City Guide

Portland Travel Diary

September 19, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

Portland was never on my list of must-visit travel destinations, but when Dave’s company sent him there to assist with an office move, I jumped at the chance to visit the city since his flight, his meals, the hotel, and the car would be paid for. Sure, he had to log hours at work, but that was a minor inconvenience when we still had every evening together and most of the weekend to explore. And after just a few days, I was smitten with Portland. I went on the trip with the misconception that Portland would have a granola-crunchy-hippie vibe, but that wasn’t the case. I mean, sure, there’s legal marijuana and plenty of Birkenstocks, but it’s a vibrant city that’s pulsing with creativity. That doesn’t even take into consideration the majestic coastline a short drive away, the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, and Mount Hood’s stunning addition to the skyline. I didn’t expect to be blown away, but I was and I’d love to visit again — but this time without any work requirements for Dave! Below, you’ll find photo highlights from the trip and a list of the things I recommend that you add to your own Portland itinerary.

A mural in downtown Portland.

Cannon Beach

STAY

We stayed at Hotel Rose, which is a Staypineapple property. While the room decor was eclectic and not in a good way (it felt like it was a newly acquired hotel that hadn’t yet been redecorated, but I don’t think that was actually the case), everything else about the stay was wonderful. Those staffing the front desk were exceedingly helpful, and they even set out pineapple cupcakes for an afternoon snack. The location was perfect for walking to just about everything we wanted to do. However, my favorite part was the bedding. Staypineapple properties have a separate duvet for each guest, so you kind of wrap yourself into a taco with it while you sleep. We first experienced that sleeping arrangement when we were in Denmark and it’s nothing short of amazing to snuggle into your own cloud. Plus, your partner can’t commandeer your half of the covers.

Blue Star Donuts

The Voodoo Doll donut at Voodoo Donuts. | A hazy IPA at Great Notion Brewing.

Vegan ice cream at Salt & Straw

EAT & DRINK

Belmont Fermentorium/Modern Times Beer – Fantastic beer lineup and a delicious vegan menu. I had the bulgogi tacos.
Blue Star Donuts – There’s a bit of contention over which bakery has better donuts: Blue Star or Voodoo. They’re both good in their own way. Blue Star’s unique flavor profiles really allow the individual ingredients to shine. We tried the blueberry bourbon basil (my favorite), the chocolate almond ganache, the horchata-glazed O.G., and a powdered sugar donut.
Grassa – Fresh pasta in a no-frills atmosphere with shared tables. You order at the counter when you first walk in.
Great Notion Brewing – We liked Great Notion so much that we stopped by two more times during our short trip. Their hazy IPAs are incredibly juicy with a depth of tropical notes. And you have to get the buffalo tostones, which are fried plantains tossed in buffalo sauce and served with a jicama slaw. (Fair warning: they’re incredibly filling. Dave and I made the mistake of ordering them and an entree each the first day, and it was way too much food.)
Loyal Legion – Loyal Legion was another favorite on the trip where we stopped a couple of times. They have an impressive beer lineup with 99 Oregon beers on tap, and a delicious $6 smash burger.
Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen – We had heard great things about Luc Lac, which was near our hotel, but the wait was staggering each time we thought about popping over for dinner. On a whim, I called to see if I could place an order for carry out. I could, and better yet, it was ready in roughly 15 minutes. Sure, our hotel room didn’t have the same ambiance as the restaurant did, but it didn’t matter at that point.
Salt & Straw – I’ve mentioned it before, but I’ve become lactose intolerant in my old age. Fortunately, in a city full of vegans, there are plenty of dairy-free items to eat — including ice cream! Salt & Straw has a wider variety of options for dairy lovers, but they always have one or two options on hand for people like me. I loved it.
Sizzle Pie – You can either get a whole pie or order by the slice. We ordered our slices to go (including the garlic-heavy Napalm Breath) and sipped on PBR while we waited.
Sparky’s Pizza – Another pizza-by-the-slice joint. It’s pretty basic and divey, but a good option for a cheap meal.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters – Stumptown is a PNW favorite for good coffee.
Voodoo Donuts – I refuse to stand in a long line for donuts and the only reason we stopped here was because it was close to Dave’s office, and it was fairly early in the morning so the line was roughly 10-15 people deep. They were good, but if the line stretches down the block like it’s known to do, skip it and wait for a week day.

