New Orleans, LA- November & December 2023

Many years ago, my best friend lived in New Orleans and I always wanted to visit her. But life gets in the way and hurricanes happen. We now live 30 minutes from each other in Indiana and I finally got assigned to New Orleans to end this year. I get why she loved living there and it now rivals my love for New York City. Being able to walk around in 60-70 degree weather was the first step to this Hoosier’s heart, especially in November.

Add in the food, the history and the riverfront – and I am in love again. My job assignment was to assist a new Director of Sales with IT, Sales research and support for 10 +hotels that our management company had recently contracted to manage. Mostly boutique hotels from 40 to 200+ rooms, most with F&B outlets, event space in a heavy tourism market. The French Quarter is full of boutique hotels with interesting, haunting histories in some cases. I should have felt overwhelmed and I did – in a good way.

It is a highly walkable market, my hotel on Canal Street was a few blocks from the French Quarter and a little farther to the Riverfront. Safety can be a concern after dark but I keep in mind the rules for any downtown city area. As my mom would say, nothing good happens after midnight, lol.

My favorites? Cafe Du Monde for beignets and Cafe au lait, bring cash, no credit cards accepted. Royal Street for art galleries and interesting historical information. Red Fish Grill for the crab & ricotta dip, and double chocolate bread pudding. Bourbon House Seafood – where oysters are king but I had an incredible filet. GW Fins where small plates meant I got to try the bbq shrimp, watermelon & feta salad, and lobster bisque. While music was on every corner, I enjoyed the outdoor courtyard setting at House of Blues. The Stanley was a favorite brunch spot, and the Palace Cafe for the white chocolate bread pudding. Take a extra bag for the works of art you will find at Jackson Square, I wish I had.

The new year starts with me in Charlotte NC, and I am excited to get on the road again after a few weeks at home getting some valuable time with family and friends. Where will you go in 2024?

Explore in 24,

Jill