New Orleans | February 2015

A few weeks ago I got the chance to take a road trip with my closest friends to New Orleans! We all had never been and were so eager to experience a place unlike any other. 

We decided to drive down and we unfortunately got stuck right in the middle of a terrible snow storm in Kentucky. It took us 16 hours to drive to Louisiana! But we finally made it!

We had our own balcony and had a beautiful view of the city. We didn't get to New Orleans until about 8pm so we didn't explore much the first night. 

We had a very lovely meal at a beautiful restaurant known as Emeril's, yes it is one of Chef Emeril's locations, it was very beautiful and everyone was very kind! 

New Orleans during the afternoon

We got there on the last day of Mardi Gras, otherwise known as "Fat Tuesday". We only went to one of the parades but it was such a cool experience! It was so surreal to think that you're actually experiencing the REAL Mardi Gras. Everyone was dressed up and beads, stuffed animals, umbrellas and other items were being thrown into the crowd. 

How cool is this Alien float? It was probably my favorite!

We headed down to the French Quarter to explore and do some shopping. The whole area was so cute and artistic. There were so many cute and interesting shops as well. 

A very popular brand I saw nearly everywhere I went was "Slap Ya Mama" which I found quite comical.

There were horse drawn carriages all over the streets. It made me pretty sad for the horses, honestly. It was a weird thing to see though, we don't have those roaming around the cities back in Ohio.

It was so cool to see people just singing and playing instruments on the sides of the street. There was also performers, like the Statue Man, who I didn't get a photo of unfortunately.

This absolutely beautiful church I found looked like a castle and was sitting in the prettiest square/park. If I lived here I would come here every day to sit under the trees and relax, it was gorgeous here. 

We stumbled upon this woman named Aamara who gave palm readings. I got my palms read for the first time and it was such a cool and unique experience! I don't know if I 100% believed everything, but I think it was worth it just for the experience. I've always been afraid to get one of these but she had nothing but positive things to say, which true or false, is still a great motivator. 

We stopped at this gorgeous little restaurant and had absolutely amazing food! I tried crawfish and feta crepes and it was SO delicious. Definitely my favorite meal I had down there. 

My dessert was creme brulee and it was also the first time I had that as well and it was super yummy! 

We were only down there for about 2 1/2 days but it was so gorgeous and I wish we could have stayed longer! It was such an amazing experience and I definitely want to visit again! New Orleans is filled with so much culture and the kindest people, I miss it already!