Loyal Legion

Portland Art Museum

An installation at the Portland Art Museum.

Top: Portland Japanese Garden | Bottom: International Rose Test Garden

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach – The Sunday of our trip was the only day Dave didn’t have to do anything at the office, so we decided to take the 90-minute drive to the Oregon coast. I’m so glad we did, too, because it was my favorite day of the trip. We first stopped at a local coffee shop for caffeine and brunch before walking along the shore to Haystack Rock, the iconic 235-foot sea stack featured in Goonies. We arrived as the tide was going out and by the time we got to the rock, the tide had receded and we were able to see the marine life living in the tide pools. Afterward, we went back to town for taffy at Bruce’s Candy Kitchen and drove to Tillamook to check out DeGarde Brewing. We thought about getting lunch at the famed Tillamook Creamery, but my goodness, that place was a zoo. They had parking lot upon parking lot and droves of people going to the facility. We skipped it since we’re already spoiled with amazing cheese here in Wisconsin.
Portland Art Museum – I went to the city’s art museum one afternoon while Dave was at work and spent a few hours looking at the exhibits. My favorite was the section about the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest. Growing up in northern Wisconsin, I’m familiar with the artistry and traditions of the Ojibwe tribe. To see nautically inspired artifacts from people who lived along the Pacific coast was really interesting. I especially loved the whale headdress.
Portland Japanese Garden – Portland is home to one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan itself. Spanning 12 acres, the property features eight separate garden styles, a traditional tea house, decades-old bonsai trees, and a breathtaking view of Mt. Hood.
International Rose Test Garden – Right across the street from the Portland Japanese Garden is a free rose garden with over 7,000 rose plants and approximately 550 species. You can read the history of the garden here, which sheds light on why Portland came to be known as the “City of Roses.”
Saturday Market – On Saturday morning from March through December, you can head to the river for the Saturday Market. It’s a local arts and crafts market with plenty of food vendors.
Multnomah Falls – A 30-minute drive from Portland along the Columbia River Gorge will get you to Multnomah Falls. When we were there, all of the hiking trails were closed due to the Eagle Creek Fire. However, we were still able to take a photo of the 620-foot falls and walk out on the upper viewing bridge. The parking situation is a bit cumbersome. The lot is located in the median of the highway with one-way entrance on either side. On our way from Portland to the falls, the lot was full and we were instructed to stop at another park and take a shuttle to the falls. It was the morning of our return flight and we weren’t keen on the idea of leaving the car with all of our luggage at another location in case the shuttle service was unreliable for timing. So, we continued along the highway all the way to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery. We took a quick look around and then headed back toward Portland, figuring the falls were a lost cause, but the other side of the lot was open and we were able to wait for a space.
It’s legal… – Serra is an Instagram-friendly marijuana emporium, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Photo op – You’ll want to take a photo of the White Stag sign — it’s that iconic “Portland Oregon” sign that you see everywhere. Get your photo from the Burnside Bridge.

Canoe

Serra

SHOP

Portland has a great selection of stores, even though I didn’t make it to nearly as many as I would have liked. Of course there was the requisite stop at Powell’s Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore. You could spend hours getting lost in there, browsing the aisles (and multiple floors) of new and used tomes. I loved Canoe, where I purchased a beautiful glass bowl made by Portland artist Lynn Read. Of course I also went to Schoolhouse Electric where I wanted to buy just about everything in the store. We bought these sconces for our living room before we visited the store in person and the craftsmanship is incredible. I’ve been a bit of a Schoolhouse fan girl ever since and it was fun to see everything on my wish list in person. (It’s all amazing. Obviously.) I also went to Jacobsen Salt Co. when I was in the neighborhood and procured garlic-infused salt (use it as a finishing salt), habanero-infused salt, and sea salt licorice. The Portland Japenese Garden has a nice gift shop with locally made pottery, of which I purchased a small decorative bowl.

