NOLA WHO DAT!!! |

Whirlwind Weekend New Orleans- We arrived on Friday morning via Gulfport Mississippi, long story why we took this route, rented a car and drove, after our 2 stop red eye flight. Purpose of the trip was a medical meeting. We departed on Sunday @ 3, so needless to say it was a fast turnaround. I love NOLA and never miss an opportunity to visit.

STAY– Loft 523 523 Gravier Street New Orleans 504 200 6523- 16 Sexy loft style large rooms with spa like bathrooms. Perfect location, just a skip from the FrenchQuarter. No restaurant ;(. Valet Parking–$$$

Loft 523

spa like bathroom

EATS-We are foodies, but being vegetarian I knew it was going to be a bit challenging, but I did a little pre-planning and read a lot of menus and found numerous options. Ruby Red Slipper 3 locations-award winning breakfast spot, we had grits, fruit and a homemade biscuit. Stella lovely spot in the french quarter, prix fix four course vegetarian menu, that was pricy but delicious. Fresh Bar salad wrap bar, my niece Taylor took me here- great for a quick bite while strolling on Magazine street. Italian Barrell also in the french quarter, homemade italian fare excellent pastas and good salads, tiny intimate place 8 tables, chef owned- reservations a must. Green Goddess vegan friendly spot in the french quarter eclectic menu, the sweet potatoe biscuits with hot pepper jelly were really good.

“green salad” at Stella

Stella

Gigi & Reggie @ Stella

Green Goddess

SHOPPING– of course I could not leave without a tricket or two. I love antiques and over the years we have picked up some of our favorite pieces in New Orleans. Lucullus-culinary antiques, this store has been there for at least 25 years, some of the most beautiful china, lovely copper pots, flatware, and numerous unique items that would add that special something to your table. Nathan, assisted me in selecting a beautiful set of french flatware, I can’t wait for it to arrive. You must stop by, located in the french quarter.

Lucullus

Gigi at Lucullus

my flatware

Trashy Diva a dress boutique with retro inspired designs, I could have done a lot of damage in here. I love feminine flirty dresses and this was the spot. Everything was so well priced, I will be shopping online with them–sizes run pretty true.

Trashy Diva

my “Trashy Diva” dress

Some of you know I love FB, so when I posted that I was in New Orleans, a FB friend commented on my post that he had a friend that had a store in the french quarter, so of course I had to go by and check it out and I am so glad I did. The owner Danna is so sweet and designs and makes incredible leather bags and jewelry. Her store is “Love It”.

Love It

Lovely Danna

I bought a leather travel bag, that I will be taking on my next trip, it is one of Danna’s designs–the bag is a belt/bag combo that you wear on you body, so your ID, cash etc. can be close, so you can avoid the professional pickpockets…the picture is not great but you can get the jest.