Whether you want to save some cash by not spending thousands of dollars on a trip to Europe or just feel like staying in the country, New Orleans is the perfect inexpensive- yet romantic- destination for a honeymoon. The architecture, history, and people create one of the most alluring and unusual vibes of all American cities. It is the place to be in love and to fall in love with.
Here are some excellent places and tips to get you started on exploring:
Le Pavillon Hotel
833 Poydras Street
Treat yourself to a stay in one of the oldest and most lavish hotels in the city. Il Pavillon has been in business since 1907 – and with good reason. Combining Old World style with New World hospitality, the hotel is a perfect mix of elegance and charm. Decorated in fine 18th century style with real antiques from the period, the hotel will make you feel like you are staying with Bonaparte himself (the hotel even boasts owning a bathtub used by the famous Emperor!) The staff is warm, welcoming, and guaranteed to greet you by name. A work-out room and roof top pool are the perfect way to relax after long strolls through the Quarter (conveniently only a short walk away). One of the more unusual aspects of the hotel is a peanut butter & jelly and hot chocolate spread given in the lobby every evening at 10pm.
www.lepavillon.com
The Green Goddess
307 Exchange Alley
Tucked away down a small alley, The Green Goddess is a small and charming restaurant with an exquisite menu that totes everything from New Orleans cuisine to South Indian lentil pancakes. An excellent choice for people that need a break from the city’s richer (read: deep fried) food. The menu falls under the category of “affordable gourmet” but don’t be alarmed; the friendly staff will help you navigate some of the menu’s more epicurean terms. Try the Seafood Frittata and Lychee Mint Julep.
www.greengoddessnola.com
Faulkner House Books
624 Pirate’s Alley
This quaint bookstore was actually once the living quarters of Nobel Laureate William Faulkner! Specializing in New Orleans literature, it is the best place to pick up anything from paperbacks to rare editions about the city. I recommend purchasing a copy of Faulkner’s New Orleans Sketches – a perfect read-aloud for you and your spouse when relaxing back at the hotel.
www.faulknerhousebooks.net
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
1400 Washington Avenue
One of the most interesting allures of New Orleans is it’s beautiful above ground cemeteries. Tourists looking to explore the architecture and grace of one without spending money on a commercial tour should take the St. Charles Street Car to Lafayette Cemetery No 1. The cemetery, one of the oldest in the city, holds graves dating back to the 19th century. If you are lucky, you might catch the local grave-digger and for no cost (although a tip is recommended) he will guide you through the cemetery with fascinating tales about the yellow fever, jazz funerals, and the everyday life of a cemetery worker. Afterwards, take a stroll through the Garden District and take in some of the most gorgeous homes in the city including Anne Rice’s infamous former residence. Continue on to Magazine Street for some East Hampton-esque (but afforable) boutique shopping.
Commander’s Palace
1403 Washington Ave
Book a lunch time reservation at one of the world’s leading restaurants! Commander’s Palace is the place to go for an authentic fine dinning experience. The friendly staff and world-class menu makes this a must for foodies visiting NOLA. Be sure to try their signature dishes like Turtle Soup Au Sherry and do not miss out on dessert- the Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé is literally to die for!
www.commanderspalace.com
Tips:
* As soon as you get off the plane you will quickly realize that the people down here really are friendlier! Try to drop some of your “New York attitude” and get to know some of the people that make the city so great.
* Dining in NOLA is much more of a formal affair than in New York. Men should be prepared with a jacket for dinner time meals and flip-flops are a definite faux pas. Unless you are just grabbing a po’boy at a local dive, you should be dressed to impress! Dinning establishments also tend to close earlier than in New York, prepare to eat before 9pm. Get lunch reservations for more upscale places; it is a significantly cheaper way to take in their culinary delights.
* Café du Monde, although a tourist trap, is great for New Yorkers’ needing their 24/7 coffee fix (you might be hard-pressed to find another place with late hours). Because of its touristy status, it is also a great place to relax while taking in local street musicians who play right on the sidewalk of the open-air café.
* Psych yourself up with some books! So much great literature has been inspired by New Orleans. Go to your local library or bookstore and read some of these titles to spark your curiosity:
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy O’ Toole
This hilarious book has long been considered the definitive New Orleans novel. A must read by anyone interested in the pure uniqueness and idiosyncrasies of the city’s residents.
Antediluvian Tales by Poppy Z. Brite
This collection of short stories written by one of New Orleans most prominent literary figures is a tribute of sorts to pre-Katrina New Orleans. The intense imagery and fascinating stores will give you a real “insider’s” look at the city and it’s people.
My New Orleans: Ballads to the Big Easy by Her Sons, Daughters, and Lovers Edited by Rosemary James
Another collection of short stories, My New Orleans features writing from prominent New Orleans residents. From restaurant owners to poets and street musicians, this book has some of the most heart-breaking and beautiful writing about the city that I have ever read.
