Funky shopping, smooth jazz and tasty beignets round out a girlfriend getaway to New Orleans. This travel guide has the ingredients for a perfect weekend in the Big Easy.
When asked to suggest a girlfriend getaway, travel guidebook author Pauline Frommer replied, “I think New Orleans is a great place because people have taken it off the radar [due to 2005’s Hurricane Katrina]. The French Quarter and Garden District are pristine.”*
New Orleans is open for business and these are some activities to enjoy on a girlfriend getaway.
Girlfriend Getaway to New Orleans: Shopping
Shopping tops all girlfriend getaway lists and New Orleans offers the perfect mix.
Riverwalk Marketplace (1 Poydras Street, Tel: (504) 522-1555) - On the bank of the Mississippi River, shoppers will find familiar retail stores in a festive setting.
Kulture Vulture (523 Rue Dumaine, Tel: (504) 410-2322) - Pick up something funky for the little ones like a pink Ramones onesie or a red Dead Kennedys t-shirt.
The Trashy Diva Corsets & Lingerie Boutique (831 Chartres Street, Tel: (504) 522-8861) - Shop for frilly and girly delicates.
The Volupteous Vixen (538 Madison Street, Tel: (504) 529-3588) - A place for curvy gals to find fashionable and chic designs, including lingerie, in sizes 12 to 28.
Girlfriend Getaway to New Orleans: Music & Nightlife
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park (currently at 916 N. Peters Street) - Rangers lead programs during the week about the history and culture of jazz and live performances are on Saturdays.
Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro (626 Frenchmen Street, Tel: (504) 949-0696) - Enjoy dinner followed by a performance in the intimate cabaret-style showroom. Reservations are suggested.
Street Musicians and Performers - While walking the streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter take time to appreciate these performers who vary from jazz to tap-dancing kids.
Bourbon Street - The heart of New Orleans’ night life is a bit touristy with excessive neon, alcohol and stripper joints. Alcohol carried in plastic cups is permitted on the streets of New Orleans and it’s common for bars to stay open 24-hours a day.
Molly’s at the Market (107 Decatur Street, Tel: (504) 525-5169) - Taste the local bar scene here.
Girlfriend Getaway to New Orleans: Dining
Every great girlfriend getaway involves food (at least they should) and New Orleans pleases the palate.
Court of Two Sisters (613 Royal Street, Tel: (504) 522-7261) - The Jazz Brunch Buffet (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) is a New Orleans tradition. Go hungry because everything on the brunch buffet is worth sampling and complement it with an ice cold Bellini. Reservations suggested and request to sit outside to listen to the jazz performers.
The New Orleans School of Cooking (524 St. Louis Street, Tel: 1-800-237-4841) - Planning a girlfriend getaway with four or more gal pals? Make arrangements for a hands-on cooking class and learn to prepare the flavors of New Orleans. Advance reservations required.
Café Du Monde (800 Decatur Street, Tel: 1-800-772-2927) - A trip to New Orleans isn’t complete without a fresh and sweet beignet in one hand and a hot café au late in the other. Open 24-hours a day, Café Du Monde is the perfect late night (or early morning) spot after a night out with the girlfriends.
Girlfriend Getaway to New Orleans: Where to Stay
Accommodations in New Orleans range from the familiar hotel chain brands to independently owned inns.
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel (500 Canal Street, Tel: (504) 525-2500) - Conveniently located with easy access to the waterfront and the French Quarter.
Hotel St. Pierre (911 Burgundy Street, Tel: (504) 524-4401) - An 18th century cozy inn just two blocks from Bourbon Street.
From funky shopping to a hopping nightlife, New Orleans is open for business and makes the ideal girlfriend getaway. Need more ideas for a New Orleans girlfriend getaway? Explore a little voodoo in the Big Easy.
The copyright of the article Girlfriend Getaway to New Orleans in Louisiana Travel is owned by J.A. Huber. Permission to republish Girlfriend Getaway to New Orleans in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
My daughter & sis-in-law had a girlfriend weekend planned for New Orleans that they had to cancel in '03 . . . Oh do I ever have to email this article to them both! Ideas bursting all over! :-)
