The Perfect Girls’ Weekend in New Orleans
Last updated 2/2020
When your day job takes you on a road trip to Louisiana, extending your trip to allow time for a weekend in New Orleans is a must. Am I right? A couple of years ago I met up with one my best friends from graduate school in New Orleans for the ultimate girls weekend. Having only been there once before so I was determined to eat as much creole and cajun fare as possible before having to drive back to Indiana.
Photo: Chelsea Audibert via Unsplash
If you have the chance to visit Nola with a good friend, go! No agenda needed. Seriously, we had no plans other than eating some delicious food and drooling over the architecture in the Garden District.
Girls Weekend in New Orleans
Where to Stay in New Orleans
Full disclosure: New Orleans isn't cheap and I personally like to spend cash on food and drink so I always stay wherever I can get an inexpensive room in the French Quarter. I’ve stayed at the La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown which is one of the cheapest options in the quarter plus free breakfast and a pool. I’ve also stayed at the Hilton in the Quarter several times. If you’re traveling on a budget, check out some of these deals.
On the flip side, there are some beautiful properties on Airbnb and VRBO that would be fun if you have a bigger group or what the comfort of having your own kitchen and other amenities. If you want to stay in a more residential area, check out the Garden District or the Irish Channel. You’ll be really close to Magazine Street which is my fav place to shop and not too far from the French Quarter. Here are a few vacation rentals that would be fun for a small group:
Dinner at Carrollton Market in Riverbend
I love reconnecting with old friends when I'm on the road and didn't hesitate to contact my friend Katie, one of my sorority sisters from Birmingham Southern College, when we arrived. Katie is a Nola native and took us to this little gem in the Riverbend neighborhood. It is a tiny restaurant but full of charm and delicious food. We hadn't seen each other in eight years (whoa) so we were too busy catching up for me to take photos but remembered for dessert. It's a must.
Cocktails at The Sazerac
The Roosevelt Hotel
130 Roosevelt Way
The Roosevelt Hotel has been a New Orleans landmark since 1893. Having undergone a major renovation post-Hurricane Katrina, it is a must-see. Grab a drink in the legendary Sazerac Bar. With original Paul Ninas murals, dark walnut bar, and glittering chandeliers, this stunning Art Deco watering hole is as famous for it's decor as its cocktails. If you can't find a seat in The Sazerac, grab a cocktail from the bar and wander around the first floor.
*Another classic bar for cocktails is the Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone.
More Cocktails at LaFitte's Blacksmith's Shop
941 Bourbon St
Built between 1722-1732, it is rumored to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States. Grab a signature purple "drank" and sing classic tunes around a piano with 50 of your closest new friends.
Saturday Brunch at Green Goddess
307 Exchange Pl
This is the cutest little cafe in the French Quarter. Located in Exchange Alley, it has a couple of tables inside right next to their kitchen but most of the seating is actually outside on the patio. Get the duck confit hash with grits and sweet potato biscuits.
Shopping Magazine Street
Magazine Street is packed with boutiques, and vintage shops. Take your time and explore! Bambi DeVille and Funky Monkey are a few of my favorite vintage boutiques. If you need a little pick me up, stop by Haydel’s Bakery for a pastry or gelato or grab a classic cocktail at Cavan’s Happy Hour for just $6 (from 4-6 pm).
Garden District Stroll
It's hot as hell in New Orleans for much of the year but you can see so much most if you walk around, not to mention walk off all the delicious food you're eating. The Garden District a perfect place to gawk over some of the most beautiful houses in the South. Be respectful though, people do live here.
Drinks at Peche
800 Magazine St
After a long afternoon of shopping, Claire and I stopped here for a rest during our walk from Uptown back to the French Quarter. Peche is the latest from restauranteur and James Beard award winner Donald Link of Herbsaint and Cochon. It's a beautiful space with an open kitchen serving up a variety of seafood. We sat at the bar and grabbed a couple of beers, fish sticks, and hushpuppies. I would love to go back and try the raw bar menu.
Dinner at La Petite Grocery
4238 Magazine St
girls weekend | new orleans
This place is an Uptown institution. The building was built 100 years ago as a full-service grocery store with tea, coffee, and butter as the specialties. After years operating as a general store, the restaurant La Petite Grocery opened in 2004. With incredible service, atmosphere, and food, dining here was one of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had. They are known for their burger and fries and I couldn’t resist.
Sunday Morning Breakfast
Before you head out of town, Cafe Du Monde really is a must. Enjoy a cafe au lait and a mound of piping hot beignets covered with an absurd but delicious amount of powdered sugar. If you've been to beignet paradise or just want to stretch the weekend even more? Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the New Orleans classic, Brennan's. They have the most incredible eggs benedict.
Grab your girls, hit the road, and enjoy! Don't forget to make some reservations though. Have you been to New Orleans?
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