Multnomah Falls

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48 Hours in Madison

May 25, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

It’s not often that I explore my hometown like a tourist, so when Toyota reached out and asked if I’d be interested in taking a Prius out for a spin in Madison to share some of my favorite local haunts as part of its #MyTownMyPrius campaign, I jumped at the chance. And talk about a perfect partnership; Madison is largely focused on eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives, especially in my neighborhood on the east side, which makes the Prius right at home on our isthmus. (I can get on board with driving a hybrid vehicle, but a mulch pile is another story.)

Below, you’ll find a two-day itinerary with some of the best that Madison has to offer, and I’ll admit that it wasn’t an easy task to narrow down what a perfect 48 hours in Wisconsin’s capital city would look like. If you have any questions or are in need of more travel recommendations, please let me know in the comments!

A bouquet from the Dane County Farmers’ Market.

Clockwise: a pitcher of beer at the Union Terrace, the Terrace’s iconic chairs, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, the Wisconsin State Capitol

Lake Mendota

Dinner at Lucille on the Capitol Square.

SATURDAY

8 a.m. – Dane County Farmers’ Market

Start the day at the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the largest producers-only market in the country with approximately 275 vendors. Located on the Capitol Square, the market offers fresh produce and meat, flowers, breakfast pastries, squeaky cheese curds, and the crowd favorite: hot and spicy cheesebread from Stella’s Bakery. (You’ll know you’re getting close when the counterclockwise traffic flow comes to a halt.) In need of caffeine? There are plenty of options, but the two I’d recommend are near each other on South Pinckney Street across the street from the market: Graze for “Magic Coffee,” a concoction of half and half, cinnamon, brown sugar, coffee and espresso, and Colectivo on the Square.

10 a.m. – Admire the Local Architecture

Pop in for a tour of Madison’s most iconic buildings: the State Capitol. The capitol building dominates the Madison skyline thanks to an ordinance that no building within a one-mile radius can be taller than the base of the dome. You don’t need to participate in a formal tour, although they do exist, to admire the impressive dome and enjoy the sixth floor observation deck. Afterward, take a short walk down to another iconic Madison building: Monona Terrace, which is located on one of the two lakes that make up the downtown isthmus and was first designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1938. You can take a tour, stop in for one of the community events, or just enjoy the Rooftop Gardens.

1 p.m. – Lunch on the Square

Restaurants around the Square are busy when the farmers’ market wraps up near 2 p.m., but there are too many good options to skip this area of the city entirely. Here are a few I’d recommend:

The Old Fashioned – Inspired by Wisconsin taverns and supper clubs, this Madison icon is one of the best places to get fried cheese curds in the city (and definitely the best spot on the Square), which are everyone’s favorite bar snack. Serving sizes are generous and you may want to consider splitting a meal. And, don’t forget to order a brandy old fashioned. Wisconsinites are one of the top consumers of the liquor in the U.S.
Canteen – Craving tacos and tequila? This is your best bet.
The Coopers Tavern – This gastro pub features a solid beer menu and hearty food with locally sourced ingredients. The grilled cheese is my favorite with a mix of fontina, gouda, and applewood-smoked cheddar cheeses, topped house-made tomato jam on sourdough.
Graze – This is a great option for a farm-to-table experience. Get the bibimbap burrito, which is enough to feed two people if you’re not terribly hungry after eating your way around the farmers’ market.
Field Table – This restaurant-meets-market offers a rotating menu of seasonal ingredients in a contemporary setting. Their cocktail program is exceptional, so even if you don’t eat here, stop in for a tipple.

