While in New Orleans, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to enjoy some time with my niece, Lauren. She’s been living in New Orleans over 2 years now. Can’t believe it’s been 2 years since she got married at the most beautiful wedding of 2011, but time does indeed fly. So, when I found out I was heading to New Orleans, I let her know when I’d be there and she arranged to meet up with me. She’s a practicing lawyer down there now, after passing the Louisiana bar, which I hear is no small feat. She’s a smart one, that girl.
We were checked into the Royal Sonesta, right on Bourbon Street in the heart of the French Quarter and it was a beautiful place to stay.
I got settled in and ready to do a little sight seeing with Lauren that first day.
The lobby is really pretty.
Snapping a quick pic in my hotel bathroom, I was ready to get out and about in New Orleans. I’ve been here a few times before, so not my first trip.
Lauren and I took a little walking trip to lunch. New Orleans definitely has a flavor all its own.
We passed some pretty buildings on the way, like the Supreme Court.
The French Quarter has such unique architecture and makes you feel like you’re in Europe.
Pretty homes everywhere.
We took a walk a few blocks away to a restaurant that Lauren loves, called August. You know how there are famous chefs in every city? Well, John Besh is one of the best in New Orleans and his restaurant did not disappoint. Every morsel was delicious.
When this French bread came out, I almost cried. It was SO good. I declared it to be the best French bread I’ve ever put in my mouth.
They also brought us these cute little fluffy egg cups, filled with a creamy egg salad.
Strawberry salad was superb. My fish entrée was so good, but the pic I took was blurry.
Suffice it to say, I cleaned my plate.
And saved room for dessert. The cool thing about this restaurant is they offer a 3 course lunch for the same price as the year, so for $20.13 we got all this gourmet food that was expertly prepared. I loved it all! I really, really enjoy good food.
We were just down the street from Lauren and Philip’s loft, so we took time to go by and see their place again, since I haven’t been back since they got married. Check out the snowcone art on the wall. Louisiana is known for their fantastic snowcones.
Lauren’s dog, Stickers, was happy to see me too, even though you can’t tell in this pic, she sat in my lap for a bit. She is getting to be a butterball.
I love their cute loft, but they are now looking at buying a house a little further out. They have no more room to expand in this space.
New Orleans is a walking city in the French Quarter and there is plenty to see.
Lauren and I got to meet up twice and she met me for breakfast the 2nd morning before I left for home.
So many fun sights to see in this city.
Riverwalk
Jackson Square
Making fresh pralines
And Café Du Monde, one of my fave stops in New Orleans.
I can’t leave with out beignets and coffee. They are to die for!
Can you believe Lauren doesn’t like beignets? I can’t either! Oh, well, we will keep her anyway. 
Such pretty girls – what’s your secret Rhoda??? You look YOUNGER each year that goes by! Thanks for the NOLA pics – I’d love to visit one day. Just for the beignets!
Barb
Barbara, you are too kind! I see all the lines and sagging going on, but we all just have to make the best of it,don’t we? Aging isn’t for sissies.
So glad you had a nice trip!!!
Your niece really favors you! Its been years since I have been to NO but there really is no other city like it. Then again, I am not sure there is any humidity like it is there either. LOL Love me some beignets. August is on my Restaurant Bucket List. 🙂
TFS xxoo
Rhoda… what a fab post on N’Orleans. I am forwarding it on to my sister whos son is going to Tulane this year. I’ve been following your blog for years!
I absolutely love New Orleans. Funny I don’t eat beignets either. There is such an energy in that town – it is like nowhere else I have ever been.
Seriously cute top in the hotel picture! Every now and then you ought to do a fashion piece. I love to read about what people get rid of and why, and what they add in new or consignment or thrifted, and how it will work with what they have.
Hey, Kristen, that was an Anthropologie find, on the sale rack. Love their stuff, but only on sale.
Enjoyed this so much Rhoda!
Oooh! I cannot wait to be withing driving distance of NOLA! All of the food looks fabulous. Enjoy reading about the South and learning things as we will be transplants very soon. 🙂
Makes me wish I was there with you! My post today on my blog is about Brennan’s, so N.O. has been on my mind. It’s only 2 and a half hours from here in Fairhope, so before it gets too steamy hot, it’s time for a road trip!
Thanks for the photos. Lauren is a cutie – and a smartie too!
What great time it seems you had, your neice is beautiful. Glad you got some special time together. That food and the sights are beautiful. New Orleans looks like the place to have some great food and alot of fun. Thanks for sharing your trip!
Cynthia
Love Lauren’s chevron top. Do you know where it came from and would you mind sharing?
Hi Lorraine!
I got that top at a small store in Birmingham, AL called THe Pants Store. I am not sure if they have a website or not. Hope that helps!
Lauren
Your trip sounds and looks like it was lovely. I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans your post makes me want to get on a plane.
Denise
When my friend and I went there in 2001 we took the ferry to Algiers to the Mardi Gras Museum and tried on hats and costumes! So much fun!
Loved this post! I am so very blessed to live and work in the New Orleans area…I love it!
Well of course I had to go back and sneak a peek at your niece’s wedding pictures. Oh wow such a beautiful wedding!!! So glad you got to catch up with your sweet niece! Love New Orleans and glory the food is incredible!
Seems like you really had fun! Great photography, btw. I also love the combination of beignets and coffee. It makes me hungry! HA HA. I am now including New Orleans in my list of travel destinations.
I really enjoyed reading this post! Have not been blogging, but am trying to get back into it.
My son is living in New Orleans now, and we are there often!