Little things I love to do in New Orleans’ French Quarter

Last month, when I joined several of my friends on what we dubbed the Illinois Street New Orleans Road Trip, part of what made the trip so enjoyable was being able to share my love of the Big Easy with both people who were going there for the first time and those who are veteran travelers to the city. 

As such, we spent much of our four days simply exploring – or re-exploring – the French Quarter without an agenda.  And aside from a few aggravations over car troubles, the overall lack of schedule really made the trip incredibly relaxing and enjoyable.  So, rather than provide a day-by-day log of how we went from Point A to Point B, I decided to focus this entry on the many things about the French Quarter I love to experience and share with others every time I go.  For example ... 

Making my first stop of the trip at Pat O'Brien's to enjoy a hurricane while sitting by the flaming fountain in the courtyard.   

It's pretty even in a light rain.

Scenes from the Place d’Armes Hotel

View of the French Quarter courtyard at the Place d'Armes Hotel

I’ve stayed at the Place d’Armes Hotel in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter more times than I can count.  It has to be my favorite hotel in the Big Easy, and it’s my first recommendation for any first-time visitor to the city or anyone who plans to spend most of their time in the Quarter. 

A commoner reviews Blue Plate Café, Memphis, Tenn.

Whenever I stay in downtown Memphis, I never seem to be too far to walk to the Blue Plate Café.  I don’t always make it there on every trip there, but it’s usually on my short list of places to eat.  Last month’s layover was no different, and before my group of friends and I hit I-55 for the drive to New Orleans, we decided to fill up with a good southern style breakfast. 

Dyer’s Burgers – a late night Beale Street tradition

Before I move on to reviewing the many highlights from last month’s New Orleans trip, I have some unfinished business left over from our one-night layover in Memphis, which ended, as many of my nights on Beale Street do, at Dyer’s Burgers, a classic – and world-famous – burger joint that tests your grease endurance.