Mrs. O goes to New Orleans, Louisiana
It was all my friend Leah’s fault. She wrote a post about New Orleans and after reading it, I decided: enough was enough. I wanted a bit of New Orleans for myself too.
People always wonder if travel blogs influence people’s travel planning decisions – I cannot speak about others, except moi. I called Mr. O – he thought I was mad, as always – for some reason, we hadn’t booked anything for after Christmas, something we always do in April. It was written – we were going down South! I called Leah – she couldn’t quite believe it but said “y’all come down, fly to Houston and we will drive to NOLA”. I had no idea what NOLA meant – apparently, it is short for New Orleans, Louisiana! And we were even able to use our annual BA AMEX vouchers and score a free flight – and fly first. This trip was so meant to be. I knew the timing wasn’t ideal – especially after my 4-day Christmas, but we only live once. I could diet in January.
Having flown to Houston, we set on a 5-hour drive going East, towards Louisiana. And after a while, it was time to stop. Leah was very keen for us to try one of the local institutions – Stemboat Bills in Lake Charles. We feasted on fried seafood (that was a portion for one, which the 3 of us shared) and tried the lovely pistolettes, which is a little sandwich filled with shrimp – deep-fried, of course. A special mention goes to our “glass of wine”, which came with a lid. I am not a beer girl (I seriously wish I was), and I had to try this!
I landed, and the calories kept coming at me…
After dinner, we headed to our first stop – the stunning Nottoway Plantation. We arrived quite late but loved seeing this beautiful plantation late at night. It wasn’t cold for us at all, and we simply loved it. We slept like babies and woke up to these incredible views.
We loved the Southern hospitality at Nottoway
We did not stay at the main house – we stayed in the cottages instead. $99 buys you a night at this place – exceptional value for money. We were treated to a tour the next morning, after a delicious and hearty breakfast. I know this was a trip where I would eat. A lot.
Postcard Pretty
I was very curious to understand what a plantation was – and loved it. I would certainly come back to this part of the world again and spend some time eating, sleeping and relaxing. A good plan indeed!
But no rest for the wicked, as they say, and we were off to our next stop – Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana. When I first researched this trip, I noticed we were not far and insisted we drove in. Why? Because this is John Grisham’s territory – I love his books and Baton Rouge, LA was always mentioned. Never in my wildest dreams I thought I would visit this small city, on the banks of the Mississippi river, but there is life for you!
Baton Rouge Capitol Building
We weren’t quite sure what to see or do, so we headed to the Capitol Building – without a doubt, the tallest building in town. And luckily, we were allowed in! I loved seeing the Senate room, which was beautifully decorated and also to see the city from the very top. It wasn’t a sunny day, but it was a good experience nonetheless. My favourite bit? The 50 steps to the main door, with the various US States. I thought it was only appropriate to say hello to Louisiana!
After this, we could feel the excitement building up – New Orleans was closer than ever – and it was time for lunch! We were invited by the Heritage Grill, one of the many restaurants owned by local restaurateur Ralph Brennan to stop by and taste the delicious crab melt. Also, it was quite interesting to look around the other tables and think.. interesting, everyone is drinking iced tea.. it was only when I got our cocktails that I realised what they were indeed. How cheeky! And lovely!
I like this version of iced tea 
New Orleans awaited, and so did our hotel for the night – the swanky International House. I had heard great things and loved the look of it and was looking forward to this stay. First impressions count, and you can see for yourself. Nice, indeed!
International House Hotel – New Orleans
We then walked around the “world-famous” Bourbon Street and I must confess: not sure it was for me. I was not prepared for the amounts of alcohol behind consumed at 5pm – and was quite disappointed. But as with everything, one just needs to leave the tourist traps and find delightful new places. We went to Pat O’Briens and everything was so much quieter – and people were so much nicer! I even had my first Mint Julep, a bourbon-based cocktail, which is now a firm favourite!
The streets of NOLA – photo by Leah Walker
Mint Julep – one of my new favourites!
Dinner that night took place at one of New Orleans’ classics – the Commanders’ Palace. It was a good meal, but I must confess I was expecting way more – but nevertheless, the ambiance was great and super classic. I loved the bread and butter soufflé pudding – one more to add to the ever-expanding waistline!
The Commander’s Palace – photo by hg2.com
I slept really well and the second day it was time to change hotels and get to know the city better. For our second night, we stayed at the W New Orleans, who kindly upgraded us to a WOW suite. Priced similarly as the International House (around $250-300 per night), I personally think you get better value for money with the W. Service was friendlier, and the bathrooms were also more modern. I thought the International House was great, but if we are being truly honest (like I always aim to be with my blog), our second night’s accommodation choice was better suited for us.
