New Orleans has a lot to offer. For students, it is easy to get caught in the college bubble– enticed by free food at the cafeteria or live music on campus–, but when parents come to town, it makes for a great excuse to explore the historically awesome city of New Orleans. Here is my list of 9 must-do activities. (Food entries have been limited.)
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See Live Music on Frenchman Street
There are many ways to spend a night out in New Orleans, but a night on Frenchman is the most satisfying. Walk into whichever bar you feel like—you can’t go wrong. Café Negril, D.B.A, and Maison are my three favorites.
Brunch (that’s a verb) at Atchafalaya
Late nights on the town require some morning refueling. Since it is a nice occasion with your parents in town, make a reservation for brunch at Atchafalaya (901 Louisiana Avenue). Treat yourself to some live soft jazz while you put together your own Bloody Mary at the “Make Your Own” station. Once the initial bliss wears off, analyze the menu. You can’t go wrong. Particularly with the Duck Hash.
Mingle at a John Besh Happy Hour
John Besh is one of New Orleans most revered restaurateurs and for good reason. Whether it’s Domenica, Luke, Borgne or his other three NOLA restaurants, a Besh restaurant serves a top-notch meal every time. The best part of it all? Each restaurant has a daily happy hour (except for August) with options ranging from half-prize pizzas at Domenica (123 Baronne Street) to $.50 oysters at Luke (333 St. Charles Avenue). Oh yeah, and the beer and wine are half price too!
Take a stroll down Magazine Street
Since so many New Orleans activities incorporate eating and drinking, here’s one that requires a little exercise. You can walk for miles down Magazine Street popping in and out of one of the hundreds of storefronts. With the parents in town, be sure to check out Storyville (3029 Magazine Street) and Defend New Orleans (1101 First Street, corner of Magazine) for great NOLA themed attire! While you’re at it, grab your Mardi Gras polo from Perlis!
Check out the Bywater
The Bywater is still a bit of a hidden gem in New Orleans. Take the 15-minute drive from campus and check out some classic, brightly colored New Orleans porches before enjoying of the cities trendiest new restaurants. Maurepas Foods (3200 Burgundy Street) masters the art of farm to table while Mariza (2900 Chartres Street) puts a warm spin on Italian. Both also whip up a tremendous cocktail.
Buy a painting at Antiques on Jackson (1028 Jackson Avenue) by the legendary Simon.
His art is synonymous with the city and will add a little touch of NOLA to your home instantly. Buy either one of his pre-made pieces or commission a custom design of your own. For such emblematic work, his prices are quite reasonable.
Bite into a Po-Boy at Parkway Bakery (538 Hagan Avenue)
It’s a great, never-ending New Orleans debate: who constructs the best po-boy in town? I vote Parkway Bakery in Mid City. You cannot go wrong whether you go meat or seafood, but in case your indecisive like myself, order the Surf and Turf and give yourself a taste of the best of both worlds. Don’t forget to order a side of Alligator Sausage.
Sip a Sazerac…from the Sazerac Bar (123 Baronne Street)
Whether the Sazerac was actually first concocted at the Sazerac Bar is a complicated story. Nonetheless, make it a point to stop into this bar in the Roosevelt Hotel to sip on a classic New Orleans drink in a swanky venue.
Participate in a build project.
For all the great strides New Orleans has made, it still has a long way to go. Help the city get there with St. Bernard Project or Habitat for Humanity or one of the countless other great organizations. You’ll have fun and feel good about yourself.
Whatever you do in New Orleans, you cannot go wrong!
BONUS Weekday Music:
Tuesday: Check out Rebirth Brass Band at the Maple Leaf Bar for their weekly gig at 11 pm.
Wednesday: Hear some free music at Lafayette Square beginning at 5 pm!
Thursday: Two great options here Brass-a-holics at Publiq House or Soul Rebels Brass Band at Le Bon Temps. Both go on around 11 pm!
By Brandon Faske
Katrina Manning
Sounds great!