Live it up on Bourbon Street
For good times, look no further than Bourbon Street. Period buildings lined with wrought iron balconies look out on the scene below. Wander down the street and pop into a bar that catches your fancy for a drink and some Jazz or Zydeco music. Bourbon Street is the only place in the U.S. that we've been to that comes close to the vibe of Dublin's Temple Bar.
Shark Attack!
Over-the-top cocktails abound but that's all part of the fun. I love the Shark Attack at the Tropical Isle. I'm not sure exactly what's in it, but a clear heavily spiked beverage is put in front of you, the bartender rings a bell and shouts Shark Attack! before proceeding to plunge a plastic shark filled with red liqueur into the drink. Down the hatch!
Eat Beignets and Chicory Coffee
Americans that live in Louisiana are noted for their girth (the state ranks in the Top 10 for obesity). Beignets (delicious and addictive powdered doughnuts) served with woodsy chicory coffee could very well be a key contributor to this. Don't miss Cafe Du Monde for a bit of indulgence.
Save Room for Dessert and Try Bananas Foster
As if beignets weren't decadent enough, Brennan's takes things one step further with their world famous Bananas Foster. The dessert is prepared tableside and includes at least a stick of butter, bananas and copious liquor topped with rich creamy ice cream. The preparation is rather dramatic with flames shooting close to the ceiling. New Orleans definitely has a flair for the dramatic.
Jazz it up Over Brunch
Much like Dublin, New Orleans is a musical city. If you're there on a Sunday, enjoy a leisurely brunch accompanied by a bit of soft jazz. We tried the magical Court of Two Sisters.
SIDEWALK SAFARI SPOTLIGHT: Looking to experience the full diversity of cultures and landscapes in the United States? Check out these amazing destinations:
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Tour Mardi Gras World
New Orleans is probably best known for Mardi Gras. We've never traveled to the area during this crazy and most expensive time of year. However, we were able to get a behind the scenes look at some of the floats and the history of the parade at Mardi Gras World. This popular attraction is located across the river from the main part of the city and is a good excuse to step onboard an old fashioned paddle-wheeler for the ride across.
Tram out to the Garden District
Rustic trams plying tracks shaded by large trees whisk travelers away from the crazy heart of New Orleans to the Garden District. Here you'll find shopping opportunities and more gourmet eats. Commander's Palace (where celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse got his start) and other top notch restaurants call the area home.
Visit the Cemetery
Because of the swampy lay of the land and French influences, New Orleans features atmospheric cemeteries, particularly in the Garden District. Take a stroll and admire the grand above-ground monuments to those that went before us in Lafayette Cemetery.
Visit a Plantation
New Orleans itself is very seductive. It took us three trips to the city before we finally managed to get beyond the city limits. There is so much history in this area and doing a plantation tour will confront you with America's uncomfortable slave-owning past. Gorgeous antebellum homes greet visitors with a warm welcome but just beyond are the poor slave quarters that made all this possible.
Cruise the Bayou
Once you are further afield, a cruise of the bayou is a fun diversion. Board a swamp boat and come face to face with the impressive alligators that call this area home.
We hope to visit New Orleans again at some point. It's such a dynamic city and there are so many reasons to visit again and again. For detailed advice from someone who has lived in New Orleans, check out this post on From East to West with RMS.
What did we miss that we should definitely add to our wishlist for next time?
