New Orleans, Louisiana

Nola, N’Awlins, the Big Easy, the 504.

Now let me state that only time I have ever been to the South was a pit stop in Mobile, Alabama only to quickly hop on a Royal Caribbean Cruise to the Riviera- so technically this was my first time really experiencing the South. Plus, this was a great (excuse) break from living and working in Nicaragua to get a little TLC from my ladies back home and get some first world lovin’. There was so much to do, see, and eat that I’ll definitely be back to this magical little place. Hit up Bourbon Street on your first night to get it out of your system and then move on and check out some of amazing and fun things to do in this city of wonder:

The Musts:

Stay at the Pelham Hotel

See the Bustout Burlesque show at The House of Blues

Go on a Free Walking Tour of New Orleans

Eat a beignet at Café du Monde

Immerse yourselves in the French Quarter for at least a day

Shop goodies at the French Market

Lay in the grass with the Mississippi River in front of you at the Woldenberg/Riverfront Park.

Drink a signature Hurricane cocktail at Pat O’Briens on Bourbon St

Listen to some live music on Frenchmen Street

Hop on the St Charles Streetcar and check out all of the mansions. You’ll see a lot of beads hanging from power lines and trees—results of Mardi Gras.st.

Explore the amazing array of restaurants, boutiques and galleries on Magazine St

Hang out in City Park that sits between the river and the lake

Leave the city and see some gators on a swamp tour