Rediscovering New Orleans
📍 French Quarter, New Orleans

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There’s something timeless about New Orleans, a city where every street feels like it holds a story. Returning to the Crescent City always fills me with joy, but this visit was uniquely memorable—it was our first time bringing Brennan. Sharing a place that has long captured my heart with my daughter made the experience even richer.

From the charming wrought-iron balconies of the French Quarter to the colorful Creole cottages of the Marigny, the city welcomed us with open arms. We spent our days relaxing in tranquil courtyards with cocktail in hand. We stopped at some our favorite restaurants, visited a few new ones, and got a healthy dose of local jazz music. Each moment reminded me why New Orleans is a place I’ll never tire of visiting—it’s alive with culture, warmth, and a rhythm all its own.

One of the highlights of this trip was watching Brennan take it all in. While she may be too young to understand the city’s rich history or savor a bowl of gumbo, her bright eyes and wide smiles made it clear she felt the magic. Traveling with a baby can be a challenge, but New Orleans has a way of making everyone feel at home, no matter how small.

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When it came to celebrating in the city, I wanted an outfit that blended festive flair with practicality. For one of our outings, I wore a silver-and-gold blouse from Tuckernuck, accented with lavender feathers. It struck the perfect balance between holiday glam and everyday sophistication. Paired with black wash jeans and my go-to Manolo Blahnik kitten heels, the look carried me effortlessly from daytime strolls to evening dinners. And as the holiday season wraps up, I plan to have the feathers made detachable, ensuring this standout piece will remain a wardrobe staple year-round.

New Orleans is more than just a destination—it’s a feeling. It’s the cheerful sound of street performers playing jazz standards, the warm embrace of its people, and the way it reminds you to slow down and savor life’s little pleasures. I left the city, as I always do, feeling inspired and deeply grateful, not only for the experiences but for the memories we created as a family.

If you’ve never been, I can’t recommend New Orleans enough. Whether it’s the soulful food, the rich music scene, or the unforgettable hospitality, there’s truly something for everyone in this extraordinary city.

Love from New Orleans,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about my travels and style, be sure to visit throughout the week! Be sure to check out my exclusive adventures in NYC and New England. 

Favorite Foods to Order in NOLA
📍 French Quarter, New Orleans

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There are so many reasons why I unabashedly love New Orleans. While the history and the music embedded throughout the city are high on that list, I would be remiss not to take a deeper dive into the culinary marvels that have put New Orleans on the map. When visiting, my top pieces of advice are to come hungry and always follow your student. Daydream about lunch as you’re eating breakfast, and don’t be afraid to snack heavily along the way. This is not the city to count calories and stress about adhering to a particular diet. Even though the list of amazing foods that call New Orleans home is seemingly endless, I want to take a quick moment to round up some of my favorites and where to find them. Bon appetite!

Gumbo

Gumbo has been a part of New Orleans history practically since the city’s inception. In fact, it’s also the official state dish of Louisiana. This stew typically includes seafood or chicken, the “holy trinity,” and a mouthful of flavor. No trip to New Orleans is complete without trying this city staple. Several restaurants are said to have the best gumbo in the city. My personal favorite is probably from Herbsaint. Thanks to their James Beard Award chef, Donald Link, I view this spot in the Warehouse District as a must-visit. This dish is so good that you’ll be tempted to wipe your bowl clean!

Oysters

So many seafood dishes can find their roots in New Orleans. All deserve a place in your heart, from the Oysters Rockefeller at Antoine’s to the BBQ Shrimp at Pascal’s Manale. After several years of daydreaming and coveting their menu, I finally had dinner at Seaworthy in the Warehouse District. Their menu leans more toward a raw bar style, but each seafood dish is incredibly fresh and delicious. The Taste of the Coast Platter allows you to try oysters from the East, West, and Gulf coasts. Yes, I promise you that each coast has a unique flavor profile. I recommend trusting the chef’s judgment to have a wide variety of options.

Po-Boys

You may know this dish as a hog, sub, or hero, but the New Orleans po-boy sandwich some how stands apart. The bread will always be a French baguette, but the filing is completely up to you. Personally, my first destination for a po-boy will always be Napolean House. I thought their Shrimp Po-Boy was my go-to, but I recently tried the Pastrami and… WOW! I’m sorry New York, but this may be the best pastrami sandwich I’ve ever had. Wash it down with a Pimm’s Cup and you’ve found my bliss.

Beignets

And now, we’re on to the desserts! Another New Orleans staple will always be beignets, specifically from Cafe du Monde. First opened in 1862, it is open 24/7 and has only been closed a handful of times, including immediately after Hurricane Katrina and 2020. This French Quarter spot attracts quite a crowd, so I recommend going first thing in the morning (before 8 am) or very late at night (after midnight). The only food available is sweet beignets, a deep-fried pastry positively doused in powdered sugar. They pair perfectly with the signature Cafe au Lait, but I prefer the chicory-infused black coffee without the milk.