A WOW Suite with an outstanding view – W New Orleans
But the best place to stay in town? In my opinion? The newly refurbished W French Quarter. We tried to stay there, but as it was New Year’s weekend, the hotel was fully booked. But I had to go and have a look – and wasn’t disappointed indeed. Located IN the French Quarter, the hotel is outstanding and the pictures speak for themselves. I absolutely adored the new restaurant and bar areas, and couldn’t help take photographs of the walls – so simple and yet so so nice!
The W French Quarter – photo by spg.com
Loved the light decor at the W French Quarter
I loved walking around New Orleans – Rue Royale was a firm favourite with its quirky boutiques and vintage shops. This is what I thought New Orleans was like, and was not disappointed at all. People were friendly (I love the local accent!) and I loved the architectural style.
Rue Royale in NOLA
But, of course – I know you must be wondering – where did we eat? Well, we went to Couchon in the Warehouse district (which reminded me ever so slightly of NYC’s Meatpacking District 10-15 years ago) and we almost tried the whole menu. From chicken liver with picked watermelon, to cold meats, incredible sweet potato mash to the most interesting dish of all: alligator. Yup, I am not kidding. It was delicious! Something else worth mentioning, that we also had while we were in town: crayfish? A pound for $15, boiled, with of course a touch of Cajun spices. Every food we ate was slightly spicy – we cried on the first meals, but not so much as the weekend went on!
Post alligator-eating happiness!
I needed to walk off the meal, so we decided to take it easy – I managed a bit of shopping (shoes, of course at J Crew) and a massage. And after that, it was time for another meal…
ACME Oyster House
ACME Oyster House is a New Orleans classic – and being an oyster and seafood lover, I was really looking forward to this meal. I was a bit afraid when I saw the queue outside – but this is when it pays to be organised.. and pre-book a table! I love oysters, and always have these babies when I am in the USA. But what I never had before? Grilled and baked oysters. With a touch of Tabasco, of course – and I loved them! As this was my last meal in town, I needed to catch up with the long list of specialties, so we had a “New Orleans medley” , made up of Gumbo, jambalaya and grilled smoked sausage. Needless to say, we could not move afterwards!
But we did.. and we headed to Café du Monde, for the “world-famous” (I love this expression) beignets – which are lovely and soft donuts sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Cafe du Monde – a single portion of beignets.. for 1 apparently!
And with this, and a good night’s sleep, it was time to head back to Houston and ring in the new year. That, of course, will be a different story to tell y’all!
xo
Mrs. O
PS. A huge thank you to those who helped us organise this trip with really short notice, namely the New Orleans CVB, who was brilliant. All 3 hotels provided us with free or discounted accommodation throughout our stay, and looked after us really well. Thank you to Heritage Grill and ACME for hosting us for meals. Opinions are, as usual my own. You can’t buy the love and I now seriously need to go on a diet.
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Thanks for the tips Mrs O – just booked into the Plantation for my upcoming trip to New Orleans!
ohhh you will love it! I miss that place! Enjoy all the food!
I love NOLA! I was there with my girlfriends for Mardi Gras and had a blast. Don’t you worry, all of our tops remained ON
The beignets, gumbo, and po boys were my favorite meals while there. The fried alligator wasn’t too bad either. 
Tawny of Captain and Clark recently posted..Manuary – How to be a man
Tops not on? Do people still do it? We saw no one as it was cold!
It is SUCH a lovely city. I’ve only been there once briefly and can’t wait to go back. The sooner the better…
Nice photos in this posts!
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: On the trail in Boulder, Colorado
Thanks, Pola!
New Orleans is a fantastic eating and drinking city. It has been awhile since I have been, this post is definitely hunger for a return trip.
Traveling Ted (@travelingted) recently posted..Conglomeration of boats in Halong Bay Vietnam
Oh, thank you Ted!
I have been dying to go to NOLA for years now! With Leah as your guide, it is no wonder you had a brilliant time! Wonder if NOLA has recovered from your visit! Sounds like a blast.
Anita Mac recently posted..Le Nordik Scandinavian Spa – the perfect way to unwind
It was indeed!
Really fab trip!
I love N’awlins.. but it looks like I’ll have to go back soon for a stay at the Plantation – what a steal! And don’t even get me started with the food.. yum!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Australasia Bites..
The Plantation was lovely.. and so was the food!!
Enjoyed following along with your weekend in New Orleans. I am yet to experience it for myself, but its on the list for 2013. Cafe du Monde and the Hotel Monteleone have called my name for a long time…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..The Queen Victoria Room at Victoria & Albert’s – The Best Meal of My Life
Hotel Monteleone looked nice – a grand dame as I would call it! You will love NOLA!
So.Much.Food! Kudos to you for getting through it all! Nottoway looks amazing like something from an old movie – beautiful!
Fiona recently posted..A History of Prague via INXS
Fiona, I am paying for it still! Don’t think I could potentially recover!! You’d love Nottoway!
