Travel at this time has it’s ups and downs, but if you are flexible, you flow with the challenges in order to continue with as good a life as possible. We recently visited New Orleans and found that we had to alter some of our routines in the face of shorter hours, closings, etc., but everything worked out for the best and there were several advantages. Let’s take a look at the list of positives:
- Fewer tourists: We arrived on Monday and until Thursday there were few tourists. Instead we had a chance to meet and talk with locals in the shops, restaurants, etc. I have to say that the locals love their city and take advantage of the music and cultural events available to them to a degree I seldom see elsewhere.
- Restaurant hours: Some of the famous restaurants such as Brennan’s, Arnaud’s, etc. were only open Thursday-Sunday and then with shorter hours, often opening at 5:30 and closing early. The result was that we tried new restaurants or spend more time at our favorite restaurant, Mr. B’s where we met more locals and spent time with our favorite bar tender, Brian. Reservations seemed to be optional except on the week-end.
- New places: Two places we discovered were where, again, we got closer to the locals. One local “dive” is The Chart Room where many of the local workers go after their shift. The drinks are great, the bartenders know how to make a drink and the interplay between everyone is fun and can be lively. Another fun place is the Copper Monkey nearby. By the time you wander from one of the two to the other, you will feel like a native.
- World War II Museum: This is probably the #1 tourist attraction in town and they do a wonderful job of updating their exhibits. Buy your tickets on line for a discount and visit it each time; you will always learn something new.
- Oysters: Yes, the oysters in NO are wonderful. We love going to Acme Oysters in the Quarter although due to the virus they do not open until 11:30AM (which meant we had to wait one hour longer than normal for breakfast). Try them for breakfast; Charbroiled oysters, gumbo and my wife’s favorite, Boom-Boom Shrimp. Outstanding and the staff is fun.
- The Garden District: As our visit was around Mardi Gras, a local tipped us off to walk around the Garden District as many of the great houses put up decorations to celebrate. Many of the houses are really beautiful (the maintenance, ouch!) and you feel as if you are somewhere back in time.
- Alternative options for breakfast: Stop by Cafe Beignet for an experience. The servers are the latest immigrant group (I have been through three or four groups), and during this time, you can get a seat without waiting for thirty minutes or more. One AM I stopped for a pre-Beignet hot dog from a vendor in Jackson Square (hey, it was 9AM, I was hungry) so the delicious pastries acted as a dessert. Another option is the Central Grocery for a muffuletta, a great Italian sandwich that others imitate but cannot match. I would suggest that you order a half which should be enough to feed two (unless you are a teenager).
These are only a few of the positives we found which once again shows that you can take negatives and turn them into positives. Our next trip to the Big Easy will be richer and more fun from what we learned on this trip.
Oysters. Sold. We’re going!