The Big Easy

New Orleans has always been a spot that we have dreamed of visiting. Since both of us love France, we figured we would feel the same way about New Orleans. After a 10 hour drive our first impression was a breath of fresh air. Matter of fact, anything outside of the Jetta right now is a breath of fresh air.

With the main focus being on our empty stomachs, we decided to Yelp a spot for lunch before checking into the hotel. We visited a fantastic creole restaurant that was hidden in the industrial buildings along the Mississippi River. It was with the first bite of fried Alligator Tail that we both new we were falling in love with this place.

Throughout our 3 days the food continued to remind us how great this place is. Some of our favorites were the grilled oysters at the Acme Oyster House, The fried shrimp and oyster Po-Boys, and last but not least the oysters on half shell were terrific. Don't plan on going here on a diet because it's all about having fun and enjoying life and nobody enjoys dieting:)

There is more to do here than just eat and drink. Something that everyone knows and loves about this place is the music. New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz and Blues music and when you are here make sure you experience their interpretation of original Jazz. We went to the "time-capsule" of old world New Orleans Jazz, called The Preservation Hall. Roughly a $10 cover will give you a sneak peak into what Jazz was like back in the 20's. The walls are tattered and beaten, the floors are dirty and dusty, the seats are limited, and the music is raw and smooth. This isn't the only place to hear the soul of New Orleans, on every street corner there are Jazz musicians performing for the masses.

We stayed in the French Quarter and were within walking distance to everything that was happening. Depending how you look at it, we were either lucky or unlucky to have been a week early for Mardi Gras. The city was still alive with the anticipation of the festivities that were right around the corner. Many locals told us that New Orleans has an event that is even better than Mardi Gras, and that is the Jazz Festival. The streets are not littered with broken beads and there is no smell of garbage or stale beer. So if Mardi Gras does not seem appealing to you, then you should check out the Jazz Festival for your next visit to New Orleans.



After enjoying the festivities of New Orleans we were ready to say goodnight for now.

Now we are off to the R&R that only sunny Florida can offer us.

Days traveled: 42

M&M