Things To Do
Cajun Encounters Swamp Tours
You may not think you are the nature type but no trip to Louisiana would be complete without a tour of what makes this place famous! The smaller VIP boat is worth the money and gives you an up close experience you can't beat. If you have the opportunity to request Captain Emmett we highly recommend you do so! Tell him we sent ya and remeber to tip your Captain! (Do not bring up the TV show Swamp People) Cajun Encounters also offers city bus tours & Plantation Tours. We have yet to go on a plantation tour but Oak Alley is a highly recommended trip.
Antoine's Restaurant
What can I say, truly an establishment. Antoine's is one of the oldest resturaunts in New Orleans having been established in 1840. Known for their famous French-Creole cuisine and the birthplace of "Oyster's Rockefeller", Antoine's gives you that upscale fine dinning experience you would expect. FYI there is a dress code, don't find out the way we did!
Pat O'Brien's Bar
Pat O'Brien's was formerly a speakeasy before becoming a legitimate bar in 1933. It is where the Hurricane cocktail was invented!
The National WWII Museum
Originally the D-Day Museum, the National WWII museum is a day all to itself. We reccomend doing the 4D film experience prior to looking around. Give yourself enough time because you can spend mulitple days in here! We know, because we have.
Coterie Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Looking for some casual eats in New Orleans? This place was great both times we went. They have all the good Cajun food you'd expect. Their alligator bites are delicious and one of the bride's favorites! The fish on that Po'boy was the size of the Groom's forearm...
Tours by Foot New Orleans
These tours are on a "pay what you will basis" so don't be stingy. These guides are local and can tailor your experience to what you'd like to see. They also have a youtube channel that is essentially basic training for your first time in Nola. We highly recommend you watch their videos and heed their advice as they well keep you clear of the grifts and tourist traps.
Tableau by Dickie Brennan & Co.
Tableau is the resturaunt that Grace and Owen shared dinner at after the proposal! They had a balcony seet overlooking Jackson Square during the Halloween Parade! The building is also of historic interest as it served as the Governer's home when it was a Spanish colony!
The French Market
“New Orleans’ first food market was an informal open-air facility located on the levee in the area above the present-day Jackson Square. Around the year 1782 the Spanish erected the city’s first market building on the corner of Chartres and Dumaine Streets and in 1790 relocated it to a site on what is now Decatur Street between St. Ann and Dumaine. A series of hurricanes destroyed several early structures at this location, but the building erected in 1813 as the Meat Market has survived to the present. The Bride and Groom have not yet gone but it is a place th locals of New Orleans frequesnt for food and fresh Oysters.
James H Cohen Antique Weapons & Rare Coins
If you know the Groom, you know this shop would make it to the list. Need a Blunderbuss or Musket? They can package it and ship it home for you! Maybe your in the market for antique coins like pieces of 8 or perhaps some Confederate dollars. This antique shop is worth the stop even just to look around. Unfortunatly this is not where the couples registry is...
The Blue Crab Restaurant and Oyster Bar
If you are looking for good food in Slidell look no further. The Blue Crab sources its seafood locally and fresh. Good Family environment you best be sure the Bride and Groom will grab a bite here!
Café Du Monde
Now it's debated amoung the locals about where the best beignets (BEN-YAYS): French doughnuts) Some have accused Cafe Du Monde of being a tourist location, but in the Bride and Grooms opinion, why would you get these powderd sugar covered doughballs anywhere else?! The Original Cafe Du Monde Coffee Stand was established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. The Cafe is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It closes only on Christmas Day and on the day an occasional Hurricane passes too close to New Orleans. Cash only so bring your yankee greenbacks!
Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Parkway Bakery and Tavern first opened for business in 1911, and it has been a New Orleans icon ever since. Charles Goering, Sr., a German baker, built Parkway on the corner of Hagan and Toulouse in Mid-City New Orleans and ran it until 1922, when Henry Timothy, Sr. purchased it. In 1929, the poor boy was created by Bennie and Clovis Martin, two brothers who owned Martin Bros restaurant and were former streetcar operators. The Martin brothers came up with the simple but hearty sandwich when the Association of Electric Street Railway Employees, Division 194, went on strike, sending 1,800 unionized streetcar drivers and motormen off the job and onto the picket line. In solidarity, Timothy, Sr. added the "Poor Boy" shop to Parkway that year and fed union members and conductors French fry poor boys for free. Parkway was also selling the recently invented "Poor Boy" sandwich to the workers at the American Can Company.
The Cabildo
Your visit to New Orleans’ historic French Quarter would not be complete without a stop at Jackson Square, which is where you will find the Cabildo. This elegant Spanish colonial building neighbors St. Louis Cathedral and houses many rare artifacts of America’s history. Come visit the Cabildo, the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies in 1803 and one of Louisiana’s most significant historical buildings. From landmark court cases to visits from international ambassadors, many important events in Louisiana have taken place within the Cabildo. The three floors of Cabildo exhibitions cover the history of Louisiana by featuring artifacts such as documents, paintings and 3D objects from the museum’s vast collection.
