*from a non-vegan eater... My friend is vegan, likes to walk…read moreand we thought a mini tour of NOLA would be cool. Let's just say... Mark was GREAT, the food was DELICIOUS, the walk was less than 3000 steps (easy, spaced out and flat), there was cool history bits throughout, and the food. Wow. So. Good. We had so many different flavors, everything was Do yourself a favor and try something that you might not have experienced before, this one is an easy win!!! *would do any of Mark's tours, he's just that good!

Date of tour: December 21, 2024…read more After a wonderful food tour in Prague last year, we wanted to replicate the magic stateside while visiting New Orleans, a city with a rich food history and scene. As requested, I will keep the individual location names secret as to not spoil your potential food tour but also because the stops can change and I don't want to have you disappointed if you don't get the same places on your tour. Ty was a great guide, providing us with local history and culture as we ate our way down Magazine Street. The only complaint I have is that they didn't really interact with us during the food portions, standing or sitting off to the side, or running to the next location to make sure we were all set. To me, the guide should be not only the bridge between the locations and food with us, but also a bridge between the different groups on the tour. Ty told us before the tour started that the other folks joining us were from Michigan, but we found out from them later that they were actually from New York. Had these connections been made earlier, it would have enhanced the tour. On to the food, wonderful that it all was! Please note that I may make some errors in the actual names of the food, while I took pictures, I did not write down the names and there wasn't a post-tour recap to assist me! Stop #1: A local sandwich and a seafood side. Both quite good, especially since I don't like olives! Stop #2: An unusual meat that was shockingly good! Stop #3: Seafood options. I've had a different version of one of these items in Asheville, NC. This wasn't quite as good but still tasty. Stop #4: Southern favorites that were so good! I didn't think I would like these but I did. Stop #5: A peppermint fudge cupcake. Sadly, the weakest stop on the tour. Other that tried the gelato came away disappointed and my cupcake was neither overly fudgey or pepperminty. It looked pretty, though!

Costume jewelry, artwork, brickabrac, t shirts booths, Mardi Gras trinkets and masks, graphic…read moreplaying cards, cute printed colorful or revealing dresses for sale. This past year I've had a thing for purchasing copper jewelry- most bracelets from South Korea, Mexico City, Tijuana and Mt. Charleston. Wondered if anyone ever made copper necklaces. I saw a few vendors that had thick linked chains. I bought the medium $45 length- tax is high in New Orleans. Far cry from dainty but copper is supposed to be good for arthritis and health. Ok let's see.

It's been around since 1791, but the six blocks that make up the French Market don't yield much in…read morelocal historical value. Congested with wandering tourists, most of the vendors sell items that could be found at any flea market in the country. A lot of the souvenirs and clothing fell way short in reflecting authentic New Orleans craftsmanship. I was hoping for a market more along the lines of Barcelona's La Boqueria with bounties of fresh produce and appetizing edibles, but there was just a row of fast food kiosks beyond the beignets at Cafe du Monde. Without a doubt, the highlight of the market was the strolling groups of musicians randomly playing jazz to enraptured tourists. RELATED - Exploring New Orleans? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/IvmEoOrXVB

It looks like these ppl have some major telant... Very good art work.. I'm glad to see that the ppl…read moreof New Orleans can come together and make such beautiful work.. way to go ppl. Love it!!!

Take this from somewhere close to Bourbon to the NOMA from - New Orleans Museum of Art. It's only…read more1.25 each way. Exact change only. But also do it just to do it. Not only will you most likely get to see some interesting "characters" on the ride back and forth but also get to a different view from the main tourist center. PS- it's rarely staying on schedule so just go with the flow! Sometimes your driver will just get out at one of the stops if he has to use the facilities!

All I can say is take a ride on a trolley cuz riding in it is an adventure in itself! It's only…read more1.25 each way. And sometimes, without any warning it's free! We too NOMA and the big city park. It was a terrific way to spend half a day.

The Muses super Krewe is the best. This undoubtedly is the most fun crew of all the floats in the…read moreparade on Saint Charles Street. We have been attending parades for the last 3 nights. And each night that the Muses come through they throw the coolest stuff to the crowds below and never miss a moment of entertaining everyone that came to see them. If you go anywhere in New Orleans on Mardi Gras and hear that this Krewe of Muses is having a parade, make time to go there and I strongly recommend you get there early. Because the crowd is going to be thick. Hint: Look for shoes.

The Krewe of Muses 2020 did not get to roll as planned on 2.20.2020 for our 20th Anniversary due to…read moreinclement weather. However, the Krewe did roll the following day! Although we were missing most of the marching units, we paraded on only as us Muses can ! It was an awesome ride and the crowds were out there cheering us on! "happy is he whom the Muses love"

