New Orleans | A Southern French Dream 🌿🎷

The second and third days of our 3-day trip were spent exploring the heart of New Orleans. For activities outside the city, check out my last post! New Orleans blends French, Spanish, and African cultures, with the Mississippi River flowing through its soul. The old town preserves French architecture and bursts with lively street music — live performances and colorful party vibes are everywhere. It’s passionate, a bit chaotic, deeply soulful, vintage yet vibrantly alive. 🪖 The National WWII Museum A massive museum where Americans tell their own war stories. Mostly text, photos, and films — not many models or artifacts — but the narrative is powerful. It moves through the European and Pacific theaters with care, showing how deeply patriotism is woven into their education. History buffs could easily spend a whole day here. 📜🇺🇸 🚢 Steamboat Natchez Let’s be real — the scenery along the Mississippi is pretty plain. But the experience? Priceless. Step onto this classic steamboat, listen to the live jazz, watch the giant paddlewheel turn, and imagine this very boat carrying goods and people through storms centuries ago. It’s a trip back in time. ⚓🎶 🎷 French Quarter The old town feels magical — live music spills out from restaurants at every corner. Street performers, tourists, and folks in wild outfits fill the streets. It’s lively, a little chaotic — so head back before it gets too late and stay aware at night. 🌙🎭 🎺 Mahogany Jazz Hall A well-known jazz bar with soul-stirring live music. Sip a drink and soak in the atmosphere — but play it safe after dark. 🥃✨ 🍽️ Restaurant Picks Zesty Creole: Local Creole dishes — rich, saucy, a bit salty 🍛 Hot N Cajun Boil House: Beautiful plating, but the seafood tasted frozen — go for the vibe 🦞 Bearcat CBD: Popular brunch spot — expect a line! A tad salty but tasty — worth trying 🥞👌 GW Fins: Seafood lovers — order the Scalibut! So good 🤤 Willa Jean: Trendy breakfast & dessert spot — pretty and delicious 🧁 Acme Oyster House: Classic fried seafood — busy, loud, totally American 🦪🍟 Café Du Monde: Beignets that surprise you in the best way — I grabbed another box at the airport on my way out! 🍩❤️ Luke: Happy hour oysters = great deal! Everything we tried was solid 🦪🍸 #TravelUSA #VisitNewOrleans #NOLATravel #FrenchQuarter #JazzCity #FoodieDiary