How many of y’all have spent time in New Orleans, Louisiana? We visited a few weeks ago for the first time, and we really enjoyed the uniqueness of the crescent city.We spent the first day doing a self-guided walking tour, rather than pay for a tour guide. (I also brought snacks from home to save on restaurant bills. LOL.) Our hotel, which we got a really good deal on, was located several blocks west of the French Quarter.
One of my favorite stops was the St. Louis Cathedral. What a gorgeous building, both inside and outside.
We also toured the Old Ursuline Convent, built in 1752. The sanctuary was beautiful, and we were able to walk past a staircase from the original building, which was completed in the 1720s. The steps were lopsided from nearly three hundred years of wear and tear.
We spent a few hours just walking the streets of the French Quarter and admiring all the diverse architecture.
Built between 1722 and 1732, this structure was formerly a blacksmith shop. It is now used as a restaurant, so we were able to peek inside.
We have a few dozen pictures of buildings, but I’ll spare you the boredom and just post a few.
That evening, we took a quick stroll down Bourbon Street, just to see what it was like. Even though it was a Thursday night, there were tons of people out, and there were some pretty strange things going on. It was quite the experience.
We ended up eating at the Gumbo Shop, a restaurant located in a quieter part of the French Quarter. Formerly a private residence, it was also built in the 1700s.
I ordered a tasty chicken dish and a nonalcoholic honeydew daiquiri. Both were delicious!
We also stopped at Cafe Du Monde for a $3 plate of beignet donuts. We got powdered sugar all over ourselves, but they were fabulous.
You can post more pictures of New Orleans! I didn't think the beignets were all that, but while my daughters were standing in line for them, I was in the alley watching them being made. They had a window where a person could watch them being rolled, cut and fried. I would love to go back to New Orleans. We ate at the Napolean House.
Oh wow, I didn't realize you could watch them being made. We sure missed out. Lol.
We passed the Napoleon House. I believe that was another one that was built in the late 1700s?
Ellie
I never been to New Orleans! It looks beautiful love the pictures. Thanks for sharing the pictures Ellie.
It's my pleasure, Beth. 🙂
Ellie
After what Katrina did to the city, I can't imagine anyone still wanting to live there.
My nerves couldn't take living so close to water and so low. I'd freak every time a storm was near the Gulf.
Those thoughts crossed my minds, too, but it really is such a beautiful city that I can see why people would want to move there and take their chances. And if it was your home, it would be very difficult to leave.
Ellie
How do they ever get homeowner's insurance there, given the risks? I'm sure they must have to carry flood insurance, too.
Having lived there many years, I can tell you that homeowner's insurance is compulsory and incredibly expensive! And Lily you are absolutely right, people who call that city home have a very hard time leaving. The community and culture is unlike any other US city, and leaving is like losing a part of your heart.
Wonderful pictures as usual Ellie!! Seems like y'all made the the most of your first day there and enjoyed youselves. Thank you for sharing your adventures. I am looking forward to seeing more pictures and reading more stories.
Thank you, Shela! It's always great to hear your comments. 🙂
Ellie
I love hearing your stories! And the pictures were gorgeous! Keep them coming!
Why thank you! So glad you're enjoying my posts.
Ellie
You and Mr H are definately "smart shoppers" looking to save money that is great! I am the same and I'm always looking where I can save money. I think it is only being smart and everyone should do that!
Thank you. I've had people tell me that I'm too frugal, and that might be true, but saving money sure is a good feeling.
Ellie
Ellie you are not frugal you are smart by saving money. I would of done what you and Mr.Handsome did,
Some people can be so mean and rude on here.
Great blogging and pictures again! Thanks for sharing…and keep them coming! lol
Glad you enjoyed them! Will do! 🙂
Ellie
My family and I visited New Orleans a few years back when I was in high school. It was a fun (and beautiful!) city. Your post makes me want to return! 🙂
Aren't beignets great? We really enjoyed the Audubon Zoo– lots of animals to see and it helped keep the younger siblings who weren't into all the history and architecture entertained.
Yes, the beignets were wonderful, especially covered in powdered sugar. We also visited the zoo (pictures coming soon). As far as zoos go, it was very well kept and had some pretty neat animals.
Did you try any authentic New Orleans food?
Ellie
I was too much of a scaredy cat to try it, but my brothers had some fried alligator tail! And I remember having some really good etouffee.
I'll have to check out your new post with your pictures from the zoo. How fun that y'all visited it too on your trip to New Orleans!
R u just eating a lot lately? Or is there another reason for the chub?
Really? She is in a town where food is amazing, during a time of year where everybody eats a little bit more because it's a holiday season. Let the girl eat, please. She's still thin and healthy.
Josée
Chub? If that's chub, then the rest of us must be parade balloons…
Thanks for sharing your pictures, I enjoyed reading about your trip. I love to take my own snacks too 🙂 I used to buy things on credit card, but now I save up first. You're right, it is such a good feeling 🙂
I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the post. 🙂
I always feel bad when we have to eat out for three meals a day while we're traveling, so sometimes I'll even stop at a grocery store for snacks, but even that can be expensive if you're in a big city. This time we had a fridge in our hotel room, so I brought cheese and crackers all the way from home. Thankfully it was a short flight. Lol.
Ellie
I also dislike eating out 3 times a day when travelling with my husband, it feels like a waste of time as well as money. I like to find hotels with breakfast included, that way we can fill up in the morning and have a light lunch such as grocery store sandwiches. At dinner we will splurge on a restaurant.
Ellie, I LOVE that purple top on you!!! You look gorgeous! 😄😄
~Cat
Well thank you, Cat! You're very kind. 🙂
Ellie
Thank you for sharing your trip with us. When we go on vacation we like to visit the library in whatever town we are in.
That sounds fun. I'm sure it's interesting to see what the libraries are like in various towns/cities, and it would give you a chance to meet locals. My family did that years ago when we were in NYC.
Ellie
Great post! I live in New Orleans, glad you got to experience the city! The French Quarter is a great place to go. Hope you got to go down Royal Street in the Quarter as well. I like to walk past all the art galleries. It's fun (and free)
Hi Holly G,
You have a beautiful city! We walked town Royal Street, and we loved the art galleries (especially since my husband enjoys painting). Do you live outside the city?
Ellie