Richmond, VA – Maymont – New Orleans, LA Adventure Highlights: Part 1

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When my Forever BFF, Tammy, and I were discussing possible destinations for our girls trip last year, she suggested New Orleans, LA.  Although, I had visited the city several times over the years, Tammy had never been there.  She had only heard good stories about it from her late friend, Carlos.    

Carlos died earlier in 2017 of a massive heart attack.  He was planning to go back that year, but it never came to fruition.  I knew Tammy was still grieving for her good friend when she proposed the city and it broke my heart to sense her sadness.  In that moment, I knew it had to be New Orleans too.  It would be a fitting destination to honor Carlos and help Tammy find peace with her tragic loss. 

I arrived in New Orleans on a warm Friday afternoon in October.  Tammy’s flight got in several hours later, so I had some hours to myself.  I checked into our hotel on Toulouse St. in the French Quarter and relaxed for a bit.  Then, I headed out to the local pharmacy to buy all the items I could not bring in my carryon luggage.  Yes, I am the type of girl who has to have “everything” while on travel.  😉 

I was walking towards Decatur St., when pedestrian traffic abruptly stopped.  I noticed a parade of people in green on the perpendicular street.  I asked someone next to me what was going on and he said it was an Irish parade.  Then, as if on cue, a guy from the parade grabbed my hand and handed me a green rose.  I smiled and accepted the rose.  He said that was for my beauty.  Then, he unexpectedly kissed me on the cheek and handed me a second rose saying that was for my smile.  🙂  I thanked him as he disappeared into a sea of green revelers.  The guy next to me said I was a lucky girl.  I smiled and thought what a lovely welcome to New Orleans.  🙂

Now normally, I would wait for Tammy before venturing too far from the hotel because I get lost so easily.  However, after my Irish encounter, I was feeling adventurous.  I decided to grab a bite to eat at a place called Deanie’s Seafood.  Tammy taught me how to use Google Maps (yes, I’m very IT challenged!) back during our 2016 Savannah, GA girls trip, but I hadn’t used it since that trip.  I plugged in the address and surprisingly, it worked!  I found my way to Deanie’s and had a super delicious barbecue shrimp dish.  

Tammy had landed while I was at Deanie’s.  I sent her a pic of my food and her response was:  “GOODNESS!!!”  🙂  I used Google Maps to navigate my way back to the hotel shortly before Tammy’s arrival.  When she finally got to the room, we wasted no time and headed down to the Concierge to book our tours. 

By the time we were done booking our tours, Tammy was famished.  The Concierge suggested the Jazz Playhouse in the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon St.  It was such a perfect setting for our first night in New Orleans.  The music was lively and the drinks were tasty.  Tammy and I are not big drinkers, but we certainly enjoyed our cocktails.  Tammy ordered chargrilled oysters topped with cheese and said they were delicious.  I don’t eat or like cheese, so I took her word for it.  😉     

Afterwards, we walked up and down Bourbon St. taking in the sites.  Tammy even befriended a police horse. 

Ever since we were little girls, Tammy has loved animals. Wherever we go, she always finds a furry friend. 🙂

We ended our evening at the Cat’s Meow.  This is my favorite karaoke bar in the French Quarter.  We found our way to the front and watched many good and bad performances.  We sang together, laughed together, and had a great time.  At one point, there was a guy next to me who started talking to us.  We had no idea what he was saying because the music was so loud, so there was a lot of nodding and smiling.  Then, he kept grabbing my hand while we were dancing to the songs.  Tammy thought it was hilarious.  I finally leaned over and told her it was her turn to deal with him.  So, we switched places.  He was so wasted, I don’t think he realized he was holding someone else’s hand in the end.  Haha! 

We eventually said goodbye to him and got back to the hotel after 2AM.  We needed our beauty sleep because we had to be up early the next morning for our swamp tour…    

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our New Orleans adventure in my next blog post.  😉 

Lizzy’s Latest for this week is the Pelle Moda Floral Strappy Sandals.  My review of these heels will post on Wednesday of next week.  For now, enjoy the pictures.