboats depart at 9:45 AM, 12:00 noon, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM (seasonal) & 6:00 PM (seasonal). If you want to see the swamp at the prettiest time of day, we recommend the 9:45 AM tour or the early evening tour. Wintertime and early spring can bring temps from 30 degrees (rare) to 75 degrees, with an average high temp of about 64 degrees, so winter and spring airboat tours can be quite pleasant. Alligators are tough to find when temps drop below 70 degrees, no matter what time of year, but they can be found throughout the winter on warmer days. Winter can be a great because the summer grass that is typically six feet tall is now only inches high. This means you’ll see more nutria and deer, and the migratory birds such as waterfowl and the bald eagles.
Mule Drawn Carriage
New Orleans is a very walkable city, however if you do want to get a quick tour with a local, you'll find a row of mule-drawn carriages just waiting for passengers along Decatur St. You can negotiate a bit with the driver, but expect to pay at least $25 for a half-hour tour. You get to ride around in comfort while your driver, a licensed tour guide, shows you the sights and helps you get your bearings in the neighborhood. Context, orientation, and entertainment—a good way to start your trip!
Jackson Square
Jackson Square is an iconic location - the heart of the French quarter and right where St. Louis Cathedral is where we will be getting married. The square is lined with many street vendors and great antique shops. Some of the greatest photographs of New Orleans are shown of this great park. It is also steps away from the Mississippi river if you want to stroll along the river and see the Great Mississippi.
Café Fleur De Lis
Great for breakfast right around the corner from the Royal Sonesta