Happy New Year everyone! Can you believe its 2017 already?? I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. For the past few years I have been spending new years eve in New Orleans with my sister. She has to go for work so I let her pull my arm and bring me along for the fun! Below is a recap of everything we did over the weekend. Enjoy!
Where I Stayed
The Roosevelt Hotel:
This Roosevelt hotel is absolutely GORGEOUS this time of year. This was my second time coming to New Orleans for NYE and we stayed here both times. The hotel is in a great location – only a 10 minute walk to Bourbon street and the french quarter area. Also, if you are a Hilton Honors Member you get 2 free drink coupons (up to $18 each) and 20% off at the spa! and hello… look at the lobby (insert heart eyes emoji)
For New Years Eve we had a party in the Roosevelt Ballroom which was decked out in classic mardi gras colors!
Where to Eat and Drink in New Orleans
The Carousel Bar
The carousel bar in the Hotel Monteleone is a really cool spot to go to if you are in NOLA. The main bar is an old carousel with seats around it which slowly revolve around the bar. I didn’t actually sit at that bar because it was so crowded but my cab driver told me that after a few cocktails you might get off to use the restroom and struggle to find your way back to your seat since it moved haha.
Saints and Sinners
My sister recently discovered that Channing Tatum owns a bar in NOLA called Saints and Sinners so we had to check it out. Sadly he was not there to serve us drinks… a girl can dream.
Bourbon Cowboy
Bourbon Cowboy is a fun country bar on Bourbon Street. I have seen some less than classy things happen at this bar (topless mechanical bull ride anyone?) but it’s bourbon street so what do you expect.
Brennan’s
Brennan’s is the cutest brunch/ lunch spot! It is located in an older building in the French Quarter and each room has a different theme. The room we ate in had a pineapple theme complete with pineapple wallpaper and pineapple chandeliers (adorable!).
The room next door had big couches and chess (more of a manly vibe). The outdoor patio area also looked like a great place to grab food and drinks on a sunny day.. unfortunately it rained most of the weekend while we were there.
Cafe Du Monde
You can’t go to NOLA without checking out the Beignet scene. Cafe Du Monde is the most iconic (and touristy) spots to pick one up. The line is always long (it’s open 24/7) but it’s definitely worth the wait! Sooo good! Just make sure you don’t wear an all black outfit because you will leave looking light you just got in a fight with powdered sugar. You have been warned.
Butcher
Butcher is a great spot if you’re looking for a quick lunch! We split the BBQ pulled pork sandwich which was delicious. There is another place called Cochon next door which is more of a sit down restaurant that I’ve also heard great things about.
Other Fun Things We Did In NOLA
Shrimp Boil at the House of Blues
On Monday night we went to a private shrimp boil at the house of blues. I loved the vibe of this place and the shrimp was amazing (a lot of work to eat but delicious)! There is a House of Blues in Chicago which I never really thought twice about before this, but now it’s on my list of places to go. Definitely recommend stopping by if you have the time.
Allstate Sugar Bowl (Auburn vs. Oklahoma) Pre-Party / Game
Going to the Sugar Bowl is such a fun experience! Because my sister works for Allstate and they sponsor the game we get to go to a pre-party before before where there is a ton of food, drinks and classic insurance banter (Are you in good hands?) I didn’t have a preference between the two teams playing (Auburn and Oklahoma) so I cheered for Oklahoma since all the people in my section were Oklahoma fans. I’m guessing thats why they won.. hahah just kidding. But in all seriousness I always felt a tad guilty being there and not really caring for the game.
Thanks for stopping by! XOXO
Looks like you had a great time. How’s the no alcohol January going?
Author
It was a weekend for the books! I haven’t cut myself off cold turkey but I’ve been trying to cut down before vacation 🙂
Just got back from New Orleans stayed at the The Four points on Bourbon. We had a balcony room and had fun throwing beads!!! Sounds like your trip was fun.
Author
That’s awesome Shelly! I wish we would have had a balcony! We still had a great time! Hope you did too! It’s hard not to stay entertained in NOLA between the bars, beignets and music!