My New Orleans Story

Written By Leslie Morris

For four years, New Orleans was a big part of my own story. One of my daughters went to college there and my husband and I took full advantage of the opportunity to get to know this quirky southern city.

Given this, I am often asked for New Orleans recommendations. Ask and you shall receive!

Sleep

  • Eliza Jane. This boutique Hyatt property is in the Arts District. Ask for a room facing the street; the others tend to be dark.

  • Hotel Saint Vincent. Lower Garden District. The building was originally Saint Vincent’s Infant Asylum, built in 1861. The accommodations are hip and old-world lovely with modern amenities.

  • Sonder. I prefer these rental apartments over VRBO or Airbnb. My favorite is on Magazine St. in the Garden District.

Eat

  • La Boulangerie. This bakery in the Garden District has the chicken salad and lemon tart of my dreams.

  • Bacchanal Wine Bar. Hear live jazz most nights of the week while eating regional food with inventive and classic drinks in the Bywater.

  • Turkey and the Wolf. Plan to wait in line at this Warehouse District sandwich shop, recipient of many awards.

  • Superior Seafood. This upscale Uptown restaurant with French brasserie vibes has seafood and Creole-inspired dishes. Don’t miss the $1 oysters during happy hour. Sit in the bar and talk to the guys shucking oysters. You’re welcome.

  • Basin. Local seafood in the Garden District. The Friday night drag show is a hoot.

  • Willa Jean. Healthy-for-New-Orleans brunch spot with modern southern food in the Central Business District.

See

  • French Quarter and Jackson Square. Walk Royal and Chartres Sts. for antiques and galleries, Bourbon St. for the filth and stench of drunk tourists.

  • National World War II Museum. Six spectacular buildings. My brain couldn’t take it all in at one time so I spread my visit across two trips.

  • Uptown mansions on a cross-town ride by St. Charles streetcar. It’s the best $1.25 you will ever spend. Bring exact change.

  • Whitney Plantation. This gem is an hour outside of New Orleans and well worth a visit if you have an extra half day. The tour is presented from the perspective of enslaved people. Louisiana’s extreme weather impacts the preservation of places like these; it’s an ongoing battle to keep the history alive in a location where the heat, moisture, and wind are relentless.

  • Swamp Tour. Many companies offer these about an hour out of town. See alligators and plant life while learning about the people who live in this environment, often from a pee-in-your-pants funny guide.

Shop

  • Krewe. Independent eyewear company making small-batch, hand-crafted glasses. The flagship store is in the French Quarter.

  • Lionheart Prints. Letterpress cards, paper goods, and gifts in the Lower Garden District. If you’ve received a card or thank you note from me in the last several years, chances are it came from Lionheart.

  • Simon of New Orleans. Once you’ve seen his distinctive folk art signs you’ll notice them throughout New Orleans and beyond, including in our house. The gallery is in the Warehouse District.

Leslie Morris
Next

Today is different.