The Quintessential New Orleans Experience

If you have never been to #Nola, you are missing out on a great experience: from mouth-watering southern food to great southern hospitality, you are be sure to have a great time. When in Nola, don't forget to visit these top destinations, whether your in New Orleans for the first time, for second time or for many times in return. Southern hospitality is like no other, and there is no better place to experience that hospitality than in New Orleans. Every time that I reminisce on this this magical place, I think back to what my friend in DC told me about the South, and that was how down in the South, people really care about you, care about your family, and how your doing overall. It was in New Orleans that I encountered the most patient and attentive uber driver who adjusted the air conditioning to my every need. I will never the chicken and waffles that I had in New Orleans, that were some of the best "soul food" if you will that I've every had.

1. St. Louis Cathedral & Horse Carriage Tour

The St. Louis Cathedral is one of New Orleans' most notable landmarks and is seen overlooking Jackson Square. It is the largest cathedral for use in the United States and is often seen as the heart of New Orleans, with many famous streets nearby for photo opeds.

I recommend taking a horse carriage tour to understand the history behind some of the colourful row houses on leisurely summer day and window shopping through the streets of New Orleans. The carriages stop right in front of Jackson Square overlooking the waterfront and range in price depending on the length of the tour. During the tour, you will listen to the stories of landowners, tour historic monuments and dive a little deeper into the past. You might even find yourself grabbing a drink from one of the streetcars to quench your thirst. Southern style is very colourful and one can appreciate the vibrance as you browse through the stores.

2. The French Quarter

In 1718, the French established the French Quarter on the banks of the Mississipi River and today it is the city's historic heart, known for its french architectural buildings, historic horse carriages and jazz performances through small alleyways and lances. One can still see the remnants of that French colonial culture today reflected in the buildings as a testament to that character. The French Quarter today is filled with boutique shops, ranging from southern style clothing boutiques, restaurants and souvenir shops to crafts and street performers. This your chance for that insta-worthy photo.

3. Delicious Southern Chicken and Seafood Delicacies

New Orleans is known for its crawfish, po-boys, fried chicken and southern delicacies that are to die for. With cuisine influenced from French, Spanish and African culture, the variety of food in New Orleans is diverse and all mouth-watering savoury. I recommend to try at least one local delicacy every day that your there. For those of you foodies out there, be sure to do your research on the best in the city for each these delicacies. I can definitely testify that the fried chicken is to die for and definitely on my bucket list if I ever head back to New Orleans.

4. Southern Style Plantation

Many people are familiar with the history of slavery when it comes to New Orleans, most notably that New Orleans was the largest slave plantation in the United States, with its heyday serving as the site and sale of more than 135,000 people, mainly coming from various African nations. Around a 40 minute drive from the heart of New Orleans, Oak Valley Plantation remains important in the history of the slave plantation during a time when the history of slavery remains further from us that many of us truly forget the importance of slavery and its implications.Oak Valley plantation is one of the many plantations that serve a testament to the legacy of slavery that persists to this day. Many of us who are familiar with the house Tara in Gone With the Wind will get familiar vibes from this place. One of highlights of this plantation is the huge garden terrace at the front overlooking the towering southern wide oak trees, around 28 of them. Be sure to take a big house tour to learn about the history of the slave plantation at Oak Valley, taking you back into time through two stories and two centuries of history.

5. Rooftop Pool

My first time staying in an vacation rental facility was at the Brandywine by Sextant, which I highly recommend if your looking for an Air B&B type facility that is also very modern, whether your looking for a girls getaway, bachelorette party, or other reasons.I loved the rooftop pool which contained views of downtown New Orleans. I really enjoyed the modern aspect of the Air BNB/ airport, allowing you to play music and television while also incorporating a sort of Alexa-like screen showing you the attractions nearby. The interior of the air B&N reminds one of a modern - loft style apartment with plenty of natural light.

5. Mississippi River & StreetLife

New Orleans has vibrant nightlife scene that not only encompasses Bourbon Street, but also in many of its smaller alleyways. The nightlife scene and culture is found in the smaller streets with a lively jazz scene all throughout the night. Bar-hop from one jazz band to another club and then dance the night away.

Chelsea Reviews: 4.8/5

Southern Hospitality is a real thing and you feel it in New Orleans. From the patient taxi driver who assists you to your destination to the savoury chicken and waffles, you will always keep on coming back for more. The South is really different from the North, where the food is better and the people are more real and down to earth than you can ever imagine. Come here for three or four days and you won't be disappointed that you came. Summers can be very humid and warm, so try and come here in the spring/fall to get the most comfortable weather.