Essential Things to Do in New Orleans – My Hometown Adventures

I’m fortunate to have lived in and around New Orleans, Louisiana, my entire life. It’s a sultry, mysterious city and a perfect place to set a story. In two of my romantic suspense novels, Deceived and Concierge, New Orleans is the primary setting. In Shadows, Jigsaw, and Imagine, which are set elsewhere, the lure of New Orleans compelled scenes that provide a glimpse of the city.

I’m often asked for recommendations of things to do here, so I’ve created a list, in no particular order. (Please note that the French Quarter, which is mentioned below, is so special that it required its own list).

1. Hit the streets!

NOLA’s streets have distinct personalities that are best absorbed while moving slow enough to study the architecture and look for hidden gems. Three of my favorites for a take-your-time visit are Saint Charles Avenue, Magazine Street, and Frenchmen Street.

Looking for grandeur?

Take a daytime trip down Saint Charles Avenue via a streetcar and absorb the beauty of the mansions and university buildings. If the streetcar is crowded, opt for a different method of transportation, as the best views occur from the seats. During peak tourist season, the street cars run with standing room only, so you might not be able to get a seat with a view.

No matter how you travel down the Avenue, visit Audubon Park. Walk through the majestic oaks and look at the beautiful homes that surround the park. Go to the Audubon Zoo; if a well-done zoo is your thing, this one is worth a visit.

Looking to shop in a chic urban setting?

Magazine Street, from the Garden District to Uptown, has miles of shopping options, whether you’re looking for antiques, flea market finds, art, clothes, or mementos of your trip. Pick a few blocks, walk in and out of the shops and galleries, and savor the flavor of this unique street.

Looking for live music?

Frenchmen Street’s two-block stretch in the Faubourg Marigny is great for live music. Check out the calendar at Spotted Cat Music Club or d.b.a. New Orleans and plan your time to visit the clubs. Or, grab a sandwich at Dat Dog, sit on the second-floor balcony while you eat, and watch the sidewalk musicians and brass bands on the street.

French Quarter streets are also great for live music, but a “must” for any visitor is Preservation Hall’s live shows, which are authentic jazz experiences. Unlike almost every other place in the city, Preservation Hall does not serve alcohol. Don’t worry. The show is worth it, and if you didn’t walk in as a fan of jazz, you’ll be one when you leave.

2. Visit the National World War II Museum

This world-renowned institution has immersive exhibits, multimedia displays, fantastic documentaries, and compelling personal histories. You could spend a few days here and not see the same exhibit twice. For the sake of efficiency, spend time on the museum’s website and plan your visit before going.

A writing note: In Deceived, the first of my romantic thriller novels, I created a mystery that originated in the World War II era. While researching I visited the museum, and was thrilled to talk to veterans who volunteer there. When you’re there, be on the lookout for people who have served our country. They have great stories to share.

3. Stop by Crescent Park

Crescent Park is the perfect place to enjoy a walk while viewing the Mississippi River. It is a beautiful sliver of land with fantastic city views that stretches from the French Quarter to the Bywater.

A writing note: For Concierge, I needed a special setting where the heroine, Andi Hutchenson, an artist, would like to paint. I found it in Crescent Park. The Piety Street footbridge (pictured here) appears in Concierge. There are other reasons why Crescent Park and the Mississippi River make an appearance in the story… but I’m not giving those reasons away here.

4. Visit The Roosevelt

Soak in the elegant ambiance of The Roosevelt, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, an iconic hotel with a history as rich as the city in which it resides. It’s a great place to drink in the atmosphere and draw inspiration for my romantic thriller novels. The lobby is stunning at any time, but it is downright awesome in the summer months when the downtown heat is blistering. At Christmas, the lobby is transformed into a wonderland with spectacular decorations. (The photo of lights is a small view of the decorations). Even if all you do is enter the hotel on O’Keefe Avenue and meander through the lobby to exit on Baronne Street, you’ll be glad you visited. But this hotel is more than a magnificent lobby. Locals go to The Roosevelt to dine and drink. Hungry for a taste of Italy? Try Domenica Restaurant. Looking for a great cup of coffee? Try Teddy’s Café. Want a cocktail in one of New Orleans’ oldest bars? Visit The Sazerac Bar, the home of the world’s first mixed drink, and take in the beautiful murals.

5. Spend time in the French Quarter 

The French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. It has whatever you’re in the mood for, whether it’s shopping for antiques and souvenirs, dining in grand restaurants and po-boy houses, listening to music in bars and on street corners, walking along historic streets and the Mississippi River, and drinking cocktails. There’s so much to do in the French Quarter that I’ve compiled a separate list of “Ten Things This Local Loves To Do” in the French Quarter, from visiting the Saint Louis Cathedral to walking along Royal Street.

A writing note: My time as a resident of the French Quarter inspired Concierge, the fourth of my romantic suspense novels. The story unfolds when human traffickers prey upon young people who have made French Quarter streets their home. A historic map of the French Quarter is on the cover of Concierge, and the cathedral depicted in the fleur de lis is the Saint Louis Cathedral, which is in Jackson Square in the heart of the Quarter.

