5F in New Orleans

honestly, my favorite place to visit in the USA.

Heads up! Most of this week’s travel edition is for paid subscribers only. Why, you ask? Travel writing includes more of my direct experience and expertise. Plus, you have my commitment that travel guides will be personally written and always ad and affiliate link-free.

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Put your beads on and get your jazz playlists ready…this month’s travel edition takes us to the hauntingly beautiful (and maybe haunted?) New Orleans, Louisiana.

The first time I visited New Orleans years ago, I’m not sure what I was expecting. Yes, I knew about Bourbon Street, gumbo, and all that jazz. I was excited to see the wrought iron balconies and architecture of the French Quarter (which is actually more Spanish.) I was aware of the suffering that took place when Katrina hit and the efforts to rebuild.

What I found there surprised me — it was all those things. But also so much more. New Orleans, to me, is one of the few places in the United States that has so much culture that being there is almost like visiting a foreign country. It has distinct food, drink, music, and language. It has more culture and history on one block than most American cities have in their entirety.

New Orleans is unlike any city in America. Its cultural diversity is woven into the food, the music, the architecture – even the local superstitions. It’s a sensory experience on all levels and there’s a story lurking around every corner.

- Ruta Sepetys

I went back to celebrate my bachelorette party there (in the time of Covid, so that had its own challenges.) Think more walking around the Garden District and dancing on Frenchman Street jazz clubs than beads and shots. But I knew ever since I first visited that I wanted to be there with my best friends before I got married.

Why? Because New Orleans is one of the places I feel most alive. The whole city is a celebration. From its parades to its plates to its weddings and concerts in the street.

So here are my five favorites for eating, drinking, doing, and staying in NOLA.

eating lunch (or brunch)

Note: there are so many special spots in NOLA. These are just five favorites of mine that I personally recommend.