You’re cordially invited to visit New Orleans! The city is calling.
It’s my favorite time of year in beautiful New Orleans! The air is markedly less swampy, with just a hint of chill in the night air. Fall brings a sort of revitalization to the city. It’s like everyone has come out of their lazy summer slumber, outdoor restaurant seats fill, sunset walk are more neighborly, everyone is less sweaty and heat-frayed.
New Orleaneans welcomes any and every reason to decorate a porch and wear a wig so the upcoming Halloween holiday is about to turn up the volume in the whole city. Get here. Get ready.
Here are my ten favorite things to do and places to visit in New Orleans this Fall!
1 • The Fly • A park on the back side of the Audubon Zoo in the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans. The Fly is a local’s spot, right along the Mississippi River. Peaceful and lovely. The perfect place to enjoy an early dinner / cheese picnic / to-go daiquiri sunset moment.
2 • Brunch at Luke Restaurant inside Hilton Hotel is delicious! • The Fried Chicken and Biscuit with a fried egg is beyond! And if you sit in the back of the restaurant, you can gaze lovingly inside their open kitchen… if that’s your thing. Also really wonderful, the oysters! So much good! #HiltonAtPlay
3 • Sucre Bakery on Magazine St is my late Fall morning go-to. Black coffee, a small plate of macarons and some dreamy eyes towards their other beautiful cakes. Sucre is art. My favorite are the pistachio and strawberry macarons but everything is pretty pretty and tasty too!
Also! The makers of Sucre have a restaurant in the French Quarter. I haven’t been yet, but check out Salon by Sucre if you’re in town!
4 • My must lunch with a Pimm’s Cup is the Fried Shrimp Po Boy at Parkway Bakery. Do it. Don’t ask any questions.
5 • A trip to the track! New Orleans is a place that feels like no where else on earth. I feel like a visit to the track doubles that feeling. With the cooler temperatures, the horses are out and running around! Fairgrounds Race Course. 
6 • Cochon isn’t seasonal, but it is a must eat! Order the grilled oysters, the shrimp and bacon sandwich and every cocktail with bourbon. You’re welcome. Actually, I have nothing to do with it… Donald Link does all the work. 
7 • Early evening sazeracs at The Sazerac Bar inside the historic Roosevelt Hotel. Essential. Maybe even over-dress a little. You wouldn’t want to be outdone by the artwork. 
8 • I love walking around the French Quarter just before Halloween. The quarter feels ancient and haunted on its own, but the homage to Halloween is strong. Do you know about the haunted The LaLaurie House? The history is terrifying. 
Here are the entryway Halloween decorations of the LaLaurie house, a reference to the grisly owners Dr Louis and Delphine LaLaurie. New Orleans takes its hauntings very seriously. 
9 • A less gruesome walk through the modern art museum. There’s a lot of great art in this city. Museum time! 
10 • Get out and about. New Orleans in the Fall is the most lovely city to explore on foot. One of my favorite things to do is this self-guided Garden District walking tour. Have I convinced you? I knew it! We’ll see you real soon!
This post in partnership with Hilton Hotels #HiltonAtPlay.
Jess Elyse
Sucre and Parkway for the win! The Camellia Grill and Creole Creamery in Uptown are also some of my favorites! Great list!
Elle
Eeep! I was JUST in New Orleans and wish I would had read this post before I went! We did a couple of these things, Garden District etc…but dang, I will have to bookmark this post for a future visit. I loved every second in your city!
alicia
Oh Joy! Found you on Jess Lively’s podcast & you feel like an old friend. Although I still consider myself a local, I moved away years ago. Visiting soon & can’t wait to try out a few of your suggestions. Maybe I’ll see you when I get there!
Hannah
I dream of Parkway…
joythebaker
i understand you.
leighfrat@gmail.com
Hi. Love the list. What’s the weather like in the winter?
Thanks.
joythebaker
It’s a very wet cold. Which seems to feel colder than a dry cold.
Stacey Apple
im currently planning a bachelorette party in to be had in NOLA in February! All of these suggestions look so great! I cannot wait!
jessica
yay! i’ll be traveling from philly to new orleans this weekend with my brother and some friends. so glad i saw this post!
joythebaker
Have the best time! I love Philly as much as I love Nola!
Ariana Sparkle
Oh my, this has been a lovely post! I’ve been to New Orleans once before, but not I definitely want to go back. :) There’s just something about the mystery of New Orleans that brings a certain charm.
Lori
I already knew I wanted to visit. You reminded me it needs to be soon!
Jabeen Waheed
Coming to New Orleans in December!
Can’t wait!
Jabeen x
http://www.spilling-the-beans.co.uk/
Arturo
Love Cochon, one of my favorite places to visit when Im there for Jazz-fest. Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits is also right up there.
Patty
You left out a cocktail at The Columns!
Melissa @ Eat. Lift. Play. Repeat.
My husband and I LOVE New Orleans. He has been wanting to try Cochon for a while now. I’m so glad it is delicious!
Heather
I’m visiting New Orleans for the first time in 3 weeks, and this post has made me even more excited for it! You have highlighted exactly the things I want to do. I plan to eat good food, listen to good music, and check off this list! Thanks Joy!
marisa
on my list …I want macaroons and those oysters …..
Na?a
These macarons are amazing !! :)
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Jen
New Orleans is one of my favourite cities. I loved it even before my husband and I got engaged there but now it’s even more special. I can’t wait until I get to go back!
Katelyn McPhee
I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans and this post makes me want to go even more!!
Considering The Radish
A few years ago I spent two days in New Orleans for a conference. I was only able to get out a few times, but had some incredible oysters and wandered around the Garden District, which seemed yanked right out of an Anne Rice novel. Ever since that short trip I’ve been trying to find a way back.
emily Weir
My husband and I are planning to visit in February for our anniversary as well! I’ve got this pinned so I can remember to check out a few of the spots. Fried chicken with a biscuit and a fried egg? Sign me up.
citlphoto
Is that first photo your house? I LOVE all the decor!
Libby
My husband and I are coming in May for our anniversary! You’ve got me convinced, though, that we should probably come back once every six months.
Deb
I’m hopefully coming to NOLA in September next year. SO excited for beignets and music!! And it’s sounding like a good time to go :-).
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche
I’m travelling to New Orleans in February for Mardi Gras! Absolutely can’t wait. I’ll definitely check out this post again before I go – I know it’ll be a different time of year but a lot of it will still be relevant!