Top Ten Things To Do In New Orleans
Top Ten Things To Do In New Orleans
For those of you who don’t know, next week I am heading down to New Orleans for FinCon, the financial blogger’s conference. I am excited about attending and meeting many of my blog friends in person and learning how to improve my blogging skills. My schedule is pretty tight, but I will have some downtime here and there, so I thought I would compile a list of things to do (that I will likely do myself) while in New Orleans.Just a little personal side note, but I was born in New Orleans, and my mom claims that I loved Mardi Gras and getting beads. I really hope I didn't have to flash anyone when I was 2 to get them. I recently visited for my cousin's wedding and loved enjoying it as an adult and look forward to returning next week.
1) Go to Mardi Gras
Unfortunately, this is an activity that I can't enjoy next week, and I fear I may have outgrown my opportunity to go to a Mardi Gras, but who knows, maybe I will take part in the festivities one year. Never say never!
2) Eat Beignets
I LOVE beignets!! You really can't beat fried dough and powdered sugar, and I know that Cafe DuMond is a big tourist attraction, but it is a wait that I believe is worth it. I personally plan to indulge in some beignets and wash them down with a cafe au lait. Who's with me?
3) Visit the French Quarter
Despite the fact that Mardi Gras will not be taking place, it seems there is always some sort of parade or shenanigans happening any evening of the week in the French Quarter. I advise you to avoid a morning stroll, though, as the stink from the night before that has not been cleaned may be a little too much to bear.
4) Discover the difference between Cajun and Creole Cuisine
I have to be honest, I have no idea what the difference is, just that there is a difference. If you know, let me know. Otherwise, I will find out when I am down there and let you know.
5) Watch Football
It's football season. I love watching football, especially in a bar with die hard fans. Even if I am not a fan of a local team, I love watching the locals react to their teams. Saturday September 20, LSU is playing Mississippi State at 7pm. If you know anything about SEC football, it's always fun to watch the games no matter who you are routing for. On Sunday September 21, the New Orleans Saints are playing the Minnesota Vikings at 1pm. I will probably catch some of this game before my flight home.
6) Listen to Jazz
New Orleans claims to be the birthplace of jazz and here is a site to help you find places to listen to jazz while in town. I personally love listening to jazz (I have a smooth jazz station on Pandora) and hope to hear some while I am in the Big Easy.
7) Visit the Audubon Zoo
I love zoos, especially zoos that also have aquariums because it means you can cool off indoors if it gets too hot while you are walking around, and New Orleans has just that, the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium. The zoo is smoke free and has free Wi-Fi for any bloggers who have a difficult time cutting the cord.
8) Go on a Walking Tour
I have not been on a walking tour of New Orleans; however, I did do one in Savannah when I was there for a conference years back and really enjoyed it. I loved getting a taste for the quirky parts of the city and exercise at the same time.
9) Ride a Streetcar
For $1.25 per ride, you can tour the fantastic city of New Orleans in this unique mode of transport. I love riding in streetcars when I visit cities that still have them.
10) Gamble
Okay, I confess, I won't be doing this activity, but most of my family paid a visit to Harrah's Casino when we were there a few years back. If you go, remember that the house loses money at the tables but makes money on the slots, so try to avoid spending too much dough on the slots.Image Source: Flickr Commons Shubert Ciencia