New Orleans has seen some tough times in recent years, but this resilient city continues to make a positive comeback. It’s a perfect place for a honeymoon because of its romantic, Cajun-infused vibe, while its rich history and culture offer many options for food, art, and music lovers alike.
What to See and Where to Stay
If you’re looking to live it up NOLA-style, there’s no place like the French Quarter. Book a suite at the ultra-posh Maison Orleans (504-670-2900) and you’ll get 24-hour butler service, fabulous food all day long, and super-luxe accommodations. Go beyond the tourist-laden Bourbon Street and take a stroll through historic Jackson Square (where many local artists sell their wares); then head over to pick up souvenirs or a quick bite at the historic French Market (FrenchMarket.org). Feeling adventurous? The French Quarter is rich with ghostly tales, supernatural hauntings, and vampire sightings. Get a taste for the “nightlife” with New Orleans’ famous Haunted History Tours (HauntedHistoryTours.com).
Looking for a more unconventional area? Consider the stately beauty of the Garden District. Quieter and cozier than the French Quarter, this upscale neighborhood is filled with gorgeous historical homes, high-end boutiques, antique stores, fine dining (no stay is complete without a stop at the world famous Commander’s Palace restaurant), and coffee shops galore. Stay at the Magnolia Mansion (MagnoliaMansion.com, 504-412-9500), which has a variety of themed rooms, including some especially romantic spaces that are perfect for newlyweds. And no matter where you stay, check out the city’s music scene. Make a reservation at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe (PalmCourtJazzCafe.com, 504-525-0200) to sip cocktails (the Hurricane is the New Orleans drink of choice) and take in some classic jazz.
The Best Time to Go
New Orleans is humid all year-round, but try to avoid July and August when the heat and humidity are at their peak and can make walking excursions unbearable. Throughout the rest of the year, your main consideration should be what else is going on in the city. For example, during Gay Pride Weekend, Halloween, Mardi Gras, or the Jazz & Heritage Festival, hotel rooms are pricier and harder to come by. (To find out what’s happening in town and get more trip planning tips, go to NewOrleansCVB.com or call 504-566-5011.) The fall is convention season, and just as other tourists have returned to New Orleans, so too have many companies and organizations -- though they’re more likely to congregate at the hotels in the Central Business District or along Canal Street.
The Best Ways to Save
Since the Crescent City is still rebuilding, prices are often in flux. If you avoid planning your honeymoon during major events like Mardi Gras, you can save some serious cash -- especially on your accommodations. Having a winter wedding? December, a temperate month in Louisiana, is among the slowest seasons in the city for tourists, so you’ll find some of the best rates then. Another easy way to save: Eat like a local! Rather than sitting down for every meal, take advantage of some of NOLA’s culinary specialties that are as inexpensive as they are delicious. In the French Quarter, pick up po’ boys at Johnny’s Po’ Boys (504-524-8129) -- a meal for two will usually be less than $20. In the Garden District, you’ve got to grab dessert at the Creole Creamery (504-894-8680). Red velvet cake-flavored ice cream? Let the good times roll!
-- Kate Wood
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