Sno Balls and Ice Cream

New Orleans certainly has a love affair with sweet treats. While Sno Balls (think large mound of flavored shaved ice) are a favorite amongst locals, I had the pleasure of visiting Sundae Best for the first time. This traditionally-inspired ice cream parlor is found in the Marigny. The handmade ice cream is locally sourced and created with homegrown ingredients. Each taste of the mint chocolate chip cone was filled with so much flavor and an equal dose of whimsy. I highly recommend this spot as a reprieve from the warm New Orleans weather.

Bananas Foster

This final pick may be the most decadent! Also located in the French Quarter, Brennan’s is a favorite for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s hard to miss. Just look for the large pink building on Royal Street. Inside is nearly 80 years’ worth of history and incredible food. While I could write an entire blog post dedicated entirely to this restaurant, I’m focusing on their signature dessert, the bananas foster. A delicious combination of brown sugar, butter, and banana, ordering this dessert also counts as taking in a show. The first two ingredients are cooked down with rum and banana liquor, flambeed, and served over vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect way to end your day of exploring the Crescent City.

Welcome to New Orleans. Dine in and eat up! Taking in the food of this beautiful city is to take in the history and culture. Appreciate it for all that’s worth and enjoy the experience. By having a meal in this city once, you’ll instantly understand why I’m drawn to this city over and over again.

Love from New Orleans,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Going Back to New Orleans
📍 Warehouse District, New Orleans

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It was July 2012. I had just recently turned 21 years old and was off on a celebratory weekend with my mom. After going back and forth on the destination, I convinced my mom to book a trip to a certain city in Louisiana. It was everything I could have hoped for. The music, the food, the history, the people, every aspect of this place touched a piece of my soul in ways a city never had before. What resulted was a decade-long affair with the city of New Orleans that continues today. Regardless of the season, occasion, or company, I fall even deeper in love with the Crescent City. Trips and life, in general, had to be rescheduled during the Spring of 2020, and our trips to New Orleans were no exception. After a few years of replanning, I was just now finally able to return to the city I love so much. After nearly three years away, I’m so thankful for last week’s trip to this incredible city. Here’s a quick roundup of going back to New Orleans.

Revisiting Old Favorites

The list of classic restaurants in New Orleans is seemingly endless. Brennan’s, Antoine’s, Arnaud’s… I’ve had the pleasure of dining at many of them. Each time I revisit the city, I always try to prioritize a few of these classics to revel in the city’s culinary history. While some travelers to the Crescent City focus on parties and late nights, I would prefer a reservation for a five-course meal and exciting company. No matter how you decide to plan your time in New Orleans, come hungry!

Exploring New Neighborhoods

For many who visit, the French Quarter is the main focus while on a visit to New Orleans. Even after ten years, I’m guilty of that from time to time. I was so happy to spend an afternoon in the Faubourg Marigny on this trip. Just one neighborhood over from the FQ, it’s full of great music, incredible restaurants, and so much character. A true highlight of the day was visiting the Hotel Peter and Paul for lunch at their Elysian Bar. If you still have room after lunch, either scoot next door to Sundae Best for homemade ice cream or take a quick stroll to Baldwin & Co. for an afternoon coffee.

Trying New Restaurants

It seems like each month, a brand new restaurant in New Orleans pops up on my radar. The cuisines vary as much as the city itself, and it’s so incredible to learn more about the chefs that call NOLA home. Last week, I had reservations at what I lovingly believe to be ‘neo-classics.’ They may not be as old as some of the favorites in the French Quarter, but I’m very confident some of these newer restaurants will be equally cherished in 100 plus years. Compere Lapin, Cane, and Table, Maypop, are just a quick list of the new-to-me spots that have been on my radar.

Traveling Via Streetcar

We had the pleasure of staying at the Ace Hotel in the Warehouse District during this trip. While there were so many things to love about this hotel, the nearby streetcar was such a perk. Whether you’re coming to or from the Garden District, the streetcar stop is right at your front door. On my last day in New Orleans, I took the streetcar along Saint Charles Avenue to explore the Garden District. It was such a lovely day and may now be my preferred mode of transportation.

Feeling Inspired for Long Weekend Guides

I’ve recently launched Long Weekend Guides. It’s a culmination of three passions: travel, writing, and photography. I’ll be selling travel guides and exclusive digital prints to some of my favorite destinations. Gasparilla Inn and Newport are already live, but be on the lookout for our latest New Orleans edition, coming soon! There’s also a boutique where you can find links to my travel and beach essentials. Your continued support into this new venture means the world to me!

Finally Reconnecting With the City

After three years of being away from a city that means so much to me, it just felt good to be back. Although I’ve lived in New Orleans (yet- you never know where life will take you), it truly felt like a long overdue homecoming. When I write about NOLA here, I always hope that I can inspire at least one like-minded reader to see this city through my eyes.

So, I’ve written nearly 800 words on the city of New Orleans and that’s no where near enough to share my love and passion for this town. Visiting the Crescent City is truly what you make of it. If you decide to just party it up on Bourbon Street, I promise you’ll have a great time, but will sadly miss out on the soul of this city. For just over 300 years, New Orleans has been a city to be yourself and enjoy life’s pleasures. Here’s to 300 more!

Love from New Orleans,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.