Oh, love is in the air! I love love and I am happy when I see people in love. It’s bachelorette season. You and your girls are on a mission to have the best weekend while celebrating the upcoming nuptials of the soon-to-be bride. A long time ago bachelorette parties would consist of a dinner and maybe a night out on the town. Things up stepped up and the girls want to have fun just like the boys. So I thought it was time to feature a few great bachelorette destinations, first stop New Orleans.
NEW ORLEANS
I don’t think you are surprised that I added NOLA aka The Big Easy to this list. New Orleans, known for its unbelievable food (you must go to Cafe Beignet or Cafe Du Monde for beignets), great live music and an all-night/all-day party life is one of the number one destinations for soon-to-be brides and grooms. You will remember I included Voodoo Fest in our festival guide, well there is always something happening in NOLA. Whether you plan to check out Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, Creole Fest or Tales of the Cocktail Fest there is always something going on. It’s one of those weekends where pacing yourself is essential. It’s easy to get lost in the NOLA spirit as you walk the French Quarter where dancing in the streets is a must. Seriously, everyone is there for a good time. It gets really hot from June to August, so keep this in mind. A lot of people prefer the weather early spring or the fall.
Where To Stay
Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans – 921 Canal St.
Ritz-Carlton NOLA, located on Canal Street used to be the famed department store, Maison Blanche. It’s outdoor courtyard and fountain caught my eye. It’s the perfect setting for a ladies brunch. This hotel is simply beautiful and you will love that it “retains the grace and charm of an antebellum mansion.” It’s just a block from Bourbon Street another place for you to explore. The best part of this hotel is that you can have a mix of relaxation and party. You can enjoy live music at their Davenport Lounge or relax at the on-site spa which offers more than 100 treatments. Their restaurant M Bistro serves farm-to-table authentic New Orleans cuisine.
Ritz-Carlton New Orleans Courtyard
Hotel Suite – I love the decor.
The Roosevelt Hotel – 130 Roosevelt Way
The Roosevelt Hotel opened its doors in the early 1900s. It is one of the South’s first luxury hotels. I guess you can call this hotel legend since so many iconic musicians are a huge part of their live entertainment and history. This includes Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles and Jack Benny. The Blue Room and The Sazerac Bar is where the magic happens, with live entertainment and signature cocktails. You may also want to dine at Domenica when you will indulge your taste buds with regional Italian cuisine. Food & Wine dubbed Domenica as the top restaurant in 2012. Executive Chef Alon Shaya won the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: South award.
The Roosevelt Hotel New Orlean Patio Drinks
The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans Teddy Café
The Windsor Court Hotel – 300 Gravier Street
Well, if Forbes thinks this hotel is one of the best, I think you should consider it. If you decide to go to NOLA during the warmer months, I think the Windsor Court’s rooftop pool will be one of your favourite places to cool off with a view overlooking the action. You will notice the decor has a classic old English sensibility that dates back to 1984. Although recently renovated they have kept the charm that patrons have loved for many years. Spacious guest suites with great views, an afternoon tea that’s too good to miss or French Truck Coffee at Café Anglais and a decadent dining experience at one of the world’s best restaurants The Grill Room. I think you and your bride-squad will have the best time ever!
Enjoy afternoon tea at the Windsor Court Hotel
The perfect setting for a bachelorette. Junior suite at Windsor Court New Orleans
Where To Eat
Café Du Monde – 3 locations check their website
Cafe Du Monde Beignets
I am sure this will be one of your first stops when you arrive. I don’t think there’s a single person who doesn’t make a trip to Cafe Du Monde for beignets unless you are gluten-free but even then I would break the rules and eat a few. What is life without a little rule breaking, besides they look so good!
Brennan’s Restaurant – 417 Royal Street
Brunch at Brennan’s New Orleans
I have been told that Brennan’s makes the best poached eggs, for those who love poached eggs. Brennan’s has been around since 1946. The decor is just beautiful. You get a feel of New Orleans with a modern approach – old NOLA meets new NOLA. The menus by Executive Chef Slade Rushing capture this approach quite well by marrying contemporary cuisine with traditional Creole influence.
Lula Restaurant Distillery – 1532 St. Charles Avenue
Lula Restaurant Distillery
This restaurant is new to the NOLA restaurant scene but I think it will be the next hot spot for locals and tourists. I thought you might want to be in the know before it gets too busy to get a table. What makes Lula unique is that it has an in-house micro-distillery that produces three different spirits (Gin, Vodka, and Rum) and a full southern bistro-style menu.
Where To Drink
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop – 941 Bourbon St
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (Image by Jan Kronsell)
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is America’s oldest structure used as a bar. Apparently, it’s haunted by pirates which adds to the whole NOLA mystique, a culture rooted in spirituality, magic, witchcraft, and voodoo. If you stop by you have to order the purple drink, because it’s what you do when you go there.
Cane & Table – 1113 Decatur Street
Cane & Table New Orleans (via Cane & Table/Kevin O’Mara)
Cane & Table, located in French Quarter is a local hot spot, which means it’s good. It’s always the places that the locals love, places overlooked by tourists that end up being the best places to check out. This is something I learned while traveling years ago. Cane & Table serves Caribbean snacks at the bar as well as delicious proto-tiki cocktails.
The Empire Bar at Broussard’s – 819 Rue Conti
The Empire Bar at Broussard’s
When in Nola stop by Broussard’s restaurant in house bar, The Empire to have a cocktail made a legendary bartender, Paul Gustings. Make your way to the gorgeous courtyard for more cocktails.
What To Do
Explore The French Quarter
New Orleans French Quarter – take in the cities bright buildings and rich history.
I encourage to explore as much as possible. A trip to NOLA is not complete without exploring the French Quarter aka Vieux Carré, you just never know what you might discover in a place rich with so much culture. The architecture here dates back to the late 18th century. Visit the Cabildo House or St. Louis Cathedral or Jackson Square. You will definitely stumble upon great cafés and bars.
Swamp Tour
NOLA Bayou
You can’t go to NOLA without experiencing a swamp tour. It’s something I would definitely be into and to be honest a good change up to the constant party. Personally, I have never enjoyed a non-stop party weekend. If I am going to a new place, I like to see the place and have new experiences. I think a day in the bayous will be a memorable experience. There are a lot of options for this, a lot of people like Cajun Encounters including many celebrities (if that even matters to you).
Shop
French Market NOLA (Source: Jim Nix)
NOLA has a lot of great shops, this includes antique shops where you can get one of kind items. Buy some art from local artisans or shop novelty items at the French Market. The best way to find great shops is to ask a local. Razzle Dazzle is a tourist favourite so add it to your list.
Follow along for our next location.