2:30 p.m. – Shopping and State Street

Walk off those lunch calories by continuing your journey around the Square and popping into local shops like Fromagination, a favorite for local artisan cheese. (You may want to consider putting cheese in your check bag. While you can bring it in your carry-on, apparently cheese is too dense to X-ray and your luggage will be hand searched.) Once you’ve gotten your fill of the Square, head down State Street, which connects the Capitol to the University of Wisconsin campus (my alma mater!), and is bustling with shops, restaurants, and bars. The street itself is open only to buses and cyclists, so feel free to dart back and forth between sides. Be sure to visit the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, a free art gallery housed in a beautiful downtown building that’s great for an Instagram-moment on the glass staircase, and pop into the museum’s gift shop. (If you happen to be at the museum in the evening, visit the rooftop restaurant Fresco, which opens at 5 p.m. Snag an outdoor seat for dinner or cocktails.)

5 p.m. – Monroe Street

When you get to the end of State Street, lakeside beer will be tantalizingly close, but I’d urge you to hold off until the sun is about to set and head over to Monroe Street instead. Monroe Street offers over a mile of locally owned shops and restaurants to explore. A couple of favorites include Orange Tree Imports, a gift shop with an extensive selection of kitchenware, and Strictly Discs for new and used vinyl. Stop by our favorite restaurant for dinner: Brasserie V. It’s a Belgian-inspired pub with rustic, hearty food, addictive frites, and an extensive beer menu featuring local, American, and international beer. They have a cicerone on staff (the beer version of a sommelier) who directs the beer offerings, and any of their staff can help you select a beer to suit your tastes. It seems uninspired to recommend the burger, but I promise that their seasonal “V Burger” is always worth getting.

8 p.m. – Memorial Union Terrace

After dinner, head back to the end of State Street to visit the Memorial Union Terrace. Located on Lake Mendota, the Terrace is a favorite for university students and locals alike. Grab one of the iconic Terrace chairs (the green, yellow, and orange color scheme pays tribute to Wisconsin’s agriculture tradition), order a pitcher of beer, and enjoy the sunset over the lake. Check the Terrace After Dark calendar to see what free live music or movie is on deck for the evening. (In order to purchase beer, you technically need to be a Union member or obtain a guest pass here. They don’t always ask for it, so I wouldn’t worry about it too much. You can always duck out of line, fill out the request form, and hop back in.)

Rent a Madison BCycle and take advantage of the city’s cyclist-friendly streets and trails.

Clockwise: browsing at the farmers’ market, one of the city’s latest hot spots for brunch and cocktails: Mint Mark, cheese curds aplenty at the farmers’ market, exploring the Capitol Square

Madison, Wisconsin Travel Guide | Robin Room Madison, WI

The Summer G&T at Robin Room on East Johnson Street.

The Wisconsin State Capitol as seen from Lucille at 101 King St.

SUNDAY

10 a.m. – Brunch

As you may have gathered by now, Madison has no shortage of incredible restaurants and there’s no better way to start day two than with brunch at a local haunt. Embrace the city’s farm-to-table focus at Forequarter. (A few things to note: the French press coffee will come to you in an actual French press. The small is a completely reasonable size for one person. The large is gigantic. Just get one large to split. Also, the everything bagel breakfast sandwich is good, but it’s surprisingly small for the price tag. Just keep that in mind if you’re ravenous!) Another brunch option worth considering is Mint Mark, one of the city’s newest restaurant that’s getting a lot of buzz, thanks in part to its adorable interior with banana leaf wallpaper and rattan chairs.

11:30 a.m. – Get Active

Madison is an active city, and it’s necessary given the amount of cheese and beer we consume! For those itching for a water activity, head to Lake Wingra and rent a canoe, kayak, rowboat, paddleboard, or paddleboat. But I would strongly encourage you to experience Madison’s cyclist-friendly roads and bike paths by renting a bicycle through the BCycle program. It costs $6 for a 24-hour pass, but you do need to dock the bike at another station within 30 minutes for each trip. (That shouldn’t be a difficult task when you take a look at the station map and realize just how many are available downtown!)

