Last Stop Before Vacation Ends: New Orleans 🚗🎷

We hit the road heading west at 10 AM and made a stop at the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. Though a bit rushed, this place is truly worth exploring slowly and soaking in all the history.✨ Checked into the hotel around 5:30 PM, then headed to Zesty Creole for jambalaya, gumbo, and fried alligator. The alligator was so thoroughly fried you couldn’t even tell it was gator 😂. The first two dishes were pretty salty — my dad had to head back to the hotel for a banana and apple “top-up.” Also, those extra biscuits? $2.50 each… ouch. True to the “you must listen to music in New Orleans” rule, we popped into a bar first for a sweet little cocktail — quite nice! My mom was tired and headed back, but my dad stuck with me as we went to Preservation Hall for some jazz. Founded in 1961 with the mission to preserve traditional New Orleans jazz, the venue is intimate, historic, and full of soul — a truly special experience. We loved every note!🎷 And on the way back, we spotted this chill cat lounging on a bench by the elevator — the literal embodiment of New Orleans’ laid-back vibe 🐱. Huge thanks to my awesome friend who bombarded me with food and bar recommendations — you made this trip delicious and unforgettable! #NewOrleans #NOLA #Louisiana #Jazz #TravelDiary 🍤🎺✨