72 hours in New Orleans

I hate to admit it but New Orleans was never really at the top of my "must see" travel list. Don't get me wrong any city that has a passion for live music, drinks, and a rooftop happy hour has their priorities straight but the appeal of Bourbon Street never really spoke to me.

One day while scrolling through Instagram in the airport I stumbled upon an adorable hotel and was immediately ready to add New Orleans to my list. Lucky enough flights were cheap and the weather was perfect this time of year so the trip was booked asap.

Located in the French Quarter just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans nightlife, The Catahoula Hotel was the perfect retreat. Built in an old 1840s townhouse this boutique hotel is jammed pack with creative design, southern hospitality, an in house coffee bar, tons of indoor/outdoor space (priorities), and a rooftop bar, all effortlessly built in a quaint homey space.

As hard as it was to pull ourselves away from the rooftop bar we managed to make our way down to the Garden District (great decision). The scenic landscape made for a perfect walk as we worked up our appetite knowing exactly where we were headed. Our good friends (also self proclaimed fellow foodies) recommended we try a local sandwich shop Turkey and the Wolf. When they recommend a good food spot- you go without hesitation and boy were they right. Long story short we loved it so much that we went back again the very next day to try two more sandwiches. Now I would never order a veggie sandwich on my own but after hearing strong recommendations we went for the Collard Green Melt (unreal) and the Fried Bologna and never looked back. These sandwiches speak for themselves so do yourself a favor and go try them. If the food isn't a big enough draw the dive bar decor, throwback 90's playlist, and great outdoor seating makes for the perfect afternoon.

This trip may sounds like it was basically just eating and drinking (it was) but it was also full of the best live music you've ever heard. Now there are tons of great venues to go to but our favorite way of finding it was walking down the street until we heard something good and then made our way in. On our first night in New Orleans we made it about 15 steps down Frenchmen Street and were pulled into a crowd surrounded around a band playing on the street corner. We ended up grabbing a few beers from the next door convenience store and spending the rest of the night on that street corner. Experiences like that are what makes New Orleans completely unique and well worth a visit! I still have a long list of spots to check out in this city so NOLA will definitely get another visit sometime soon.

TO DO:

• St Charles Street Car (only takes exact change $3)

• Explore Garden District Neighborhood

• Canal Place Dinner Theater

• NOLA Distillery

• Jackson Square

• Bourbon Street

• Crescent Park

• Ghost Tour

TO EAT:

• Café Du Monde-Open 24 hours so go for an afternoon snack or post dinner treat to avoid the crowds. Order the 3 beignets and the café au lait and you won't regret it, Decatur street is the location you want

• Acme Oyster Bar- Multiple friends recommended this spot for delicious oysters

• The Commander’s Palace- Not cheap but a fun New Orleans tradition. Save yourself some cash and go during lunch for the 25 cent martini lunch hour, keep in mind there is a dress code so check out their website

• Cochon- A cajuin meat lovers paradise, order the fried alligator (don't make plans to share this dish)

• Peche- Great seafood spot part of the LINK restaurant group so you know it's good

• District Donuts- Various locations around the city but well worth it. New donut selections daily and amazing chicken sandwiches

• St. James Cheese Company- Technically a cheese shop but they have good sandwiches and salads, load up on picnic supplies here and find one of the many parks in the city to dine al fresco

• St. Roch Market- A historic food hall filled with avocado toast, burritos, coffee, and you name it. Great for big groups because there is something for everyone (and no need to split the bill)

• Antoine’s- Looking for a white tablecloth fancy dinner situation? Go here, feel fancy, and enjoy!

• Napoleon House- Want some traditional NOLA food without a big pricetag? This spot is for you.

• Martins Wine Cellar- Kill two birds and go here for a great light lunch and stock up on some bottles for your visit or to bring home (but who checks bags nowadays anyway).

DRINK SPOTS:

• Sazerac Bar - Located inside The Roosevelt Waldorf Astoria hotel. If you're looking for superb cocktail to kick off your night (or afternoon) this spot is for you.

• Bacchanal- Make this spot a must see on your list and follow these steps for success: Go into their market and buy the meat, cheese, and wine of your choice. They will plate it up for you in the kitchen (they could even make a veggie plate look good) and head to the back patio for live music daily.

• Keife & Co- If you want it odds are they have it. A wine and specialty foods spot perfect for building your own picnic or rooftop happy hour. The staff is also amazing and can give recommendations on whatever your in the mood for.

• Molly’s at the Market- The perfect hole in the wall bar in the French Quarter.

LIVE JAZZ:

• Preservation Hall-The epitome of the New Orleans jazz scene. You will not be disappointed with the intimate 100 person venue and insane talent hidden inside. Keep in mind it is cash only ($20 cover) with multiple shows every night. So grab a cocktail at one of the many bars around and get in line because it is worth the wait.

• d.b.a.- Great music and an extensive craft beer list to make your inner hipster happy.

• Tiptina’s- A warehouse space known for fantastic live music and space to dance.

• Frenchmen Street- Literally just go walk down this street and you will hear amazing music coming at you from all directions.