New Orleans has always been a place that I’ve wanted to visit and I cannot tell you how excited I was to find out that I was being invited to go. As I come to a close on my Nola vacation I’d like you to just refresh your memory by reading (if you haven’t already done so) New Orleans Vacation – Part 1 & New Orleans Vacation – Part 2.
What you’ll read about in this post:
- The Carousel Bar & Lounge
- Cafe Beignet Restaurant
- St. Louis Cemetery No.1
- The Court of Two Sisters Restaurant
- Brennans Restaurant
- Various Smaller Adventures
- Unique NOLA Finds
- Bittersweet Confections
- Trashy Diva
Due to this being my final post on my New Orleans vacation, there’s a lot to get to and pack into one post so I hope you stick with me! I cannot wait to tell you all about the wonderful things that closed out my trip to Nola!
The Carousel Bar & Lounge
- Hours: 7 Days a Week, Opens at 11AM
- Location: 214 Royal St, inside Hotel Monteleone
- Website: https://hotelmonteleone.com/entertainment/carousel-bar/
- Admission: Free unless you buy from the bar
- Dress Code: No requirements
- Recommend: YES
First off – I want to point out the fact that Royal Street was OUR STREET. Anywhere we wanted to visit or revisit it was on Royal Street. So I highly recommend exploring this road when you visit Nola!
The Carousel Bar & Lounge was definitely on my ‘to see’ list because it’s a perfect photo opportunity! We first went to see this location on Monday around 2pm but it was packed and the customers were certainly not appearing as if they were going to leave any time soon. Thus, I had to take a standing photo; quality is not great but I wasn’t sure we were going to be able to see it again.
We managed to be able to stop again on Tuesday at Noon and luckily there was a spot to sit at the bar! My mom quickly took some pictures and we were onto the next venture.
We didn’t have a whole lot of time in New Orleans so we had to see as many things as we could and as quickly as we could so we didn’t have time to hang out and have a cocktail unfortunately.
Overall Reaction & Tips
I’m glad we were able to get a couple pictures of me at the bar itself – it was a little awkward going into the Hotel Monteleone to take pictures at a bar but it was worth it and I’m pretty sure people do this all the time!
The Carousel itself was huge and spun which was very cool so, try not to have too many drinks! It was slow of course but definitely something everyone should go and see!
- It will be a lot busier than you’d expect so don’t give up on the first go at finding a spot to sit at the bar – eventually there will be a seat.
- Save time to have a cocktail – my mistake of not doing this. It would have been fun to try a drink!
- Also save some time to get a good look inside of the hotel because it is absolutely spectacular!
Cafe Beignet
- Hours: 7 Days a Week, 7am-10pm
- Location: 334 Royal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Website: https://www.cafebeignet.com/
- Price: $
- Dress Code: No requirements
- Recommend: YES
If you’ve read THIS POST you’ll know that I already visited Cafe du Monde. My goal was to be able to visit both beignet restaurants to compare the two.
Overall Reaction & Tips
Overall, I would say that my choice would be to choose Cafe du Monde if I wanted more of a sit down restaurant. However, if I preferred to have a quiet moment to myself with a book or to write, I would go to Cafe Beignet.
- The cafe is quite small. In comparing to Cafe Du Monde – you could only fit about 1/2 or 1/3 of the people in Cafe Beignet.
- The nice thing about this is that it is more quaint. Though – the bad thing would be – it gets crowded fast.
- To be honest, the beignets at both Cafe Du Monde and Cafe Beignet taste about the same – both delicious. I couldn’t really tell the difference between the two.
