I can’t believe I’m just posting part 2 of our NOLA trip! Better late than never I guess. It was just too fun not to share! (Here’s the link to part 1)
We woke up pretty early on Saturday and headed out for about an 8 mile run. We ran from the French Quarter up Esplanade Ave and around City park before making our way back to Bourbon Street. I wish I had pictures of Esplanade Ave, it had so many beautiful Southern homes. The miles flew by because there was so much to look at! City Park was also beautiful and there was a nice half mile loop around a lake that was great for adding some milage.
When we got back to the Royal Sonesta to get ready for the day. We spent a few minutes by the pool taking in the sunny morning and then we went in search of the Gumbo Shop, which had been highly recommended.
There you have it–authentic new orleans gumbo. This seafood based gumbo was surprisingly light. I kicked it up a notch with lots of hot sauce.
After lunch, we enjoyed some jazz in Franklin Square.
Then it was time for MORE FOOD. We shared an order of barbecue shrimp from Deanies. Wow, this stuff is INDULGENT. Really amazing though, it might be my favorite food of the trip–and definitely the messiest. Sorry I don’t have a picture–how did that happen? Instead, here’s a picture of Frank looking very serious.
Then, of course, more music at Legends Park.
After some more time around town, we took the street car to Emeril’s Delmonico. The only other Emeril’s restaurant I’ve been to was Emeril’s in Orlando, which was amazing, so I had high hopes.
Strawberry fig salad–yum
I had a white fish crusted in cornmeal and served with a pineapple slaw and plantains. It was very different but very good.
Frank’s filet.
After dinner, we headed to Frenchmen’s Street, which was a really fun, hipster area with jazz in every club, coffee shop and restaurant. It was a nice change of pace from Bourbon Street.
Our last morning, we did a 2.5 mile to the Garden District, where we did a self-guided walking tour of the homes. For a history and architecture nerd like me, this was one of my favorite parts of the trip. While I failed miserably at taking pictures, highlights include Sandra Bullock’s house, John Goodman’s House and the childhood home of Eli Manning. But even the non-celeb homes had really interesting histories. While I’d love to go back and do an expert guided tour of the area, if you’re short on time, I do recommend this free self-guided tour from Frommer’s.
Wednesday I leave for trip to Ireland, Spain and France. I can’t wait! I have some great trips lined up for this summer:
June: Wedding in Ireland, eating and wine tasting in San Sebastian and Rioja, relaxing in Paris.
July: Martha’s Vineyard for 4th of July and Savannah to see Ashley and Bo!
August: Visit upstate to see my family
September: Escape to Miami Sprint Triathlon!
Do you have any exciting travel plans?
