Where to Propose in New Orleans

Where to Propose in New Orleans admin Fri, 01/25/2013 - 19:39
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Where to Stay in New Orleans

Where to Stay in New Orleans admin Fri, 01/25/2013 - 20:01

There are plenty of excellent hotels in New Orleans, and if you really want to capture the flavor of the city look for one of the restored historic houses and mansions, many of which contain well preserved original features. Most people choose to stay in or close to the French Quarter, but there are also great hotels in the Garden and Arts Districts.

French Quarter Hotels

If you’d like a little historic luxury close to the French Quarter, Melrose Mansion could be the perfect hotel for you. The restored Victorian mansion is located on Esplanade Avenue and has every amenity you could want including a large swimming pool and a lovely courtyard with fountains.

Another historic and luxurious choice in the French Quarter, at the foot of Royal Street, is the Hotel Monteleone, which has a spa, rooftop pool, and the famous Carousel Bar. For an extra edge bear in mind that the Hotel Monteleone is one of America’s most haunted hotels.

For something a little different check out the Audubon Cottages, a historic collection of seven cottages in the French Quarter which have the feel of a secluded private hideaway in the heart of New Orleans. The cottages share use of a saltwater pool and are linked to the Dauphine Hotel, another lovely historic French Quarter hotel with a peaceful courtyard.

Bourbon Street Hotels

If you want to stay on Bourbon Street itself, think about the Royal Sonesta Hotel which is distinctly New Orleans with its traditional gabled windows, French doors, and wrought-iron lace balconies. As well as luxurious rooms you’ll find tropical courtyards with outdoor pools and cafes, restaurants, and jazz bars.

You could also consider Inn on Bourbon, a beautiful hotel that stands on the site of the legendary French Opera House, and that has balconies overlooking Bourbon Street so you can throw beads to the crowds beneath. A more affordable choice on Bourbon Street might be La Maison Marigny, an elegant bed and breakfast close to Frenchmen Street.

Garden and Art District Hotels

One of New Orleans best known hotels is the Columns Hotel on St Charles Avenue in the upper Garden District, near to Audubon Park. It is the only remaining example of a large group of Italianate houses that Thomas Sully designed in the late 1880s, and has some stunning features such as a mahogany stairwell which rises to meet an extraordinary domed stained glass skylight. With just nineteen rooms the Columns Hotel is a cozy and affordable choice.

Another beautiful hotel in the Garden District is the Queen Anne Hotel, a late nineteenth century Victorian mansion. Four poster beds, marble bathrooms and sparkling chandeliers will make your proposal vacation particularly romantic.

If you’d like to stay somewhere with a more contemporary vibe, the Hotel Modern in the Arts District is worth a look. The stylish interiors aim to capture New Orleans’ unique mixture of old world charm and new world diversity, and combined with very personalized service you are sure to have a memorable stay.

Where to Eat in New Orleans

Where to Eat in New Orleans admin Fri, 01/25/2013 - 20:09

New Orleans has an unrivaled restaurant scene and is best known for Louisiana Creole cuisine which combines French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Native American, and Southern cooking methods with African influences. Whether you are looking for a restaurant in the French Quarter, the Garden District, or downtown, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Irene’s is a French Provincial and Creole-Italian restaurant in the French Quarter close to Woldenberg Park. Although it’s not a especially touristy you may have to wait for a table, but the fabulous food, friendly service, and cozy romantic atmosphere make it worthwhile.

Arnaud’s Creole restaurant which is located just steps from Bourbon Street is the ultimate New Orleans dining experience. Whether you choose a romantic dinner in the turn of the century dining room or one of their famous jazz brunches in the Jazz Bistro, the food is guaranteed to please.

Bayona is another celebrated restaurant in the French Quarter, and the menu spans a huge range of cuisines including Mediterranean, Far Eastern, North African, French, and Italian as well as drawing inspiration from all over the U.S. There are three beautiful dining rooms plus a tropical patio with its own fountain.

Muriel’s restaurant is located in the heart of Jackson Square and is a wonderful place to soak up the atmosphere of New Orleans as well as tasting the delicious contemporary Creole cuisine. Start with cocktails in the courtyard bar and book a table on the second floor wrought iron balcony overlooking Jackson Square.

Commander’s Palace is located in the Garden District and is a New Orleans attraction in its own right. The beautiful blue Victorian architecture houses a decadent restaurant where the food is an inventive combination of modern New Orleans cooking and Haute Creole and consistently gets rave reviews.

Restaurant August is located In the Lower Garden District and is one of celebrated Chef John Besh’s restaurants. The contemporary French menu is influenced by local ingredients and the chef’s southern roots.

Le Foret is a new restaurant with cuisine that combines Southern inspiration, French technique and seasonal flavors. Its convenient downtown location and luxurious interior make it an excellent choice for a post proposal dinner.

Romantic Activities in New Orleans

Romantic Activities in New Orleans admin Fri, 01/25/2013 - 20:15

Once your girlfriend has become your fiancée you’ll want to carry on the celebration with a few romantic activities, and these are all great ideas for fun or romantic things to do when you’re in New Orleans.

  • Take a ride on the St. Charles Avenue street car
  • Drink cocktails at 200 year old Napoleon House
  • Wander through the galleries of Royal Street
  • Visit the jazz clubs of Frenchman Street
  • Tour the Jazz Walk of Fame at the Jazz National Historic Park
  • Take a ferry ride across the Mississippi from Canal Street
  • Light a candle at St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square
  • Enjoy one of New Orleans’ legendary festivals
  • Hold each other tight on a ghost and vampire tour