The moment we arrived, we knew we were in the Big Easy. Streetcars rumbled past with their bells cutting through the air. Lush courtyards peeked out from behind wrought-iron gates, and ferns spilled over balconies, swaying gently in the breeze. New Orleans had a way of making you slow down, and that was exactly what we had planned to do.
From the start, we were intentional about experiencing the city at a different pace. Instead of rushing in, we took the train, knowing it would take a bit longer. That was the point. We wanted to ease into the journey and let the rhythmic sway of the tracks set the tone for the days ahead. We planned to take our time, explore at our own pace, and fully immerse ourselves in the city’s rich history and culture.
For my husband and me, now empty nesters, simply being with our two college-age children was a gift. With their schedules packed and our own routines pulling us in different directions, these moments together had become rare and precious. So, we wandered the French Quarter with no agenda. We let the music guide us. We lingered over meals that felt like celebrations. And we soaked in the beauty of a city that rewards those who slow down enough to truly see it.
Photo Courtesy of New Orleans & Company
Seeing the City from a Double-Decker Bus
Instead of diving headfirst into the maze of the French Quarter, we decided to get our bearings with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. From the open-air top deck, we watched the city unfold like a living postcard. St. Charles Avenue greeted us with a canopy of ancient oaks and grand mansions, while the French Quarter dazzled with wrought-iron balconies adorned with cascading ferns. Our tour guide’s voice crackled through the speakers as he shared tales of voodoo queens, jazz legends, a few quirky historical happenings, and the resilience of a city that had weathered countless storms.
Ever the history buff, my husband leaned forward as we passed Congo Square, absorbing stories of its role in the city’s musical heritage. With her camera in hand, our daughter snapped photos of vibrant Creole cottages. This bus tour was more than just sightseeing. It set the stage for the adventures ahead.
Photo Courtesy of New Orleans & Company
Brunch Spots That Hit All the Right Notes
If there was ever a city that could sing through its food, it’s New Orleans. Brunch at The Court of Two Sisters was our first culinary stop in the city. From a few yards away, the soft strumming of a jazz trio and the smell of delicious food beckoned us. The wisteria-draped trellises in the courtyard made us feel like we had entered another era. We settled in at a wrought-iron table as we rhythmically perused the menu and finally decided to partake in the buffet.
The buffet had something for every taste. New Orleans staples like creamy shrimp and grits, eggs Sardou, and spicy andouille sausage found their way onto our plates. We also enjoyed must-taste dishes like crawfish étouffée and seafood jambalaya. Between bites, we talked and laughed with the music providing the perfect soundtrack.
Savoring Modern Creole Flavors at Chapter IV
The next day, we indulged in another unforgettable brunch at Chapter IV, a modern Creole restaurant that effortlessly captures the soulful essence of New Orleans. The moment we stepped inside, the inviting aroma of buttery pastries and sizzling spices wrapped around us like a warm embrace. The space itself was a feast. The walls were adorned with vibrant African American art and there was soft jazz music humming in the background. The place was filled with the lively buzz of conversation.
The menu was a symphony of Southern flavors, with standouts like the decadent Bananas Foster French toast, golden and caramelized; rich, creamy fish and grits; and crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside beignets dusted with a generous snowfall of powdered sugar.
But the true showstopper? The barbecue shrimp omelet. This dish included plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a smoky Abita Amber reduction, topped with velvety garlic pepper butter and melted cheese, all cradled within light, fluffy eggs. Every bite delivered a punch of bold, savory goodness. We left already craving our next visit.
History Comes Alive
With full stomachs and a newfound appreciation for Creole cuisine, we made our way to the National World War II Museum. From the moment we stepped inside, the weight of history surrounded us. Black-and-white footage flickered on massive screens, and the voices of veterans recounted stories of courage and sacrifice.
We moved through the exhibits at our own pace, pausing to watch “Beyond All Boundaries,” the immersive 4D experience narrated by Tom Hanks. We were captivated by the interactive exhibits that seemed so real. Meanwhile, my daughter and I found ourselves drawn to the personal letters and artifacts. Those small, tangible pieces of history made the past feel strikingly present.
As we left the museum, the conversations lingered. Our children asked questions, made connections to their studies, and reflected on what they had seen. In a city known for its revelry, this moment of quiet reflection was unexpected but deeply meaningful.
Photo courtesy of New Orleans & Company.
Game Day in the Big Easy
As luck would have it, we found ourselves in the city on the day of a New Orleans Saints football game. We had never been to an NFL game before, so the experience was new and thrilling.
The energy outside the Caesars Superdome was electric. Fans in black and gold jerseys filled the streets, chanting “Who Dat!” in unison. I scored tickets by searching a ticket reseller app right before our trip when I noticed a home game fell within the dates of our stay. And even though we weren’t die-hard Saints fans, we couldn’t resist the pull of the city’s sports culture. Plus, our Uber driver taught us all the chants and told us about a few key players on the ride over to the dome. We eagerly stepped into our roles as honorary Saints fans for the day.
Inside, the roar of the crowd was deafening. Our kids, swept up in the excitement, joined in the cheers, while my husband and I marveled at the camaraderie that seemed to pulse through the stadium. Vendors weaved through the aisles, balancing trays of jambalaya and po’boys, reminding us that food was part of the experience even here.
By the time the game ended, we were hoarse from cheering. Even though the Saints lost, we felt the city’s infectious spirit. It was a side of New Orleans we hadn’t expected to love so much.
A Spirited Experience
No trip to New Orleans is complete without a deep dive into its cocktail culture. The Sazerac House, a beautifully restored three-story museum and micro-distillery, offered just that. As we stepped inside, the scent of aged whiskey and bitters greeted us. Polished wood floors creaked gently beneath our feet as we wandered through exhibits that traced the evolution of one of the city’s most iconic drinks.
Behind a vintage-style bar, skilled mixologists in crisp vests and ties demonstrated the delicate balance of crafting the perfect Sazerac. With a slow, practiced hand, they swirled absinthe in an old-fashioned glass, coating the inside with its aromatic essence before pouring a golden stream of rye whiskey infused with sugar and bitters. The final touch was a twist of lemon zest that released its fragrant oils. It added a bright, citrusy note to the deep, warming flavors of the cocktail.
Our kids, now of legal drinking age, found themselves just as captivated as we were, not just by the spirits but by the artistry and tradition behind them. The interactive tasting stations allowed us to explore the flavors of different whiskeys and bitters and heightened our appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. We left with a newfound respect for the ritual of cocktail-making
A Walk Through the French Quarter at Night
We took one final stroll through the French Quarter on our last night in the city. The gas lanterns flickered to life, casting long shadows over cobblestone alleyways. Jazz music poured out of open doorways, mingling with the distant sound of horse-drawn carriages clattering along the pavement.
We wandered past art galleries and antique shops and took intentional pauses to admire the intricate ironwork on the balconies above. At Jackson Square, a street performer played a soulful melody on his saxophone.
In that moment, surrounded by history, music, and the quiet hum of a city that never truly sleeps, I realized we had found exactly what we had come for.
New Orleans for Families with Grown Kids
Traveling with young adult children requires a delicate balance of finding experiences that engage, educate, and entertain. New Orleans delivered on all fronts. The history, culture, and food gave us rich moments that we won’t soon forget.
For families looking to step beyond Bourbon Street, New Orleans offers more than a trip. For us, it was a celebration of family, new experiences, and a fresh look at the city.
New Orleans & Company hosted the author’s visit.
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Read more about my travel and self-care adventures at WhatCherithinks.
