INSPIRED BY: New Orleans, Louisiana

My husband and I recently went to New Orleans for our ten-year wedding anniversary! We had been wanting to explore more of the U.S. lately, so instead of going on a big international trip, we opted for a visit to the south. We only had three nights, so I really wanted to optimize our time there and hit all the fun spots! I did my research ahead of time and divided our days into sections of the city. Below are some photos of places that inspired me!

First off, we stayed at the most amazing hotel called Le Pavillon. It was the most gorgeous, historic hotel with a rooftop pool, PB&J Happy Hour, and it was within walking distance of everything else we wanted to see! I think we only took an Uber twice on this trip because it was so unbearably hot and humid at certain points of the day hahaha!

We arrived in the late afternoon, which was perfect for check-in. We took a quick dip in the pool and then headed around the corner to Bar Marilou, where we got drinks. The bar is actually located inside the Maison de la Luz hotel, but has it's own entrance. This place was everything I wanted it to be... and more!

After drinks, we walked over to the French Quarter and admired all of the old houses and buildings. This city is filled with so much character and history!

We stopped for dinner at a restaurant called Royal House. We got to sit on the upper level with a view out onto Royal St. There was even a street musician down below! We later found out (from one of our Uber drivers), that pretty much none of the restaurants in the French Quarter serve authentic/high-quality local food, but we still had a fun experience there!

We walked around until the sun set and ate beignets at Cafe du Monde! Pro tip: they only accept cash payment.

We began day 2 by getting Stumptown Coffee at the ACE Hotel. It was just around the corner from our hotel and next door to Bar Marilou. I actually had an embarrassing moment at this coffee shop that is worth noting. I ordered an iced coffee and when I went to put the lid on, I basically smashed the cup and it went splashing all over me and my cute outfit. My spill was so obvious and dramatic. The kind of experience that you swear happens in slow motion, but unfortunately does not. Everyone saw, yet the workers ignored me and didn't want to help until I did the walk of shame (coffee dripping down my bare legs onto my white shoes) to ask for a towel. Of course the barista was annoyed by my clumsiness, but so was I. Anyway, they were the epitome of coffee snobs. Just like in Portland. It felt like home ; )

[Fresh] coffee in hand, we wandered around too long looking for the bus stop. Eventually, we made our may to the Lower Garden District and walked around looking at houses. There were many walking tours happening, but as many of you know, Ian and I have a distaste for group tours ever since our trip to Italy lol.

Once we started sweating, we decided to stop for breakfast at the cutest 1990's-themed diner called Molly's Rise and Shine. The decor was like a mix of all of our favorite toys from when we were kids and the food was good too!

Who else remembers these posters in your elementary school library?!

We walked over the Magazine Street and perused some vintage shops.

There wasn't much going on there that day, so it wasn't long before we decided we were ready for our next meal. Lol. We had iced coffees and acai bowls at Mojo Coffee House.

We were so hot and worn out that afternoon, so we opted to take an Uber back to our hotel and nap haha. Later that night, we took the city bus (!!!) to The Pontchartrain Hotel. I was soooo close to booking us at this hotel, but I'm glad I didn't, only because the location wasn't as central to where we wanted to be. The Jack Rose Bar though! TO DIE FOR.

For dinner, we went back to the ACE Hotel. There is an attached restaurant called Josephine Estelle. They served the best Italian food we've ever eaten in America. Seriously! We ordered three dishes.

Our last morning was spent getting coffee and pastries at a cute little coffee shop called French Truck Coffee. I think it's a chain within New Orleans, but it still feels special.

Ian was full from all the eating I made him do, and probably sick of me calling all the shots, but there was one more place I really wanted to go. It is a little walk-up taco bar inside a restaurant called Otre Vez.

Overall, NOLA ended up being such a fun surprise. I am dying to get back there, but maybe in the Winter lol.