A Trip Through New Orleans: Culture, Music, and the Unexpected

A Trip Through New Orleans: Culture, Music, and the Unexpected

In this episode, Ashleigh and Christopher dive into the heart of New Orleans, a city where every corner feels like a blend of stories, rhythms, and layered history. From its iconic jazz roots to its hidden courtyards, New Orleans offers more than just a party—it's a place that stays with you.

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Why New Orleans Feels Different

Founded in 1718, New Orleans has lived many lives—French, Spanish, and American rule have all left their mark. It's a city shaped by resilience, including the profound impact of Hurricane Katrina and its recovery in the years since.

But beyond the headlines, this is a place where cultures overlap in ways that feel alive. The architecture, the music, the food—each tells its own part of the story.

Reasons to Go (That Go Beyond Bourbon Street)

A rich cultural fusion that includes French, African, Caribbean, and Spanish influences

Music that pulses through the city—from traditional jazz to funk and brass bands

Creole and Cajun food that surprises with every bite

Local traditions like second line parades and porch concerts that bring people together

A sense of place that feels historic without being frozen in time

Staying in the Right Spot

While the French Quarter is iconic, it can get pricey. For something more grounded but still walkable, consider Marigny or Bywater—neighborhoods with soul, great coffee, and colorful houses that are fun to explore on foot. We stayed at the Hotel de la Monnaie, right on the edge of the French Quarter and Marigny.

Exploring the City

Take a hop-on hop-off tour for a low-effort overview

Join a walking tour of the Garden District or French Quarter to dig deeper

Ride the St. Charles streetcar or cruise the river on a steamboat

What to See & Do

Frenchmen Street – An essential spot for live music, minus the chaos of Bourbon

St. Louis Cathedral & Jackson Square – Picturesque, yes, but still worth seeing

The National WWII Museum – Powerful and incredibly well-curated

Mardi Gras World – A behind-the-scenes look at the floats and pageantry

Swamp tours – Get outside the city and into Louisiana’s unique natural world

Plantation Tour - Step back in time and experience old Louisiana. Just be sure to look for an ethical tour that gives the slaves' perspective, such as the Whitney Plantation.

Eating & Drinking Well

Try the classics—beignets, po’ boys, seafood gumbo, and muffulettas. Don’t skip the local cocktails either; a properly made Sazerac is a taste of New Orleans in a glass. Be sure to check back next week for our recap of New Orleans dining!

Wine Break: A Red for Summer

This week’s wine pick is a chilled red from Billsboro Winery in the Finger Lakes. It’s light, juicy, and perfect for warmer weather—something to sip on a patio while remembering live brass echoing from Frenchmen Street. They also suggest trying chilled Gamay or Pinot Noir for a similar feel.