The hospitality of the southern United States is endearing. Some of the nicest people on earth live in the south. First of all, how the locals treat travellers is the most important aspect for any visitor on the move. New Orleans, Louisiana is no exception to the rule. Lovingly referred to as NOLA, the people are genuinely happy, relaxed, helpful and welcoming. Also, they tell it like it is. If the hushpuppies are not good at the restaurant, the server will straight out tell you so. Now, on to more pictures of New Orleans…

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Southern Soul Food

Give me good food, or I’m not coming back. New Orleans has remarkable Southern soul food – fantastic, good ole’ home-cooked, simple meals with ingredients unique to their area. Mark Twain said, “New Orleans food is as delicious as the less criminal forms of sin.” A combination of their French colonial history mixed with the cooking techniques of the African Americans has made for delicious Creole cuisine. From alligator sausage or soft-shelled crab Po-Boys, to raw or cooked oysters, to peanut butter hamburgers, there is something for everyone.

Southern Mixology

I had to have a Smoked Manhattan after seeing one prepared at the bar while staying at the AC Hotel by Marriott.  Cedar chips are lit on fire with a small torch, then a martini glass is placed overtop to put out the flames and generate smoke. While the glass smokes, a concoction containing bourbon whiskey, vermouth and bitters is shaken over ice. The finishing touch is a Bordeaux-soaked cherry resulting in an enjoyable southern temptation that warms the throat all the way down.

NOLA’s Architecture

Charming and distinctive, New Orleans architecture is recognizable around the world. The buildings in the 300-year old city are eccentric. You can’t help but feel you are in a time warp while walking in the French Quarter because of the structures. Traffic can be distracting to the ambience. Blocked off traffic would give a true feel of what it was like to walk the streets of New Orleans’ heyday.

The Music

Music is everywhere in New Orleans. From talented street performers to Rockabilly bands playing daily in restaurants and coffee shops, there is an experience for everybody that is characteristic to the city. Sit down, order a cold beer to get a break from the stifling heat, and enjoy the show. The bands range from locals to Grammy Award-winning artists.

Visit in the Shoulder Season

NOLA can be expensive. Visit at the beginning of June to get a break on hotel prices. Sure, hurricane season starts June 1st, which just may just add to your encounter! An afternoon thunderstorm brought on by the wrath of Poseidon is likely. It’s all part of the experience. Watch for happy hour specials to get a break on drinks and food. A notable restaurant, Gallier’s, opened a year ago just off Bourbon Street. The raw oysters are to die for! They are sweet, plump and slightly salty; perfect with an ice-cold beer. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. Sit at the bar to engage with the staff. They can be quite entertaining as you listen to their conversations. You might even get a free oyster or two to tempt you into a purchase.

Where to Stay

Getting around NOLA

Streetcars are a perfect way to see the city and get pictures of New Orleans. Don’t bother getting a rental car. You will only have to pay for parking and the streets are narrow. For $3 USD per person (as of 2018), you can get a hop-on-hop-off pass allowing 24-hour access to the cable cars that go almost anywhere. The St. Charles Avenue streetcar goes through the Garden District to see the gorgeous mansions lining the streets.

Lafayette Cemetery #1 and Audubon Park are also accessible by streetcar. The cemetery is one of the most recognizable pictures of New Orleans. Continue further down St. Charles to find numerous restaurants and coffee shops to enjoy.

Southern Plantations

I would be amiss if I didn’t mention The River Road. If you love touring Southern plantations, this is one day you need to get a rental car and just drive. Plan your day based on what plantations you must see as they have short operating hours. The houses are incredible and so are the grounds. The towering, massive oak trees take you into fairytale land. The largest oak tree lining the famous Oak Alley is 30 feet in diameter.

Pictures of New Orleans

People. Food. Music. History. Architecture. All of these qualities are the backbone of New Orleans. I have been to the southern US numerous times and have never been disappointed. I love the laid-back atmosphere. New Orleans is vibrant and alive without being pushy and rude. Never pass up an opportunity to go to a southern town as they are tremendous places for a vacation. Put all your hesitations behind you and wrap yourself in the blanket of Southern hospitality. Prepare to fall in love and take tons of pictures of New Orleans.

All pictures in this post are taken by Charlotte, yours truly, as always, unless otherwise stated.