1 p.m. – Olbrich Gardens & Biergarten

Bike over to Olbrich Gardens where there’s a BCycle station for you to dock your bike at, and explore 16 acres of free outdoor gardens. The jewel of the gardens is undoubtedly the Thai pavilion, a gift from the Thai government to the University of Wisconsin. It’s surrounded by traditional Asian gardens and a reflecting pool. You can also pop inside the Bolz Conservatory for exotic plants. Afterward, head across the street to Olbrich Park and visit the Olbrich Biergarten for a lakeside beer, fresh cheese curds, pretzels, and mini bratwursts.

3 p.m. – Neighborhood Exploration

Head back out on bike to visit two of Madison’s most noteworthy areas: Willy Street and Atwood Avenue. These east side locations are really the heart of the city and you’ll get a feel for our vibrant (and slightly hippie) culture. Below are a few recommendations for each area.

Willy Street:

Rewind – A well-curated vintage art and decor shop.
Madison Greenhouse Store – A plant store where you can also purchase chic pots for your greenery and decor items.
The Weary Traveler – Another bar and restaurant with locally sourced products. (I told you it’s a theme here!) I’m a fan of the West of the Andes Sandwich.
Working Draft Beer Company – One of Madison’s newest breweries, and a really good one at that. They’ve partnered with one of the best chefs in town to offer a dinner menu from 5 to 9 p.m. When they aren’t serving dinner, you’re encouraged to bring in food from a neighborhood restaurant.

Atwood Avenue:

Alchemy – Not surprisingly, this is another restaurant with food from local purveyors. I can’t get enough of their sweet potato fries that are more like potato chunks.
BarleyPop Tap & Shop – Both a beer shop and bar combined. Stop for a pint and then get beer to go. Dogs are welcome.
MadCity Music – Search for new and used vinyl at this neighborhood record shop.\
Monsoon Siam – Craving Thai food? This is one of my favorites.
Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace – Get a selection of à la carte tacos rather than going for a platter.

7 p.m. – Dinner on the Capitol Square

After spending time poking around some of the area neighborhoods, head back to the Capitol Square to cap off your weekend in Madison with dinner at Lucille.The decor is Instagram-worthy, the wood-fired pizzas are delicious, and the cocktails are perfect for toasting to your weekend getaway in Wisconsin! Cheers!

Brunch at Forequarter on East Johnson Street.

AC Hotel Madison located at 1 N. Webster St., near the Capitol Square.

STAY – The AC Hotel Madison is one of the newest hotels in Madison and would be the perfect spot for your stay. It’s near the Capitol Square, close to parking ramps if you’re not keen on valet service, the decor is sleek and sophisticated, the first-level bar makes an incredible Manhattan, and on the top floor you’ll find another favorite local restaurant: Eno Vino. It’s a wine bar and bistro that has some of the best views you can find downtown. (I love that the hotel opted not to make the top floors into suites and offered a restaurant instead. It’s a real testament to Madison’s community culture.)

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Thank you to Toyota for sponsoring this post!
(I wasn’t required to talk about the car’s features, but I already miss the wireless charging pad for my phone!)

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City Guide: New Orleans

May 4, 2017 by jessica 5 Comments

WHERE WE STAYED

Loft 523 – As expected, Loft 523 is a loft-style hotel with open, airy rooms with minimalist design that feels both sexy and artsy. The property has 18 loft-style hotel rooms and penthouse space. It’s a great location off of the French Quarter, which should have provided a slightly quieter retreat than it did. On the weekends, the hotel blasts music in its on-site bar. Our room was on the second floor and we could hear the music clearly. It wouldn’t have been such a big deal if we weren’t both sick for the duration of the trip and wanted to go to bed earlier than we would have otherwise. (Weirdly, though, I don’t think the bar is open to the public. We had to use our room entry key to get into the building at night.) Overall, we really liked the property and would consider staying there again. My favorite feature with the oversize tub in the bathroom, which was a welcome refuge after a long day of exploring. Its sister property is the International House across the street where you can use the exercise facilities. We found the best price on Expedia by booking the flight and hotel together.

