New Year's Revelry and Southern Charm in New Orleans

December 2024 - January 2025:

There’s nothing quite like ringing in the New Year with the vibrant energy of New Orleans! This year, we parked ourselves (and our 40’ 5th wheel) at the New Orleans RV Resort and Marina. Perched right on the harbor, our campsite had gorgeous views of mid-sized yachts and sailboats bobbing serenely in the water - a peaceful retreat after the chaotic joy of the city.

Little did we know, the peaceful vibes at the marina were in stark contrast to the tragedy unfolding elsewhere in the city that night. Thankfully, we were tucked away and sound asleep when it all transpired, blissfully unaware until my phone started blowing up the next morning. Texts, voicemails, and social media messages poured in from concerned friends and family. "Are you guys okay?" and "Call me ASAP!" were the common themes. Needless to say, January 1st started with some red-eyes and aspirin!

French Quarter Fiascos and Favorites

Our New Year’s Eve adventure started in the heart of the French Quarter. Tickler’s Piano Bar at My Bar was our first stop - an absolute favorite of ours for local talent. Years ago (in 2015), we discovered the incredible Danica Hart performing there. Fast forward, and she’s now one-third of the country trio Chapel Hart (along with her cousin Trea and sister Devynn). Fun fact: Chapel Hart wowed audiences on America’s Got Talent, earning a coveted Golden Buzzer! Click this link for their performance of “You Can Have Him Jolene”.

Next, we wandered to Crescent City Brewing for a beer flight and pint plus their Seafood Cheesecake (IYKYK, right Megan & Sam?!) but the cheesecake was no longer on the menu. Instead, we enjoyed a feast of charbroiled oysters (good, but still no match for the ones we loved at the late, great Blind Pelican on St.) and poutine fries. As we strolled Jackson Square, glowing with Christmas lights, we soaked in the festive ambiance and scoped out the stage set for the fleur-de-lis drop at midnight.

Of course, no visit to the French Quarter is complete without bouncing between the various bands blaring from each bar. Blues, rock, 80s hits, and country tunes created a magical mix that kept us moving.

Pro tip for future revelers: don’t wait until the last minute to call an Uber. We learned the hard way, waiting a whopping 1.5 hours to snag a ride back to the marina. Lesson learned!

Exploring Art and Architecture

The day after New Year’s, we made a special trip downtown to experience the Claude Monet Immersive Exhibit at the Scottish Rite Temple. The visuals were stunning, wrapping us in Monet’s dreamy world of water lilies and impressionist masterpieces.

We also explored the Garden District, marveling at the unique architecture and snapping pics of its colorful wall murals. At one point, we stopped at District Donuts for a treat (the BEST cinnamon rolls EVER!) and were charmed by an older posh resident (he was wearing LV loafers and could’ve pulled off an ascot) walking his tiny dog. We stood on the sidewalk chatting about the area, soaking in that unmistakable Southern hospitality.

A Feast for the Senses

New Orleans is a foodie’s paradise, and we took full advantage. Our culinary adventures included shrimp & grits, crab cakes, shrimp po’boys, gumbo, and jambalaya. Every bite was a celebration of the city’s rich flavors.

Biking and Getting Lost in City Park

One of the highlights of our trip was an e-bike excursion around City Park and its surrounding neighborhoods. The 15ish-mile ride was a perfect blend of exercise and sightseeing. The park’s lush greenery and tranquil lagoons made for a picturesque journey, while the surrounding neighborhoods showcased charming homes of all sizes.

City Park itself was a treasure trove of attractions. We started with the free self-guided walking tour through the sculpture garden, which was a delightful blend of art and nature. Then came the botanical gardens… well, sort of. We unknowingly entered through an open “back door” and enjoyed the gardens’ beauty for free - until we tried to retrace our steps and found ourselves locked in! After some laughs and a bit of wandering, we finally exited through the official front entrance, where we discovered it’s a paid venue. Oops!

Wrapping It Up

New Orleans once again proved why it’s one of our favorite destinations. From the music and food to the art and architecture, every moment was a reminder of the city’s vibrant spirit.

Cheers!

-Chasing 78°🎉🛷️🍻🍄💃#Chasing78 #NewOrleansAdventures #RVLife #TravelBlog #SouthernCharm #FoodieFun #AdventureSquad