I've got some super exciting news -- my family is taking a vacation to New Orleans next month! I'm not sure who's the most excited, but my husband, daughter and I are in the process of planning what we want to see, do, and EAT in NOLA! It's going to be so. much. fun. -- not to mention we REALLY need a vacation together!
My daughter will be celebrating her ninth birthday during the trip, so she's putting together her ideal day in New Orleans to do whatever she wants. Right now, her day looks something like this:
Breakfast at Cafe du Monde for beignets (YUM!)
A visit to both the Audubon Insectarium and the Aquarium of the Americas
And dinner at Acme Oyster House (she loves seafood and is hoping to try crawfish!)
We also have a visit to the Audubon Zoo (by streetcar!) on the itinerary as well as a Haunted History Tour and a carriage ride in Jackson Square. This is in addition to shopping at the French Market and wandering the French Quarter (don't worry, we won't be hitting Bourbon Street). If we can fit it in, we'd also like to visit to the National World War II Museum -- New Orleans offers so many family activities that we're having a hard time deciding what to do!
One thing I know for sure is that we are going to eat well while on vacation. I have a long list of places I want to try, but some of the "must-eats" are Johnny's Po-Boys, Mother's, Central Grocery (for a muffuletta!), Lüke (one of John Besh's restaurants), and Sucre for desserts. There's also a jazz brunch at the Court of Two Sisters that looks really fun!
For our week in New Orleans we'll be staying at the JW Marriott New Orleans, which is located right on Canal Street, giving us easy access to the French Quarter and the streetcar line.
The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation is sponsoring our trip, and their planning resource for visitors at neworleansonline.com/followyournola has been invaluable for researching all of the family-friendly things to see and do in New Orleans -- there's even a fun spinning compass that randomly suggests interesting things to do in the city!
I will be posting live updates on both Twitter and Facebook wish hashtag #FollowYourNOLA, and I'll be blogging all of our adventures during and after the trip. PLUS, if you have suggestions for our vacation, you can tweet them to me on twitter (@MommyMusings) with hashtag #myNOLA for the chance to win a prize pack filled with travel gear and an AMEX gift card!!
Next week I will have a follow up post with our final itinerary and a Pinterest board that I'm using for inspiration -- It's going to be a fun journey and I hope you'll follow along! 🙂
Maryann
I really liked NOLA when I was there.
Penelope (NYC Blogger)
Can I come ? 🙂
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins
Looks like a wonderful place to visit!
Kathleen
Love NOLA ever since I went to Brandcation there. Trying to setup a visit in July, but we'll see.
Lisa
Have fun!
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes
I adore NOLA -- I need to talk my husband into another trip. It isn't that far for us.
Lolo
I have never been!! One of the places I would love to visit for sure!
Theresa
Have fun!
LyndaS
Wow! You are going to have a blast. New Orleans is such an interesting city.
[email protected]
I would love to take my family to New Orleans! That's where my mom's family is from. I'm looking forward to hearing about your trip!
Vanessa: thequeenofswag
Looks like it's going to be a great vacation.
Jenn- The Rebel Chick
Can't wait to see all of your photos. Have a fabulous trip!
Tonya {The Traveling Praters}
Wow! Your itinerary sounds much like mine when I visited New Orleans. I really underestimated Bourbon St. It was heartbreaking. And by no stretch of the imagination is it family friendly.
I'll tweet you some other ideas (@travelermom). You're going to have a great time.
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie}
Have an awesome time
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV
I hope to get there one day!!
Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving
Oh yum, please have an extra beignet for me 🙂
Jenn
Have fun! I haven't been since before Katrina. Eat a beignet for me!
Tiff @ Babes and Kids
So much fun! YOu are going to have a great time!
nicole @Nicky_Olea
Oh you all are going to have such a great time!!! Can't wait to read all about it!
HilLesha
Looks really fun!
Colleen
I love all the traveling you get to do I would love to go one day.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work
I have always wanted to go!
Jennifer @ The Quirky Momma
My best friend and I really want to explore NOLA together some day. We haven't been on a Zen Trip (that's what we call them) in years so it's definitely about time we plan something soon. Have a wonderful tip! Can't wait for the photos.
Marcie W.
I have always wanted to visit NOLA but would prefer my trip be during Mardi Gras (which is around my birthday) and kid free. I am sure you will all have a blast!
courtney
There are quite a few places I'd love to visit in New Orleans - have a blast!
Toni
That's going to be so much fun. Can't wait to follow your journey.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com
I've been to NOLA once, but I want to go back with my hubby.
Donna
I have never been to NOLA and would love to one day. It's on my wish list. 🙂
Mellisa
Sounds like you guys are going to have a great time!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work
I want to go!! It's on my bucket list. Hopefully soon.
Shell Feis
Looks like such a great trip! I've always wanted to go there.
Elaina @atimeoutformommy
New Orleans is on my bucket list!