A Trip Through New Orleans: Culture, Music, and the Unexpected
In this episode, Ashleigh and Christopher dive into the heart of New Orleans, a city where every corner feels like a blend of stories, rhythms, and layered history. From its iconic jazz roots to its hidden courtyards, New Orleans offers more than just a party—it's a place that stays with you.
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Why New Orleans Feels Different
Founded in 1718, New Orleans has lived many lives—French, Spanish, and American rule have all left their mark. It's a city shaped by resilience, including the profound impact of Hurricane Katrina and its recovery in the years since.
But beyond the headlines, this is a place where cultures overlap in ways that feel alive. The architecture, the music, the food—each tells its own part of the story.
Reasons to Go (That Go Beyond Bourbon Street)
A rich cultural fusion that includes French, African, Caribbean, and Spanish influences
Music that pulses through the city—from traditional jazz to funk and brass bands
Creole and Cajun food that surprises with every bite
Local traditions like second line parades and porch concerts that bring people together
A sense of place that feels historic without being frozen in time
Staying in the Right Spot
While the French Quarter is iconic, it can get pricey. For something more grounded but still walkable, consider Marigny or Bywater—neighborhoods with soul, great coffee, and colorful houses that are fun to explore on foot. We stayed at the Hotel de la Monnaie, right on the edge of the French Quarter and Marigny.
Exploring the City
Take a hop-on hop-off tour for a low-effort overview
Join a walking tour of the Garden District or French Quarter to dig deeper
Ride the St. Charles streetcar or cruise the river on a steamboat
What to See & Do
Frenchmen Street – An essential spot for live music, minus the chaos of Bourbon
St. Louis Cathedral & Jackson Square – Picturesque, yes, but still worth seeing
The National WWII Museum – Powerful and incredibly well-curated
Mardi Gras World – A behind-the-scenes look at the floats and pageantry
Swamp tours – Get outside the city and into Louisiana’s unique natural world
Eating & Drinking Well
Try the classics—beignets, po’ boys, seafood gumbo, and muffulettas. Don’t skip the local cocktails either; a properly made Sazerac is a taste of New Orleans in a glass. Be sure to check back next week for our recap of New Orleans dining!
Wine Break: A Red for Summer
This week’s wine pick is a chilled red from Billsboro Winery in the Finger Lakes. It’s light, juicy, and perfect for warmer weather—something to sip on a patio while remembering live brass echoing from Frenchmen Street. They also suggest trying chilled Gamay or Pinot Noir for a similar feel.
