New Orleanians love The Saints. And there are few more beloved players than #94 – Cam Jordan. The Defensive End came to the Saints as a first-round draft pick in 2011 and has been a fan favorite ever since. And just like New Orleans loves Cam, he loves the city right back.
We caught up with Cam recently and asked him to share a few of his favorite places to eat, play, and stay around New Orleans. Then came the fun part – Cam hopped on our Instagram (@VisitNewOrleans) and asked our followers to help plan his perfect New Orleans day. After our audience voted, we picked Cam up and took him around town to enjoy the winning spots. Read more about Cam’s picks below.
Cam Jordan’s Picks for Things to Do:
New Orleans is a city absolutely brimming with culture, and both of Cam’s picks for things to do center around the vibrant, colorful energy that the city’s culture bearers bring to the very soul of the city.
JAMNOLA (winner)
Short for “joy, art, music, NOLA,” JAMNOLA is an experiential attraction like none other. Each of the 12 rooms celebrates a different aspect of the city’s rich cultural tapestry, with interactive installations created by local artists, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in an over-the-top dreamscape dedicated to all things New Orleans.
Backstreet Cultural Museum
Backstreet Cultural Museum is a true neighborhood gem and a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the culture and history of Black Masking Indians, second lines, jazz funerals, and more. With the largest collection of Mardi Gras Indian suits anywhere, it’s as eye-catching as it is informative. Even though Cam couldn’t stop by on his day with us, he still sat down with the museum’s Executive Director to talk a bit about what makes the Tremé-based museum so special.
Cam Jordan’s Picks for Where to Eat:
When it came to choosing his favorite eats around the city, Cam went for casual neighborhood restaurants specializing in Caribbean cuisine and fresh Gulf seafood.
Queen Trini Lisa (winner)
From pop-up to brick-and-mortar, Queen Trini Lisa is a local favorite for Trinbagonian cuisine, including jerk chicken, coco bread fish sandwich, and her famous doubles box–all of which Cam enjoyed during his visit (with the addition of their house-made hot sauce).
Zimmer’s Seafood
Located in Gentilly, Zimmer’s is both a seafood market, as well as a top spot for po-boys, fried seafood platters, and boiled shrimp, crawfish, and crabs.
Cam Jordan’s Picks for Where to Stay:
From boutique hotels to well-known chains, there’s a perfect hotel for everyone in New Orleans. Cam’s picks are located on opposite ends of Downtown New Orleans–making them ideal for anyone planning to catch Cam in person at the ‘dome.
Virgin Hotels New Orleans (winner)
With its bright color palette, walls adorned with pop art, chic common areas (hello, rooftop pool bar), and a suite fit for a king (or at least a knight… after all, it’s named for the hotel’s owner Sir Richard Branson), the Virgin Hotel just screams fun. The property is both pet-friendly and group-friendly, and keeps a packed calendar of social events, from poolside parties with a view to burlesque brunch at Commons Club. It’s a whole scene in and of itself–and best of all, it’s about a ten-minute walk to the Superdome.
Caesars New Orleans Hotel
Although technically not opening until fall, Caesars New Orleans Hotel brings even more glitz and glam to Downtown New Orleans. With ultra-chic guestrooms, high-end dining options like Nobu and Emeril’s Brasserie, and access to the entire entertainment world of Caesars New Orleans, Caesars promises a luxuriously elevated guest experience for visitors who love to be in the center of the action.