Travel

Flight

MSY

When we fly, we do so in and out of MSY in Kenner, LA. It's a big recently remodeled airport *right* outside New Orleans. It's an Uber / Lyft (~$35, maybe less if you're not staying in the French Quarter) ride away from our favorite city. If you rent a car, be advised that the city is full of potholes that are, well... much larger than a pot. If you're thinking about a rental car, an SUV vs low-rider may provide you with a little more comfort when navigating around town.

Travel Note

Drive On Down

We have done 'the drive' to NOLA and back from CT many times. It's about 22 hours each way. We usually do 12 hours on the way down, stay in the Knoxville, TN area, then do the 10 hour drive to NOLA on day 2 (you gain an hour into CST, so you arrive an hour 'earlier'). If you want to push it and do 14 hours from CT, that lands you in Chatanooga, TN (the 'Noog'!). We do a similar haul on the way back. You never really want to leave New Orleans, so you get up, have breakfast, then cry for the 10 hour drive back to Knoxville. The next day is the 12 hour push back home. Pennsylvania, Virginia and Alabama are the LONGEST states to drive through. You breeze through the rest. However you get here.... it's always worth it.

Hotel

Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans-Elmwood

Family friendly, cost-effective, *just* out-of-the-city-limit option. We stay here with the kids every time we come down, and are planning on staying here the week leading up to the wedding. The suites give families common and kitchen areas needed to accommodate a tribe. There's a big pool and grill access that we have often taken advantage of. We have spent many nights cooking / eating outdoors while enjoying some local Abita beers (and root beers)! Tons of shops nearby and a quick ride (or Uber / Lyft) to the city. Parking is free, which is a huge bonus if you're driving down or renting a vehicle. The hotel always has a breakfast buffet that is included, which is especially helpful if you are travelling with a hungry crew. We reserved a block of rooms - use this website / code to book to get the discounted rate: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/astorinopaquettewedding/

House Or Rental

Airbnb / VRBO

There are a bunch of rental options available in and around New Orleans. If you are thinking about a rental but are not sure about the neighborhood, please reach out to us and we can check in with our resident expert, Lexi!

Hotel

The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton

This brandy-new WWII themed Hilton Curio hotel is absolutely stunning. Steps away from the acclaimed museum and with close-by streetcar access, this is a memorable place. Even if you don't stay, check out not only the amazing museum, but a panoramic view of the Crescent City with some good eats (truffle hushpuppies!) from Rosie's on the Roof.

Hotel

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New Orleans

Want to stay in the French Quarter AND be welcomed with a warm chocolate chip cookie? This is a great place that we have stayed in. Good for couples and easy walkable access to the French Quarter and the CBD. If you are renting a car, parking (like everywhere else downtown) is pricey.

Hotel

Hilton New Orleans Riverside

Luxurious setting, especially if you get a riverside view (why stay there otherwise?!?). Grab some views of BIG BOATS, tug boats, river boats, and all the comings and goings on the Mississippi River. We briefly stayed there once ($$$). The hotel is also attached to an indoor mall with pretty much everything, including a Cafe Du Monde. If you're lucky (like us!), your loved one will grab some beignets and cafe au lait from there while you're in the shower and surprise you with the best breakfast ever. Next thing you know... BAM, you're getting married in New Orleans.

House Or Rental

Fontainebleau State Park

Great place to stay or even just to visit on the north shore. If you want more of a remote cabin experience, there are places to rent right out on the lake. It's a beautiful state park with walking trails and lake access. Kayak rentals are available @ https://www.bayouadventure.com/ which is super fun (though bring your sunscreen and keep your eye out for gators!).