The second leg of our American journey took us to New Orleans, Louisianna. I’ve been enamoured with New Orleans for as long as I can remember. I’d gobble up anything with the vaguest hint of Nola, films, books, TV shows, I was obsessed. For some reason I always thought it out of reach, somehwere that would forever remain on my travel bucket list. When we were booking our adventure we originally planned to fly across to New York and drive up to Boston after our Vegas visit but out of curiosity I did a little search for New Orleans and couldn’t believe my eyes. Not only was it affordable, it was cheaper than what I’d settled on. That was that, I was finally going to visit a place I’ve held in my heart for some many years. To say I was excited was an understatement.
One thing I can say about planning a multi city holiday, check your dates then check them again. One more time for good measure. I say this because I, the massive doufus that I am, accidentally booked an extra night in our Vegas hotel and one less in our Nola diggs. That meant we were without a bed for the first night we arrived in New Orleans. I know, right?! Luckily I noticed my mistake and quickly booked an Air BnB for one night in Midtown and boy was I glad I did. Midtown was such a cool, chilled out neighbourhood that boasted the best scarehouse in the whole state, did I mention it was right across the street from our room? Score one for Katie. We left the camera at home for fear of dropping it in terror but trust me when I say it was scary as hell and hella fun!
before we got to New Orleans I began to think I may have over romanticised my view of the city. Maybe it wasn’t going to be like the movies, maybe there wouldn’t be jazz pouring from every street corner, maybe there wasn’t going to be weeping foliage studded with strings of shiny beads and maybe the people weren’t going to be the friendliest people I’ve ever met.
Well, let me tell you dear reader, everything I dreamed of was true, and more. Music floods through this city, the sound of trumpets carries on the breeze like floating magnolias. Beads left over from Mardi Gras celebrations hang from every surface, twinkling in the sunlight and the people were just about the greatest humans you could ever dream of meeting. New Orleans, you have my heart and if you ever fancy dropping the 98% humidity levels, I’d move in lickety split.
Obviously, being a big fan of Disney’s Princess and the Frog, I simply had to take a trip down the Bayou swamps. I felt like I was in a dream. Everything about this place is breathtaking, every photo I took was like a work of art in itself. I could have spent all day floating around those swamps, watching aligators soaking up the afternoon sun, racoons bouncing through the trees and swamp hogs snuffling for treats in the muddy banks. Our tour was through Cajun Adventures and I can highly recommend the experience, our guide was knowledgeable and super friendly.
Next up is Memphis and probably the highlight of the holiday, Graceland. Did you know I’m a die hard Elvis fan? Well, I am, and bloody proud of it. Have you ever visited New Orleans? I’d love to know what you thought of my new favourite city.
Looks like an amazing trip! Bucket list x
My best friend has just booked a trip to New Orleans – I'm going to send her over here, your trip looks amazing! Well done on sorting the lack of accommodation so quickly – and it sounds like it all worked out really well. And that pretzel looks sooo good!
oh my gosh I REALLY want to go, your photos are incredible! x
It's great to know that New Orleans was exactly like you have imagined it, because that is how I am imagining it as well, with jazz music playing everywhere and with a happy, romantic vibe. Your photos are great!
It all looks and sounds perfect! The lights, the music, the town, the old cars and the food just looks incredible! One thing America has that we in the UK do not… pretzels like that! I really want to go it looks so beautiful
I would love to live there the amosphere looke trully wonderful x something my home town is lacking
Wow! You've captured some amazing pictures, what a great eye you have. I have to confess, New Orleans is not somewhere I'd ever thought about venturing to, but after seeing your pics and reading about your adventure, I'm going to have to reconsider! X
Your photos are top notch. Yeah date checking is do important but air bnbs are great if you do spot a last minute blunder x
Ooooh that looks awesome!I have never been to Louisiana (it's my dad's dream though). I have only visited California but would definitely love to come back.Mika | http://www.la-french-connection.com
You took some great photos. I've never been to New Orleans but it looks amazing
I'm so jealous, I would love to visit New Orleans! Great photos, the food looks amazing and the atmosphere sounds so unique. Definitely on the bucket list.
Eek it looks so amazing and seeing these pictures has made me so excited as I am saving for a Vegas wedding and a New Orleans honeymoon x
New Orleans is somewhere I've always wanted to go and your post has made me want to go even more x
New Orleans is a long way from here but it's almost worth that journey for that sandwich! The food looks amazing and its' a beautiful place clearly!
I think I would like to see the city during the day,those were REAL doughnuts by the way,and see the historic sites. Sadly New Orleans at night is not a place I would like to visit as the crime rate isn't the best. The surrounding areas would be nice see….that gator was a big one!
Honestly, I never once felt anything but safe at night. I wandered the whole city at 2am with my boyfriend and weren’t bothered at all. I thought it was safe as houses, the people were all more than happy to help. I loved it :)Katie xoxo
A friend of mine has visited New Orleans before and loved it but it was never on my radar. However, your pictures and post have changed my mind. I think I should put it on our family travel bucket list!
New Orleans is such a fascinating city – your photos are fab!I would love to go back one day
New Orleans sounds and looks truly wonderful. Lovely to see so much on your photos. The food looks awesome. If I could travel there, I'm sure this intriguing city would be on my list.
These photos are great! Makes me want to travel there straight away.
We're exactly the same and have romantic views of the place, we'd love to go and its on our bucket list. Great photos x
A few of my friends have said how amazing the food is in New Orleans, and by the looks of your pictures they were right, I'm drooling! The whole place looks wonderful.
Oh my God! I have wanted to visit New Orleans since I was a young girl too! I assumed after the Hurricanes and floods it wouldn't be like I hoped, but your photos show it is just like I imagined. It just makes me want to go there more than ever x
Wow!! I absolutely adore your photos, and those trees in the swamps look incredible! New Orleans has never really been on my radar before, but your pics have convinced me that it's somewhere I'd love to go! xx
New Orleans looks fab and a picture tells a thousand stories
New Orleans looks amazing, so full of art and history. I would love to visit one day