TRANSPORTATION

From the Airport – I don’t think I’ve been in a more efficient taxi line ever! The people monitoring it were incredibly friendly, and they provide you with a brochure with a city map inside that also has your cab number written on it in case you forget to collect all of your luggage.
New Orleans Streetcars – While they might not be as convenient as getting an Uber, the streetcars in New Orleans are so charming! They’re also a wallet-friendly way to get around town. The St. Charles Line features the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world. The streetcars fill up at peak times, so it’s not a great choice if you’re zipping off to dinner reservations. You can buy tickets ahead of time with the mobile app. Otherwise, you’ll need exact fare upon boarding.

EAT

Café DuMonde – I’m not sure any trip to New Orleans is complete without a stop by the popular coffee stand that opened in 1862. It’s definitely touristy and there’s a long line (although, it moves quickly). Personally, I’d skip the Frozen Café Au Lait if you’re getting beignets. I have a sweet tooth, but it was entire too much together! Afterward, explore the area around Jackson Square for live music and local artisans who set up shop on the street. If NOLA isn’t on your immediate travel itinerary, you can pick up some of the iconic beignet mix and make them at home. (We also heard great things about Café Beignet, but didn’t have a chance to stop by.)
Central Grocery and Deli – This is touted as the birthplace of the muffuletta, the Italian sandwich made with marinated olive salad, layers of mortadella, salami, mozzarella, ham, and provolone. The shop was founded in 1906 by Salvatore Lupo, a Sicilian immigrant who created the sandwich, and the grocery store looks like it hasn’t changed since it was first built! We went with a full sandwich to split, which was too much food. I’d urge you to split a half muffuletta, grab a beer from the liquor store next door, and find an area in the nearby park along the Mississippi to enjoy your meal.
The Company Burger – Think of this place as a chic diner with an excellent beer lineup. The burgers are made quickly and there’s a condiment bar with various aioli to suit your tastes.
Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar – We were planning to go to Acme Oyster House, but the long line deterred us and we found ourselves at the slightly quieter oyster bar across the street — and I’m so glad we did! This was my favorite meal of the trip. We kicked things off with oyster shots, followed by char-grilled oysters as a starter. The buttery, garlicky oysters are a must when you’re in NOLA! They’re cooked, so no worries if swallowing slimy seafood isn’t your thing. I had a half crawfish po-boy with étouffée, and Dave opted for red beans and rice. It was all exceptional and I can’t imagine the Acme Oyster House would have been better.
Pêche Seafood Grill – We didn’t actually make it here, but I’ve heard so many good things from online reviews and friends who have visited New Orleans that I’d be remiss to leave it off my recommendation list. Go there and let me know how good it is!