The French Quarter, also known as the "Vieux Carre" is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. It…read moreis also simply called, "The Quarter." It encompasses the land along the Mississippi River from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue (13 blocks) and inland to North Rampart Street (seven to nine blocks) and totals 78 square blocks. Everyone should experience the French Quarter at least once! On one trip to New Orleans, I stayed in an historic hotel in the French Quarter, which made that trip very unique and memorable! It's home to Jackson Square which is a 2.5 acre historic landmark park. Preservation Hall, home to the famous Preservation Jazz Band is a must do in the French Quarter. The House of Blues in the French Quarter was the site of a great Billy Idol show my Sorority Sisters and I saw a few years ago. Pat O'Brien's Bar is a fun stop, with a lively courtyard, famous for their hurricanes, and dueling piano entertainment in their piano lounge. I absolutely love the Old Absinthe House in the French Quarter! It's very intimate, rich with history and folklore, built in 1806 and the location of the creation of the Absinthe House Frappe in 1874. It's very interesting to watch the bartenders make Absinthe, which involves a flame and a spoon. Personally, I don't like absinthe; however, I recommend everyone try it (especially here) at least once to decide for yourself! The Dungeon, also in the French Quarter, was a fun destination club to visit. Back then, it opened at midnight (I'm not sure of their hours of operation today) and again, is quite the intimate place and renowned for being the rock n roll hangout for Kiss, Queen, ZZ Top, 38 Special, and more. Cafe Du Monde is another "must do" in the French Quarter! Do try their coffee and beignets! The chicory flavor is unique and the coffee here is very good especially served au lait! The French Quarter is the original Cafe Du Monde New Orleans location which today is over one dozen locations in NOLA. Do not pass up the opportunity to try the original muffuletta sandwich at the world famous Central Grocery! These are giant, delicious sandwiches and seriously, one sandwich feeds two adults easily. There is always a line at Central; however, it moves quickly. Get a jar of their Muffuletta Olive Salad to go! Do visit the French Quarter and laizzez les bons temps rouler!

What can be said about the French Quarter that hasn't already been written a thousand times?…read more Plenty--once you see it the right way. If you've never been, skip the chaos of Mardi Gras and visit during the quieter stretches of mid-spring, preferably during the day. That's when the Quarter reveals itself. The crowds thin just enough to let you move at your own pace, to look up at the wrought-iron balconies, to hear the music before you see the musician, and to take it all in without fighting your way through it. History here isn't something you read about--it surrounds you. Spend time at Jackson Square, anchored by its iconic statue of Andrew Jackson, and framed by the stunning St. Louis Cathedral. Artists line the square, musicians fill the air, and street performers remind you that this city doesn't separate culture from daily life--it lives it. And then there's the food and music--both deeply rooted, unapologetically bold, and unmistakably New Orleans. Yes, the flavors can lean spicy, but the kitchens here know their audience. Just speak up, and they'll meet you where you are. But here's the truth: no photograph, no movie, no travel piece ever quite captures this place. The French Quarter isn't something you observe--it's something you experience. And once you do, you'll understand why people keep coming back, trying to put into words what is, at its core, impossible to fully explain.

Absolutely astounding experience again at Pulcinella! Greeted warmly by the host & seated for our…read morereservation in a cozy private corner we started with delicious well balanced cocktails. We started with the famous meatball & bread service, upscaled with the artisanal Tuscan olive oil. All I can say is WOW! I have never experienced olive oil like this before, I'll never skip it when it's available now! Our party dined on the seafood cannelloni & stuffed shells for mains. Everything was served promptly, hot & rich with flavor. Everything was fresh, great portions, truly perfection. OH and of course the unmatched hospitality from Bella & Andy is the glitter sprinkled on top. They seem to have thought of it all & we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Also don't miss the opportunity to catch a show at the Original Nite Cap upstairs! We were lucky enough to snag tickets to the Blue Velvet Review and OH MY GODDESS what a fantastic show! This dinner & show combo is a date nite MUST!

Warm Southern Italian gem--great vibes, service, menu, and outstanding wines…read more Charming Southern Italian spot with great vibes, stellar service, and superb wines.

A great way to walk around history. This place is intriguing and mysterious. From street hustlers…read moreto the bars, restaurants and people from all over the world. A great place to have fun and get lost in time at. It's been 26 years since I last was here and hope it won't take this long to return again!

When in New Orleans, Bourbon Street is bound to be on your Big Easy bingo card. So after my husband…read moreand I checked into our hotel, we decided to ring-in our getaway with a quick stop by Bourbon Street. STAR #1 - There's a variety of boozy haunts along Bourbon Street to ensure that your glass is never empty. My husband insisted that I try a hand grenade during our trip. So We made our way to Tropical Isle to check that off the bucket list. For those that haven't tried one, let's call it a Cajun Long Island. STAR #2 - There are some solid places to grab a bite on Bourbon Street. Let's say I'm a big fan of po boys and I def ate my fill. I highly recommend checking out NOLA Po Boys, and don't you dare skip the bisque. Legit next level YUM! STAR #3 - I really enjoy taking in the architecture and local flavor of any city I visit. Bourbon Street def gives you both and more! From taking in the beautiful balconies, the super cool street art, and the nearby cultural haunts - Bourbon Street probably has a little something for everyone. We're gonna refrain from going into detail on the takeaways directly, but let's say that it's not Bourbon Street without a show. There were sights to be seen... And it's not a visit to Bourbon Street without a show. While Bourbon Street is definitely something to experience; it's not on my must-visit list next time I find myself in The Big Easy.

This is a reminder of the devastation from Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It was made from leftover…read morescraps to resemble a house in a tree, a memorial by a local artist that was dedicated on the 4th anniversary of Katrina. This visual reminder of what happened with boats in trees, cars on top of houses, and mattresses in places they never should be.

Made from leftover scraps to resemble a house in a tree, a memorial by a local artist that was…read morededicated on the fourth anniversary of Katrina, this is a visual reminder of what happened. Boats in trees after the storm, cars on top of houses, mattresses in places they never should be. A stark reminder of what happened in the past and what can happen in the future through natural disasters.

If you're looking for a quieter and calmer vibe than Bourbon Street, look no further than the…read morestreet right next to it. There are no chicken/pizza and daiquiri shops, there is no loud music, there are no huge flashing signs, and there are fewer crowds. Instead, there are a lot of small boutique shops and art galleries. It still has all the vibes of New Orleans with the architecture and balconies but none of the craziness and partying. It's definitely refreshing and better for your ears.

This is a more laid back street to me…read more Lots of boutiques and art galleries scattered for blocks. Residential 6-8 blocks down from Canal street l. This is more like my kind of street.