Things To Do

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve

For those of you who want to see a swamp without paying for a swamp tour, this is one of our favorite hikes. You'll need a car to get there. If you walk along the Bayou Coquille trail you're sure to see gators, snakes, and other fun swamp critters.

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival

This strawberry festival will be taking place throughout the wedding weekend. If you have a car it will take about an hour drive to get there.

Southern Food and Beverage Museum & Museum of the American Cocktail

This museum is not to be missed if you love Southern food or cocktails. This is a small museum that takes just about an hour to fully explore.

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Visit the apothecary and home of the first licensed pharmacist in the United States, Louis J. Dufilho, Jr. Come and explore two floors of exhibits in this 1823 Creole Townhouse and take a minute to relax in the courtyard.

The National WWII Museum

This museum is one of the highest rated museums in the United States. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy this one!

Ogden Museum of Southern Art

Frenchmen Street

If you want to enjoy live music, this is the best place to go to have a variety of venues within walking distance. Our favorite place is D.B.A., but the Spotted Cat and Snug Harbor are also exceptional music venues with a long history in the city. We suggest you 'follow your ears' and choose the venue with the music you like best.

Jacques-Imo's

For a giant, delicious Cajun meal, this quirky place is a must visit.

Parkway Bakery & Tavern

If you're hoping to try an authentic Po Boy, this is the best place to do it.

Vincent's Italian Cuisine

This is just a few blocks away from where we live. It is the perfect, cozy, old school New Orleans Italian restaurant right on the streetcar line.

Tito's Ceviche & Pisco

Leanne's favorite restaurant in New Orleans. Worth the trip Uptown if you love fresh seafood, ceviche, and Peruvian food.

Dooky Chase Restaurant

Famous creole style food and a historic part of the civil rights movement.

Mr. B's Bistro

A famous restaurant in the French Quarter for New Orleans cuisine.

The Country Club

If you want a poolside escape to beat the heat or to attend the best drag brunch in the city, this is the place. The Drag Brunch waitlist is over 6 months long, so BOOK EARLY. The pool is a body-positive, inclusive space. It is first come, first serve for pool chairs and costs about $20 for a full day of poolside goodness. Please note that this suggestion is intended for adults.

Cafe Beignet on Royal Street

Most tourists head to Cafe du Monde for beignets, but Leanne prefers these beignets close by on Royal Street. It has a cute little courtyard and the line is always MUCH shorter than the Cafe du Monde line.

Hansen's Sno-Bliz

You can't visit New Orleans without trying a snowball! A snowball is basically a snow cone. Hansen's has the best in town. Leanne's favorites are the ice cream stuffed snowball with root beer syrup (light on the syrup), or a regular snowball with half coconut and half Thai Iced Tea. J.B. likes the fruity flavors.

Creole Creamery

If you're not in the mood for a snowball, you can cool off with ice cream. We suggest that you get a sample dish so you can try a few of their amazing different flavors. Our favorite specialty flavor is the Honey Lavender, but affogato, simple cookie monster ice cream, or the brownie sundae with mint chip ice cream are also favorites!

Arnaud's

Famous for creating the French 75, and considered one of the best brunch spots in town.

Pat O'Brien's

A New Orleans institution. You must sit in the courtyard and enjoy a Hurricane (this is the most famous place to get that iconic New Orleans beverage).

The Carousel Bar & Lounge

This bar, located in the Hotel Monteleone, is built on a carousel that spins. It's a fun spot to visit for a fancy cocktail.