Trip Report Oct 26-29

Question

Day 1: Sunday 10/26

Today is Sunday, October 26. I had to get up very early to get to my 5:30am flight. The RSW airport is not very busy at this crazy before dawn hour and the security line not long. I thank the TSA workers for being here and being efficient even though I know they aren’t getting paid with the government shutdown. Speaking of, I was expecting to encounter some delays because I had seen a news report about this but happily found none. I have a layover in Atlanta. While there, I check out the NOLA weather and am alarmed to find ‘tornado watch;’ that can’t be good for my flight. And sure enough the pilot says we are in for some rough air and he has diverted our trip somewhat. It is the worst turbulence the whole way there. Once we land, I look over to the young man at the aisle seat and say, “that was rough. I almost asked to hold your hand.” He laughed and said, “yeah I’m glad we made it.”

I get my bag and I had planned to just hang at the airport until my friend arrives on her flight. But I did not realize that A isn’t getting in for 3 hours yet. So I decide to get a car to our hotel. We are staying at The Roosevelt in the Central Business District because A has a work conference there. The hotel is big and has a few dining options available. It is too early to check-in so I go to the cafe and have beignets (these are just OK). There is a Saints game today and I have fun people watching and looking at all the glitzy outfits the women are wearing to the game. So many sequins! I find a comfy spot in the lobby and read my book until A arrives. Our room is very nice- lots of room, fluffy robes and an espresso machine!

Before heading out, I receive a call that our haunted pub tour is cancelled due to not enough participants- no worries, I’ll make our own pub tour! (I had used this company last time in NOLA and thought it would be entertaining for A, but I tell her I will share some of the stories I learned last time.) We get changed and head out to the French Quarter. It is A’s first trip here. We walk to Saint Louis Cathedral and look around for a bit. We have reservations at Tableau, to have happy hour on their 2nd floor balcony overlooking the Cathedral. There is some construction going on outside, down the street, and in front of the Cathedral. The hostess says the city is upgrading sewage lines. I have my first French 75 cocktail of the trip (yay!) and A has a lime margarita she likes. We have the gnocchi that is really good, crab claws that I loved but A not so much, and the frites. I mentioned on our reservation that it is A’s birthday (in a few days) and they bring her a very special crème brûlée and it is fantastic and she feels very special.

We walk along Bourbon Street so A can see all the people having a fun time. We stop at Lafitte’s for a delicious purple drink. We walk back down Bourbon and decide to just people watch. A man stops to talk to us and offers us some marijuana (no thanks) and then asks did I have any cocaine to share? No, sorry I do not. A thinks this is a very funny interaction. We then go to Pat O’Brien’s for a hurricane. After that it is to the famous Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone. It is just so pretty in there and we take lots of photos. A young Saints fan is there who keeps asking our advice about an argument he is having with his girlfriend- I guess we looked wise (he did not ask us for any drugs, ha!). After this we decide to head back to the hotel, after all I have been awake over 20 hours now! I always say, the first day of vacation is the best day.

More days added in comments….

Answer

Visiting New Orleans from October 26-29 offers a mix of city exploration, food experiences, and unique local culture. Here’s a detailed recap and suggestions based on your first day and anticipated plans for the following days.

Day 1 – Sunday, October 26:

Your early flight from RSW went smoothly despite government shutdown concerns and some turbulence over Atlanta. Once arriving in New Orleans, staying at The Roosevelt in the Central Business District gave convenient access to downtown, restaurants, and attractions. The hotel features spacious rooms, luxurious amenities like fluffy robes and an espresso machine, and several dining options. The cafe beignets are okay but not spectacular.

With a Saints game in town, the city had a festive, glitzy energy, perfect for people watching while waiting for your friend A to arrive. A cancelled haunted pub tour allowed you to create your own walking tour in the French Quarter, which is highly flexible and enjoyable.

Walk to Saint Louis Cathedral to admire the architecture and take in the historic atmosphere.
Have drinks and small plates at Tableau on the balcony overlooking the Cathedral; notable dishes include gnocchi, crab claws, and frites. Special attention for birthdays can result in complimentary desserts like crème brûlée.
Stroll along Bourbon Street for sightseeing, people-watching, and iconic drinks such as the purple drink at Lafitte’s and a hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s.
Visit the Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone for unique cocktails and photo opportunities.

This first day emphasizes flexible exploration, cocktail tasting, and soaking in local culture while balancing energy levels after long travel.

Additional tips for the rest of the trip:

Plan morning activities at a slower pace; consider brunch spots in the French Quarter or Central Business District, such as Café du Monde for classic beignets or Ruby Slipper Café for hearty breakfast options.
Include cultural visits like the French Market, Historic Vieux Carré walking tour, or City Park if time allows.
For evening activities, Frenchmen Street is great for casual jazz experiences. For a more iconic experience, consider Preservation Hall with early shows suitable for flexible schedules.
Plan to book any special tours, swamp or airboat excursions, and concerts ahead of time to avoid last-minute cancellations.
Use comfortable walking shoes as much of the French Quarter and CBD exploration is pedestrian-friendly, but street surfaces can be uneven.

With this itinerary, you’ll enjoy a blend of local cuisine, historic sites, and lively entertainment. Allow for spontaneous experiences, like your self-guided pub tour, which often become memorable highlights of a New Orleans trip.

Trip Report Oct 26-29

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