To kick of our first full day of staycation, Yuko and I headed off to the best known part of New Orleans, the French Quarter. The weather was beautiful which was perfect since we were starting off with a jazz brunch at the Court of Two Sisters.

I had to try this brunch after a few raving reviews from my coworkers about the buffet. For $29 you get to sample (read: stuff your face) a boatload of breakfast, lunch and dessert treats.

I was a bit unsure how this experience would work, but turns out you just grab your seat (reservations suggested), meet your server, then wander to the buffet to load up your plate(s). You can probably tell that the theme here is quantity so as you can expect there was a bit left to desire when it came to quality. I don’t mean to say the food was bad, it was just disappointingly average. Nothing specific to write home about.

What I did enjoy was the experience. The courtyard was adorable with little nooks and crannies. I’d recommend requesting a table near the band if you’re here for the jazz. The courtyard is pretty big and it’s hard to hear if you’re on the other side.

After thoroughly exploring the courtyard, we headed off towards Jackson Square. It’s hard to believe this was my first time peeking inside St. Louis Cathedral.

As we headed across the street we got to enjoy the art hung around the square and, of course, some street performances.

Brooke and I watched Forrest Gump not once but twice over the weekend (okay, so we sort of slept through most of the movie both times). And right here in New Orleans we have a Bubba Gump restaurant. Cue the movie quotes.

We made sure to bring along our biggest cameras for the best “Hi, I’m a tourist” effect. Kidding, we’ve really been practicing with all of my brother’s photo tips! I must say that I’m getting a lot faster at adjusting my camera setting and things are starting to look nicer. My new focus is on composition and setting so I might just have another photo tips post coming soon.

I tend to walk towards the French Market like I’m on autopilot when I get in the Quarter. It’s always fun to look around and it’s right next to the river.

We wandered down through the French Market until we came upon the Organic Banana, serving the city’s best piña colada according to Yuko.

I had to snap fast because she wasn’t going to wait for me to get her hands on that drink! Since we had walked down to the market through the streets we walked back along the river (and were almost plowed down by a Segway tour).

Much quieter, it is hard to believe you’re just footsteps away from the bustle of the Quarter once you step onto the riverwalk.

We gleefully caught sight of a boat and headed off for our next adventure riding the ferry across the river to Algiers Point.

There’s hardly a spot that more touristy than the Quarter, but there are still a few overlooked gems. Did I miss any must-see stops or experiences?




All photos in this post were taken by myself or the lovely Yuko Tanaka