Last-Minute in the Big Easy

Sometimes the best trips are the ones you never saw coming.

A friend texted me last minute with an open invite to join a long weekend bachelorette trip to New Orleans. It was a trip that was already perfectly planned with cemetery tours, must-try food stops, sweet treats, and even a day exploring the National WWII Museum. All I had to do was pack a bag and say yes. For once, the plans weren’t mine to make. No schedules, no lists, no mental tabs to keep open, just a rare kind of freedom.

I only knew one person and that was the bride, a stranger only a year ago, now a close friend. The rest were strangers who quickly became some of the most genuine, hilarious, and high-quality people I’ve ever met. I don’t know if it was the magic of the city itself or just the highest quality of the company I now call friends, but it was spectacular.

There’s something liberating about handing over control. I didn’t realize how much I needed a vacation from being the planner until I found myself sitting on Bourbon Street, a bowl of jambalaya in hand, listening to the sweet sound of jazz rolling through the humid night air. The city buzzed around us — laughter, brass horns, and that unmistakable New Orleans energy that seems to hum long after the sun goes down.

Let’s Talk About My Favorite Things: Travel (and with that, FOOD!)

It was late afternoon, maybe early evening, when we arrived. The rest of our group hadn’t made it in yet, so naturally, we did what any self-respecting traveler does first: found food and drinks.

We stayed in an Airbnb close to Canal Street, a great central location for exploring the city. Transportation in New Orleans is refreshingly easy if you’re not driving yourself. We never waited more than a few minutes for an Uber anywhere we went, and we even hopped into a few taxis, and took the trolley — which gave me major San Francisco nostalgia (though I’ll admit we had a bit of trouble figuring out which direction it was actually going).

For anyone planning a visit, the New Orleans Streetcar (Trolley) system is a fun and budget-friendly way to get around. A Jazzy Pass costs just $3 per day or $8 for three days, giving you unlimited rides — otherwise, it’s $1.25 per ride. There are four different lines throughout the city: the Canal Street Line, St. Charles Avenue Line, Riverfront Line, and Loyola Line. We were lucky enough to be within walking distance of the St. Charles Line. Check out this before you go!

There’s something about that first meal in a new city — when you’ve just arrived, bags still half unpacked, and everything feels new and promising. The air smelled like spice and music, and I knew right then it was going to be a trip to remember.

First Stop: Royal House Oyster Bar

We ordered an Uber that came in moments — seriously, be ready to go when you hit that confirm button because there is no time to pee, stop, pass go, or collect $200, okay? Within minutes, the four of us were headed to Bourbon Street, bound for a little spot called Royal House Oyster Bar.

The doors were all open, giving us the perfect view of the French Quarter’s classic architecture — those wrought-iron balconies and weathered facades that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another era. The sound of cars on the street was a little annoying (we don’t need to hear everyone’s music as you cruise up and down, people), but the laughter was in bulk, the drinks were flowing, and the Creole seasoning was absolutely on point.

After a round of festive drinks, my crew decided to split some fried alligator — because, when in New Orleans! It came with what my friend fondly dubbed “gator sauce” (a name that stuck for the rest of the trip) and it was fantastic.

For dinner, I ordered The Taste of New Orleans, because when I visit a new city, y’all know I have to experience the food most of all — and that means a little taste of everything. This is a menu item you’ll see everywhere in the city, so if you skip it your first night, don’t worry — you’ll get another chance. Typically, it includes some combination of Cajun Chicken & Andouille Jambalaya, Crawfish Étouffée, Red Beans and Rice, and Chicken Andouille Gumbo.

We loved everything except the gumbo here, so my official recommendation: skip it at Royal House, but definitely get it somewhere else while you’re in town. Next time I go, I’ll probably just order a big bowl of jambalaya and call it a night.

Day 2: Shenanigans, Absinthe, and Bourbon Street

I have to say — we had good intentions when we left our Airbnb that morning. But as they say, the road to hell… well, you know how that one goes.

We wanted to make the most of our day, so we decided to walk down the road and grab breakfast (or brunch, depending on how honest we’re being about the time). Luckily, we were within walking distance of St. Charles Avenue — trolley stop right there! — and found ourselves at Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar, which turned out to be an absolute gem.

My friends ordered what they described as the best po’ boys ever. I must’ve missed out because they talked about those sandwiches for the rest of the trip.

As for me, I went all in on the seafood theme with a brunch cocktail, some fried oysters, and a side of jambalaya — because I was determined to eat my fill of New Orleans flavors before the weekend was over. And let me tell you, no regrets.

After brunch, we grabbed our roadie drinks (because apparently open container laws just don’t exist in NOLA) and headed toward the streetcar — taking a guess (and a prayer) that it would actually get us to Bourbon Street.

