Your Guide to New Orleans
Sure, you’ll be focusing most of your energy on engaging with leaders and innovators in the field of fiscal sponsorship, but don’t miss out on exploring one of the world’s most colorful and dynamic cities.
Eat
NOLA is the place to be. It’s also the place to eat. The city has been a melting pot of culinary influences for hundreds of years, and some of the most popular dishes can claim French, Indigenous, African, Irish, Vietnamese, Italian, or Caribbean roots. Try to take in a mix of traditional Creole and Cajun fare — Galatoire’s and Deanie’s Seafood are two iconic favorites; for casual brunch head to Elizabeth’s in the Bywater — and new-wave New Orleans epitomized by hipster sandwich shop Turkey and the Wolf or the Viet-Cajun Marji’s Grill. Another to-do for your checklist: Grab a fried shrimp poboy from Parasol’s or Parkway Bakery and a muffuletta from Central Grocery & Deli or Napoleon House.
And while there are some tourist meccas probably better avoided, there are others that live up to the hype. Whether you’re looking for a hot breakfast, a quick afternoon snack, or a late-night treat, Cafe du Monde is at your service, offering plates of fresh beignets and chicory coffee until midnight.
On Wednesday and Thursday, you have a chance to participate in Pass the Peas. As part of this annual event, twenty local restaurants offer special menu items with the proceeds benefiting the MiNO Hospitality Network, which advocates for equity and advancement in the hospitality industry. Check out the list of eateries here.
Before you head home, grab a box of pralines from Loretta’s Authentic Pralines. This local delicacy makes a perfect souvenir.
Listen
If you leave New Orleans without hearing live music, you’ve done something wrong. Fortunately, that’s almost impossible since jazz bands pop up on street corners and the sounds of trumpets waft through open windows throughout the city. If you’d like to be more intentional about taking in some grooves, then head over to Frenchman Street. A short walk from the French Quarter, this stretch features music clubs galore. Some are free to wander into, others charge a small cover at the door. Keep your eyes peeled for the world famous Spotted Cat Music Club, and the more intimate Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro.
Explore the Neighborhoods
It would be very easy to come to New Orleans and spend several days soaking in the sights, sounds and flavors of the French Quarter, but you’d be missing out on the true character of the city. NOLA is defined by its neighborhoods, many with their own vernacular architectural styles and specific vibe. One easy way to explore the western section of the city is by jumping on a street car down St. Charles Avenue. Take in the grand mansions and live oaks, pop off for a stroll through Lafayette Cemetery followed by some shopping on Magazine Street. If you make it all the way to Napoleon Avenue, step into Superior Seafood for some ice-cold oysters and creative frozen drinks.
When walking east to Frenchman Street, dip into The Marigny neighborhood for cool cafes, classic dive bars, and colorful shotgun-style houses. A great way to explore the area is to grab a Blue Bike, winding your way on the quiet streets, cruising through the Bywater neighborhood, and over to the levees along the river.
Get Creative
With its rich cultural history and unique urban character, NOLA has long attracted artists. There’s a certain energy that hums throughout the city. You can hear it in the clubs, see it in the colorful murals, and take a closer look at galleries. To get a taste, walk along Royal Street in the French Quarter. The historic thoroughfare is home to dozens of galleries and boutiques, selling everything from $20 hand-crafted earrings to pieces of fine art worth thousands. Skip the traditional souvenir and instead bring home a piece of the city’s soul. While you’re waiting to explore, read more about the National Gathering!
