Ahh, New Orleans. No better way to start my 2018 travels than a trip to the Big Easy. The main reason I was out there was to go to Wrestlemania with my boyfriend, his brother and his brother’s girlfriend. But of course we had to check out all the historic spots and Bourbon Street.
After a long day traveling in early April (delayed flights, missed connections, sleeping in Atlanta’s airport overnight, all that fun stuff) we made it to NOLA! We dropped our stuff off at an Airbnb and went out to explore.
Our first stop was Bourbon Street. We grabbed a beer and were off. The first thing we wanted to do was try something none of us had ever had: alligator sausage. I’m not exactly sure where we stopped to get it, but if you walk around New Orleans and see a man joking around with tourists and trying to get them to come into a restaurant, that’s the place. It was in an alleyway-like setting and we were seated outside so it was beautiful. But back to the sausage. If you know me, I never like to try anything, but for some reason that alligator sausage was calling me name. Delicious!! It was weird to think about eating alligator, but once you get past that idea, you’ll enjoy it.
After that we knew of another place we had to check out: Huge Ass Beers. I know what you’re thinking, and yes, the beers ARE huge. Before heading to New Orleans we heard about this place and knew we had to check it out (we’re all pretty big beer drinkers). The beers come in 16oz, 32oz, 45oz and 70oz!! Of course, we had to be extra and got two 70oz beers to split amongst us – which was a bad idea! Those babies get warm way too fast.
We spent a majority of our time there at Bourbon Street getting our drink, dance and laughter on, but we also made sure to venture off a bit and see what else New Orleans had to offer. I’m a big NCIS fan, so I made everyone come with me to St. Ann’s Street to see where some of the show is filmed. We also checked out Frenchman Street, Jackson Square, the mall at Canal Place and of course the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Being in the Superdome was a weird experience for me as I’m used to being outside while in a football stadium! It was an amazing stadium though and I’d love to go back to see a football game. But Wrestlemania was so much fun. I know, I don’t seem like a wrestling fan, but my boyfriend got me into it a few years ago when he started watching it again. We went to Wrestlemania 2017 in Orlando, 2018 in New Orleans and it’s in New Jersey this year so we don’t have to travel too far!
One last recommendation – The Original Cajun Seafood is a must-try. I don’t eat seafood, but I can say that their Cajun chicken wings, fingers and fries were the best I’ve ever had. My boyfriend’s brother and his girlfriend got seafood and they enjoyed it so no matter what your tastebuds are craving, you’ll leave happy!
And that was my trip! I had so much fun and would love to travel back to NOLA again. Here’s a round-up of my recommendations:
- Bourbon Street (duh)
- Huge Ass Beers
- Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Drink (delicious)
- Frenchman Street
- Jackson Square
- Riverwalk Marketplace (you can see the Mississippi River here!)
- Mercedes-Benz Superdome
- Try alligator sausage
- Cajun food is a must
- and don’t forget Cafe du Monde beignets before you leave!
Also, this is just a personal preference – but we stayed at an Airbnb instead of a hotel. It was 8 minutes from Bourbon Street and it was a beautiful 2-bedroom place for a pretty reasonable price. I would recommend not staying on Bourbon Street or too close, the traffic there is something else!
Leave a comment below and let me know what your favorite part of New Orleans if you’ve been there or what you’re looking forward to doing there if you’ve never been!
I went to NO this summer and loved it! I now wish I would’ve had some gator sausage!
Author
I’m not usually big or trying things – or a sausage person – but I just needed to cross that off my list!
Good post! I’d love to see more of the states and could really do with a big ass beer now 😂 Keep it up xxx
Author
The Huge Ass Beera is definitely a must visit if you find yourself on Bourbon Street!💚
My experience is so different but had a blast just the same. Reading posts about NOLA today has inspired me to write about my experience too. Thanks for sharing your adventure!
@curiousdg
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Yes, definitely write about your time there – I look forward to reading it!
I’m planning a trip to New Orleans this fall. I can’t wait to see Bourbon Street! I like the idea of staying in an Airbnb. I wondered if the Quarter would be too noisy.
Author
You’re going to have so much fun! We thought the Quarter would be too noisy and expensive but we were only an 8 minute Uber drive away. I can send you the place we stayed at if you want!
Alligator Sausage! Yes, I’m afraid I would have to try it if I was in New Orleans! It seems there is so much to do in New Orleans. I have never been to the states before, but this place has always appealed to me (I was too much TV) 🙂 xxx
Author
I never try new things but for some reason the alligator sausage was calling my name! Definitely try and make a trip there it’ll be so worth it!💚
I really am a big fan of travel related posts! There’s just so many places I want to visit and I think New Orleans is now on my list alongside them! Thanks for sharing this! So interesting 😁
Ashleigh x
http://www.thestoryofashleighdavis.com
Author
I definitely would recommend New Orleans! There’s a lot to do, but you don’t even need a full week to accomplish it all!💚
Looks like you had a ball. We were there as a family with 3 littles so our agenda was a little different. Did the Mississippi river cruise and southern creole buffet tdeat for my birthday last year. Would love to have seen se Big Ass Beers though.
Author
I wanted to do one of the river cruises but we didn’t end up making it on one! I’ll have to keep that in mind for next time.
NOLA is one of our favorite cities to visit. Getting ready to head down again for another Mardi Gras Celebration.
Author
Sounds awesome, I can only imagine how fun it is down there during Mardi Gras!
I am so jealous that you got to go to New Orleans, it’s somewhere I have wanted to travel to and explore for years now. Was lovely reading about your time there, your pictures are fab! 💜
With love, Alisha Valerie x | http://www.alishavalerie.com
Author
If you have the time, I’d definitely recommend going there! You don’t even need a whole week, you’d be able to see everything in just a few days.
I loved New Orleans! I wish I had this guide when I went last year. Cafe Du Monde is totalllllly a must.
Author
New Orleans is so much fun, it’s definitely on my list of places I want to go again!
wooooow New Orleans sounds amazing, and your photos are fab! x