Megan & Nicholas
Things To Do
Bywater & Marigny Neighborhoods
Sometimes an afterthought to those visiting New Orleans, the Bywater and Marigny neighborhoods are a great way to explore the unique architecture of New Orleans. There's also some amazing food and drink options here, as well as some fun hostels and B&B's. Megan and Nick recommend Elizabeth's for traditional New Orleans brunch, and Bacchanal for amazing wine, charcuterie and live music! The latter, Bacchanal, is where Nick and Megan spent their first night together in New Orleans, so it is a very special place to them. If you go, you just might see them yourself sharing a bottle of wine listening to some New Orleans jazz.
Frenchmen Street
Although many say Frenchman Street is the Bourbon Street for locals, Nick says that is no longer the case. BUT, there is a reason that Frenchman has gotten so popular, and it's for the live music. Check out the Spotted Cat, Apple Barrel, and d.b.a for some great live music! Tip: Nick's friend Tony plays in a band called The Setup Kings, and they play often at 30/90 on Frenchman street. Check out their website to see when they are playing!
Cemetery Tour
Nick highly recommends a cemetery tour to get the full New Orleans experience. If he had to pick one, he would say to go see St. Louis cemeteries # 1 and #2. They offer tours every 15-30 minutes and the guided tours are soooo worth it! If you do go on a tour, let Nick know what you thought of the Nick Cage plot (yep, that's right!).
New Orleans Museum of Art
Nick and Megan attest that it is definitely worth your time to check out the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). Check out their website for current exhibits and ticket pricing. Nick and Megan would also recommend pairing a visit to the NOMA with a walk through the sculpture garden if it is a nice day. To reach peak awesomeness, when you're done at the NOMA, walk along Bayou St. John into Mid-City for a beer or a glass of wine at Bayou Beer Garden or Bayou Wine Garden (they share the same outdoor garden)!
Royal Street
Royal Street is Nick's favorite street in the French Quarter, yes, even more than Bourbon. Here, you will find lovely boutiques and nice restaurants. For an alternative to Cafe du Monde, check out Cafe Beignet. To class it up a bit, check out The Carousel Bar. Finally, for brunch or dinner, Nick AND Megan highly recommend Cafe Amelie for a romantic French cafe experience.
Saint Charles Streetcar
Streetcars once played vital roles in America's transportation networks, until we replaced them with cars in the 1950's. Luckily, New Orleans still has streetcars running through the city, and the one Nick recommends going out of your way to experience is the St Charles streetcar. Take it from downtown all the way through the Warehouse District, Garden District and Uptown. You can get off at any stop, but you won't want to with the gorgeous views and magnificent mansions that line the avenue. If you do take it all the way to the end, go to Nick's favorite bar in New Orleans, Cooter Browns Tavern. Get a dozen raw oysters, a NOLA Amber Ale, and enjoy. You can also take the streetcar to Audubon Park! Note that streetcars fare is $1.25 and must be paid with exact change when you board. You can also get Jazzy Passes if you'll be making multiple trips.
Magazine Street
Shop, eat, drink all day along Magazine Street. Nick lived for three years along Magazine Street and it brings back some of his favorite memories in New Orleans. Pick a point to Uber or Lyft to, and then just walk as far as you can. The street transitions between commercial and residential, but both are part of the lure. There is shopping for everyone, but for food and drink, Nick has some absolute favorites that he goes to every time he's back. In no particular order: - Stein's Market and Deli for the best sandwiches - District Donuts Sliders Brew for the craziest donuts ever - Tracey's to grab a beer and watch a game on Saturday or Sunday (if you must) - French Truck Coffee for something other than a cafe au lait - The Bulldog for an awesome beer garden experience - The Daily Beet for healthy food if you feel the need (you're in New Orleans though, remember) - Bouligny Tavern for cocktails - Shaya for the best Mediterranean food
Bourbon Street
When you visit New Orleans, you will end up on Bourbon Street. During the daytime it can be fun to walk Bourbon and see what it is like before the party starts later in the evening. Nick doesn't provide any specific recommendations other than to walk the entire length at least once, and appreciate the importance it has on the culture and identity of New Orleans. Please caution that venturing out on poorly lit side streets late at night is not recommended. For those looking for an alternative place to hang out in the French Quarter other than Bourbon, check out Nick's recommendation on Royal Street.
The National WWII Museum
New Orleans is not ALL about drinking and partying. For a break from the French Quarter, Nick recommends spending a morning at the National World War II Museum on Magazine St. He has spent days in the museum and has still not seen it all! But for an amazing introduction, Nick recommends the 'Road to Berlin' and 'Road to Tokyo' exhibits.
Laura Plantation: Louisiana's Creole Heritage Site
Plantation tours are another great way to get out of the city and learn about the history of New Orleans and the south from a different perspective. Nick has toured a few plantations, but he always recommends Laura Plantation if he only had to choose one. The tour is regarded as one of the best in Louisiana as it does not shy away from its past. You'll also enjoy learning about the creole culture and the significance of the colors painted on the house. Expect to take a half day to visit Laura Plantation, which is 50 minutes drive from downtown New Orleans.
Audubon Park
Located in the beautiful Uptown neighborhood near the University sandwiched between Magazine St and Saint Charles Ave, New Orleans Audubon Park has something for everyone. For families, the Audubon Zoo is a great adventure after shopping and dining along Magazine St. There is also an executive golf course that is highly ranked among the best in the nation, and a beautiful open park with walking and biking paths where you can escape the sun under the beautiful oak trees.
5th Annual New Orleans Zombie Run
Nick ran in the Zombie Run in New Orleans way back in 2013 and he has lived to tell the tale. If you want to get a workout in on Saturday morning without being too tired later for our wedding, then sign up for the Zombie Run starting at Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar in the warehouse district. Get a margarita after to celebrate 2 miles of running away from zombies.