It’s our annual no-kids trip and we are headed to New Orleans this year! It’s the worst time to go as far as weather is concerned but the airfare was cheap and so are the hotel rates! The kids were dropped off over the weekend and I have a 4-day weekend!

The morning started off with a drink at the bar before our plane boarded.

The flight was smooth and I actually watched a full-length movie. When we arrived, we hopped in a taxi that took us right by the Super Dome on our way to the hotel.

We checked into the Sheraton, which is right on Canal Street. We were on the 38th floor with quite a view of the city. The hotel was in a good location – close to buses and street cars, a short walk to Bourbon Street, and another short walk down to the river in the other direction.

It was early afternoon and we were hungry (and thirsty). Our first stop was at Acme Oyster House. There was a short line outside the door and with their lax liquor laws here, we were able to get a drink at the bar and enjoy it outside on the street. It’s like the Vegas of the South!

We had some local oysters on a half shell – much meatier than the cold-weather ones we are used to.

Then we had them baked – pretty tasty!!

We also got a bowl of ettoufe with fried crawfish on top.

Next stop was Bourbon House.

I tried a mint julep for the first time and it was gross. Tasted like cough syrup.

My next drink was much better – an old fashioned.

We also ordered the bloody mary shrimp cocktail with all the fixins. Pretty good!!

Now that we were fed and liquoured up, we turned the corner over to Bourbon Street.

It’s loud and rowdy and stinky and fun all at the same time. What’s weird is that it is eerily reminding me of New Orleans Square at Disneyland – except stinkier and dirtier.

Every store you see is selling booze, beads, and entertainment. It was so hot and humid that we went into some places just to cool off in their air-conditioned spaces. I also got a refreshing blended daiquiri for the stroll.

When it’s dark out, the cops come riding in on horses and just hang out. It’s nice that they have a quiet presence there and their rather friendly. I just felt bad for the horses surrounded by noise, lights, and drunk people who want to pet them all night.

That was the first day/night and we were so tired and tipsy by the end. What a great way to start our vacation!