One of the most beautiful cities I have been lucky enough to visit in the U.S. is definitely New Orleans. It seems only fitting to make this great city the inspiration of the week considering the Saints won the Superbowl and Mardi Gras is next week. Who dat!
Before I had my first trip to the Big Easy, I had no idea a southern city could have so much character and history. I was blown away by the architecture, food, people and culture. So many cities seem to blend together with endless strip malls of chain stores or contrived “historic” architecture, but this city made me feel like I jumped the pond and landed smack in the heart of an old European town. We went to New Orleans for a friend’s wedding and luckily had time to explore the city.
First there was the beautiful church where the wedding was held:
Casey and Jon’s wedding rehearsal
Then we got to go explore the French Quarter.
French Quarter
great architectural details
Historic Wrought Iron Fence in French Quarter
Stopped by the Spanish Plaza and on to the Farmer’s Market
Spanish Plaza fountain
Stroll through the Crescent City Farmer’s Market
Rested up and sipped mint juleps at Pat O’Brien’s
Pat O’Brien’s Courtyard
And of course, one of my favorite parts of New Orleans is the food. There is not enough time in the world to try all the amazing restaurants there, but I sure look forward to trying.
Jambalaya!
(late) breakfast at Cafe du Monde
Beignets and Café au Lait
Fine dining at Commander’s Palace