Oak Alley Plantation
A sugar plantation; an abandoned investment property; a cattle ranch; a landscape of defiance in the face of the Army Corps of Engineers–Oak Alley has been many things in its over 200 years of history. Today it is a historic site, dedicated to preserving and interpreting each chapter of this plantation’s memory. If you are a fan of Red Dead Redemption II, like the Bride & Groom, Oak Alley is included in the game but called "Braithwaite Manor".
Museum of Death
The World Famous Museum of Death was founded in June, 1995 when JD Healy and Cathee Shultz decided to fill the void in death education in this country and made death their life’s work. The Museum of Death experience is a self guided tour lasting approximately 45 minutes to an hour, however those who can stomach it may stay as long as they like, as there are hundreds of items on display. To ensure that you experience the entire museum we recommend arriving no later than an hour before the posted closing time for that day.
St. Denis to New Orleans The Red Dead Redemption II Self guided landmark challenge.
If you aren't familiar with video games, Red Dead Redemption II is a video game set in the late 19th century in the United States. You play as a gunfighter who is part of an outlaw gang that is struggling with the realities of a no longer "wild west." The in game world has emelments from ALL of the states in the United States and the game designers took great care into incorporating real landmarks. The fictional city of Saint Denis is based on real life New Orleans. Both the Bride and Groom are big fans of this game and challenge you to tally off which real world sites from the in game world you can visit! The Bride is also a big fan of "The Amazing Race" game show so in keeping with that spirit, the link to the guide is given. May the best team win!
Center For Traditional Louisiana Boat Building & Museum
Founded in 1979, the Center for Traditional Louisiana Boat Building does research into wooded boat building throughout South Louisiana. The Center contains old boats, new boats built in the old ways, and other artifacts associated with building wooden boats. Materials such as photographs, slides, oral history tapes and artifacts, are located in the office of the director in Lockport and available to the public. Classes for traditional wooden boat building offered on site by appointment.
Centeral Grocery & Deli
Located on Decatur Street in the middle of New Orleans’ French Quarter, we’re a third generation, old-fashioned grocery store founded in 1906 by Salvatore Lupo, a Sicilian immigrant who is famous for creating the muffuletta. Lined with shelves stocked with imported pasta and olive oil as the aroma of cured pork and aged cheeses fill the air, our shop hasn’t changed over the years. We’ve always made our muffuletta’s with meats sliced in house, locally baked handmade bread and our family’s Italian Olive Salad. The store has remained in the same family for 3 generations, currently owned and operated by Tommy Tusa and Frank Tusa. As of June 2024, The shop is still undergoing repairs from Hurricane Ida, hoepfully come 2025, they will be back up and fully running!
Barataria Preserve
With more than 26,000 acres of wild Louisiana wetlands, the Barataria Preserve's hardwood forest, swamp, bayous, and marsh offer trails, picnic areas, fishing, hunting (in season and with permits), and wildlife viewing. Visitor center films and exhibits explain the wetlands habitat and current environmental challenges; ranger programs are offered daily. Programs at the environmental education center are available by reservation. Admission to the preserve and to most programs is free.
Audubon Zoo
Located in historic Uptown New Orleans, Audubon Zoo features exotic and endangered animals from around the globe. Amidst canopies of great oak trees, experience the wonder of nature in a shaded wonderland that includes beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, kids' play areas, and more. Explore unique natural habitats such as the award-winning Louisiana Swamp and see white alligators before grabbing some jambalaya at the Cypress Knee Cafe. Or, grab an icy snowball treat and head over to Jaguar Jungle after passing iconic Monkey Hill. Audubon Zoo is consistently one of the country’s top-ranked zoos, voted as one of the top ten zoos in the country in the USA Today “10Best” reader poll and ranked as one of the top things to do in New Orleans. The Audubon zoo is also featured in some scenes of Jurassic World.
The Sazerac House
You are invited to experience timeless traditions and history that's worth repeating. Enjoy complimentary tours, interactive cocktail exhibits, and exclusive spirit tastings in celebration and preservation of good times.
Commander's Palace
Commander's Palace, nestled in the middle of the tree-lined Garden District, has been a New Orleans landmark since 1893. Known for the award-winning quality of its food and its convivial atmosphere, the history of this famous restaurant offers a glimpse into New Orleans' storied past and has been the go-to destination for Haute Creole cuisine and whimsical Louisiana charm. The winner of seven James Beard Foundation Awards, Commander's Palace has evolved into a culinary legend
Jungle Gardens
Jungle Gardens is a 170-acre botanical garden and bird sanctuary located on Avery Island, Louisiana. Avery Island is also home to the Tabasco hot sauce factory. Tabasco hot sauce originated in Louisiana in 1868, and is one the most widley exported hot sauces world wide.
Vampire Apothecary Restaurant & Bar
Whiskey and Ashe
First time? Allow our experienced bartenders to hand select a good smoke for you. Just ask! Welcome to Whiskey and Ashe- a sophisticated lounge in the heart of Olde Towne. We love all things cigars and whiskey. We have a handcrafted cocktail menu, bourbons, ryes, and whiskeys from around the world, along with many other unique expressions. We believe in conversation amongst our guests who start as strangers and leave as friends. We believe in our space because everyone deserves a great bar to visit and everyone is welcome in our house- so please, respect it! Order yourself something unique and feel free to relax. If this is your first time, please introduce yourself! Allow us to build a unique experience geared specifically to your individual taste.