After lunch, we checked into our AirBnB to drop our bags and hit the town to explore and walk. I was immediately taken by all the brightly colored buildings, walls and decor. And I was in love with all the odd and random things... how else do you describe a trophy car with a deer head on the front?
We had drinks, more food and more walking. And after a full day of all that - we went to bed and were fast asleep by 9 PM! NINE PEEEE EMMMMM. And we didn't wake up until 8:45am. That's a lot of sleep, and my idea of a vacation.
Day Two
Feeling FULLY rested (oh how I long...), we Uber'd our way to the Bywater for brunch at Elizabeth's, which came recommended alllll over the internet.
After brunch, we walked around the area - stumpled upon the rusty rainbow bridge that we immediately climed and took us over railroad tracks to a very nice garden and jogging/walking path. We walked around a bit, stumbling upon a beautiful view of NOLA on the other side of the river. It was a really fun surprise.
After climbing back over the bridge, we explored the Bywater neighborhood more. The houses were all so unique and interesting. We stopped at "The Country Club" embedded in a neighborhood and converted from an old mansion. The amazing patio immediately drew us in, and kept up there awhile... I highly recommend the Club Pimms Cup, which was completly refreshing. Our thrid friend, Katie, met us there from the airport. So we hung out more before Uber'ing back to the AirBnB for her to drop her bags off.
After walking around the French Quarter/Beale Street some, we freshened up and headed to our first fancy diner as a party of three. Another place that the entire internet has buzzed about was Commanders Palace - a James Beard Most Outstanding Restaurant in the Garden District. Famous chef, Emeril Lagasse, got his start at this resturant and it's had a steady stream of famous and notable chefs since.
Besides being DELISH, the restuarant is just gorgeous - inside and out, so if you can go by in the day time/light, it's a great place to take photos at/in. We sat in the courtyard - which we walked through the kitch to get to and that was thrilling!. I definately recommend this place for the total package (environment and food).
Day Three
After sleeping in a bit, getting ready and grabbing coffee, we really started day three (Saturday) with a food tour. This was awesome, and I only wish we had done this earlier in our trip because it's a great way to get a lay for the land and find out where you might want to back to (though most of the recommendations were places we had already gone - like Commanders Palace!).
In this tour, we got a little bit of everything and went to some places we might not have otherwise. It was fun not to think about where we should go next and just follow the leader for 3 hours. We also learned a lot and heard little back stories about all the places we visisted!
After the food tour....feeling pretty full. We decided to explore a new area - and walk a lot. But before walking, we jumped on the Street Car to get to Magazine Street to explore new shops. And of course, because it's New Orleans, we couldn't help but eat in this new area, too.
Cavan was set in a charming old mansion, with slightly different decor themes for each room inside. Because it was so nice outside (the theme of the trip), we sat out on the front patio, and it was lovely. We weren't super starving for a huge meal, but to accompany our wine, we had a variety of appetizers. Cavan had a series of toasts that all looked amazing. We got the roasted tomato toast with goat cheese and bacon marmalade, along with some other things. It was so good.
After dinner, we headed back to our area, stopped at a little store for some wine and chocolate cake and then headed back to our AirBnB studio to watch a Halloween movie. I know... we're wild. ;) It was a wonderful way to spend our last night in NOLA, all together...
Day Four
