Columns Hotel - New Orleans, LA (Haunted Home or Antiques?)

3811 St. Charles Ave. 

New Orleans, LA 70115

29.927379,-90.096146

www.thecolumns.com

Blocks away from the bustling French Quarter and deep into the Garden District sits Saint Charles Avenue. This area features some of the most beautiful and historical homes in the city, many of which have been owned by celebrities over time such as John Goodman, Anne Rice and Trent Reznor. As the sounds of the streetcars pass you by, looking up into the centuries-old oak trees you can see evidence of past Mardi Gras parades gone by, as the last few years of abandoned beads that are still entangled into the tree limbs. This portion of the city also holds quite a few great hotels if you are truly wanting a vacation filled with peace and quiet.

Arnaud's Restaurant - New Orleans, LA (The Eternal Hosts)

813 Bienville St. 

New Orleans, LA 70112

29.95576,-90.068756

www.arnaudsrestaurant.com

If the French Quarters is the heart of New Orleans, than this next restaurant could possibly be the pulse of the city. Known for its exquisite Creole cuisine, Arnaud’s Restaurant is not only the largest restaurant in the Quarter, it also houses the largest kitchen in the area. I wouldn't want to be a dish washer here! In addition to the large general seating area, Arnaud’s houses fourteen private dining rooms, a large bar and a Mardi Gras museum.
The restaurant was established in 1918 by a French wine salesman by the name of Arnaud Cazenave. It has been said that Mr. Cazenave was quite a character, providing elaborate, top-quality service while making sure that his restaurant was in the most immaculate of conditions. His work ethic earned him the nickname “Count Arnaud”, although he did not descend from any royalty. The Count operated Arnaud’s until his death, when the restaurant was handed down to his daughter, Germaine Cazenave Wells. Ms. Germaine carried out her father’s legacy by running an equally-deluxe fine dining establishment. In 1978, the restaurant was then sold to Archie and Jane Casbarian and is owned by the family to this day.

Antoine's Restaurant - New Orleans, LA (A Meal Fit for King Rex)

Photo Courtesy of Louisiana Travel

713 St. Louis St. 

New Orleans, LA 70130

29.956712,-90.066438 

www.antoines.com

If there is one thing that the French Quarter is known for, besides a hell of a place to party, is its incredible restaurants. Here, you will find some of the best food and service that money can buy, sampling traditional Louisiana dishes such as crawfish étouffée, seafood gumbo, jambalaya and the trusty old Lucky Dog, which makes for the perfect late night snack to soak up some alcohol after a night of bar hopping. Not sure if these hot dogs are even that good; hell, they may not even be hot dogs, but after several Hand Grenades at the Tropical Isle and a couple Hurricanes courtesy of Pat O' Briens, anything seems like a delicacy!
Antoine's Restaurant is one of the most prominent restaurants in the French Quarters. A four-star establishment all around, you will never leave here unsatisfied nor hungry. It is here that the famed dish, Oysters Rockefeller was founded, which are basically grilled oysters smothered in a rich sauce of butter, spinach and Parmesan cheese. The name is quite suiting, as it honors the richness of the dish. As I sit here with a beer in hand and a bowl of chips, I am literally drooling on the keyboard, craving a dozen of these beauties!