Back to The Big Easy

Sunday, March 9 - It was warm enough to hang out on the patio in shorts today and let that yellow sun hit these white, white legs!!  Come on, summer!  We're ready!! 

Wednesday, March 12 - We were back out enjoying the unusually warm weather on the patio this afternoon with our "Appy Hour" snack assortment that became our full dinner.  It's a quarterly service Ashlee signed up for to get tasty charcutier items shipped right to our door.  Cheers! 

Saturday, March 22- We headed down to Chattanooga today to celebrate both our niece and nephew's upcoming birthdays.  We met our niece, Ella, Paige and Mollie at Big Bad Breakfast downtown and had an excellent brunch.  We then took Sunny over to the Play, Wash, Pint dog park next and enjoyed the warm sunshine and a few libations while we there.  Our nephew, Matt, joined us there and then we all went over to Clyde's on Main (photo above) for some appetizers and catching up.  

Wednesday, March 26 - We headed over to The Belcourt Theaters tonight to see a free early showing of the new independent comedy film, The Ballad of Wallis Island.  There was also a Q and A after the film with two of the stars and writers of the film, Tom Basden and Tim Key.  The film was very funny and touching as well, and we both really enjoyed it!  Tom and Tim were excellent in it as well as was their co-star with a little more fame, the lovely and talented Carey Mulligan.  The event was also hosted by one of my favorite local podcasters, Movie Mike Deestro. 

Thursday, March 27 - We flew to New Orleans after work today to meet up with our friends, Toney and Lisa, who were taking the train down from Birmingham (which we talked them into do and then wound up flying instead - oops! - but they had company with Lisa's cousin, Doug and his wife, Dana, coming along as well).  I found a decent 3-bedroom AirBnb for all of us just a few blocks off Bourbon Street.  Since we beat the others down here by a couple hours, we went and had dinner and libations nearby at the Habana Outpost (photo above) that was pretty good.  Set up in a old gas station, their Cuban fare was pretty tasty including the street corn.  Note that the big fleur de leu sign on the right has an ear of corn in it (lol). 

After the others arrived, we walked on over to Bourbon Street and stopped at the first bar whose name we liked - Cat's Meow.  The drinks were overpriced, and the place was loud, but, hey, it's Bourbon Street.  Actually, the area seemed a little subdued in comparison to other times we've visited here.  We would up in the beautiful Carousel Bar and Lounge in the historic Monteleone Hotel.  The place was packed, but we found seating in the lounge and enjoyed some drinks and some great live music. 

Friday, March 28 - This was our first time staying in an AirBnb in New Orleans, but it fit our needs with 6 people traveling together.  It was nothing fancy.  Just an old historic home in the historic district of Treme'.  We were warned twice not to walk in the area at night due to recent muggings, so we took Ubers a lot. 

The only thing we had scheduled today was an afternoon food tour.  So, this morning we ambled around Jackson Square and took a look inside the famous St. Louis Cathedral.  This reverse panoramic shot gives you a good look at the exceptionally beautiful interior. 

It was good to be back walking the quirky streets of New Orleans.  So unique.  So historic.  So much character.   

We strolled the huge French Market on our way to somewhere I wanted to go, Brieux Carre Brewing Company.  We had some great early afternoon libations and some tasty finger foods in case the upcoming food tour wasn't really filling - which it may not be based on the low price.  

Our New Orleans Walking Food Tour that I booked us off of Viator.com was simply fantastic!  What a bargain.  Granted, we didn't get a lot of food, but what we did get was outstanding!!  And our tour guide, Mr. Wonderful (hey, that's what his shirt read), was local and really knowledgeable.  Our first stop was Oceana for some great seafood gumbo.  Our next stop brought us back onto Bourbon Street in the stark light of day with stops at Mambo's for some excellent jambalaya; and then NOLA for some tasty shrimp etouffee.  Our last stop was the historic (established in 1913) Laura's Candies for some decadent pralines.  It was a perfect little affordable tour and since our four companions had never been here before, it was also a great introduction to the amazing food options here in The Big Easy.  

Our guide recommended our next stop after the tour, The Spotted Cat Music Club where there was some great live jazz being played and a nice beer garden out back to take a break in.   We closed out the day back at the Airbnb, where we decided to order in for dinner from Gus's Famous Fried Chicken which was great and watch some college hoops including a nice win for UT.  

Saturday, March 29 - We had another full day in NOLA today with a VIP Small boat (no kids) Swamp Tour set for later in the day.  We started the day with a walk to the outstanding Ayo Bakehouse for breakfast.  The place was packed with a line around the corner by the time we left.   Not surprising, since everything we ordered was delicious. 

With some time to kill before our tour, we decided to Uber over to St. Louis Cemetary # 3 for a look around this amazing, historic place.  This was another suggestion from our food guide and it was spot on.  You could walk around freely here among the crypts and tombstones sitting just above sea level.  

We probably didn't give the sprawling World War II Museum enough time, but we squeezed in what we could including taking in both films being shown.  This was a repeat visit for me and Ashlee again, but we didn't mind since it's such an inspiring and well-down memorial to an amazing time in U.S. and world history.  

One of the saints was looking for us for sure while in NOLA this trip.  With forecasts of heavy rain every day and the most possible all day today, we somehow dodged all of it and got all of our activities in without a drop of rain on us.  Amazing!!   The map above shows where we traveled to by luxury motorcoach to catch our swamp tour with Cajun Encounters while it rained seemingly all around us.   

At around 6' in length, this one was estimated to be about 30 years old.  Our VIP swamp tour by boat was awesome!  No kids on our boat and only one other young couple with us.  Our guide again was a no-nonsense local who gave us great insight and information.  And, yes, the gators, several of them, were this close at times.  We also saw a huge wild boar, several friendly raccoons, and lots of waterfowl.

No roads, no problem. We motored out on the West Pearl River and into some backwater swamps that were teeming with life.  The water was flowing, so no smelly areas either.  The area is part of the National Wildlife Refuge, so it was clean and quiet as well.  

Mudbuggin'!! That's Cap'n Zander behind us.  He was a hoot and real local of the area.  I was proud of Ashlee for wanting to hold one of the little crayfish from a trap the captain retrieved.  Mine was a bit bigger and give me a good pinch, but it's all good in love and mudbuggin'!!  

There was also a movie star swamp tree - this one was featured in the 2009 Disney film, The Princess and the Frog.

How come these guys look cuter than the ones rummaging around in our garage sometimes? 

Sunday, March 30 - We said goodbye today to our temporary home in The Treme' located on historic Kelerec Street.  It's been a quick but fun trip back to The Big Easy.   

We had a nice time-killer for lunch and libations at Port Orleans Brewing on the way back to the airport.  Our flight was quick and on time and we were home before dark.  Thanks again, NOLA!!