Ohh NOLA, How I Adore Thee

Previous to my wife, Jaclyn, I had seen NOLA but I hadn't experienced NOLA. Now I absolutely love NOLA!

Jaclyn and I Mardi Gras 2020

Growing up in Texas I always heard stories about New Orleans, I think most everyone in the United States Of America has heard a story taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) just as they have places such as Las Vegas. My mother's parents lived in Port Neches, Texas a small Texas town not far from the Louisiana-Texas border... which means that I grew up with a bit of a Cajun spin on my food and I loved it.

Jaclyn didn't think it was acceptable that anyone not enjoy New Orleans. The following is how she made me fall in love with the city. Welcome to our adventures in New Orleans, Part 1.

I would drive through Louisiana and sometimes NOLA when driving to Alabama and Georgia, I also served in response to Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. These experiences led to me have a unique yet inaccurate perception of the city. Early on in my relationship with my wife she asked if I'd like to spend a Mardi Gras in New Orleans. She found my lack of enthusiasm unacceptable!

Initial introduction to NOLA

Prior to Mardi Gras Jaclyn flew us into NOLA to visit one of her friends and tour the World War 2 Museum. Jaclyn had put some serious thought into this trip. She told me that I must learn to love this city or else there was something wrong with me and I need to seek professional help.

My first visit to New Orleans with Jaclyn was her way of showing me how diverse and beautiful NOLA is beneath the surface. It helps that flights from our hometown are roughly $100 which makes coming and going easy and affordable. Jaclyn found us a beautiful/historical place to stay (she doesn't like staying in hotels in this city since there are so many more fun places to stay) and arranged an epic agenda for the visit.

PLACES JACLYN TOOK ME:

- Hotel Monteleone (frequented by Hemingway back in his hay day; carousel bar)

- Cafe Du Monde (for beignets)

- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

- Shopping on Magazine Street

- Food at "Saints & Sinners" on Bourbon St. (Owned by Channing Tatum)

- Cruises through the Garden District

- Parleaux Beer Lab (A delicious brewery in Bywater)

- The National WWII Museum (Where I had the honor and privilege to meet a couple World War 2 heroes)

As you might guess we started the adventure as soon as the plane landed. Jaclyn was not going to give up on sweetening the sour taste for NOLA that Hurricane Katrina had left in my mouth, she succeeded.

One of the first stops was the Hotel Monteleone which is stunningly beautiful as a whole. After parking I went straight to the carousel bar to order a drink, Hendrix and tonic with a slice of cucumber. As mentioned earlier it is said that this bar was a popular hangout spot for Ernest Hemingway who was awarded the The Nobel Prize in Literature 1954, he also loved polydactyl cats (a.k.a. the Hemingway cat). This is special to me because I used to own one. I loved that cat more than almost anything, R.I.P. Compton. I will share the story of Compton sometime in the future and include better pictures.

Compton 2015.

We started our days in New Orleans like everyone should, stopping by Cafe Du Monde to munch on their renowned beignets. Beignet is the French term for a pastry made from deep-fried choux, dusted in powdered sugar. There are other methods to make these fancy French fritters but none compare to the ones served at this 24-hour establishment; pro tip, they only accepts cash. You will want to experience this affordable delicacy I assure you.

After our submission to the beignets we made our way to Magazine Street which is full of life. I was able to purchase some amazing artwork from local artist while I was in this area. My mother also is an amazing artist who has trained me to appreciate art of all styles, whether it be paint, constructed from objects, music, acting or through any other delivery really which is why walking through New Orleans I was able to be thankful as I witnessed people performing magic, playing enjoyable music and creating art of many different styles.

New Orleans residents watching the Mardi Gras parade pass their homes.

In New Orleans, it seems as if anyone can find a place of acceptance and happiness. It is no wonder that people always want to return. There is more history and spirit in New Orleans than most other towns anyone has the ability to visit and experience. The livelihood of New Orleans is also balanced with a long, long history that I do not have the desire to explain currently. However, I will tell you about St. Louis Cemetery #1. I bring this particular cemetery up because Marie Laveau is entombed here, likewise Nicolas Cage's predetermined resting place is also here. That's right, Nicolas Cage's tomb. Thankfully Mr. Cage is not currently occupying his tomb but he does have it ready for whenever that time inevitably comes about. Now, Ms. Marie Laveau is currently occupying her's, though some argue she is elsewhere. She is one of the most well known practitioners of Voodoo in New Orleans, she was the American Voodoo Queen (September 10, 1801 – June 15, 1881).

Jaclyn and I made our way to "Saints & Sinners" on Bourbon St. As noted earlier Channing Tatum is one of the owners. He owns it with his longtime friend and business partner Keith Kurtz. Without going deep into everything about this place I will say that the food was good, the employees were awesome and the layout of the business is most excellent. Each payment made here contributes a portion to "Love Thy Neighbor" which is icing on the cake. Most certainly worth a visit and hell, you might cross paths with Channing Tatum, good luck.

While in a new place I always keep my eyes open for a new brewery, winery, or distillery. I have been to so, so many throughout the world. Seriously, throughout the world. This visit I made my way to Parleaux Beer Lab. Now this one is special because it is a laboratory for brewing which I love! I love this because I feel that too many people cut the flavor short because they withstrain themselves to the accepted definition of each style of brew which I feel is an unfair limitation. My concern for it being a pale lager, pilsner, dark lager, German bock, brown ale, pale ale, India pale ale, porter, stout, Belgian-style ale, wheat beer, or sour is honestly minimal. My concern is the flavor and enjoyment brought on from the beverage. This brewery is a place where the brewmaster(s) experiment and share the ones they feel are worthy. On top of that they provide a great place to hangout and enjoy. While I was there I drank a flight in order to taste everything while I was in town and plan to go back the next trip to New Orleans.

Jaclyn would like me to point out that Parleaux is in one of her favorite neighborhoods... Bywater. Bywater is not the nicest, newest, biggest or safest neighborhood but it is full of beautiful old houses, fun mom & pop shops, and hole in the wall restaurants. She says, if you get a chance, be sure to make your way there.

While in New Orleans everyone needs to go and visit the National World War 2 Museum.

This museum has wonderful exhibits, is interactive and focuses mainly on the Pacific theater of the war which is often overlooked because it wasn't a Nazi filled battle ground. It was a world war, it took place over the world, not just Europe. Asia and Africa were not left out of this war. I come a military family. This means that chances are if there was a war involving the United States Of America I have a family member who was involved. In World War 2 my maternal grandfather was in Europe, my paternal grandfather was in Asia and Jaclyn's great uncle was in Asia where he was killed in action and is featured at this particular museum. Chances are you would not only enjoy walking through this museum but will learn and benefit from the visit.

We concluded this trip watching the Mystic Krewe of the Nyx and Krewe of the Druids Parade (in the rain) with a couple of our friends. The downpour didn't put a damper on the experience try as it might, we all still had a good time. Little did I know the following year Jaclyn and I were going to be on the float. As you already know, this is just part one of adventures in NOLA.

Oh yeah, things get even more interesting in a future "episode" of NOLA Adventures, as pictured above.