Pro tip: instead of a road beer, maybe grab a water… or don’t. Whatever. When in NOLA, right?

Of course, this is where things started to go off the rails — in the best possible way. Not to give away the ending, but let’s just say we never made it off Bourbon Street.

What had happened was…

We walked into The Old Absinthe House (1000% a vibe and a MUST) and everything kind of spiraled in the most amazing way from there. One round turned into another, the music got louder, and before we knew it, we were fully committed to a day of Bourbon Street shenanigans.

Bring your liver’s A-game, because Bourbon Street bar-hopping is not for the weak. Between the neon lights, the mix of live jazz and karaoke, and the sheer amount of people living their best lives, it’s an experience that’s hard to put into words and even harder to forget.

Bar Hopping 101

I could tell you where to go, but honestly? My best and most honest advice is this: just follow the vibes. Let the city speak to you — it always will. New Orleans has a way of pulling you exactly where you’re meant to be, whether that’s a hole-in-the-wall jazz bar or a street parade that appears out of nowhere.

Some of our highlights included The Ugly Gator Saloon, which is a sing-along bar (not karaoke — there’s a difference). We spent a lot of time there, thanks to their buy-one-get-one-free drink special and an energy that could turn anyone into a performer.

We were also big fans of La Habana Hemingway Cigar and Cocktail Lounge, where I enjoyed a Tipsy Mermaid and snapped a few fun photos. It’s a moody, vintage-feeling spot — perfect for when you want to sip something strong and pretend you’ve stepped back in time.

Another favorite was the Lafitte Hotel and Bar, a great spot to stay if you want to be right in the heart of Bourbon Street. We stopped in for a round of Pimm’s cocktails and a heated game of Jenga that may or may not have gotten a little competitive.

Pro tip: if you see Pimm’s listed in a cocktail description, do yourself a favor and order it. It’s refreshing, a little botanical, and honestly hard to describe — but trust me, just do it.

Dinner: A Must-Try Spot

Okay, the last thing I have to do is tell you where we went for dinner, because it is. a. MUST.

And I don’t make that suggestion lightly, okay?

We went to Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, and I know what you’re thinking — Presley, why would I get pizza in NOLA? But hear me out. You can still get all those classic New Orleans flavors if that’s what you’re craving (I did!). I ordered the Jambalaya Pasta — mwah, chef’s kiss — while my friends all went for the pizza. (Apparently I like going against the flow a lot, huh?)

Of course, I stole a few bites of their pizzas, and let me tell you — not disappointed. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. You can even get a Jambalaya Pizza, which was next-level good.

But the real show-stopper? The bread pudding. I LOVE bread pudding and made it my personal mission to try it everywhere we went, but even my friends — who all claimed they don’t like bread pudding — couldn’t stop raving about it here. Trust me, you cannot skip it.

And with that, the city probably stayed awake all night — but we didn’t. After one too many rounds of laughter (and maybe a few too many drinks), we took a very long, well-intentioned walk back toward the streetcar station… before ultimately giving up and calling an Uber.

We headed back to our Airbnb, shoes in hand and spirits still high, ready to rest up for another day of shenanigans and adventures.

Day 2: History, Heat, and Haunting Beauty

Day three started out with the Official St. Louis No. 1 Cemetery Tour.

New Orleans is famous for a lot more than Bourbon Street and delicious Cajun flavors — the history in this city is another must-not-miss. One of the most fascinating things about New Orleans is its unique burial tradition. Here, the dead are entombed above ground in family crypts rather than buried underground.

Because the city sits below sea level and has such a high water table, traditional burials would cause caskets to rise or become waterlogged during heavy rain or flooding. So, over centuries, the city developed its now-iconic above-ground cemeteries — hauntingly beautiful “Cities of the Dead.”

The St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is one of the oldest and most famous, operated by the Catholic Church and home to elaborate stone tombs that tell stories stretching back hundreds of years. It’s fascinating to learn about the entombment process, the history of the families resting there, and the legends that surround them.

Pro tip: it gets very hot between all that cement and stone, so plan your tour for the morning if possible, wear light clothing, and bring water.

For the sake of time (and because I could write an entire post just about this place), I’ll stop myself there — but if you love history, architecture, or a little bit of the eerie side of travel, put this tour at the top of your list.

After our tour, we stopped for a late lunch and then split up for a bit. Half of our group went to tour the Sazerac House Distillery, while the rest of us grabbed a table outside at Café Beignet for some much-needed caffeine and people-watching.

We sipped our coffee, listened to a street parade march by, and soaked in the sounds and sights that make Canal Street so special — that perfect mix of chaos and charm that somehow just works here.

