New Orleans

Day 1:

Good morning, ladies! Welcome to the vibrant city of New Orleans! Let's kick off your girls' trip with an exciting and authentic experience. Since you want to avoid tourist traps, we'll focus on exploring the local gems and immersing ourselves in the unique culture of this city.

Morning: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local favorite, like Elizabeth's or Surrey's Café and Juice Bar. Indulge in some mouthwatering beignets, grits, and other Southern specialties to fuel up for the day ahead.

After breakfast, let's head to the Garden District. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets lined with beautiful historic mansions and oak trees. You can even book a guided walking tour to learn about the district's fascinating history and architecture.

Lunch: For lunch, let's venture into the Bywater neighborhood, known for its vibrant arts scene and local eateries. Grab a table at The Joint, a popular spot for mouthwatering BBQ, or try the delicious seafood at Mariza. Both places offer a relaxed atmosphere and fantastic food.

Afternoon: After lunch, let's explore the Frenchmen Street area, which is known for its lively music scene. Skip the touristy Bourbon Street and head to Frenchmen, where you'll find numerous jazz clubs and live music venues. Enjoy the soulful sounds of local musicians while sipping on craft cocktails at places like The Spotted Cat or d.b.a.

Evening: For dinner, let's head to the trendy Warehouse District and dine at Cochon or Herbsaint. These restaurants offer a modern twist on traditional New Orleans cuisine, with dishes like gumbo, shrimp and grits, and crawfish étouffée.

After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront and enjoy the beautiful views of the city skyline. If you're up for some more live music, check out Tipitina's or The Maple Leaf Bar for a late-night show.

Day 2:

Good morning, ladies! Ready for another exciting day in New Orleans? Today, we'll continue exploring the city's hidden gems and enjoying some local experiences.

Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Ruby Slipper Café or Toast. Both places offer delicious breakfast options, including unique twists on classic dishes like eggs benedict and pancakes.

After breakfast, let's head to the historic French Quarter. While it can be touristy, there are still some authentic experiences to be had. Explore the quieter streets and discover hidden courtyards and charming shops. Don't forget to stop by the French Market, where you can find local crafts, fresh produce, and mouthwatering snacks.

Lunch: For lunch, let's try some traditional New Orleans cuisine with a twist. Head to Coop's Place or Jacques-Imo's Café for a taste of Creole and Cajun flavors. These local favorites offer a lively atmosphere and dishes like jambalaya, po'boys, and alligator sausage.

Afternoon: After lunch, let's take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque streets of the Marigny neighborhood. This bohemian area is known for its colorful houses, street art, and quirky shops. You can also visit the New Orleans Healing Center, which hosts various wellness activities and local events.

Evening: For a unique dining experience, let's book a table at Bacchanal Wine. This hidden gem in the Bywater neighborhood offers a relaxed atmosphere, live music, and a fantastic selection of wines. Enjoy a delicious meal paired with your favorite bottle of wine while soaking in the vibrant ambiance.

After dinner, head to Frenchmen Street once again for some more live music and dancing. The Blue Nile and The Maison are great spots to enjoy a variety of genres, from jazz and blues to funk and soul.

I hope this itinerary gives you a taste of the authentic side of New Orleans while avoiding the tourist traps. Have a fantastic girls' trip and enjoy all the wonderful experiences this vibrant city has to offer!