February has always felt like the month where I’m really beginning to lose my patience for winter. The holidays are long gone, and it feels like eternity since 90% of my skin has seen the light of day. While not always possible, one of the best ways to remedy this lack of seasonal enthusiasm is to pack up and head for a warmer climate. We did just that in early February with a trip to New Orleans, and it made for a nice little break from the Chicago winter. The 60 degree temps didn’t quiet call for swimwear and cutoffs, but still a big improvement from the frigid Windy City.
New Orleans is without a doubt one of the most fun and unique cities in the states, with beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine and a celebration all its own: Marti Gras. And while I’m not exactly a Bourbon Street kind of girl, it was fun to be in the city during this holiday season. Seeing all the decorations, partaking in a little parade action, and of course indulging in some beloved King Cake made for an entirely different vibe than previous trips to The Big Easy.
Jacket | ASOS (similar here)
Top | Realisation Par
Jeans | Rag & Bone
Boots | Isabel Marant
Gold Necklaces | Missoma London
Wicker Purse | Sunday Living (similar here)
^^Breakfast at Cafe Beignet. Pillows of powdered sugar perfection. Our pup Louis came with us so we spent lots of time exploring with him. For a full Dog Friendly Guide to New Orleans check out the SUNDAYS New Orleans Travel Guide.
Grey Herringbone Bandana | SUNDAYS
^^Magazine Street is lined with so many great boutique shops and restaurants. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the neighborhood.
^^The perfect trio: donuts, sliders and coffee at District Donuts. 
^^Cavan restaurant may take the cake for the most beautiful restaurant interior ever?
^^Fried chicken, oysters and corn fritters make for one lovely southern lunch.
^^Henry Howard Hotel looking mighty fine.
^^Strolling around the Garden District with the boys <3
^^Buckner Mansion..it’s hard to tell how big this place is in picture but it’s quite an impressive home.
Jacket | Zara (similar)
C!ao Top | Madewell (similar)
Jeans | Levis
Boots | Isabel Marant
Purse | Sunday Living (similar)
Sunglasses | Ray-ban
^^Lafayette Cemetery…one of my favorite features of New Orleans is the magnificent above ground tombs. It is such a unique thing you don’t see very often.
^^Lunch at Josephine Estelle and coffee to go from Stumptown were the perfect end to a week well spent in The Big Easy.
SHOP THE POST
WHERE TO STAY:
The Ace Hotel: On point decor in a stellar location steps from some of the cities best restaurants and nestled in between two of the best neighborhoods: the Garden District and the French Quarter. Not to mention three restaurants, Stumptown Coffee, a rooftop pool and some very well curated shops—you may not want to leave the premise at all.
Henry Howard Hotel: Located in the Garden District, this boutique hotel with only 18 rooms was designed by famed architect Henry Howard in 1867. Enjoy your time at this “Double Gallery” style townhouse with drinks on the porch, in the courtyard, or make your way to Magazine Street—only steps away.
WHERE TO EAT:
Breakfast:
Cafe Beignet: No trip to New Orleans is complete without indulging in some pillowy soft beignets, and Cafe Beignet has some of the best. Extra bonus points for the delicious omelettes and lovely outdoor courtyard.
District Donuts: Donuts, sliders and locally brewed coffee…what more could you want really? Located on bustling Magazine Street, this is a perfect spot for some delicious fuel before tackling all the many miles of shops.
La Boulangerie: From the team behind Cochon, come here for all things croissants, brioche and quiche.
Drip Aggofogato: Where coffee and ice cream come together. And who say’s you can’t have ice cream for breakfast?
Lunch:
Cavan: Located on Magazine Street in a picturesque old home, Cavan boasts modern southern fare and has lots of outdoor seating—including on the beautiful front porch. But take one look at the captivating pink velvet interior and you may have a hard time deciding where you’d prefer to enjoy your champagne and oysters.
Cane and Table: Take a break from exploring the French Quarter and enjoy some rustic colonial cuisine and a cocktail at this Decatur Street gem.
Josephine Estelle: Named after the chef’s daughters, Josephine and Estelle is a southern take on Italian fare with an interior your Instagram feed won’t want to miss.
St. Roch Market: Having a hard time deciding what to eat? St. Roch market pulls together some of New Orleans best all under one roof. Come for the oysters and po boys, stay for the Vietnamese, Haitian cuisine, drinks, coffee, desserts….you get the idea.
Dinner:
Coquette: This Garden District building located on Magazine Street was built in the late 1880’s and has at one time or another been a residence, auto parts store, and grocery store. A neighborhood staple, but also perfect for a special occasion, Coquette is open every day for dinner as well as brunch on the weekends, serving up modern southern cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Cochon: The name says it all, if you’re looking for some of New Orleans best pork dishes you wont want to miss this James Beard award winning restaurant from celebrity chef John Besh.
La Petite Grocery: If you’re looking for a bit of a fancier dinner, look no further. La Petite Grocery is the winner of the 2016 James Beard Award for Best Chef South and the french inspired interior is as romantic as they come. The Blue Crab Beignets are to die for, as is the LPG Cheeseburger. Yes please!
Compere Lapin: French for “Brother Rabbit,” this Warehouse district restaurant combines traditional creole and Caribbean flavors for a menu you won’t soon forget.
TO DO:
Explore the French Quarter
The French Quarter is much more than just the famous Bourbon Street. Filled with beautiful architecture and unique shops and restaurants, it’s a great place to stroll as well as indulge in some of the cities best food. Woldenburg Park is also right off the Mississippi River and makes for a nice place to relax.
Shop and Eat your way through Magazine Street and the Garden District
Bustling with some of the cities best restaurants, shops and beautiful old grand dame mansions, Magazine Street and the Garden District are the perfect place to spend some serious time exploring by foot. Also in the area are famed Buckner Mansion and Lafayette Cemetery.
Live Music on Frenchman
Home to a long list of musical greats like Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, and Harry Connick Jr, no trip to New Orleans is complete without enjoying some live music. Just outside of the French Quarter you’ll find Frenchman street, lined with non glitzy bars and clubs showcasing some of the city’s best live music every night of the week.
A visit to Audubon Park
Approximately 350 acres of outdoor paradise await you at Audubon Park, including jogging paths, picnic areas, a lagoon, zoo, and the famous ‘Tree of Life.’ Pack your favorite picnic goods and enjoy some of The Big Easy’s great outdoors.
Plantation Tours
Step back in time with a visit to one of the many plantations near the area, guided tours available as well as self guided options.
Adventure Awaits
If you’re feeling adventurous, spend the day with some local alligators on a swamp tour or try your hand at driving some bucket list exotic supercars at Nola Motorsports Park with Xtreme Xperience.
Photography: Images shot using the Fujifilm X-T2 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 R LM OIS Lens