Afterward, we headed back to our Airbnb for a quick shower and a little downtime before getting ready for our final evening out — a night of live jazz on Frenchmen Street.

A quick Uber ride later, we arrived at The Spotted Cat Music Club, which we’d heard was the place to experience authentic New Orleans live jazz — and let me tell you, we were not disappointed.

Before heading inside, we wandered through the Frenchmen Art Bazaar next door — a colorful maze of local artists, handmade jewelry, and the kind of treasures you only find when you’re not looking for them. Then we settled onto the patio, drinks in hand, just soaking in the night and each other’s company as the sounds of the city drifted by.

And can I just say — once the music started… it was magic. The kind that makes you stop talking mid-sentence and just listen. The saxophone, the rhythm, the soul of it all — it was everything you imagine New Orleans jazz to be and more.

It’s a must-do. Take an evening and just do it. Carve out the time, whatever you have to move around in your plans — this experience is worth it.

By the time we finally dragged ourselves away from the sweet sounds of that saxophone and trombone, it was late — and most of the kitchens in town had already closed. We were all starving, so we took an impromptu risk and followed a recommendation from a couple of friendly officers on Frenchmen Street.

Their advice? Melba’s.

So we hopped in an Uber and headed over. Melba’s is a true 24-hour New Orleans institution — part restaurant, part laundromat, and yes, you do have to be buzzed in to use the bathroom. But don’t let any of that stop you, because if you want something late-night and delicious, this is the place.

I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich with a side of cabbage (I know, I know — bizarre combo — but I like what I like), and it ended up being one of the best meals of the entire trip. Crispy, buttery perfection. The others agreed: this late-night stop quickly became a crowd favorite for both the food and the experience.

And honestly? Our bank accounts loved it too.

Day 3: A Little History and a Lot of Heart

Day three was our pre-planned “chill day,” and we decided to put on our adult hats and make our way to the National WWII Museum — and let me tell you, it’s gigantic. I’m talking multiple buildings, people.

When you arrive, you’re assigned an individual with your enlistment. As you move through the exhibits, you get to follow along with that person’s story — their journey, experiences, and perspective on the war. It makes everything so personal and immersive that it’s hard not to get emotional.

You could easily spend an entire day here, maybe even multiple days if you really want to see everything. But we did our best with the time we had. There were tears, there was learning, and there was so much respect for the generation that came before us.

This museum is another must-not-skip. It’s powerful, moving, and beautifully done. They even have a restaurant inside, so we stopped for a light late lunch and a few drinks before heading out — a quiet ending to a meaningful afternoon.

Beignets, Coffee, and the Classics

Now, I mentioned beignets earlier, but I saved my official experience for Café Du Monde — the O.G. spot, established in 1862 as a coffee stand in the French Market near Jackson Square.

Keep in mind, the menu is bare-bones traditional — just coffee, chicory, and beignets — and it’s cash only, so come prepared. It’s a quick stop, but an absolute must. There are plenty of fun little shops around the area too, making it easy to turn your coffee break into a leisurely stroll.

You’ll also find the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral nearby, along with great views of the Mississippi River. It’s one of those places where you can just sit for a while, powdered sugar all over your clothes, and watch the city move around you — and somehow, that feels perfectly right.

Our Final Evening: A Toast to the Trip

We decided to end our last evening in New Orleans with a bang and headed to the Rib Room for our reservation at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel’s restaurant and bar. If you make your way there, ask for Fernandez — our waiter — who truly made our evening sparkle.

We all indulged in perfectly cooked steaks, a round (or two) of cocktails, and even a little amuse-bouche to start. The sides came family-style, and let me tell you — we had potatoes of every kind worth having. Creamy mashed, rich au gratin, plus roasted broccoli and Brussels sprouts that were so good even the veggie skeptics were impressed.

And then there was the truffle mac and cheese — if that isn’t on your table, you’re not doing it right.

And yes, of course, we had dessert — because how else do you end a trip this good?

Until Next Time, NOLA

What started as a last-minute invitation turned into one of those rare trips that fill you up in all the best ways — heart, stomach, and soul. I showed up in New Orleans knowing only the bride, but left with new friends, endless memories, and a full appreciation for a city that never seems to sleep.

From the jazz and jambalaya to the laughter echoing down Bourbon Street, every moment felt alive. New Orleans has this way of wrapping you up — in music, in flavor, in connection — and reminding you that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you never plan.

So here’s to good food, great people, and saying yes to the unexpected. Until next time, NOLA — you were spectacular.

Have a favorite New Orleans spot I missed? Drop a comment below and tell me what I should add to my list for next time — I already know I’ll be back.