Or first couple
days in New Orleans was amazing. Day one, we got to learn about the cemetery
and saw some awesome homes and ate too much food. Day two, we ate even more
food, saw the Cathedral and the Hurricane Katrina Museum. Make sure you read
about them, if you haven’t yet. Now it’s time to fill you in on Day three and
four (we flew home so not much happened day four).
We had a big
day planned so we decided on eating a bigger breakfast at the house (if that café
had been open on Memorial Day, we would have eaten there). We got all ready and
waited for the shuttle to pick us up as we were going to the Bayou on a swamp
tour, from Cajun Encounters, which can be booked hassle free on TripAdvisor.
They picked us up which is so much easier than trying to get Uber to take us
almost an hour outside the city (and cheaper than Uber too). On the way to
Slidell our bus driver gave us information on the area and what Hurricane Katrina
damaged. Years after the fact you can see buildings that were damaged and never
got rebuilt.
We got to Cajun
Encounters and got all checked in and waited for our tour to start. They divide
people up with color coded bracelets. From there we got into the boat and went
on our way. Or tour guide Greg was awesome. The wildlife is amazing, and each
part of the river is different from the last. Like, each area has its own
ecosystem. We saw a few alligators at first but saw more as we got deeper into
the river. At that point we stopped and actually fed a few some hotdogs. We
were told that they know the tourist’s boats and know they have food. Which
makes since as I’m sure the boats are there pretty much all day every day over
and over.
We got to one
part of the river where we had to turn around as we couldn’t go any farther and
that’s where we saw Hamlet (that’s what we named him). A cute wild boar. There
was a raccoon who we name George Cooney (bad puns I know), but we didn’t get a
really good close look at him. Hamlet was awesome though. You could tell he was
used to tourists as well as he came right up to the boat wanting food, which
our tour guide gave. He would have come onto the boat had it been a little
lower to the waterline.
We left Hamlet
and George and headed to another part of the river where we stopped in an open
area and got surrounded by small(ish) alligators, which we fed more hot dogs. Overall,
we spent about 1.5 hours on the boat, but saw so much. Not only did we see the
wildlife, but also people’s homes and shrimp boats.
I mentioned in
day Two how we made appts for tattoos. Once we got dropped off from the tour we
headed over to the shop and got them, quick and fun. Then back to the house to
get ready for dinner.
Our driver had
recommended a place called The Joint, and we are so glad he did. It’s a small
BBQ place. We got there and got in line which I’m sure there is always one. They
were out of burnt ends, which I really wanted but wasn’t surprised they were
out since it was later in the evening. We ended up ordering the 3-meat platter
of brisket, ribs and pulled pork. Man, I could eat that brisket all day. So, if
you are in the area, go out of your way and go to The Joint if you like some
BBQ. After that we headed back to the
house as we were exhausted from the entire day.
We got up on
Tuesday (day four), packed and headed to Café du Monde for one last breakfast of
beignets. This time they were busy, but no line at all. We had breakfast, and
then ordered 5 orders of beignets to go so the kids and some friends could try.
Honestly, I should have ordered even more, but I did get the box mix to try and
make some on my own.
Sadly, after
our breakfast our trip was over as we had to head out to the airport to go
home. We had such a blast that I can’t wait to go back for more food and fun.
Did I mention the food was amazing? If you go for just the food, I won’t judge
as it really is that good.
I want to thank
TripAdvisor again for such a fun trip. Make sure you check out the attractions
we went to and even more on their site. Please let me know if you did any of
the activities that we did or what you would do if you were to go.
We have never been to New Orleans. Sounds like you had a great time seeing the sites. Love trying new food Photos let us know how everything looks
ReplyDeleteThat cruise looked like the highlight of the trip. Seeing crocs or alligators looked so scary. You certainly took the nature trips version of New Orleans.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to visit New Orleans. Trip Advisor is such a wonderful resource. Everything looks amazing. Especially, the food.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed learning about your trip and seeing the food you all had for dinner. The Ribs looked yummy.
ReplyDeleteHow fun! I've always wanted to go to New Orleans. One day we'll go and I am SO eating at Cafe Du Monde! I don't like coffee, but I'd pig out on beignets.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun day! I love that you guys got to try so many things and even got the chance to have tattoos! I always get sad whenever a vacation is over! I know how you feel.
ReplyDeleteIt was so many years ago that I visited New Orleans. I really want to go back and see all the changes - these are great tips. It looks like you had so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to visit New Orleans. There is so much culture to that city!
ReplyDeleteI need to get down there to see Hamlet! Looks like everyone had a blast and that BBQ! yes please, I'll take a few plates of it.
ReplyDeleteMy husband is headed to New Orleans for work. I will mention the food places to him.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to visit New Orleans! Ooooh Cafe Du Monde is definitely on my list of places to stop in when we go.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to visit New Orleans. That BBQ looks heavenly!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fabulous trip. Did not know that crocs eat hotdogs..but luckily these were small. The food in the cafe looks yum too!
ReplyDeletewww.yeahlifestyle.com
This sounds like a great trip! I think I would skip the gator tour though, I'd be afraid of getting eaten! lol. Although, it looks like you had a great time, I enjoyed your photos too.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness those alligators would have made my adrenaline through the roof. I bet that was quite and experience.
ReplyDeletenice
ReplyDeleteI would love to go to NOLA one day. Specifically for the food. I've heard so many great things about the restaurants.
ReplyDeleteLove New Orleans! I visited quite a bit in the past and I love it. The atmosphere is amazing and the food is great!
ReplyDeleteI have never been to New Orleans, although I've been wanting to go with my husband. Looks like you had great fun on your visit!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds a like a trip of a lifetime! No trip to NOLA is complete without beignets!
ReplyDeleteI've been there once but have never seen these sights. I'd love to see gators or even a wild hog. Next time we go to NO we will have to go see some wildlife instead of just the town.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great trip. That is the first place I tried Alligator �� it wasn't that bad. New Orleans is known for its food.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like such a fun trip! I have never been to New Orleans but I have always wanted to go. We'll have to do something simialr soon, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat is a bit scary experience. I am not sure if I will ever want to visit the place with alligators. haha! But it looks all fun and food looks good!
ReplyDeleteYea the alligators are scary but it still looks like a fun time :)
ReplyDeleteThese all seem like really great things to try out! Thanks for sharing,
ReplyDeleteMy favorite city in the whole world! The last time my husband and I were down there, we did a bayou tour too. I still laugh every time I see the wild boars going nuts over marshmallows!
ReplyDeleteThat boat tour looks fantastic. I'll have to try it if I ever visit.
ReplyDeleteNew Orleans is #1 on my bucket list!
ReplyDeleteI love the photos, and appreciate your sharing your experience with us. Thanks for the review on a great vacation.
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