New Orleans Travel Guide

Spring of 2015 I had the amazing experience to travel to NOLA with my University's American Marketing Association. We attended the International AMA Conference where our chapter placed in several competitions and ranked in the top 5 chapters across the nation (woohoo!). Here are some highlights of our trip!

Take a ride on the NOLA street cars to get a hint of how the locals live - passing through Willow-tree lined streets, runners and dog walkers, small cafes and the New Orleans Audubon Zoo. Grab a bite to eat at the Camellia Grill, a diner-style eatery with friendly servers in vintage bow-tie uniform, serving up classic burgers and sandwiches counter-seat style.

The streets of New Orleans are lined with unique architecture, towering greenery, street performers and a sea of restaurants and cafes. One of the first places we stopped to eat after arriving in NOLA our first night was Oceana Grill. All the guys on the trip were, of course, so excited to try all the unique menu items like the true Louisiana Gator Tail Bites, Seafood Gumbo and New Orleans Bread Pudding.

This nightlife restaurant is the perfect stop on Bourbon street with a group of friends. The art illustrations on tables, doors and walls give it a really relaxed, friendly vibe.

When you're wandering the streets of NOLA, be sure to visit Cafe Du Monde to grab a cup of cafe au lait and plate of fresh beignets. Make a stop at Jackson Square, across the street, where you can get a great view of the St. Louis Cathedral and iconic Andrew Jackson statue.

If you're looking for hidden cafes and something a bit more out of the tourist-y section, I would definitely recommend grabbing breakfast or brunch at Merchant. Tucked between Common and Carondelet Streets, this contemporary eatery serves up unique crepes, sandwiches, salads and coffee. We loved this place so much we went two days in a row! My favorite? The fig'ama'jig: an egg, turkey, goat cheese and fig sandwich melted to perfection.

Some of our other favorite NOLA stops included Mona Lisa, an Italian-style restaurant with art of the infamous Mona Lisa displayed throughout the entire place. Take a ride through the New Orleans city park with Wheel Fun Rentals - even our professor hopped on a chopper. Missing out on Mardis Gras? Visit the museum at Mardis Gras World to get a walking tour through the warehouse to see all the massively colorful floats. Just try not to get caught when you sneak on one.. ;)

I hope this quick NOLA travel guide gave you a little piece of all the amazing things the city has to offer. I would definitely re-visit this soulful city again in the next few years. There's something about the friendly people, non-stop music and rich history that really makes you feel like you're in a different world.