A Disney Fan's Trip to Nawlins

I am a huge Disney fan, but my favorite Disney movie is The Princess and the Frog. Because of this, I just had to get down to New Orleans, Louisiana, or as the locals call it Nawlins! Imagine a place so full of life and love even when it’s not Mardi Gras season! Follow me as I take you on this journey with me through the City of New Orléans!

As I stepped outside of the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, I take a huge breath of amazement as the warm tropical like temperature hit me as the double automatic doors open to the outside. I am from Maryland, so this is a different type of heat (smile). I awaken from my thoughts as the Lyft driver honks his horn at me. I quickly move towards the car and give the driver my bags as I think about everything, I want to jam into this four (4) day trip.

Fast forward to my first stop, Mother’s Restaurant. At this point, I was starving, and this was a recommendation by the Lyft Driver. I hurriedly make the short walk from my hotel (New Orleans Marriott on Canal St) and was met with a small café feel. Although the line was long, it only took me about five to ten minutes to get through the line. Imagine a small diner but with extra seating in the back. I got my drink and found my seat. A server took my receipt and came back with the food I ordered: the jambalaya, potato salad, and greens. The food had nice portions for the reasonable price of around $20.

After being well fed and full, I walk over to the Museum of Death.

This museum is in the French Quarter and shows displays of coffins, serial killers, and cannibalism. The serial killer displays range from Edward Gein to Manson. They speak of death rituals and display various death masks. You are not allowed to take photos inside once you cross the curtain, but if you are a fan of the macabre it is well worth the visit. I head back to the hotel to rest and prepare for a full day of exploring.

Feeling refreshed from a good night’s sleep, I head out to Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World via a 20-minute Lyft ride. Mardi Gras World is a massive warehouse next to the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, which houses various Mardi Gras floats created by Kerns Studios. When you first enter the warehouse, it is like you are entering an arena for basketball or football. There are curtains on either side of you and at the end it opens to the main entrance of the souvenir shop and ticket counter. You can purchase your tour ticket at the counter the same day and then you are lead into a small theater room. A 20-minute presentation about Mardi Gras is given on an old projector screen, then the tour guide gives out samples of king cake! Yum! From there, you are taken on a tour of the warehouse where the floats are made. From beginning to end, the process is explained, you are allowed to take lots of pictures so have your cameras ready! The tour took about an hour before a complimentary shuttle will take you back to your hotel or various other places. You can view their special map to figure out where you want to go. I decided to get dropped off at my hotel.

I was ready for some more good food, so I take about a five (5) minute walk to Acme Oyster House. I ordered the seafood etouffee with crawfish tails and for dessert, Max’s Banana Fosters Cheesecake. Let me tell you! When I took the first bite of the etouffee, the flavor just exploded in my mouth like the Fourth of July fireworks. I quickly inhaled my food as if I was back in the dining facility in basic training for the Air Force on day one. I pay for my food and step back into the summer heat as I look around to figure out what direction I need to go for my next stop: Steamboat Natchez

Steamboat Natchez is a Mississippi River Cruise that hosts several Jazz brunches and dinners. You have the option of the full experience brunch/dinner and music or the sightseeing option. Because I had just eaten, I paid for the sightseeing option- just ride and listen to the music.

As you float along the Mississippi River, the first hour the Captain tells you the history of New Orleans and the various places you pass along the way. The second hour, you are entertained by a jazz band as you enjoy the smooth breeze being on the river brings.

To end the night, I ventured on a walking tour by Haunted History Tours. This 5-in-1 New Orleans Ghost & Mystery Tour is a 2-hour venture through the French Quarter with the tour guide telling you about the sites through a story. Tiny was my group’s tour guide, and he was very entertaining and very informative. We learned about vampires, haunted restaurants and the street of the dead.

Here is a picture of the St. Louis Cathedral. One of the stops made on the tour. If you love a good ghost story with a twist, Haunted History Tours is where to go.

Before turning in for the night, I make a pit stop at Café Du Monde. Café Du Monde is the French Market Coffee Stand established in 1862 and famous for their coffee and beignets. I must admit I’m not a coffee fan, but the iced coffee really complimented the sugary goodness of the beignets. It was a great treat and a sweet way to end the night.

Day three brought about an early morning as I head out of the French Quarter and out to Honey Island Swamp for a swamp tour lead by Cajun Encounters Tour Co.

Located in Slidell, Louisiana, about 45 minutes from the French Quarter, this tour takes you through “alligator land”. I advise you to wear bug repellant as they like to bite (LOL) and be ready to get up close and personal with various sizes of alligators on a 22-passenger flat bottom boat. For two hours, the tour guide gives various pieces of information about the swamp and many of the plants and wildlife that live along the Honey Swamp. You will enjoy the cool breeze and a break from the heat while being on this tour.

You won’t do yourself justice if you don’t eat at the famous Dooky Chase’s Restaurant. Opened in 1941 by Emily and Dooky Chase, Sr., this was originally opened as a sandwich shop. It grew into a full restaurant and is known for its authentic Creole Cuisine. I cannot lie, I was interested because Tiana’s restaurant (The Princess and the Frog) was modeled after this restaurant. Reservations are highly recommended because it stays so busy.

All I can say is, it is well worth it! I was so excited that I didn’t even take pictures of my food. This restaurant is a part of Civil Rights Movement History and its beautiful artwork on the inside showcase the talents of African American Artists from starters to the accomplished and considered to be one of the best collections of African American Art in New Orleans.

To walk off my food, I went to Louis Armstrong Park. This park is a tribute to jazz music and holds multiple sculptures depicting such. Its 30 acres contains

parts of Congo Square where the enslaved, freed and others gathered to trade, dance, and perform. It also holds a part of the since destroyed Treme community which was one of the oldest African American communities in the United States. It’s a beautiful place to explore or to just take a nice stroll.

As night falls, I head to Bourbon Street for some night festivities. As everyone knows, Bourbon Street is lined up with bars and street shows. I stopped at Fat Tuesday and got a monster sized drink frozen daiquiri. It lasted me the whole night. The best part is you can take the cup back and get a refill for a small fee. As you wander down the 13 blocks of Bourbon Street, there will be promoters outside trying to get you to come into their establishments. Some have cover charges, and some do not. Even if you do not enter, you can still hear the music out in the street so you will find a lot of people just dance where they stand. There are also street performers that bang on their drums or tarot card readers to read your future. There is a lot that goes on so be prepared to not be surprised by anything!

On my final day in New Orleans, I go to Creole House Restaurant & Oyster Bar next to the Marriott I am staying in for breakfast. I had the canal street sunrise without the meat and a Pina Colada Mimosa. It was a great way to start the day and reflect on all the things I have done on my four-day trip here in New Orleans.

I met up with a couple of friends, residents of Louisiana, and they are took me to a place called Dat Dog on Magazine Street. It is known for its gourmet hot dogs. I had the duck sausage and fries. It was a nice hang out spot to chill with friends and have an enjoyable conversation. It was a wonderful ending to an extraordinary trip! I can’t wait to come back and do it all again!! Laissez le bon temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)

Disclaimer: I, Artilya Key, also known as A. Key (A Key To Adventure), am not affiliated with any of the links, places or sites mentioned in this blog nor did I receive any compensation for this post. Should you need more information, please refer to the linked information or contact the company. Any copywritten information belongs to that entity and is not associated with A Key To Adventure.