6. Find Something Sweet, New Orleans-style

There are many options here, but for now, I’m focusing on three:

• Angelo Brocato’s. This Carrollton Avenue dessert and coffee shop has been a family-owned institution since 1905. We go there for home-made gelato and Italian deserts. If you go, buy a few bags of Italian Seed Cookies (a Barcelona family favorite), for later. My absolute fave: almond crescents (from the pastry case), with coffee. I love to sit at a table and watch customers come and go.
• Sucre. If you take my recommendation to visit Magazine Street (above), stop at Sucre’s original location and enjoy beautiful and delicious chocolates, macarons, gelato, and other sweets. My fave: macarons, any flavor. I like to say that I only eat one… (There is also a Sucre in the French Quarter, on Royal Street).
• Hansen’s Sno Bliz. This family owned sno-ball stand is famous for the fluffiest shaved ice in the world and homemade syrups that are sublime. On hot summer days, there is usually a long line. It’s worth it. My fave: almost any of the syrups, with cream.

7. Walk Through the Garden District

The Garden District is a jewel of a neighborhood that is home to stately mansions set in lush yards, and more. On Washington Avenue, you’ll find Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, one of the oldest cemeteries in the city, directly across from Commander’s Palace, a fabulous place for a fine dining lunch or dinner. For a cup of coffee or a lighter snack, go to their cafe, Le Petit Bleu.

There are also more casual dining options nearby, on Magazine Street. For a wonderful indie bookstore that is stocked with great titles and includes an assortment of books by locals (including my books), stop by The Garden District Book Shop, in The Rink shopping center, at the corner of Washington Avenue and Prytania Street. With plenty of space to sit and linger, and a cafe and bar, the bookshop is a wonderful space to decide which books need to be in your to-be-read pile. Pet the shop dog, Pete, while you’re there.

The book shop is also a great place to meet up with a walking tour of the Garden District by NOLA Historic Tours, which also offers walking tours in other areas of the city.

A writing note: in Deceived, the story’s heroine, Taylor Bartholomew, is a descendant of families that are firmly entrenched at the pinnacle of the New Orleans social hierarchy. Taylor lives in the Garden District, and multiple scenes take place there. The Garden District, though, is only one area of the city that appears in the story. Click here for more about my New Orleans’ inspiration for Deceived.

8. Do Some “Festing” at Jazz Fest

For two long weekends every year (the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May), the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival celebrates music, food, and the culture of New Orleans and Louisiana. The lineup of musicians is published months ahead of time, and the variety, from gospel to jazz to pop icons, is always incredible. The festival is such a great time, an entire trip to New Orleans can be planned around a few days at the festival.

9. EAT!

My dining recommendations come with a disclaimer: I have a shellfish allergy, so I don’t eat most of the local dishes people rave about. All is not lost, though, because  our cuisine offers more than just shellfish. Here are a few places that are fantastic:

• Fried Chicken. Okay, so this isn’t a place. Humor me, though, because for some locals, me included, pursuing the best fried chicken is a never-ending pastime. If you’re a fried chicken aficionado, try:  Delacroix, Canseco’s Market; Dixie Chicken & Ribs; and, if you want an easy-drive through on your way to a picnic, find a nearby Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen. If this list isn’t long enough for you, check out this NOLA.com article of reader picks.

• Commander’s Palace is an ultra-fine dining experience in the Garden District. We love it for celebratory dinners or for Sunday brunch. My fave: either the praline parfait or the bread pudding soufflé. (Yes, these are deserts. The food is great… but save room for desert!).

• Middendorf’s. Take a detour from the city and drive about 45 minutes to the laid-back world of Middendorf’s, where Horst and Karen Pfeifer and their friendly staff serve the most delicate tasting catfish you will ever have in your life. Go in the early evening,  sit on the deck, and soak in the beauty of Lake Maurepas. The waiter will ask you if you want your catfish “thick” or “thin.” It’s a tough question to answer. (I usually get thick.) Don’t let the emphasis on catfish fool you – this is more than a catfish joint. In the days before Hurricane Katrina, the Pfeifers owned Bella Luna restaurant, a classic fine dining restaurant that was in the French Quarter. A few of the dishes at Middendorf’s are reminiscent of Horst and Karen’s Bella Luna days; the turtle soup rivals any in the city. One of my favorite Middendorf’s entrees is broiled flounder. Another is fried chicken. I also love Horst’s Oktoberfest celebration, and the homemade ice cream is fabulous.

• Mother’s Restaurant: This is a great casual dining experience. It is downtown, on Poydras Street, and it has fantastic sandwiches and other local dishes. It’s even open for breakfast. My fave: either the roast beef po boy or a turkey po boy, with a side of red beans and rice. Or, if you’re going for breakfast, get a biscuit and blackened ham.

• Willa Jean. The menu of this downtown restaurant has a great blend of farm-fresh healthy items, with a few decadent options. Everything I’ve tried at WJ is wonderful. Warning – a lot of other people think so as well. On weekends, at brunch time, the line is long. My fave: from the pastry and cookie case, get a few chocolate chip cookies, which might be the world’s best. Seriously. If you’ve had better, let me know!

I absolutely love to play tourist in my hometown, and there are plenty of things that I plan to do in the not too distant future. As I find new favorites, or think of things that I’ve left out of this list, I’ll add them here. Remember – the French Quarter is a separate category; don’t forget to check out my list of things to do there.

Let me know in the comments if you have a favorite thing to do in New Orleans that I’ve omitted. And one last thing – if you’re craving a bit of New Orleans, but can’t make a trip to the city, try reading Deceived and Concierge, romantic suspense novels where the city is as much of a character as the people in the stories.

Take care, and stay in touch-