by Emma Wilson
Looking for a day full of good music, delicious food, and some of the most unique people in theSouth? You’re looking for the Big Easy, also known as New Orleans. You can’t pronounce it “New Orleans” however, it’s “N’awlins”. So below is a rough itinerary of a day in N’awlins hittingthe biggest spots in the Crescent City. 
Start your morning at Cafe Du Monde and get an order of their famous beignets! You’ll have to run for a table, but it’s definitely worth it. After dusting all the powdered sugar off your face, you’re going to be in Jackson Square. Take a peak inside the St. Louis Cathedral, and enjoy the artists and street performers that make this square so famous.
Next, some shopping; make your way to the French Market. Don’t shop on an empty stomach though, because the first half is lots and lots of food. After making your way past the delicious smells of cajun cuisine, you’ll make your way to an area similar to a flea market. Lot of beads, alligator heads, Mardi Gras masks, and shot glasses.
My friend and I did this exact day trip as a last hurrah before we both parted ways to our
separate colleges. We decided after the French Market we would take a little drive to the
National World War Two museum. This was by far my favorite part of the trip. The museum was extremely informative, and also had a great layout to take you through the major battles of the war. Now, I’m a history nerd so my opinion may be a little biased. But my friend is not a huge fan of history, and even she said the museum might have been her favorite part of the trip!
By now you’re probably getting hungry. You’ve got to try a New Orleans classic, muffelatta. It’s a sandwich with just about every lunch meat you can name, topped with provolone cheese. If sandwiches aren’t your thing, then gumbo or jambalaya are a must-try! We would suggest a little cafe called Fiorella’s on Decatur Street. It’s said that if you eat the chicken there you’ll live forever.
After regaining some energy, take a stroll down Royal Street. There are lots of art galleries and antiques shops. To enjoy another New Orleans tradition, visit Royal Praline Company for some of the best pralines in the French Quarter!
Go a few streets over from Royal and you will be on the infamous Bourbon Street. Take a stroll down this street for a little more interesting side of New Orleans. I personally suggest visiting the Hard Rock Cafe and grabbing a souvenir for the trip!
By now, your feet are probably in protest, and it’s getting a little late. If you can manage to walk a little further, head to the river to get a glimpse of New Orleans’ only steamboat, the Steamboat Natchez. If you catch it at the right time, you can hear the cheerful music of the steam organ! Take a seat and rest those feet! Walk (yes, more walking) to Frenchman Street for a great nightlife scene that is a little more manageable than Bourbon. I would suggest however, to be over 21 to fully enjoy what Frenchman has to offer.
Other attractions worth a visit are the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium, the Saenger Theatre, and the Old U.S. Mint
There you have it! A packed day in the Big Easy! There are a few more things you need to know about New Orleans before making the trip. Firstly, parking is a nightmare. I would suggest buying a parking space not far from the French Quarter and committing to walking for the majority of the day. Also, my friend and I went in the heat of August. This is the hot, muggy South. If you plan on going in the summer, prepare to sweat, a lot. Bring water and bring a great attitude, because this is going to be an awesome day! 
Thinking of bringing your ENO? Check out this video !
ABOUT EMMA: I am a sophomore at the University of Alabama, majoring in Public Relations. I love the outdoors and have a passion for photography, yoga, and adventure. I received my ENO DoubleNest for my birthday and keep it with me at all times! Even if it’s just a walk to the pier after work to hang, or during lunch to hang it between the trees, I take every opportunity to use it! Apart from my ENO obsession, I enjoy traveling both in country and internationally. I have been to six countries and can’t wait to add to the list! Some of my outdoor activities include hiking, rafting, and wildlife photography.