Looks like you had a fabulous trip! I have yet to visit NOLA, but I think I’m planning on it this summer. I’ll save this little guide so I have some ideas of what to do and where to go. Love the photos!
The World Wanderer recently posted..The Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: Photo Essay.
So pleased! Let me know if I can do anything to help!
I LOVE NOLA!!!!! Looks like you had such an amazing trip!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted..San Francisco & Napa Valley: Day 4 (Part 1)
I did indeed!!
I am glad you got to go to New Orleans – it is a phenomenal city to eat, drink and be merry. I have many friends from there so have gotten to eat at outstanding places both famous and less famous. I will never shed the pounds I’ve gained there!
Raul (@ilivetotravel in Twitter) recently posted..The Highlights of Food and Wine in 2012. Mostly Food.
I can totally sympathise!
Your pictures are absolutely beautiful, Mrs. O! Neither of us have ever been to New Orleans, but thinking now we might have to just to try out wine served in a cup with a lid…xo!
thelazytravelers recently posted..operation: explore eastern europe
That wine wasn’t horrendous, you know?
Looks like you gals had a wonderful time! I so want to visit NOLA… I’d love to drive through the countryside and check out the plantations, too. What did you think of the alligator? I’ve tried it before… not a fan, but then again, I didn’t try it in NOLA!
Francesca recently posted..As 39 approaches
We did indeed! I liked trying the alligator – was quite tasty but rich. Not an everyday delicacy for sure!
That whole trip looks awesome and I have to get myself down to this amazing historic part of the world one day. I don’t east fish sadly so may miss out of some of the classic food but I am sure I can find something!
Forest Parks recently posted..Budget Bus Travel in New Zealand: My Comprehensive Guide
Oh God, you won’t have a problem at all – a lot of meat based delicacies!
promise!
Ha ha, I meant I was vegetarian!
Forest Parks recently posted..Budget Bus Travel in New Zealand: My Comprehensive Guide
Also should be fine
ha ha
Ooh, Rue Royale sounds great! As do the MInt Juleps!! And looks as though I’ll be staying in the French Quarter. I’m curious to see it for myself now. Good article Ana x
Thank you! And W French Quarter is the place for you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed NOLA! I went a couple of years ago and thoroughly enjoyed my visit. And the beignets
Natalie @ In Natalie’s Shoes recently posted..DIY Personalized Mug.. Maybe
Those beignets, yummy!
When you mentioned visiting NOLA I was wondering how you’d fare on Bourbon St. It’s definitely degraded over the years. The rest of the city truly makes up for it though. We recently discovered boudin on our last visit to the area and were pleasantly surprised.
Boudin was amazing! We actually ended up going to the World Capital of Boudin – that’s another story to tell on another post. Loved it!! Bourbon St, definitely not for me. It was a bit shocking! But I had a choice, and I took it – and loved the rest!
Next time you’re down this way you must visit Lafayette! You actually drove right through it on your way over from Houston. Much cooler than Baton Rouge (sorry Baton Rouge!). Glad you enjoyed SoBou & Cafe Du Monde! There are so many great spots to eat you need at least a week (and cute stretchy pants) to try them all!
lila recently posted..Day 1, Chiang Mai
Oh Lila, I know! We were meant to stop there for dinner, but was too late. I need to go back – lots to explore. After a detox of course!
Love this post and can’t wait to explore New Orleans by myself in early April
so I’m happy about your foodie-tips 
Anita recently posted..Zürich von oben – Teil II
Be prepared, seriously prepared! The food is incredible
Looks like you had a fabulous time! And all the food? Yum! Really enjoyed this post. New Orleans is somewhere I’ve heard good things about, but never considered myself. Maybe it needs to go on my wish list!
Clare recently posted..Understanding and Underestimating the Power of Photographs
Hi Clare, thanks for stopping by! NOLA was a lovely surprise – the culture is very different from the rest of the USA and stunning scenery. If you are in the area.. it is worth it!
Oh, just reading this post makes me smile and remember fondly our time in NOLA. I’m so glad you and Mr. O got on the plane to visit. I can’t believe that you didn’t mention the boudin you ate in the world’s capitol of boudin!
Leah Travels recently posted..I Heart Houston: Favorites from the Bayou City
That is on the next installment! Yes, how could I forget! It was yummy! Such a great time, Leah. Thank you!
Looks fab! Sounds and looks like you had a great time! Never been. Got to get there!!
Gary Bembridge (www.tipsfortravellers.com) recently posted..My 25 First Time Cruise Tips And Advice As A Total Cruise Fanatic / Expert
It is super interesting! And different! Bring an appetite!
How strange. You were in NOLA and you talk about food! Ha! Hope it lived up to your expectations. It is one of my favorite US cities!
Why is it strange? Should I talk about booze?
I want to go there so badly! Glad to see that you had fun
Mrs D recently posted..Sun gets in your eyes.
I did, it was a very interesting place!!