DRINK

The Avenue Pub – Beer bars are hard to find in New Orleans, so we made ourselves at home here! The food is also exceptional. We tried the “To Die for Fries” that were served with a cheddar bechamel, tempura fried oyster mushrooms, and hummus. (We actually split the mushrooms and hummus for lunch one day and it was more than enough food for the two of us.) In need of a local beer recommendation? Opt for Parish’s Envie.
Barrel Proof – Love whiskey and beer? This place is for you! We went at night and it was a chill atmosphere and each cocktail we had was amazing.
Carousel Bar & Lounge – I’m sure you’ve seen pictures of the famous Carousel Bar! As you might expect, it’s a carousel that has been made into a bar and slowly rotates while guests are seated. The cocktails here are fantastic. Get the Milk Punch (a NOLA must-drink that tastes like boozy eggnog without the heaviness) and the Pimm’s Cup. True confession: I brought along a plastic Ziploc bag in my purse to stash any drink accessories I collected on the trip, like stir sticks, to eventually add to our bar collection.
The Courtyard Brewery – The brewery’s offerings are just okay. Definitely try a few, but you might find yourself exploring their guest taps instead. Either way, it’s the nighttime ambiance that will win you over. There’s an outdoor courtyard with tables and twinkling lights where you can kick back to relax away from the chaos of the French Quarter.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar – As the oldest bar in New Orleans, this place has been slinging drinks since the 1700s. In fact, it’s considered one of the oldest structures in the city. Located in the French Quarter, the bar’s signature drink is the Frozen VooDoo Daiquiri. You may as well order one to kick off your stay in the Big Easy.
Pat O’Brien’s Bar – This is obviously a tourist destination, but it’s one that you should really have on your list for a first-time visit to New Orleans. Get a Hurricane and hangout in the courtyard for people watching. You can buy glassware on site as a souvenir, or you can just follow in my footsteps and snag a matchbook in the bathroom to commemorate your visit. (I’m all about restaurant and bar matchbooks!)
Tujague’s – This is considered the second-oldest restaurant in NOLA, but we opted to just visit the stand-up bar for the classic Ramos Gin Fizz. The place gets crowded quickly, especially with tour groups stopping by to imbibe on their walk. It’s best if you wait to pop in between groups for a better experience. A word of caution: the bathroom was pretty scuzzy.

Bourbon Street – If it’s your first time in New Orleans, you absolutely must do Bourbon Street once for the boozy experience that it is. Wear sneakers as the streets quickly become filthy. (We were out early in the morning and saw the streets being hosed down to wash away the spilled alcohol.) I liked walking around in the morning to admire the architecture. #OldLady
French Quarter – Get lost walking around the French Quarter enjoying the architecture, and popping into shops and restaurants. I fell in love with Hové Parfumeur, a perfume shop that was founded in 1931. I purchased the Clochette des Bois perfume, an elegant lily of the valley scent, as my souvenir of the trip. Spritzing it on transports me back to the city!
Garden District – The Garden District is home to the most picturesque and historic residential properties, like the Cornstalk Fence Mansion. (It’s for sale if you have $6.5M laying around.) Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is located here and doesn’t require a tour guide to tour the cemetery, unlike the famed St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Here’s a resource for a self-guided tour.
Jackson Square – Jackson Square is a historic park that features the impressive Saint Louis Cathedral. The square feels like the heart of New Orleans with live music and local artisans selling their wares. The square is roughly four blocks from The French Market, which is also worth a stop.
Magazine Street – We didn’t get a chance to explore Magazine Street, but it’s on my must-do list the next time we visit the city. It’s filled with clothing boutiques and antique shops.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 – I urge you to put this at the very top of your to-do list. The cemeteries in New Orleans are rich with history and folklore. You can only visit St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 with a tour guide because of its history of vandalism, but it’s really the best way to have done it anyway. It affords you the opportunity to learn about the burial traditions of NOLA, see Nicolas Cage’s pyramid tomb, and visit the grave of Marie Laveau. We did our tour with Save Our Cemeteries, a nonprofit that works to restore and preserve the city’s cemeteries.
Steamboat Natchez – I’m including this on the list because we did it, but I wouldn’t actually recommend the two-hour excursion down the Mississippi river. You can do a lunch or dinner cruise, or you can just purchase tickets for the cruise sans food (which is what we did). The hour out from the dock is more interesting as the narrator explains what we’re passing and seeing along the river (like the Domino sugar refinery). On the way back, there’s a jazz band that performs and you’re free to wander around the steamboat. There is a cash bar on the boat, which is reasonably priced. Stick me on a boat and I’m usually happy as a clam, but this one was too long and I was counting down the minutes until we were back on land.

WHAT I WORE

A one-shoulder top with denim shorts here.
A pleated yellow dress here.
A short dress with a ruffled bodice here.

Browse other New Orleans posts here!

P.S. There’s an image for your travel Pinterest board after the jump! 😉

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