Our first big post-COVID family vacation was, of course, to Walt Disney World! Being that it was summer, we decided to take the long way and road trip it. We made our first visit(s) to Buc-ees, broke in new car seats for the kids and used New Orleans as our over night stop. We had so little time on the first round that the kids wanted to schedule one more night in New Orleans on the way home after our already scheduled stay in Gulf Shores, AL. Still being pandemic starved of vacations, of course the adults all said yes. So, that’s how we spent a day and a half in the Big Easy with four generations of our family. Check out some crowd pleasers, and maybe add them to your next trip south.
The French Quarter
If you don’t visit the French Quarter, did you even go to New Orleans?
Homewood Suites
About a seven minute walk (with kids grandparents and great grands in tow) from the heart of the French Quarter and cemetery views
Lafitte’s Black Smith Shop Bar
Touted as the oldest bar in NoLA
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
Ghost Tours
French Quarter
French Quarter
Martha – A Market Customer
Statue in the Dutch Alley
Instrument Men Fountain
In the Dutch Alley
French Quarter
The biggest and littlest catching a cat nap on my arm
The Ghost Queen
The Ghost Queen
Find her on socials: YT – @GhostQueen IG – @GhostQueen333
The Ghost Queen
Grown-up readings
Jackson Square
Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, the square provides a beautiful backdrop for photos, writing, painting or just a little relaxation.
From the riverfront
Jackson Square
Jackson Square Fountain
Little Toy Shop
This sweet shop is alongside the Square
St. Louis Cathedral
This beautiful landmark borders Jackson Square
The French Market District
This collection of shops and bites runs along Peters St. alongside the French Quarter. Our favorite section features vendors and street food and is a great place to pick up souvenirs.
Entrance
French Market
Food Vendors
Mid-City Carriages
In true tourist fashion, we rounded the quarter in a carriage ride from Mid-City Carriages. Everyone enjoyed the ride, and the kids loved getting to dote on the horses post-tour.
Gumbo Shop
Suggested by our carriage guide, this restaurant offers a variety of New Orleans classics that satisfy at decent prices.
Mississippi River
One of the nicest parts of the day was just sitting by the river.
Jean Lafitte’s Swamp Tours
My mom, who was exploring with us, has always wanted to do a swamp tour. Since the littles were too small for an airboat tour, we found this “swamp boat” offering for all ages at Jean Lafitte’s.
Check in & gift shop
Gator statue
Baby gator
Gator Jerky
Gator Jerky
Aboard the swamp boat
Heard Dat Kitchen
This place got RAVE reviews on Yelp, so we were excited to try it! A small building with nothing to speak of for a dining room but a huge flex when it comes to taste and quality. We will 100% be back!
Heard Dat Kitchen
Heard Dat Kitchen
Bourbon Street Love
Southern style fried chcken served over macaroni and cheese topped with shredded cheddar cheese and our signature Crawdat cream sauce, and green oions served with a side of potato salad
Dat Plate
Your Choice of fish, chicken, or Stuffed bell pepper (fried or blackened) served macaroni and cheese, sweet peas, and potato salad
Dat Red Bean Plate
New Orleans style red beans and rice served with salad and bread, your choice of fish or chicken (fried/blackened)
Dat Red Bean Plate
New Orleans style red beans and rice served with salad and bread, your choice of fish or chicken (fried/blackened)
Dat Red Bean Plate
New Orleans style red beans and rice served with salad and bread, your choice of fish or chicken (fried/blackened)
Superdome
Blackened fish topped with mash potatoes with lobster cream sauce, corn and crispy onion rings
Armstrong Park
Being that there wasn’t much of a dining room at Heard Dat, we took our gathering to Armstrong Park to enjoy the evening air and delicious food.
