I find it odd that I am just now making my way to New Orleans. I’m surprised we never made a girls trip of it but the Raconteurs at The Fillmore will certainly get me there. What does one do in NOLA when they’re solo traveling?
Well I’ll tell ya! Lots of history, food, art and good vibes. I didn’t waste any time when I arrived. I booked my lodging at the La Quinta Wyndham New Orleans because it was centrally located and would allow me to walk to most places on my list. As soon as I got settled, I started heading towards Bywater. I suggest downloading the RTA NEW app for transportation within the city. For $3/day you’ll be allotted unlimited bus and street car transportation. I decided that walking was best for me so I could stop along the way.
I happened to pass a used bookshop called Beckham’s that also featured a record shop on the third floor called Man Ray Records. Very cool vibe if you’re into that kinda thing.
First stop, Cafe Du Monde. Historically, this is everyones first stop due to their legendary beignets. If you don’t mind eating on the go, I suggest using the take-out window which was a lot quicker than dining in. I grabbed my beignets, hot chocolate and a souvenir coffee mug and hit the pavement. I encountered several people with white powder all over the clothes and initially thought everyone was having a wild time, partying in NOLA but don’t worry friends, it was just beignet powder!
Across the street from Cafe Du Monde is Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral. Before crossing Decatur St, take a peek from the Washington Artillery Park. You’ll see the entire Square including a statue of General Jackson mounted upon his horse from the victorious Battle of New Orleans.
I continued my journey towards Bywater where I eventually hopped on the Crescent Park Trail to see the Rusty Rainbow Bridge. I loved the view of downtown NOLA from the top- and lucky me, Euclid Records was right across the street.
Bywater is a very eclectic part of town. The houses all vary in color with remarkable art found at every corner. Imagine your childhood neighborhood with a splash of hipster. Speaking of art, you do not want to miss visiting “Studio Be”, a warehouse with several art installations created by Brandan “BMike” Odums that concentrates on the importance of equality and reflects the plague of racism experienced in our country today. The southern exterior of the building has an enormous mural featuring a local, three-year-old girl who didn’t recognize herself at first because she is painted purple, haha. This was my favorite stop in NOLA.
Austin food critic, Matthew Odam, provided me with several restaurant options before my trip. I’m always very appreciative of his recommendations and lets face it- he knows best. Peche was my dinner choice for the evening. They were extremely busy but found a spot for me at the bar. Possibly one of my favorite dishes of all time- the crab salad with cucumber + dill from the raw bar. I also throughly enjoyed the crab and pumpkin bisque with sunflower seeds + chive oil and my entree, the grilled tuna with butternut squash + almonds. It tasted just as good as it sounds.
The next day I visited the Backstreet Cultural Museum for $10 which included entry and tour. I hope I remember this all correctly, but the ostrich feathers used for each costume are shipped from New York and California. They send a sample of all colors and then the artist ships back the colored feather of their choice. Once created in bulk, the feather company will ship their order. Some costumes weigh as much as 150 lbs! Could you imagine how hot and heavy that would be during summer in New Orleans?!
The costumes are worn five times a year and then they are either displayed, stored in a warehouse or disposed of. Each parade is allotted four hours with no rules. Funerals were also a big deal. The body of the deceased would be taken 12-24 blocks via cart or hearse if getting on the interstate.
Right around the corner from The Backstreet Cultural Museum is “Port of Call” burger joint, also recommended by Odam. One of the benefits of traveling solo is always finding an open seat at the bar! I ordered immediately and even received a comment from the man next to me about how quickly I inhaled the entire plate. Mind your business, bro.
That night, The Raconteurs melted my face and I lost my hearing for two days. This was their first night back after a two week break and they sounded AMAZING. Also worth mentioning, Olivia Jean designed the poster for this show and it’s one of my favorites from the tour. It now has a happy home, framed on my bedroom wall. Thanks again for another rocking show, guys! Photo below was taken by the Raconteurs photographer, David James Swanson. Can you spot me? 🙂
