Empty-Nester Itinerary

One11 Hotel

Downtown at the edge of the French Quarter is One11 Hotel, a sleek boutique hotel in a prime location. Their rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the French Quarter and Mississippi River. The in-house restaurant, Batture Bistro + Bar, offers a Creole-inspired menu.

The Celestine

The Celestine is your charming boutique hotel in the heart of the French Quarter. A winner of multiple awards, this hotel is known for providing top-notch service and being close to the action while remaining a quiet oasis. In their 14 European-style rooms, you'll notice a hint of 1950s glamour in the decor. Step out to their garden bar, Peychaud’s, where you can enjoy an evening sip or even sign up for a cocktail making class!

Hotel Peter and Paul

Located inside of an old church and schoolhouse in the Marigny, Hotel Peter and Paul is full of unique flair and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Choose from a stay in the schoolhouse, rectory, or convent—no two guest rooms are the same. And their on-site restaurant and bar, The Elysian Bar, is well-known for their seasonal menu and stellar cocktail offerings.

The Chloe

This boutique hotel sits along historic St. Charles Avenue. With just 14 guest rooms, The Chloe prides itself on intimacy and attention to detail. Thinking of making it a romantic staycation? The Chloe comes complete with its own restaurant, bar, and swimming pool so you can maximize your stay.

Garden District Walking Tour

The Lower Garden District is a gorgeous architectural tapestry, a testament to over a century of development. Wander through its enchanting streets and verdant parks and you'll stumble upon echoes of history, like Coliseum Square, originally envisioned to host a grand coliseum, and Prytania Street, destined to be graced by a majestic prytaneum, otherwise known as a town hall. Book a walking tour here or visit our page on Self-Guided Garden District Walking Tour here.

Lunch at Commander's Palace

This bold, blue building will draw your attention, but it’s the delicious New Orleanian cuisine that will keep you there. Named one of the 40 Most Important Restaurants of the Past 40 Years, Commander’s Palace has solidified its place in the culinary hall of fame. Their entire menu is filled with Creole and Cajun favorites that can’t be found anywhere else. 

Cocktail Hour at Carousel Bar

Located inside Hotel Monteleone, Carousel Bar is just what it sounds like: a (slowly) revolving circular bar designed to look like a carousel. Try a Carousel favorite, like the 20th Century gin and cacao cocktail or the Handshaken Piña Colada.

Dinner at Galatoire's or Broussard's

Have a splurge worthy dinner at a classic New Orleans restaurant like Galatoire's or Broussard's. Both offer Creole staples like seafood dishes as well as a strong cocktail program. 

Museum-hop

New Orleans offers world-class attractions, including several museums to bring out your inner culture-seeker. Visit the National WWII Museum and explore their expertly curated exhibits and galleries that pay homage to different aspects of World War II. Senior, military, and WWII Veteran tickets are available at discounted rates. One of many art museums in New Orleans, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art is unique in that it holds the largest and most comprehensive collection of Southern art and focuses on a wide range of programming within that sphere. Exhibits feature a mix of disciplines from a diverse selection of artists to further tell the stories of the American South. And if you'd like to delve headfirst into New Orleans culture, look no further than the Backstreet Cultural Museum. Flanked with hand-sewn Mardi Gras Indian suits of every hue, the museum chronicles the history of Black New Orleanians in life and death, from the great Mardi Gras Indian tradition to social aid & pleasure clubs to the tradition of a jazz funeral. 

Lunch at Dooky Chase's Restaurant 

Famed for serving presidents and leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, Dooky Chase’s is as much a place for a meal as it is for a history lesson. The restaurant itself is known for knocking it out of the park when it comes to NOLA comfort food–think bowls of expertly prepared gumbo, red beans, shrimp Clemenceau, and fried chicken. Perhaps one of the most coveted seats of all is at Dooky’s on Holy Thursday, the one day of the year when their legendary gumbo z’herbes is served. Head to Tremé for a one-of-a-kind meal.

Frenchmen Street Music Crawl

Frenchmen Street is a hub for music lined with jazz clubs. Many performances start early in the evening around 6 p.m. and last late into the night. Check out Snug Harbor, Blue Nile, and d.b.a. Craving a more formal performance? The Orpheum Theater is home base for the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, with frequent performances during their season (September – May). 

Jazz Brunch 

New Orleans is known for two things above all else: music and food. The best of both worlds combine in jazz brunch, and plenty of restaurants honor the tradition weekly. Come hungry and spice up your brunch NOLA-style. Check out our blog on Weekend Jazz Brunch here.

French Market and Royal Street Art Hop

The French Market is a great place for local shopping. Artisans set up shop daily to showcase their wares, ranging from clothing and textiles to jewelry and home wares. You can also get a great bite to eat within the French Market. Meanwhile on Royal Street, hop from antique shop to gallery to jewelry shop all while strolling an area designated as a pedestrian mall.

Sazerac House

Cocktail connoisseurs rejoice! Sazerac House is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the vast and often untold history of craft cocktail culture, with an emphasis on the first: the Sazerac. From its origin to production, Prohibition and everything in between, this three-story museum does a flawless job of walking guests through the history of craft cocktails as we know them today. The best part? Admission is 100% free! Simply reserve your spot ahead of time.

Dinner at a New Restaurant

New Orleans is ever-evolving, which means new restaurants open every month. Been wanting to try Korean Fried Chicken or craving Cuban coffee? Follow our best new restaurants blog here and don't be afraid to branch out.

Fontainebleau State Park

New Orleans is located near all kinds of attractions just outside the city limits. Situated on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Fontainebleau State Park is a 2,800 acre oasis with everything from camping grounds and bike trails to hiking, birding, boating, and a beach. The site is open daily and requires a small entrance fee. You’ll most likely cross the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, known as the world’s longest continuous bridge over water, which requires a small cash toll when returning to New Orleans. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day trip to Fontainebleau State Park. 

Avery Island

Avery Island, a salt dome about 130 miles away, is where world-famous TABASCO® Sauce is made. Take a tour of the factory and museum to learn all about how the sauce is made. Dine at the TABASCO® Restaurant and enjoy Cajun favorites like crawfish étouffée, boudin, and chicken and sausage gumbo. Located right next door is Jungle Gardens, a 170-acre botanical garden and bird sanctuary. This complete day trip blends Louisiana cuisine with native flora and fauna. Find more information to plan your visit here.