VAX’s Top Picks for Exploring New Orleans

The verdict is in; travelers around the world love the Big Easy. The combination of rich history, colorful culture and out-of-this-world gastronomy made New Orleans a top destination in 2018 and tourism isn’t expected to slow down any time soon. Help your clients soak up all this wonderful city has to offer with VAX’s picks for exploring New Orleans.

What to Eat -

Gumbo at Commander’s Palace:

A thick stew-like dish consisting of meat, okra and Creole and Cajun seasonings, gumbo is iconic Louisiana fare. While many restaurants in town offer a mean bowl of gumbo, send your travelers to Commander’s Palace for a unique dining experience in the Garden District where they can grab a bite in the famous teal Victorian-style building.

Beignets at Café Du Monde:

When it comes to beignets there’s no better place than Café Du Monde. In fact, their beignets are so sought after the restaurant is open 24/7 so visitors can get their sweet-tooth fix at any hour of the day. A treasure from 18^th century French colonists, a good beignet is comprised of gooey dough that is deep fried to perfection and topped with confectioner’s sugar.

Soft Shell Crab at Galatoire’s:

Are your travelers on the hunt for delectable seafood dishes? Look no further than Galatoire’s soft shell crab for, “one of the best damn pieces of food you’ll ever put in your mouth.” Sadly, this mouth-watering crustacean platter isn’t on the menu every night of the week, but visitors lucky enough to sink their teeth into it will be happy they did.

What to Drink –

Vieux Carré at Carousel Bar:

A signature NOLA cocktail, the Vieux Carré is named after the original French Quarter and is concocted by mixing whiskey, cognac and bitters. Of all the places to sample this unique drink, the best is the Carousel Bar inside the Hotel Monteleone where guests can enjoy their adult beverages on a fully functional, rotating carousel.  

Hurricanes at Pat O’ Brien’s:

While visitors can get handcrafted hurricanes at a variety of upscale bars throughout the French Quarter, only one bar has the claim to fame for the drink’s creation: Pat O’ Brien’s. Sure, the place might be a bit of a dive, but hey, isn’t that part of the fun? After all, the building is one of the earliest establishments in the French Quarter and this fruity rum-drink is sure to help get the party started.

Café Brulot at Antoine’s:

Because it’s always a good idea to combine fire and alcohol, right? For a next-level caffeine pick-me-up, send travelers to Antoine’s where they can experience the Café Brulot, an after-dinner spiced coffee drink that’s prepared over fire. While this all might sound a little extreme, the process is actually quite safe and the bartenders at Antoine’s have perfected their craft.

What to Do –

Paranormal Tourism:

One does not simply go to NOLA, the Voodoo Capital of America, without visiting a few spooky sights. Travelers can tour the infamous LaLaurie Mansion; a gruesome site that was once home to Delphine LaLaurie, a twisted socialite turned serial killer. Or, they can visit Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, a shop dedicated to the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans herself, Marie Laveau. Laveau lived in the 1800s and was famous for her works of community service and her natural flair for theatrics that could often be seen during her ceremonies.  Many people still flock to see Laveau today and she can be visited at her final resting place just down the street from the French Quarter at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

Swamp Tours and Bayous:

For an experience that’s uniquely Louisiana, check out a New Orleans swamp and bayou boat tour. There are a number of boating companies who take visitors out on the open water for a closer look at swamp life including: alligators, snakes and hidden villages. Some tours even make stops at a few of the oldest plantations in the south. These tours are a great chance for visitors to learn about culture and history while being totally immersed in nature.

Art and History:

NOLA is home to a variety of museums that are sure to have something of interest to any traveler. Visit the National WWII Museum for an unforgettable chance to tour and ride an authentically restored PT-boat. Help your travelers get in touch with their artistic side and recommend one of the city’s many local art galleries. Or for a uniquely New Orleans experience, send your clients to a specialty museum such as the Historic New Orleans Collection or the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum.

Where to Stay –

Contemporary Living at the W Hotel New Orleans:

A beautiful courtyard, bright, bold rooms and a lively late-night bar, the W Hotel gives off an artsy vibe that’s perfect for urban visitors. Guests can enjoy the cabana-style pool, unique restaurants and the hotel fitness center to help burn off some of those beignets.

Southern Charm at the Ace Hotel:

The Ace Hotel oozes cool with rooms decorated with artwork from local artists, handcrafted furnishings and interesting details like acoustic guitars and turntables. Guests can indulge in delicious food served on site at one of the hotel’s many restaurants, sip on finely crafted coffees at Stumptown Coffee or enjoy the fantastic rooftop pool and sundeck.

Angels and Devils at the Saint Hotel:

A healthy mix of our best intentions and sweetest temptations, the Saint Hotel’s motto is, “play naughtily but sleep saintly.” This dramatic lodging option features upscale interiors such as crushed velvet drapes and retro furniture. Each guest room is fashioned with unusual artwork, leather headboards and marble floors to play up the angels versus devils theme. During their stay guests will be tantalized by traditional Louisiana dining options, live jazz music and devilishly delicious cocktails.