Winter would be Goldilocks’ favorite season in New Orleans because it's
not too hot and it's not too cold... it's just right!
Whether you stay in a quaint old bed and breakfast or the
internationally popular Hotel Monteleone, the French Quarter will feel like home as
soon as you arrive.
Put on your walking shoes and stroll the streets
as live music and the best jazz in the world flow into the streets from
almost every restaurant and club.
Start your day with "Breakfast at Brennan's," a must-do tradition in
New Orleans. Brennan's fabulous Creole-influenced food is legendary,
from their savory seafood gumbos to Brennan's world-famous creation,
Bananas Foster.
Spend the morning browsing wonderful antique shops, arts and crafts
galleries, and funky stores with voodoo and Mardi Gras themes. For lunch,
visit Bourbon Street. Locals love the wacky Clover Grill with its retro
decor and outspoken wait staff. Then, return to your hotel for a short
afternoon nap; you'll be out most of the night, and you'll want to
enjoy every minute of it.
Choose an elegant dinner at Arnaud's Restaurant at the corner of
Bourbon Street and Bienville. Arnaud's is popular with locals and visiting
celebrities alike, with a well-earned reputation for the best live
Dixieland jazz in New Orleans. Start with the restaurant's signature Shrimp
Arnaud, unless you're daring enough to try their Alligator Sausage.
Follow that with Creole Crabcakes or a filet stuffed with oysters, and
you'll wish that you could bring Arnaud's chef home with you.
After dinner, select one of the many "ghost tours" of the French
Quarter for a good scare and some chilling tales. You'll soon realize why
Anne Rice made New Orleans her home and it has inspired many of her
novels.
New Orleans' 24-hour liquor laws and relaxed lifestyle are two reasons
why Bourbon Street comes alive when other cities are closing for the
night. Grab one of the French Quarter's unique drinks, from the
Hurricane to the famous Hand Grenade (which claims to be New Orleans' strongest
drink), and enjoy great music, fun people, and lots of laughter. As
you stroll from one bar to the next, you'll wonder if "Dancin' in the
Streets" was about New Orleans.
As dawn approaches, you'll be glad that you chose a New Orleans
vacation, and after a few hours' sleep, you'll be ready for another fabulous
day (and night) in one of America's favorite cities.