- I do have to say the chicory coffee at Cafe Du Monde was more interesting in flavor and I’d choose that one over the coffee I had at Cafe Beignet.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Guided Tour
- Hours: Closes at 4pm
- We went at 2pm-3pm
- Location of Cemetery: 425 Basin St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
- Website: https://www.frenchquarter.com/st-louis-cemetery-no-1/
- Website for Tickets: https://www.viator.com/tours/New-Orleans/Walking-Tour-of-St-Louis-Cemetery-1/d675-23790P4
- Admission: $20.00 per person
- Dress Code: No requirements; however – It did rain for us so, bring an umbrella or poncho
- Recommend: YES
Is it weird to take a ton of pictures of graves? No, no it isn’t especially if it’s from a cemetery in New Orleans because these graves were spectacular. I’m not sure what it is about these graves that make me smile but they truly are gems. The history of how these structures came to be make each and every one of them unique and this tour really helps showcase that.
Our tour was in the afternoon and it rained 50% of the time which made it even better to be honest. So, make sure you are prepared to walk in rain because they continue the tour rain or shine! Luckily – we only had one other family in our group so our tour was very intimate and we could really take in all the information from our guide.
I won’t tell you about any of the history because I think that’s the best part of the tour so, GO BOOK THE TOUR!
Overall Reaction & Tips
Overall, we were extremely happy with this tour. Even with the rain it was wonderful to learn all about the history of the graves and this cemetery in particular. There’s so much information to take in you will NOT be disappointed!!
- Bring an umbrella, poncho, or rain jacket
- Be prepared to tip your tour guide
- Take tons of pictures!
- Where you’ll meet is a building across the street from the cemetery – which has bathrooms, a gift shop and an exploring spot so go a little early to check it out!
- It is a bit of a walk from the main ‘downtown’ area so plan ahead or take a taxi
The Court of Two Sisters Restaurant
- Hours: 9am-2pm & 3pm-9pm; Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays
- We had a reservation for 5:30pm
- Location: 613 Royal St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
- Website: https://www.courtoftwosisters.com/
- Price: $$$
- Dress Code: Nice Casual
- Recommend: YES
This was the restaurant we were supposed to have eaten at the first night we were in New Orleans but because of our flight debacle we had to make some adjustments!
Our Amazing Waiter!
Overall Reaction & Tips
Overall, this restaurant was excellent! Both my mom and I ordered items that were on the Specials Menu. Though – because of how good those were I can bet that the rest of the menu items are just as good!
- Service was excellent
- Order a cocktail if you can because they are delicious!
- The only downside we had during this meal was the Caesar Salad. The $10 salad came with a beautiful and friendly tableside preparation however – we did not personally enjoy the taste of the salad. We told our waiter that we didn’t like anchovies and he refrained from putting a lot of them in however – in the end it was still way too much. We will not be getting this salad when we return.
- Definitely get the Bananas Foster – it was also served tableside and it was excellent!! – This was my first time having this dessert and I was NOT disappointed!
- The atmosphere was absolutely gorgeous and pristine; I personally would dress on the nicer side for dinner!
- There is a space outdoors in the back – their garden. It was beautiful! They use this space a lot for parties and weddings so if you are looking for a wedding or reception venue definitely give this a tour!
- it was raining (of course) when we got there so we couldn’t take advantage of eating out there.
Brennans Restaurant
- Hours: Varies
- We went on a Wednesday for Lunch; Best to make a reservation if you can.
- Location: 417 Royal St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
- Website: https://www.brennansneworleans.com/
- Price: $$
- Dress Code: Gentlemen, please no tank tops, cut-offs or athletic shorts; Otherwise – Nice Casual
- Recommend: YES
Brennans was not originally on our restaurant list but because we were walking the entire trip – we ran across it and plugged it in on our last day in NOLA. Mom and I were not overly hungry so we did not get a huge meal. Due to the fact that its been so long since we were there – I cannot remember the name of the dishes but the below pictures will work! This was also the moment we realized that in NOLA – bread doesn’t come on plates… they come in bags.
The BEST apple dish I’ve ever had <3
Overall Reaction & Tips
Overall, this restaurant was delicious. I wish I didn’t wear my Cafe Du Monde sweatshirt but – it was too cozy to not wear it on a cold, rainy day! The apple dish that I got was so mouthwatering that I wish I had it in front of me right now! I wish I could remember what the name of it was. My mom also would get her dish again! We were very impressed!
