New Orleans

I firmly believe that cities have their own unique personalities, and just like a person, you cannot make them fit neatly into your own preconceived notions. That would be dishonest to their own personhood, and leave you missing the beautiful complications of human life. So it is with cities. You must arrive with open hands, willing to receive whatever blessing she might bestow on you.

New Orleans’ personality draws me in like that friend who is the perfect mix of smooth and off-beat and utterly confidant in herself in a way that lets you be whatever you are. The city is both spicy like the jambalaya on your plate, and smooth like the chicory coffee in your cup. It is unexpected like the trumpet’s notes, and welcoming like the outstretched arms of the oak tree. The city’s history is as thick as the southern air that fills your lungs and mysterious like the fortune tellers in the square.

I have not met an individual that has called New Orleans home that does not sing her praises. So if you find yourself anywhere near Louisiana, do yourself a favor and follow the Mississippi and spend some time in the Crescent city.

Tim and I decided to brave the mid summer heat and visit New Orleans for my 25th birthday last June. We walked all over the city, allowing ourselves reprieve each afternoon in Hotel Provincial’s pool. Here are some of my favorite moments (and meals!) from that trip…

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Cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe du Monde, a must.

Pre-dinner drinks at Cane and Table.

Dinner at Coquette.

The setting for some of the most incredible music at Preservation Hall.

Cooling off with some Hansen’s Sno Bliz.

Fried Shrimp Po Boys at Domilise’s.

Just Pikachu hanging out outside Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.

Darth Vadar doing some street performances.

Birthday cake and champagne at the beautiful Cafe Amelie.

Exploring the Frenchmen Art Market.

Ringing in my 25th year with jazz at The Spotted Cat Music Club.

A view of the Hotel Provincial from across Decatur Street.

Birthday brunch at Elizabeth’s.

Driving through the oak lined streets in City Park on our way out of town.