There’s no better scoop than a local’s when it comes to things to do in NOLA. Get these picks on your New Orleans itinerary, stat.
Local New Orleans Flytographer Randy not only photographs people, he also photographs the latest and greatest creations hitting the Big Easy’s food scene. Here, he gives us the local scoop on his favourite places to eat (pay close attention to this one), as well as the best sights and things to do in NOLA.
EAT
For a breakfast that will leave you feeling revived rather than sluggish, Randy swears by Willa Jean, located in NOLA’s Central Business District. The restaurant’s incredible natural light makes it easy to snap the perfect Insta pic of Willa Jean’s fresh take on Southern cuisine.
Think you can’t be surprised by a sandwich? Think again. Randy’s favourite lunch spot, Turkey and the Wolf in Uptown, is throwing all the rules of the typical sandwich shop out the window. Try the collard green melt and your entire view of sandwiches will be turned upside down.
Sleek, dark, and sexy, Randy’s pick for dinner is Meaux Bar, an intimate restaurant in the French Quarter highlighting some of New Orleans’ best ingredients. Reservations are encouraged, but if you’re marching to the beat of the city sans schedule, Meauxbar’s full menu is available at the bar, where you can wait to be seated with cocktail in hand.
If bubbles and creative cocktails fuel your evenings out, head to Hot Tin, an amazing Uptown rooftop bar with a bird’s-eye view of downtown. Decked out in the style of a 1940s artist’s loft, the fun knick-knacks adorning the walls are a conversation piece all their own.
SEE
Be sure to check out Crescent Park, a fascinating repurposed urban park space that spans from the French Quarter to the Bywater neighbourhood.
One of Randy’s favourite neighbourhoods is the Lower Garden District. Wander its streets and you’ll find beautiful NOLA-style mansions, hip eateries, plus plenty of eclectic antique shops.
DO
As far as things to do in NOLA go, Randy is all about shopping local. Browse his favourite shop, Goods That Matter on Magazine Street, and discover an array of cute gifts — think candles, soaps, tees, and totes — aimed at giving back. 10% of the shop’s proceeds are donated to feel-good causes.
If browsing local, independent bookstores brings you joy, you’ll find your happy place at Octavia Books in Uptown. The quirky shop staffs fellow book lovers who are happy to help you find a new paperback to bury your nose in. Better yet, kick back on the store’s comfy patio and get started on your new book right away!
We love the idea of bringing back souvenirs that are locally made and super useful. Pick up a pair of locally made shades at KREWE in the French Quarter. Every time you put them on, you’ll be reminded of the fun you had in New Orleans.
