Hello my dears!
You know what time it is? Time for you to ease on down to New Orleans for a visit. It’s been time, in fact… you’re late but it’s fine. We take it mostly slow down here.
Every few months I put together a list of some of my New Orleans favorites. Spots I frequent for coffee and breakfast sandwiches. Neighborhoods that I never get tired of strolling. Shops with the best wares. And spots to sit with the sunset or admire the Spanish moss. There’s really so much in this city and every time I make a list it feels like it barely scratches the surface.
When I’m hanging out in a new city I like to eat (everything) and walk (almost everywhere, as a way to eat more of everything). I’ve designed one very fine day in New Orleans based on my love of eating and walking. Because there’s lots of on-foot stuff, this little guide is limited to one very walkable neighborhood: the Garden District and Lower Garden District, New Orleans.
Here’s one option for a very fine day in New Orleans.
• Good morning! Grab coffee at one of my favorite spots in the city Cherry Espresso Bar in the Lower Garden District.
• Breakfast could be a pleasing walk down Magazine Street to a sweet little spot by the folks behind the tremendously popular and effortlessly cook Turkey and the Wolf: Have breakfast at Molly’s Rise and Shine. Keep in mind that Molly’s is BYOB but they have orange juice and bloody mary mix. You could stop by a corner store in the walk between coffee at Cherry Espresso and breakfast at Molly’s Rise and Shine if that’s your thing!
• Take a walk around the enchantingly beautiful Garden District. This self-guided walking tour makes for a great post-breakfast stroll.
• Some really great spots to pop in for a snack and drink on Magazine St are: Gris Gris, Tito’s Ceviche and Pisco, La Boulangerie, and Cavan (if you’re strolling by on a weekend).
• Some of my favorite places to shop along Magazine St are included in this list from 2018.
• A sunset plan is never a bad idea. A sunset plan might also coincide with Second Lunch or First Dinner. Stop at Big Fisherman boiled crawfish before 5pm and pick up a few drinks at Breaux Mart next door. Take a car up to the Fly for a sunset picnic along the river.
Some of my other favorite New Orleans spots this Spring:
• Nola Brewing and Urban South are great breweries in town with fun tap rooms. And Urban South has afternoon crawfish boils!
• The Saint Bar – if you see me at The Saint it’s best if we avoid eye contact because I’ve probably had tequila and I’m probably dancing too hard to Britney Spears.
• Marjie’s Grill hands-down makes some of the best food in the city. If they have shrimp? Get it. The house cocktail? Get it! You’re welcome.
• If you find yourself in the French Quarter go to Longway Tavern. Their back patio is soothing, their cocktails are great and it’s a classy spot in the Quarter!
If you’d like some other city suggestions I have some older links for you here:
My Favorite Places To Dine Alone in New Orleans
Joy the Baker’s New Orleans By Neighborhood
See you in New Orleans soon! Be sure to check out The Bakehouse schedule – you’re welcome to stop in for a baking workshop with me!
Happy Mardi Gras! XXOO
Joy
John
I love New Orleans! I cant wait to go back myself! I love that dress! Thank you for sharing and getting me excited for my next trip.
Aimee
Long long ago, I made your vegan chocolate covered sunflower seed cookies and now 2 kids later, I wanted to introduce them to my sons but can’t find the recipe on your website. Any chance of being able to get that again? And btw-you’re amazing. Thank you for all that you do!
Sharon H.
Well….I hope Joy answers you :)
I found this, but I cannot see the recipe. Perhaps my computer is being weird – hope this helps!
https://joythebaker.com/2011/04/vegan-chocolate-chocolate-chip-cookies/
Marie
Do you mind sharing where you got your cute dress?
Tori
DNO is such a great store, ahhh! I just got back from New Orleans last Friday. It was my second trip, and I am actually figuring out how to move there later this year now! I can’t stop thinking about it. Hopefully I’ll be able to take one of your Bakehouse workshops soon :)
Cee
Thanks, just what I needed!, We’re coming in late March. Wish I could have catch a workshop though.
Jake
I personally find my home away from home at Copper Monkey on Conti St. in the Quarter.
Kate
Perfect timing! I will be down in New Orleans in April to speak at a conference.
Chrissy
There is absolutley nothing wrong with dancing too hard to Britney. I do it at home, without the aid of tequila.
Sarah Fuller
May I just say that I just love you so much. I’ve been following you for a while and your ease, thoughtfulness, and humor just make my day. Any recommendations specifically for vegetarians (sometimes pescatarian?). I’ve been going to New Orleans at least a couple times a year for about a decade but this time my boyfriend is coming along – he’s the veg/pescetarian and I thought it’d be nice to take him somewhere special. We’re very much the fun cocktail in a funky place or a sour in a dive bar kind of people… if that makes sense?
Heather
See this REALLY makes me miss HOME!!! I was born and raised in NOLA and the Garden District was my home base! My very first job was on Magazine St. I miss home every day!! Have a happy Mardi Gras this Tuesday!!
Tamara
Thank you for this. I didn’t even notice last years. I’m headed to New Orleans for my birthday. So I’ll I’m definitely saving this.
Abigail
I AM SO HAPPY YOU POSTED THIS! I’m coming in April!
sgw
I second that! Love your posts.
Rena
You look fantastic in your spring dress!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com