Not Your Usual New Orleans Trip
Description:
One of the best things to do in New Orleans is wander. Wander through all of the historic, beautiful neighborhoods: the French Quarter, Uptown, the Garden District, as well as those less traveled by tourists such as the Marigny, Bywater and Mid-City. You’ll be awed by the architecture and stumble upon hidden shops, bars, and restaurants not always mentioned in guide books. Although you may not want to walk through the Ninth Ward or the Treme, these are areas of New Orleans that definitely deserve a drive-by viewing.
Author: emlang
Day 1 - New Orleans
Start out your day by heading across the industrial canal to the Ninth Ward, one of the areas in New Orleans most heavily impacted by Hurricane Katrina and the levee breach flooding. In parts of the Ninth Ward and Holy Cross neighborhoods, many homes have been restored or are in the process of being restored, including the two beautifully quaint “steamboat” houses that overlook the Mississippi. To the north of Claiborne Avenue, most of the houses were destroyed, but eco-friendly homes are being built on the old foundations. After the Ninth Ward, explore the adorable and eclectic Bywater area of New Orleans. Bywater BBQ is a great place to eat, and the Creative Arts New Orleans (CANO) center, located in the old Colton Middle School building, is fascinating, both because of its thriving art community and its old, flooded classrooms that have been left untouched since Katrina. At night, eat at Lola’s in Mid-City, then head back to the Bywater for a drink at The Saturn Bar or the Hi-Ho Lounge.
1
Bywater Barbeque
Location:
view in google maps3162 Dauphine Street
At Louisa Street
New Orleans, LA 70117
Phone:
504 944 44452
Lola's
Location:
view in google maps3312 Esplanade Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119
Phone:
+1 504 488 6946Day 2 - New Orleans
Park by the train tracks across from Cooter Brown’s and walk along the levee until you get to the “rivershacks.” These hodge-podge residencies along the Mississippi are truly one of a kind. Come down from the levee and walk along Oak Street for food and shopping. Have lunch at Martinique Bistro and dinner at Jacques-imos. Try to get to Jacques-imos early to avoid the crowds, but either way, it’s worth the wait. At night, hear live music at the Maple Leaf or Southport Hall.
1
Cooter Brown's Tavern & Oyster Bar
Location:
view in google maps509 South Carrolton Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone:
504 866 91042
Oak Street
Location:
view in google mapsOak Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
3
Martinique Bistro
Location:
view in google maps5908 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone:
504 891 84954
Jacques-Imo's
Location:
view in google maps8324 Oak Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone:
504 861 08865
Maple Leaf Bar
Location:
view in google maps8316 Oak St
New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone:
504/866-9359Day 3 - New Orleans
Have fresh squeezed juice and a Mexican-inspired breakfast at Surrey’s before heading out to Jean Lafitte Swamp. It’s free to walk the trails of Barataria Preserve. Just ask the ranger for a map and recommendations on the best places to see alligators. Next, drive along River Road to see the old plantations. Although Oak Alley is very popular, Laura Plantation, a brightly colored Creole plantation is a fun and less-crowded alternative for those who might not be as familiar with Creole plantations. (They also offer a tour in French!) Back in the city, have a drink at the Bywater wine bar, Bacchanal. On Sundays they also serve food in their lush courtyard. Clancy’s and Café Atchafalya are also great little tucked-away places that serve classic New Orleans food in fresh new ways.
1
Jean Lafitte Swamp
Location:
view in google maps6601 Leo Kerner Lafitte Parkway
New Orleans, LA 70072
2
Cafe Atchafalaya
Location:
view in google maps901 Louisiana Ave
New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone:
504 891 52713
Clancy's
Location:
view in google maps6100 Annunciation Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone:
504 895 1111Day 4 - New Orleans
Spend the day looking at art in the Warehouse District of New Orleans! There are hundreds of small galleries on Julia and Camp Streets, as well larger venues in the area such as the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The New Orleans Artworks Gallery has free daily glassblowing demonstrations as well as a breathtaking display of glassworks, jewelry, and more in their historic warehouse. For lunch, try the tucked-away Sun Ray Grill. It’s rarely crowded and offers super fresh fish and tropical-inspired dishes. After lunch, make your own art by creating and painting ceramics at Chez Clay. Have fine dining experience at Seven on Fulton, or a more casual dinner at Rock n Sake, a fun sushi restaurant and bar. Head to the Circle Bar for eclectic live music in an intimate setting, then check out late night mayhem at The Saint.
1
Contemporary Arts Center
Location:
view in google maps900 Camp St
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone:
504/528-38052
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Location:
view in google maps925 Camp St
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone:
504/539-96003
Bruce Brice Gallery
Location:
view in google maps1400 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone:
504 586 06684
LeMieux Galleries
Location:
view in google maps332 Julia St
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone:
504/522-59885
Sun Ray Grill
Location:
view in google maps1051 Annunciation Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone:
504 566 00216
Chez Clay
Location:
view in google maps862 Tchoupitoulas Street
Suite 1
New Orleans, LA 70130-3678
Phone:
504 522 32407
Circle Bar
Location:
view in google maps1032 St. Charles St
in the CBD at Lee Circle
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone:
504/588-2616