Last weekend left me with a full heart and a full stomach of beignets after spending the weekend in New Orleans with my family. Conveniently, my younger brother's spring break ended with Easter weekend, so my parents and brother ended their spring break road trip by swinging by Tuscaloosa on Thursday afternoon to pick me up and head down to New Orleans. After a busy week full of tests and meetings, I was so excited for a little getaway!
Having never been to New Orleans, I was thrilled for the opportunity to explore a new city. We arrived late Thursday night and my brother and I slept in on Friday before exploring the French Quarter. Starting the day with beignets at Cafe du Monde, the day was sure to be fun. I have never had beignets before, but I walked away from breakfast stuffed from the fried dough delights and wanting to return as soon as I had more room in my stomach.
We enjoyed spending Friday strolling around the French Quarter. I loved seeing the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral, snacking while sitting on a balcony with flower boxes, and walking through the lively streets. The weather was so pleasant and it was the perfect day to just stroll through the city.
Friday night, my family and I ate at Antoine's Restaurant. The restaurant dates back to 1840 and has a rich history filled with famous visitors. The meal was one of the best I've ever had and it was followed by a tour of the property where our waiter described the various uses of each room and the history of the family-owned restaurant. The dinner was such a filling and fascinating experience that was definitely one of the highlights of the trip for me!
After sleeping so well because of the delicious meal, we spent Saturday exploring the Garden District of New Orleans. I loved how this area was different from the French Quarter and offered a contrasting experience. With brightly colored houses and southern charm on every corner, this neighborhood was my cup of tea. My mom and I split off from my dad and brother for a bit and we had the best time taking pictures and exploring such a cute area.
Our last night spent in New Orleans consisted of heavy appetizers at a restaurant where we could watch Loyola in the Final Four basketball game followed by walking around the French Quarter. It was fun to see this area all lit up at night. Always one with a sweet tooth, my mom and I suggested we find a place for dessert. One aspect of New Orleans I loved the most was the open air restaurants. We savored dessert at a restaurant where where the exterior walls were filled with floor to ceiling French doors that were open so you could enjoy the fresh air, warm weather and street music. It was the perfect way to end the evening.
On Easter morning, we went back to Cafe du Monde for one last taste of beignets. New Orleans was quite the cast of characters on Easter. We missed the parade, but saw a handful of bunnies and more than one Elvis. I enjoyed hearing Easter hymns coming from St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Park as the line stretched out the door of the church. The sun was shining on this sweet southern city and it was the perfect Easter morning. After enjoying every bite of the beignets, we headed back to the hotel to pack up and head back to Tuscaloosa.
I didn't quite expect to love New Orleans as much as I did, but it was the perfect holiday weekend getaway filled with southern charm and delicious food. I am so thankful I was able to spend the weekend with my family and had the chance to explore this new city!
Have you ever been to New Orleans?
xo,
Kathleen
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