Michael's World

Travel Diaries

Bella In The Big Easy

Right now, most of us are escaping through our screens. But as we look forward to more adventurous days ahead, we celebrate the cities that inspire wanderlust even in the best of times. With its melting pot of cultures, rich music traditions and unparalleled food scene, New Orleans tops the list. Boasting Southern charm with a European accent, it’s the kind of place you discover anew with each visit. On her first trip to the Big Easy, Bella had only 24 hours to take it all in. With some help from Michael, she went on a whirlwind tour of must-visit spots around town. Read on to live vicariously through her perfect day in the Crescent City, and you’ll begin to understand what made Bob Dylan say, “There are a lot of places I like, but I like New Orleans better.” Don’t worry—it will all be there waiting for you.

Right now, most of us are escaping through our screens. But as we look forward to more adventurous days ahead, we celebrate the cities that inspire wanderlust even in the best of times. With its melting pot of cultures, rich music traditions and unparalleled food scene, New Orleans tops the list. Boasting Southern charm with a European accent, it’s the kind of place you discover anew with each visit. On her first trip to the Big Easy, Bella had only 24 hours to take it all in. With some help from Michael, she went on a whirlwind tour of must-visit spots around town. Read on to live vicariously through her perfect day in the Crescent City, and you’ll begin to understand what made Bob Dylan say, “There are a lot of places I like, but I like New Orleans better.” Don’t worry—it will all be there waiting for you.

EAT

Hope You’re Hungry

There’s never a bad time to visit Café du Monde—it’s open 24/7. The line will be long, but hot-from-the-fryer beignets (piled high with powdered sugar) and chicory café au laits are more than worth the wait. Another New Orleans institution, Parkway Bakery and Tavern has been perfecting the po’ boy since 1929, when the original owners created the sandwich to feed the “poor boys” on strike from the streetcar union. As Chef Justin Kennedy says, “It’s culture you can eat.”

There’s never a bad time to visit Café du Monde—it’s open 24/7. The line will be long, but hot-from-the-fryer beignets (piled high with powdered sugar) and chicory café au laits are more than worth the wait. Another New Orleans institution, Parkway Bakery and Tavern has been perfecting the po’ boy since 1929, when the original owners created the sandwich to feed the “poor boys” on strike from the streetcar union. As Chef Justin Kennedy says, “It’s culture you can eat.”

DO

Toot Your Own Horn

For a taste of true New Orleans jazz, Preservation Hall is the best of the best (this is its second Travel Diaries appearance, after all). Steeped in tradition, the stage hosts local jazz musicians, including the renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band, 350 nights a year. General admission tickets are available at the door, but we recommend reserving yours in advance to guarantee a seat at one of the intimate concerts. Just around the corner in the French Quarter, Maskarade is a must for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. The shop’s wall-to-wall leather and traditional papier-mâché masks, handmade by local and international artists, are wearable works of art that fit in a carry-on and bring a little New Orleans magic wherever they go.

For a taste of true New Orleans jazz, Preservation Hall is the best of the best (this is its second Travel Diaries appearance, after all). Steeped in tradition, the stage hosts local jazz musicians, including the renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band, 350 nights a year. General admission tickets are available at the door, but we recommend reserving yours in advance to guarantee a seat at one of the intimate concerts. Just around the corner in the French Quarter, Maskarade is a must for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. The shop’s wall-to-wall leather and traditional papier-mâché masks, handmade by local and international artists, are wearable works of art that fit in a carry-on and bring a little New Orleans magic wherever they go.

DRINK

Now For A Nightcap

No trip to New Orleans is complete without a walk down Bourbon Street. Grab a daiquiri and bar hop—from live music at Funky 544 to karaoke at the Cat’s Meow, there’s never a dull moment on the city’s most famous (and infamous) street. For a quieter night out, head to Bar Marilou for a French 75 or a glass of natural wine. Located in the elegant Maison de la Luz hotel, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic nightcap whether or not you’ve booked a room—but we suggest you do.

No trip to New Orleans is complete without a walk down Bourbon Street. Grab a daiquiri and bar hop—from live music at Funky 544 to karaoke at the Cat’s Meow, there’s never a dull moment on the city’s most famous (and infamous) street. For a quieter night out, head to Bar Marilou for a French 75 or a glass of natural wine. Located in the elegant Maison de la Luz hotel, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic nightcap whether or not you’ve booked a room—but we suggest you do.

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