new orleans…i wish i had a few more days to spend with you. it was every bit as darling as i remember, but even more so thanks to the many suggestions you provided. so a big thank you! today i’m sharing some photos and a few favorites from my recent visit. i know there is plenty more to see and experience, so perhaps there will be another trip—and soon i hope! i simply can’t get over the charm and good eating in this city.
the garden district is my favorite area and where i spent most of my time. loved the peaceful pace, the tree lined streets and pastel period homes. i stayed at the henry howard hotel which is an 1867 townhouse converted into an 18-bedroom boutique hotel. the property was gorgeous and there is a lovely front porch and parlor for morning coffee and evening drinks. they don’t serve meals here, but that wasn’t a big deal since there were so many great eateries to experience in the city.
first street is where i stumbled on the stately home of novelist anne rice and the much grander joseph caroll house. i skipped the historic streetcars along st. charles and chose to walk around town instead. magazine street had plenty of spots for eating and shopping—especially for antiques. i did hit district for donuts (the coconut cream one especially) and i really liked the the decadence of the tasting room for bites and drinks.
the best eating i found making my way to the arts and warehouse districts. everything at cochon was delish (i tried the fried alligator!) and pesce was the best all-around meal from appetizers to dessert. brunch and baked goods at willa jean was terrific, too. in this area i also stumbled on the gorgeous new ace hotel (which i shared earlier) and this green gem below. listed on the national register of historic places, the swoop-duggins house was formerly a home, one of the longest running brothels, a restaurant and now an airbnb rental and gastrolounge called the cellar door. i now know where i’m staying and eating on my next visit!
the french quarter is the pulsing heart of the city. music, terraces, carriages, mardi gras beads and bars aplenty! in two afternoons i was able to squeeze it all in. beignets at cafe du monde, a cocktail at the carousel, pimm’s and a muffaletta at napoleon house…you name it. the latter i loved the most in nola and caribbean drinks at cane & table was high up there.
a thirty minute walk east and i found myself at the airy fusion-food hall known as st. roch market. and lastly a quick uber ride led me to willie mae’s for their famous southern fried chicken. it was the best i’ve had yet.
• all photography by leslie santarina.
Such an inspirational place! Thanks for sharing so I can travel vicariously through you!!
Wow! Looks like you had a great trip to Nawlin’s! Oh how I miss NO!
oh how i love new orleans! you’ve got a photo of my mama’s house amongst this post :)
Amazing! Which one is her house?? They’re all beautiful and she is one lucky lady.
the grey double-storey one with the balcony overflowing with ferns!
did you go into the back dining area at brennan’s? it’s fantastic! great booths.
i also love the simple interior at cane & table. and.. what about the sliders and donuts at district donut? so good! new orleans is the best.
I love this post! I’ve never been to New Orleans, but I’ve always been so intrigued by it. I love the architecture and the mixed cultures. I have to make my way down south someday!
I hope you do may your way there soon. Such a beautiful and lively city and very easy to pack into one long weekend,
I was just in NOLA in March and I could have a whole new trip with everything you mentioned! Such a cool city, I can’t wait to go back!!!
Leslie- I saw this piece referenced on Twitter and thoroughly enjoyed it! Living just outside of Baton Rouge, I make frequent trips to New Orleans and my daughter has dubbed it “our second home”. New Orleans is a photographer’s paradise with it’s blend of different cultures and styles, and you have done an excellent job of capturing the beauty and the atmosphere. It’s definitely a unique place, and you know it’s been a great trip when you leave making plans for your next visit!
Thank you for your sweetest note! Gosh I felt I needed just a bit more time here. There were areas I still wanted to visit and photograph. There will be another trip indeed. So lucky you’re so close!!