This week I’m taking it back to my roots….New Orleans. It’s the city where my parents met, and it’s where my older brother and I were born. We frequently moved when I was young, and the moves typically revolved around New Orleans and Houston.

I brought in the experts (a.k.a. my parents) for these New Orleans posts (they lived in New Orleans for 10+ years). Here are the top picks:

• Eat Beignets at Café du Monde

It was always a special treat to get to visit the famous Café du Monde. This café has been around since 1862 and you can’t miss the iconic green and white awning. It’s smack dab in the middle of the French Quarter, so wander around the Quarter afterwards. My go-to order is chocolate milk and 2 beignets (shame on you if you go here and don’t eat beignets). Also, if you’re a coffee drinker, make sure to have a cup of the chicory.

• Shop at the French Market

After you eat some beignets, explore the French Quarter and make sure to shop at the French Market – an open market in the Quarter. There’s a little bit of everything at this market…foods, spices, crafts, clothes, etc. I used to collect porcelain Mardi Gras dolls and the majority of the dolls were purchased at this market.

• Explore Jackson Square

Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral are just down the road from Café du Monde. Jackson Square, named after Andrew Jackson, is an iconic spot in New Orleans and has been featured in many movies, including the Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

• Visit the Audubon Zoo

The Audubon Zoo was one of my favorite places to visit when I was a kid, and it’s my favorite zoo. I thought it was so cool to see peacocks wandering around the facility. One of the best things about the Audubon Zoo is the Roman Candy stand.

• Ride a Streetcar

Ride a streetcar in New Orleans

Last but not least, make sure to take a ride on a streetcar. It was a treat for us to get to ride on a streetcar. Check out the routes and schedules online before you hop on a car.

Enjoy your trip to New Orleans! Stay tuned for music and food recommendations…

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