72 Hours in New Orleans, LA
your guide to the crescent city
This is The Place. Stories of travel, planets, and place. Through my own personal musing of travel and astrology, I use my experiences and those of others to share the wisdom of the planets to find greater communion on this earth.
72 Hours in New Orleans
This weekend I traveled to my 46th state / 50. Somewhere that has always felt like I do not belong. What I once perceived as somewhere that glorified consumption and drinking is actually a city that glorifies tradition. I departed Portland, OR with hopes of avoiding a winter storm and making it to the bayou. New Orleans is a city that greatly surprised me.
A city purposefully positioned on the Mississippi River is bursting with flavor, kindness, diversity, and tradition.
Here is a little guide I followed to make the most out of a short trip to Louisiana.
Day 1
Checked into a dream hotel - a converted Schoolhouse, Rectory, Church, and Convent built around 1830. Hotel Peter & Paul is a bucket list hotel I’ve been dreaming about since I saw it. We checked in early and promptly wandered around the buildings, witnessing the hand painted touches around every corner.
After check-in we decided to acquaint ourselves with the city by heading out to explore.
NOLA is a surprisingly walkable city, each part connects to another all tucked in by the river. Which is great since we did not rent a car. You can also explore via the trolley that connects you to different parts of the city. Hop on and off for $3 for 24 hrs.
Lunch at La Petite Grocery which came highly recommended & covered in James Beard awards. We got the crab beignets, seasonal salad, French fries with a bowl of aioli, and the shrimp and grits which were insane. Plus, a little birthday treat dessert made this extra special. Make a reservation in advance there was quite a wait by the time we were done eating.
Take some time after lunch to wander up and down Magazine street. You’ll find some fun vintage shops, local stores, places like Bambi DeVille Vintage Clothing & Bakelitelady who is the daughter of a French French Quarter antiques dealer.
Sunday Shop who has thoughtfully selected, beautifully made home goods.
Freedom Apothecary who patterns with the most dreamy female owned wellness brands.
Krewe A NOLA based sunglass store who has a fun selection of shades and reading glasses.
After walking and shopping you’ll need to be refreshed or grab a pre-dinner snack & beverage. Head to Sea Worthy who does half off oysters for Happy Hour. Stay for dinner and enjoy a seafood tour or a NOLA take on a lobster roll.
Day 2
Woke up and headed next door to The Elysian Bar for a morning coffee and pastry before heading out the door. We spent the morning walking around the French Quarter and headed to Jackson Square which was less crowded on a Friday morning than the weekends. Got to visit the St. Louis Cathedral which was built in 1718.
You can grab your afternoon beignets from either Cafe Du Monde, or Cafe Beignet which had no line in comparison and equally delicious beignets.
For lunch head to St. Roch Market which is an open market food hall filled with 10+ vendors.
Your second day would be a good day to do some exploration of NOLA’s famous cemeteries, ghost tour, swamp boat ride, you name it you probably haven’t done it before. Visit the tomb of Marie Laveau which is located in the St. Louis cemetery.
Finish the night at any of these spots:
Mosquito Supper Club
Bywater American Bistro
Casamento's Restaurant
St Germain
Finish your night strolling Frenchman Street popping in and out of cute digs playing local music. Pick your kind of vibe for 3 blocks!
Day 3
By day 3 I was exhausted (non-sacral life) so I slept in, and stumbled downtown to head to brunch at Willa Jean’s - I got my standard breakfast with bacon, sausage, biscuit, eggs, and grits. I’m a classics kind of gal. Do NOT sleep on the banana cream pudding for dessert, it was a pillowy delight.
Head to Maypop Community Herb Shop after brunch to check out a really fun apothecary of herbs, tinctures, and some voodoo treasures.
Followed by Baldwin & Co bookstore a few minute walk down the street. My marker of judging a city is how good is the bookstore. This independent bookstore does not disappoint.
If your final day is a Sunday you’re in luck and can head to Congo Square around 3pm to enjoy local drummers, jazz music, and some parade beats. Bring your dancing shoes.
Grab a king cake for dessert from ByWater Bakery and see who gets the baby! I did not ha
Some honorable mentions things I didn’t get to experience but I’m adding to my list for next time are
raw REPUBLIC they have a sweetie little juice selection and a second location in Austin, TX
ＶＩＢＲＡＮＴ ï¼ï¼¡ï¼²ï¼«ï¼¥ï¼´ ® for a faical! They also have a curated space of non-tox beauty products.
Spyre NOLA for an aquatics class or cold plunge. This wellness spot looks so dreamy inside a converted church space.
SYDNEY AND WALDA BESTHOFF SCULPTURE GARDEN for an afternoon stroll
++ plus so much more tha the city has to offer!
Alyssa’s Astrogeography
NOLA - Moon DC & Chiron AC
Turthfully, I was a little worried about these two placements on this trip. I didn’t really see how they could bring something delightful but they delivered. I had such a good time, it was immensely healing to be somewhere with such a beautiful culture and people. It revitalized me and sparked some new inspiration in ways I didn’t expect. I also got to enjoy this journey with my mom & cousin which was extra sweetness to add to this trip.
