I just got back home from my second girl’s weekend in NOLA in a matter of two months. Last month I went with some of my old co-workers-turned-friends and this weekend I went with one of my HAULYP girls. Both trips were just 3-day trips (Friday-Sunday), and that was for a good reason. I can’t do NOLA for longer than 4 days so those trips were a nice compromise. People say that New York is a city that never sleeps, but that’s New Orleans. It’s a party 24/7, at least in the French Quarter and that’s where we spent the bulk of our time.
It can seem overwhelming, the live music all day, the granny dancing to “Back that thang up” on repeat, the bars, the beads, the delicious food and oh did I mention the bars? The last thing you want to do is wind up sick, or pass out from heat exhaustion and I’m hoping that my tips below help you not only enjoy your trip to the Big Easy but help you make it out on the other side.
Wear comfortable clothes – Whether you’re walking Bourbon or Frenchman or even perusing the floats in Mardi Gras World you’ll want to make sure you’re dressed comfortably. New Orleans is just as, if not more humid than Houston so I always make sure to pack loose-fitting clothing (shorts, dresses, tanks) as well as comfortable shoes. Which leaves me to my next tip.
Do NOT wear open-toed shoes on Bourbon Street – In fact, I wouldn’t wear them on Frenchman either. Those are old, uneven cobblestone streets with God-knows-what in the constant liquid that sits on them. Do yourself a favor, save your feet from a potential disease and wear closed-toed flats or sneakers when going out on those streets.
Fans are your friend – Remember when I said that it was hot? I meant that. I recommend investing in a good fan, you can bring one from home or purchase one or three in the French Market area. They’re cheap but durable and you’ll be grateful for it when you’re waiting in line at Hansen’s for one of their snow cones! Which leads me to the next tip…
Stay hydrated – I know it’s easy to pound back all of the double and triple drinks you can. There are big beers in like every other bar and Fat Tuesday sells daiquiris for the low, but try to consume something other than alcohol. Alternate between water and whatever your spirit of choice is, and I would even suggest sticking to just water when you’re eating at a restaurant. That’s an easy way to make sure you’re staying hydrated.
Eat – One of the things that New Orleans is known for is its food and what trip would be complete without some good Cajun or seafood? Head to Ruby Slipper or Fleur de Lis for brunch and slide through Drago’s or Praline Connection for lunch or dinner. Prepare to wait a bit for a table, but know that it’s worth it.
New Orleans is one of my favorite cities to visit and I hope you guys plan a visit to the city. Grab your friends and make that drive or fly into Louis Armstrong and enjoy a weekend, maybe even a long weekend in the Big Easy!