A New Orleans Staycation

A few months ago when my grandmother became ill, my family decided to take its vacation right here in New Orleans to stay close to home.  Can you think of any place better to spend a weekend?!  I love being a tourist in my own home town.  It's so easy to go through life not appreciating all of the amazing things that are around you.  So over the next few days, we will bask in the warm sunshine and take in the rich history, culture, and traditions New Orleans has to offer.  Here's a little peak into our weekend plans...

We will be checking into the Loews Hotel this evening where we will surely stop at the Swizzle Stick Bar for mojitos (faux-jitos for me!)

We're going to stop in on Jeremy Davenport's set at the Davenport Lounge in the Ritz Carlton for an evening of jazz before heading to dinner at every local's favorite secret treasure, Adolpho's.  It's a teeny little Italian place that sits above the Apple Barrel on Frenchman St.  Amazing food, great location, even better prices!

We're planning to stroll through the French Quarter and visiting the Prsebytre and Cabildo, two fabulous museums in Jackson Square.  Coveniently located just across the street is Stanley's where we'll be having lunch.  In my opinion, their Reuben cannot be beat!  And wouldn't it be nice to cap the day off with an afternoon carriage ride through the Quarter?

Saturday we plan to start the day at Cafe Du Monde with some beignets and cafe au lait.  There's no better breakfast in the world than that!  Then we'll take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Seafood/Zydeco/Creole Tomato festival taking place throught the Quarter and the Marigny.

I think Saturday afternoon would be the perfect opportunity to stroll through the Shops at Canal Place where we can visit the makeup counters in Saks and check out the amazing sales at Anthropologie.  All this before we head to dinner at 5 Fifty 5!

Sunday will be a day of sleeping in and brunch.  Where, we have not yet decided!  But there's certainly no shortage of choices.  We're going to let the city lead us there. 

And we're off!