Halloween in NOLA

Visit New Orleans, LA

I love the drive from Austin into New Orleans. I’m always looking for alligators walking across the interstate, but I’m 0-7 as of late. This year, Hurricane Zeta nearly cancelled my Halloween plans, but luckily it only remained a Category 2 storm as it slammed into Louisiana last Thursday. My car now has over 200K miles on the odometer, yet only requires an oil change for maintenance. You got to love Toyota.

Garden District-Uptown

On this trip I finally had a chance to step away from Bourbon St. and Harrah’s Casino to check out the Garden District neighborhood. This area of New Orleans has several grand mansions that are three-stories tall dating back to the 1800’s. They remind me of wedding cakes. They’re spacious enough to look like plantation homes if you ask me.

On your GPS set it for Anne Rice’s house at 1314 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115. She’s an American author best known for “Interview with a Vampire” and “The Queen of the Damned”. That location is the sweet spot where you’ll park and roam around taking pictures like I did. Those handsome neighborhoods will take you back into time. There will be a restaurant called Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar I want you to check out. I didn’t get the chance, but locals say it’s a must. Beware that the roads in this area are bumpy as hell. I lost a hubcap damnit.

The French Quarter

St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter of New Orleans always reminds me of Hyrule Castle from a video game called “Super Smash Bros”. It looks cartoonish up close and almost unreal. Vendors are always in the area selling art pieces or paintings. You’ll hear musicians playing music for tips throughout the streets.

Cafe Du Monde

Beignets are a must at Cafe Du Monde. These little fluffy, yet doughy pastries are topped with powdered sugar. I always end-up with white stains on my pants but I love them. An order of three runs for $3, but don’t taste as good when you try to reheat them for some reason. Show up in the early morning (8AM) to avoid crowded lines.

St. Louis Cemetery #3

Check out all the cemeteries while in New Orleans. They’re free, and people can get married at them. I was roaming around the area taking pictures when a couple had been exchanging their vows. As you may know, tombs must be built above ground due to the city being below sea level.

Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar

This is the only place where I’ll eat in New Orleans. Trust me when I say it’s damn good. I eat here twice a day when in town. The staff is awesome and welcoming. You don’t need to make reservations and its near Bourbon St. I always order jambalaya, a dozen raw oysters on the half-shell and another twelve Rockefeller style for that baked taste!

Bourbon St | New Orleans

For many tourists visiting New Orleans, Bourbon St. is the party. Its lit by neon lights, loud music and balconies wrapped in beads. I booked a hotel at the Holiday Inn on St. Charles Ave. You might want to do the same. The walk towards Canal St. is 20 minutes and you avoid paying for public transportation such as Uber. The surrounding neighborhoods are safe and full of pedestrians in the area. However, hotels will charge for overnight parking such as the Holiday Inn did. They charged me $33 a night to park my car in their parking lot!