On Tuesday, April 4, I took a day trip with friends to New Orleans and here are some of the things we enjoyed. We booked our round trip flights on Southwest Airlines for $157 and all chipped in an additional $50 for car service.
Only a 90-minute flight from Atlanta, the weather was perfect with a high of 85 degrees but with a nice breeze. If you've ever gone to New Orleans in July for Essence Festival, then you know as soon as you step outdoors you're sweating. In April, the weather is perfect for sightseeing and patio dining.
Our first stop was Jackson Square which had some of the most beautiful flowers, especially Elephant Ears.
We grabbed breakfast and Mimosas at Flambo. Our first restaurant had an hour wait and the waitress recommended we try Flambo next door. I ordered the shrimp and egg quesadilla. It's prepared differently with the egg on the outside of the tortilla, which at first glance looks like an omelette. It's served with a remoulade sauce and was good. With us having multiple places to visit, I split my meal with a friend because the portions are large and I wanted to save room to try other items.
Then we visited The Sazerac House. This bourbon tour is complimentary and was super fun. We received a history lesson and had three tastings. Not to mention, the facility is beautiful.
Hotel Monteleone's restaurant Criolla hands down has the best beignets. We ordered the blue crab and corn beignets and the french market style beignets with praline dipping sauce. Thanks to the sweet hostess, Cache, for putting us in a private room because it elevated the experience. The next time you're in New Orleans, skip Cafe Dumont and try their beignets. You will not regret it.
Next, we headed down Bourbon Street and stumbled across a live jazz band playing at Cafe Beignet Bourbon. We grabbed some drinks at the bar and chilled.
We headed down Bourbon Street and grabbed lunch at Bourbon House. I ordered a shrimp po boy and split it with my friend. Our original restaurant was closed so we tried this instead and had a good time.
Our last stop was Hot Tin bar. Located at the top of Pontchartrain Hotel, this rooftop bar was once a penthouse. Now it's an eclectic lounge with a 270-degree view of Downtown New Orleans. We met some cool locals and others visiting from Canada. This was the perfect ending to our day trip.
We headed to the airport and were back in Atlanta at 9pm. Was it worth it, yes! This is the year of execution, exploring and experimenting. Every month I've dedicating time to do something I've always wanted to do and it's been fulfilling.
Have you ever taken a day trip to another city? What's an interesting city you've visited?
Much love,
soqweenly