NEW ORLEANS DAY TRIP // TRAVEL GUIDE

As we sat on the beach on 30A, I mentioned to Hannah that once my friend Justin and I had driven to NOLA for one day in college. She wasn't altogether surprised, I've always had a penchant for doing things on a whim, but then she stopped and paused: Isn't that like 7 hours away? When I told her it was only 4.5 hours, I saw the wheels turning. Then, she said she might like to see it sometime. Two days later, we were in the car heading to NOLA for a one day getaway. 

TO DO :

FRENCH QUATER 

The French Quarter is probably one of the most popular places in all of Louisiana. It features a bevy of restaurants, shops, and a large park with a beautiful cathedral and Andrew Jackson statue. We visited the world famous Cafe Du Monde, and were seated quickly, despite the hustle and bustle. The beignets were UNREAL. My favorite thing about NOLA. 
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CAFE DU MONDE 

The aforementioned Cafe that has sat in this very spot for over 150 years. 

Garden District

Our favorite part of NOLA was easily The Garden District. Here, you can walk tree lined streets and witness old southern grandeur in all of its splendor. The houses were absolutely stunning--and maintained impeccably too. Being that Han and I are house junkies, we wandered around for a few hours and really enjoyed the sights and sounds of this NOLA neighborhood (where many of the homes date back 100+ years!) 
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LaFayette Cemetery

At Lafayette Cemetery, nearly 7,000 people have been put to rest. What could be construed as creepy, is actually quite fascinating...(the crowds in the cemeteries alone speak to this notion...) We didn't stay long, but we walked up and down the aisles admiring all of the tombs and mausoleums and reading through the names and dates. 
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The Benjamin Button House

While I know it's bizarre, I've long had an obsession with the film Benjamin Button. Behind me, you'll notice the house the film was primarily shot at. During filming the bushes were MUCH smaller, but it was still amazing to see in person!
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St. Roch Market

What's a travel guide without a market? St. Roch had it all. Southern, cajun, asian, mexican, breakfast, sweets, coffee... They had a fantastic selection in an easily accessible market in an up and coming area of NOLA. 
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Magazine St.

This house was next to Beyonce's. That in and of itself is pretty cool.  Magazine Street features a myriad of unique southern homes, that feature enormous porches, and a cool view of life in NOLA. There is also a number of shops and restaurants. (Including Basin, where we ate...see below)! 
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Basin Seafood

We had lunch at Basin on Magazine Street. The Po Boy and the gumbo were truly terrific! And because we're geriatric, eating at 11:30 AM, there was no wait whatsoever. Great location and delicious Cajun food! We wish we had more time to try all of the Cajun varieties, but sadly, this was only a one day adventure over to NOLA. 

Revelator Coffee

A New Orleans coffee start up that has since launched in several large southern cities, Revelator delivers a tasty brew in a laid back and modern environment. ​ Downtown, approximately a 5 min drive from the French Quarter, Revelator is worth your morning coffee stop. 

More to come soon. For real. Not joking. Every Tuesday all summer! 

Take care and travel well!

-Ty and Han