New Orleans, LA

Last week I went on a mini vacation with my boyfriend to New Orleans, LA to explore the historical and flavorful city. Native to Austin, Texas, the drive to New Orleans was a tiring and exhausting eight hour drive, but also a very scenic drive with miles long of beautiful water view of various swamps, bayous, and rivers. Once arriving in New Orleans, it was like arriving in another world filled with history, that even the roads have its own stories.

Being from Austin, I though that being stuck on I-35 was scary enough with people tailgating you, and changing lanes every few seconds just to surpass the slow car in front of them, but New Orleans to me was much worse. The lanes were small, and no matter at what hour we went, there always seems to be traffic. The freeway, I-10 was crazy, and there were many potholes scattered around the city. If you're planning on going to the downtown French Quarter district from Kenner or Metarire, expect about 25 or so minutes delay.

Now although the city has its flaws and blemishes, this city raves in many beautiful and one of a kind spot for tourists to explore and learn. I'll start with the most well known, the French Quarter. It's a must see place for every tourist who is visiting New Orleans. The French Quarter is like another town nestled in the downtown area filled with history, delicacies, antiques, and of course drinks, plenty of it! On our first day in the French Quarter, we paid $35 for nine hours parking in the Premium Parking Lot, located on Chartres Street. To us, that's a pricey price tag to have your car sit in a unshaded and unsupervised area. On our second day, we went to the Mardi Gras World, and paid $10 for parking with no time restriction, and took their free shuttle bus to the French Quarter. What a bargain!!! If you plan on visting the French Quarter, take a shuttle bus. The French Quarter boasts of historic buildings that dates back for probably many centuries old, creating an old theme look, with its cast iron gates, narrow streets, and different colored buildings. On every street, you'll find a variety of hotels ranging from two stars to four stars hotel, as well as cajun restaurants and bars throughout the French Quarter. Some of the streets were dirty, and had a foul smell, partly because garage cans were parked in the fronts of the buildings. Bourbon Street of all the streets on the French Quarter, was very loud, with bars blasting music, and people strolling around with drinks. Of course, all the other streets were less busy and less hectic compared to the partying Bourbon Street.

If you're in the French Quarter, you have to come to August Restaurant. It is five star restaurant co-owned by Iron Chef John Besh. On Fridays from 11-2pm, at August, they offer a lunch Prix menu costing no more than $20.14 for a three course meal, featuring a choice of appetizer, main course, and dessert. This is the bargain price to savor the gourmet foods at an affordable price. My boyfriend and I really enjoyed this lunch, and the service was excellent. Our waiter wore nice tux to serve us, and the chef gave us a free custardy appetizer, along with free truffles once we got our bill. Another must try place at the French Quarter is Cafe Du Monde. The beginets are wonderfully fluffy and soft, sprinkled with powdered sugar, and served hot. Be careful while eating this because it can get very messy with the powdered sugar staining your clothes. Another eatery we tried at the French Quarter was the French Cafe, located by the French Market. Now the service is completely different from August. Once you entered the door, there is no hostess waiting to greet you, but maybe you'll get greeted by a busy waiter trying to pick up a few more customers for the day. As my boyfriend and I were standing outside looking at the posted menu, this lady comes up to us and asked us if we want to eat. At first hesitant, but then we decided why not? It was extremely crowded, and we didn't want to walk any longer. After a quick look at the menu, my boyfriend ordered an osyter po-boy, and I ordered the chicken and sauage jambayla. Both of our dishes were very good, and we were very glad we came to try there. One of the restaurant outside of the French Quarter that is a must try is the Acme Osyter House. I loved its seafood etouffee, and its seafood boat is delish. The seafood etouffee there has just the right consistency, with the soup not being too liquidy, and the rice is well cooked. The seafood boat consisted of fried catfish, fried oysters, and fried shrimps served with buttered french bread. 

At the French Quarter, we visited a few places that were walking distances. We visited the Jefferson Square, a beautiful green park with many iron benches for tourists to sip on their hot coffee while munching on their beignets. We visited the French Market, which was much like a flea market with local crafts, foods, and souvenirs. Be prepare to come with cash, as many of these vendors take only cash. Located by the French Quarter was the scenic view of the Mississippi River, a beautiful place to walk around and take pictures. The main pricey attraction that we visited in the French Quarter was the Insectarium and Butterfly located by the August Restaurant. You can buy the package to visit the aquarium and the zoo too, but if you just want to visit the insecturium like we did, price is $16 for adults. Inside you'll discover many types of insects and critters that will amaze you, and the beautiful butterfly garden inspired by the Japanese Zen style is calming and serene.

The one place you should visit when in New Orleans is the Mardi Gras World. It is a fascinating place, where the tour guide will give you an eductaional tour about the history and making of the Mardi Gras floats. This tour lasts for about an hour, starting with a 20 minute video about Mardi Gras. After the video, we were given the traditional King Cake to eat, and then we walked through the warehouse, where the tour guide walked us through the making of the floats. Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time afterwards to stay at the warehouse to take as many pictures as you want.

Although we really only visited New Orleans for two days, minus the two days for driving to and from Texas, we had a fun and at the most relaxing time at the French Quarter. I am so happy that my boyfriend agreed to take me to New Orleans because I love to travel. After every trip, I feel like I learn so much more than researching about it online. I'm glad that I had a chance to visit the historical city and try the delicacies of New Orleans. :)