Greetings from New Orleans otherwise known as the “Big Easy” or the “Crescent City”! I am so excited for the week ahead as I explore New Orleans today and tomorrow, and then I jump on the American Queen Steamboat for a river cruise up to Memphis, Tennessee. It’s always fun to experience destinations firsthand so I can answer any questions that may arise from my clients.
I will be posting pictures and videos to my Facebook and Instagram accounts. Follow-me and enjoy the incredible sights and sounds as I experience the history, culture, and enlightenment of the Mississippi River.
American Queen Steamboat Company River Routes
Over the past few years, I’ve had many clients ask about river cruising since it is becoming very popular. Many are surprised when I tell them we have a preeminent river cruise company right here in middle America. Yes, you heard that right. Did you know you can river cruise from New Orleans to Minneapolis, St. Paul, or Pittsburgh and major cities along the way like St. Louis, Memphis, Louisville, and Cincinnati?
The first stop on my trip is New Orleans, my river cruise embarkation point. I have 1 full day to tour this soulful city that abounds with rich history, mouth-watering Cajun and Creole cuisine, and a spirited French Quarter still buzzing from Mardi Gras celebrations.
Before jumping on my cruise I thought I’d share my “Best of New Orleans in 1 Day Itinerary!”
New Orleans is one of those over-the-top experiences for the senses, a city filled with vibrantly colored streets, soul-filled rhythm and blues, and memorable flavors. No visit to the Deep South is complete without at least one day here. Famous for its annual Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans is one of the most-visited travel destinations in the USA.
New Orleans is the biggest city in the state of Louisiana, and it boasts over 300 years of history. Of course, with only 1 day to explore, you can’t possibly experience it all. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a great taste of NOLA.
Here’s the best of the best!
Café du Monde
Start your day in the French Quarter and fuel up with a breakfast of coffee & beignets at Café du Monde. Dating back to 1862, the historic café is world famous for its chicory coffee and beignets. These pillowy, sugar-topped doughnuts will wake you up quickly and get you off to a fast start.
Open daily 7:30am – 10pm.
Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral
Walk around Jackson Square where the heart of New Orleans’s French Quarter beats. This famous square dates back to 1721, just a few years after the city’s founding. Throughout the day, Jackson Square attracts a variety of artists, musicians, and street performers. Historical landmarks in the French Quarter include the Cabildo (where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803) and St. Louis Cathedral, which is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the USA.
Decatur Street
When you leave Jackson Square, go southeast to Decatur Street. This waterfront avenue is one of the French Quarter’s most historic thoroughfares, loaded with souvenir shops, boutiques, cafés, and some of the best restaurants in New Orleans. A fun spot is the Shops of the Colonnade.
As you walk around, check out some of the finest colonial architecture featuring wrought-iron balconies and colorfully painted homes with hanging flowers and the sights and sounds of the quarter pouring out of them.
Johnny’s Po-Boys & Commander’s Palace
About this time you’ve built up an appetite and are probably ready for lunch. One great place is Johnny’s Po-Boys on St. Louis Street. Operating since 1950, this popular joint serves up Creole dishes and some of NOLA’s finest po’boys. One of Louisiana’s signature dishes, the po’boy, is fried seafood, often shrimp, crawfish, oysters or crab served on a French bread roll with its crisp crust and fluffy soft center.
Another favorite of mine is to have lunch at Commander’s Palace. Since 1880, Commander’s Palace has been one of the most famous restaurants in New Orleans. They serve traditional creole food, including New Orleans style seafood dishes and Louisiana alligator grillades. They’ve also got an adorable “Instagram picture” exterior. Because it is a famous restaurant, you will need a reservation. Typically during the week, you can walk in for lunch without one. Just make sure to dress nicely as everyone gets dressed to the 9’s!
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
After lunch it’s time to walk it off by wandering down Magazine Street. This famous avenue connects the French Quarter to the heart of the Garden District. Strolling along the Southern mansions and leafy oak-lined neighborhoods, you’ll come across the historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 which was founded in 1833 and still in use today. With almost 500 wall vaults, the cemetery has a rich history of the first settlers from Ireland and Germany and is known for it’s spectacular architecture.
Ride a New Orleans Streetcar
The New Orleans Streetcar has been operating since 1835, making it one of the oldest transportation systems in the USA. There are 4 lines traveling to popular neighborhoods in the city, but most tourists opt for the Riverfront line. This 2-mile route travels along the Mississippi River and stops at landmarks such as the French Quarter, Riverwalk Marketplace, Jackson Brewery, and French Market.
Dooky Chase’s & Mother’s Restaurant
Dooky Chase’s—and chef Leah Chase—are New Orleans icons. The restaurant is known for its role in the Civil Rights movement, when many leaders used it as a meeting spot for shared meals. The walls are adorned with an impressive collection of African American art and, of course, the food contributes to the fame: some of the best fried chicken in town, a menu of Creole classics and an impressive lunch buffet are must-tries. President’s George Bush and Barack Obama are fans!
Another famous choice would be Mother’s Restaurant. Mother’s is known for its baked ham and the Ferdi po’boy featuring ham, roast beef and debris (bits of meat in au jus gravy). Mother’s has always been popular for breakfast, meat-and-threes and po’boys, but gained a huge boost of notoriety when Beyonce visited and told millions of her social media followers how great it the food is here.
Bourbon Street
End the day on Bourbon Street – Bourbon Street is known for being just about as New Orleans as it gets. Located right in the heart of the French Quarter, Bourbon Street is the “Must Stop” for visitors exploring the city on their inaugural visit. No matter the time of day, Bourbon Street is the place to go for a great time.
A short 10-minute walk away, is a completely different scene where visitors and the locals go . . . Frenchmen Street. This popular stretch of road in the Marigny is famous for its jazz clubs and live music venues. Settle down to enjoy a relaxing evening sipping craft cocktails and watching jazz musicians jam out. It’s a wonderful alternative to Bourbon Street’s chaos. There are talented local musicians, southern flavors as well as multicultural dining, PLUS locally-made souvenirs.
Frenchmen Street may not be wilder than Bourbon Street, but it’s definitely worth the short journey to discover a side of French New Orleans nightlife you don’t see in the movies.
Best Time to Visit New Orleans
The best time to visit New Orleans is between February and May, where the temperatures are mild, and the flowers and foliage are in full bloom. If attending the world-famous Mardi Gras celebrations, now’s the time to book for next year. Like other Gulf Coast destinations, hurricane season is between June and November and the weather in July and August can be uncomfortably hot & muggy.
Next up – Embarkation Day on the American Queen River Cruise.
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