N'Awlins y'all

That's right, we're headed to NOLA this weekend!  So excited to spend the weekend with my husband and I'm ready to have some fun!  We're driving, so I'm looking forward to good conversation and listening to our own unique blend of music favorites.  Between Michael and me, it tends to be quite an eclectic mix, but it works! 

Some of Michael's favorites:  Of course, Widespread Panic.  He also likes Grateful Dead, Kings of Leon, Radiohead, and James Taylor.  He's also been known to listen to some John Denver, Garth Brooks, Dave Matthews, Phish, Pearl Jam, and some occasional country and easy listening.  He's really a fan of jam bands, and loves him some festivals!  He can still bounce like you wouldn't believe!

Some of my favorites, lately, include Zac Brown Band, Ray LaMontagne, The Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, Miley Cyrus, Pink, All American Rejects, Kings of Leon, Smashing Pumpkins, Darius Rucker, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Billy Currington, Dave Matthews Band.  It's completely random, I know, but I go through phases and it's a strange mixture.  It's usually a random shuffle on my iPod. 

And, disclaimer:  The only Miley Cyrus song I like (and know) is the Party in the USA song...  It has a fun beat, and I sing along in the car.  Don't judge...  It's kind of like my Hanson phase in high school.  We won't go there...  Mmmm bop!

I've asked several friends to offer some recommendations of must-dos, and must-eats, and words of wisdom while we're in New Orleans.  Here are a few of their suggestions:

• Cafe du Monde, http://www.cafedumonde.com/, for beignets and chickory coffee.  I already checked, they are open 24 hours a day - so it might be a late night snack :)
• Restaurant August, http://www.restaurantaugust.com/.  Kinda fancy but sure to be a treat.
• Domenica, located in the Roosevelt hotel, http://www.domenicarestaurant.com/
• Who is this John Besh guy, anyway?  I keep seeing his name.  He must be pretty decent, and have some pretty decent grub in those parts.  Check out his website, http://www.chefjohnbesh.com/
• Emeril's on Tchoupitoulas
• Irene's in the French Quarter
• The Columns on St. Charles to get a fun drink
• The Court of Two Sisters for brunch
• Acme Oyster House
• Burger and baked potato from Port O'Cal
• The Bombay club
• Hotel Montleone - famous carousel bar - fun to get a drink
• Don't underestimate the Hand Grenades at Tropical Isle
• Gallatoire's for lunch
• O'Brien's for a hurricane (I've had the Cancun version, and oy!)
• It's humid there so maybe some good hair products!
• Huge Ass Beer store
• Tipitina's is supposed to have some of the best live music
• House of Blues
• Mothers for Po Boys
• Clancy's (uptown) 6100 Annunciation Street, New Orleans - (504) 895-1111 (casual, great food)
• Bayona's (little $$ but worth the treat), 430 Dauphine Street, New Orleans - (504) 525-4455
• Mothers has a great bloody mary!
• Coop's for Fried Chicken and Jambalaya. It's in the quarter by the market. http://www.coopsplace.net/
• Mr. B's Bistro is Fabulous and a New Orleans must. the BBQ shrimp is their signature- and amazing
• Jaquesimo's is highly recommended but it's way uptown and unless you have a party of 5, they don't take reservations and you will wait 2.5 hours
• NOLA or Emeril's are both Emeril's restaurants and good safe picks
• Luke - John Besh restaurant - great food
• Cochon - my new favorite. Warehouse district. Lots of Pork. Great little wine bar around the corner. I can't say enough good things about this meal.
• Walk OFF of bourbon (bourbon is gross).  Neat little stores, take a horse drawn carriage ride to get some of the history.
• Street car uptown - ride up to Tulane area, walk around Audobon park.
• Washington cemetery - neat old cemetery in the Garden District. Beautiful old New Orleans homes around this area.
• Magazine Street - Great eclectic shopping. Are you an Orient Expressed kids clothes fan? Their store is on the 5000 block I think. Great bars and restaurants all down this street for miles.

We'll only be there Friday through Sunday, so we'll do our best to check out some of these recommendations! 

P.S. I will be packing diuretics, Spanx, and some heartburn medicine.  Wish me luck!