- If you have a birthday here – you’ll have the option of getting a huge cotton candy dessert. We witnessed this – It was amazing. Sorry, couldn’t get a picture!
- The atmosphere was gorgeous and they also have an outside area; rain again ruined this for us!
- Service was good.
- Your meal comes with two sugar candies which were delicious!
- Be prepared to see a small menu
Out n’ About NOLA
- Auction House Market – The Lips Bathroom
- Bittersweet Confections
- Trashy Diva
- NOLA 300 Sign
- Love Wins Locks
- Balconies & Alleyways
Auction House Market
- Hours: 12-7pm Closed on Tuesdays
- Location: 801 Magazine St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
- Website: https://www.auctionhousemarket.com/
- Price: $$
- Recommend: YES
This was 100% a place I wanted to go to. It was a long, long walk to get to but we had time to kill before leaving for the airport so we decided to go! I didn’t read that it was also a place where you could get lunch from various places so, we didn’t prepare for this. I didn’t even know what the building/store was called until we got to the address.
The inside was so instagramable it was crazy; so gorgeous inside. If you get a chance to go here, spend a little time – grab a book to read or go out to eat because it is like a food court but 10 times better because it’s more authentic.
The reason we came here was to see the cool LIPS bathroom. Sounds a little funny now that I’m writing this down but it was cool to see the wallpaper in the bathroom that had a ton of lips on it. If you’re into picture taking ops like this, you should totally make the trip and bonus – you get to eat GREAT food!
Bittersweet Confections
- Hours: 7:30am-2:00pm
- Location: 639 S Hennessey St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119
- Website: https://www.bittersweetconfections.com/
- Price: $
- Recommend: YES
This was a shop we stopped at on our walk back from the Auction House Market. A sweet little bakery shop that had macarons so we couldn’t say no!
Trashy Diva
- Hours: 12-6pm Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays
- Location: 537 Royal St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
- Website: https://trashydiva.com/
- Price: $$$
- Recommend: YES
This was a retro women’s clothing store that I decided to put in this post because we stopped at this store multiple times! I’m not normally a retro fashion dresser but this shop had the only ‘non costume’ clothes that had a fleur de lis print on them. I was so surprised that more stores didn’t have fleur de lis attire since that is the symbol for the city. Of course, lots of shops had fleur de lis merchandise just not every day clothing.
My mom decided to gift me this gorgeous dress that had little fleur de lis all over it and I’m obsessed with the vintage style! I never new that I would like this fit on me but it’s really beautiful!
Nola 300 Sign
- Location: atop the steps of Washington Artillery Park
There are a couple of unique signs throughout New Orleans and this was one we stopped at for photos. Just for fun! Nola 300 signs are the celebration of New Orleans turning 300!
Love Wins Locks
- Location: 2040 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana
This was something that I didn’t plan to see but it was cool! It is just a sign that says ‘Love Wins’ with a bunch of locks attached to the gate/door. It reminded me a lot of the love lock bridge I saw in Paris, France so – I had to take a photo of it!
Balconies & Alleyways
Of course, NOLA is known for their gorgeous and stunning balconies and alleys that run through the city. I don’t have specific locations for each balcony or alley but honestly – during your trip you will see them everywhere so you won’t miss the beautiful scenery! This was honestly one of my favorite parts of my trip because you just can’t get this anywhere else! It is what makes New Orleans so special.
In Conclusion For New Orleans Vacation The Final Nola Venture
Overall, the trip to New Orleans, Louisiana was an absolute blast! No doubt there were some ups and some downs but every new place is going to have that! I would definitely go back to several of these locations and of course check out missed opportunities.
If there are things that you’ve seen in New Orleans that you want others to know about that I didn’t mention in my 3 NOLA posts, feel free to comment below to tell others reading this post about them!
I hope you enjoyed my experience with New Orleans and that it helps you with your vacation to this beautiful city. If you have any questions please reach out or comment below!
