This week’s travel idea was inspired by a Newsflash email I received from Travelzoo recently. The alert was for airfare from San Francisco to New Orleans for only $79 each way! Unfortunately none of the dates fit into my travel plans (bummer 😦 ) so I couldn’t take advantage of the deal, but that doesn’t mean I can’t daydream about a future trip right? I have always wanted to visit the Big Easy, Nawlins, NOLA, the Crescent City. I mean, with that many nicknames, there must be a plethora of things to see and do. While my main reason for visiting this famous city is to try the cuisine, I’m surprised to find out that there many unique things to do besides collecting beads and drinking on Bourbon Street (not that there’s anything wrong with that!). In fact, while New Orleans is known as a great party city, there’s a certain romanticism to the city as well.
Featured Travel Idea: New Orleans, Louisiana
top: gumbo, oysters, crawfish, beignets
middle: jackson square, royal street, bienville, garden district
bottom: bayou, plantation, jazz
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, stay at the Bienville House, a historical boutique hotel that feels more like an intimate B&B. When you’re ready for some exploring, skip Bourbon Street and instead head one street over to Royal Street where you can find numerous antique shops, art galleries, and picturesque buildings. Make sure to wander through the more residential streets and admire the stately homes. Tour the wonderfully restored Gallier House for a glimpse into 19th century creole living. When you’ve had enough walking, head over to Jackson Square and relax with a cup of coffee and some beignets at the famous Cafe du Monde. If they’re as good as people claim them to be, you’ll want to go back every day for the remainder of your trip, which will probably be a good idea since you’ll the need the energy for all the activities! For an up close and personal look at various creole neighborhoods, take a biking tour with the Confederacy of Cruisers. If you’re interested in history, go on one of the numerous plantation tours located right outside New Orleans. Or take a Bayou tour through the cypress swamps and encounter wildlife like turtles, snakes, and alligators! In the evening, head to Frenchman Street for some live music, notably The Spotted Cat Music Club and Preservation Hall, although there are numerous other intimate jazz and blues lounges. Are you tired yet? And this is just scratching the surface! And of course no visit to New Orleans would be complete without trying the unique foods like gumbo, oysters prepared all different ways, po-boys, crawfish, and muffalettas. Laissez les bon temps rouler!
A Sprinkle of Adventure 
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