Girls Weekend in New Orleans

I hung out with some awesome people last weekend! I finished my work early, packed my bags and hopped on a plane with my best friends for a girls weekend in New Orleans. Staying in the French Quarter to be in close proximity to food, museums, and a good bit of music, we spent three days eating our way through the city, tasting cocktails, and touring around. I even had the chance to catch up with two AMAZING friends who are native to the city. They went completely out of their way to meet us at a Sno-ball place to catch up and hug my neck. I am so grateful to know all these talented, big-hearted folks!

If you are planning a short trip to the Big Easy, hit me up for some recommendations. We had at least 6 meals in town and tasted um… many cocktails. Here are some of my favorite joints from the weekend:

Hansen’s Sno-Bliz

4801 Tchoupitoulas St. New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 891-9788

This sno-ball eatery, born in 1939 boasts secret recipe and is the home of the first ice shaver. Nearly any combination will blow your mind, and top it with condensed milk for a dreamy, cool treat. It’s worth the cab or ride-share to your destination… get the Cream of Nectar!

Pharmacy Museum

514 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 565-8027

Offering TONS of local and national history, this two-story museum houses early medical supplies, a soda fountain, history of medicinal alcohol, maternal care, voodoo, and medicines. For only $5 a person, this excuse to step in and cool down with a self-guided tour takes about an hour or so and is well worth your cash. You can even attend or host a wedding here!

Jackson Square

http://www.experienceneworleans.com/jackson-square.html

Visit early in the morning for low crowds, artisans, local talent and a peaceful walk through the park. Hire a carriage for a ride and a tour, or walk across the street to the famous Cafe de Monde and pick up a box of beignet mix to take home.

Voo Doo Museum

724 Dumaine St, New Orleans, LA 70116 http://www.voodoomuseum.com/

The ONLY VooDoo museum in the world, this tiny little shop has a ton of very old artifacts, hundreds of new relics, tributes from locals and those afar, wishes, treasures and some oddities. We paid $5 each for admission, and I was honored to learn the history of this culture. Did you know that in New Orleans, it has been combined with the Catholic religion? The ability to see the combinations and tributes everywhere is very cool.

Olde New Orleans Rum Distillery

2815 Frenchmen St., New Orleans, LA 70122 http://oldneworleansrum.com/

This distillery runs a few tours a day, including a free shuttle from the French Market. My advice is to visit the market for lunch and hop the shuttle to the factory. You’ll be greeted with several cups of included cocktails, a full distillery tour, history of NOLA rum, packaging and topped off with half-shots of rum to taste. Grab another cocktail while you shop around the small store to bring home some soft goods or ship bottles of the smooth liquor back to your home. Often times, the courteous shuttle driver will drop you near to your hotel or section of your city instead of back to the French Market. We were lucky to have extra time that afternoon and thankful for the ride!

Restaurants

Desire Oyster Bar – Get the Red Beans and Rice!

Cafe Fleur-de-Lis – Get the mimosas (they are as big as your face!) and the awesome omelets.

Cafe Beignet – Of course, the Beignets. And an iced coffee, because OMG good.

Cafe du Monde – More Beignets.

Carousel Bar – Good luck getting a seat on the turning bar top, but a fun stop for a photo.

21st Amendment Bar – Get the Frenchy, and toast your buddies in #bubblybubbly style. Great bands.

Hansen’s Sno-bliz – See above, get this for dessert!

Good Friends Bar – Ask for the Separator. A DELICIOUS, chocolate, boozy milkshake that’ll knock your socks off!

Arabella Casa Di Pasta – A Pasta haven that we didn’t get a chance to visit, but friends RAVED over the dishes, which also offered a gluten-free pasta for those that need it.

Meals From the Heart Cafe – Located in the French Market, this restaurant offers fresh-cooked options, many of which are vegan, gluten-free or otherwise. Great for freshening up your belly after you fill it with pizza and daquiris the night before!