Cheat Sheet: New Orleans
SLEEP
Old-School Stay
Located in the Garden District, The Columns has character in spades. The mansion dates to the late 19th century—it’s supposedly haunted in a few rooms—so you won’t find much in the way of electronic gizmos in your rooms. Instead, there’s acres and acres of dark wood and gold brocade. You will find a beautiful porch for sipping a sazerac, looking out on the streetcars on St. Charles Avenue, and generally having a grand old time.
3811 Street Charles Avenue
From $130 per night
(Courtesy: Ritz-Carlton New Orleans)
For Luxury Lovers
Easily the city’s most luxurious hotel, the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is in the heart of the French Quarter yet feels like an oasis amid the revelry. Heck, even the elevators have vintage wood paneling, while the hotel’s private art collection is sprinkled throughout rooms and common areas. Standard rooms are about 400 square feet and feature ruby-and-gold-accented bedding, views of the city, and Asprey bath amenities.
921 Canal Street
From $549 per night
(Courtesy: Windsor Court)
Quiet Respite
The Windsor Court is away from the action in the Central Business District, but don’t think it’s no fun. With a lively jazz scene in the lounge, the 300-plus-room property boasts French Vogue decor, exceedingly gracious staffers, and a beautiful spa that benefited from the entire property’s recent $22 million dollar renovation. The Grill Room restaurant, meanwhile, boasts a wine list with over 600 selections.
300 Gravier Street
From $320 per night
Where the Cool Kids Stay
Housed inside a bank building from 1906 and steps from the French Quarter, International House hews to a more modern aesthetic than many of the properties in town. The color scheme in the guest rooms is a stark black-and-white mix, and each room comes with super speedy WiFi, Avenueda bath products, and vintage photographs from the hotel’s own private collection. Night owls might want to opt for the windowless “Rockstar” room.
221 Camp Street
From $219 per night
EAT
Italian Stallion
Mr. Joe, proprietor of Eleven 79 in the lower Garden District, was Louis Prima’s manager and is a close friend of Dr. John, who you may see leaning over a plate of the best red-sauce Italian food in New Orleans. Yes, there is veal piccata.
1179 Annunciation Street
High-End Eats
Chef John Besh’s restaurant August (above) is one of the essential New Orleans eateries. You’ll find plenty of experimental dishes with stunningly fresh local ingredients. It may be best to take a cab or pedicab from the Ritz.
301 Tchoupitoulas Street
Sweet Treats
Previously only available in Metarie, the best beignets in the city are now served at the Park City Casino, of all places. Cafe du Monde may get all the press, but this is the fried dough to beat in town. Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar.
56 Dreyfous Drive
(Courtesy: Square Root)
Foodie Favorite
Serving a tasting menu only, Square Root is the hot table for foodies in the city. Well, not table—there are only 16 seats at the bar, where the chef serves $150-per-person’s worth of experiments that range from fried chicken wafer to charred beef with a marrow soubise. It’s an exciting change of pace from the easygoing fare at other restaurants in town.
1800 Magazine Street
DO
(Courtesy: Voodoo Museum)
Museum Must-See
Head to the Voodoo Museum for a bit of magic. From Gris Gris to voodoo dolls, a little protection never hurts. Learn about the Witch Queen of New Orleans, and pick up some candles to light your way.
724 Dumaine Street
Retail Therapy
Magazine Street is awash in retail shops. Bush’s Antiques has anything you’d want to find for a signature piece of NOLA style (whether your taste is American Horror Story or Treme), including religious artifacts and ironwork.
2109 Magazine Street
Art Scene
Take a right on Royal Street at St. Louis Cathedral and check out Alex Beard, whose naturalist gallery features original works along with art books that he will autograph with an original drawing, if you buy them early and leave them with the staff to be mailed or picked up later.
712 Royal Street
Bust a Move
A Mardi Gras Indian parade or brass band second line can turn up when you least expect them. Visitors are encouraged to jump into the parade and wave a white handkerchief if they have one on hand. Best way to find out when a second line is happening? Ask a local or tune into the local radio station 90.7 WWOZ-FM.
1008 N. Peters Street
(Photo: Chirag Shah/Flickr)
5 Things to Know
1. Depending on how much fun you’ve had, a moment of reflection could be in order, whatever your beliefs. The architecturally stunning St. Louis Cathedral in the 800 block of Decatur Street is the oldest church in the United States. Light a candle and soak in the atmosphere.
2. Every Sunday at 2 p.m. at the historic French Market, chefs and cocktail experts conduct free cooking demonstrations. You may meet a celebrity chef preparing a famous New Orleans dish, and can browse through the hot sauces to take home for your own grill.
3. Frenchman Street is the new musical hotspot, packed with music lovers and street musicians. Most of the club bands are paid sparingly if at all, so if someone’s music inspires you at venues like Blue Nile and the Spotted Cat, be sure to tip well.
4. The historic French Quarter is bordered by Esplanade, Decatur, Canal, and Rampart Streets. “Get your picture made” (in local parlance) with statues of New Orleans musicians Pete Fountain, Fats Domino, and Al Hirt in Musical Legends Park at 311 Bourbon Street.
5. Cabs are advised for neighborhoods outside of the quarter, especially after dark. United Cabs is the most reliable local operator.
