New Orleans

Nine New Orleans Things We Can't Wait to Do When Quarantine is Over

Saints game and a second line, anyone?

Photo: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock ; Illustration: Maitaine Romagosa
Photo: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock ; Illustration: Maitaine Romagosa
Photo: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock ; Illustration: Maitaine Romagosa

New Orleans is a tangible city. It’s the kind of place that gets into your bones, stays a while, and becomes part of you. So, it makes sense that if you ask a New Orleanian what the thing is they miss most about whatever pre-coronavirus lives they led, it doesn’t matter what neighborhood they come from or what they’re doing to wile away these long hours of uncertainty, they all have the same answer: They just want to hug some people. 

“We all want to hug, and we all want to dance together again, to have a nice slow dance, even with a stranger, and not be afraid,” said musician John Boutte, who instead of spending a busy spring on the festival circuit and hosting his regular gigs at d.b.a., has been watching things bloom on his big North Shore property. DJ Soul Sister, whose given name is Melissa Weber, put it similarly: “My perfect day back in New Orleans would be nothing special. It would be being able to see people greet each other and dap each other up or hug or second-line or dance with each other in clubs.” 

In a place where strangers call you baby, and you make friends whose names you’ll never know by commiserating over the same pothole or dancing next to each other at a festival, this doesn’t just make sense. It makes us who we are. Still, there are a few specific suggestions that came to mind when we asked some notable locals what they most hope to return to when social distancing is no longer the norm, and we can get back to supporting the local businesses that make our lives a little easier, and a little more delicious.

Tamica Lee
Tamica Lee
Tamica Lee

Get a French 75 at Meril

“I miss a cocktail. I want the experience of it. I just want somebody to make my French 75. Anywhere that can make a French 75, I will be there with bells on.” 
-Tamica Lee, co-star of Southern Charm: New Orleans and co-host on WGNO

Viphair Ashanti
Viphair Ashanti
Viphair Ashanti

Have DJ Raj Smoove host a welcome back party. 

“It was something we were planning this year for my salon. We’d have a crawfish boil in the back and just gather people together: Hanging out, talking, dancing, giving hugs.” 
-Ashanti Lation, owner of VIP LUX Salon and Hair Boutique and founder of VIP Luxury Haircare

Kim Welsh
Kim Welsh
Kim Welsh

Throw a big festival for healthcare workers. 

“Have a festival that I could play at in honor of all the people that got us to that point of reopening the city. A big festival, for the researchers, the guys who are at the stores, the caretakers. A nice oyster po-boy would be good, too.” 
John Boutte, musician

Cam Jordan
Cam Jordan
Cam Jordan

Ride a bike to Sal’s Sno-balls. 

“I’d come home from training and finish by jumping in the pool with the kids before riding our bikes over to Sal’s Sno-balls to get an afternoon snack. That night, we’d head out to Mr. John’s, BOIL Seafood House, Desi Vega’s Steakhouse, or Doris Metropolitan. You know, it’s gotta be one of these places as soon as this is over.” 
Cam Jordan, New Orleans Saints player

Big Freedia
Big Freedia
Big Freedia

Head out to a club for some twerking. 

“I can’t wait to do shows in town at so many venues like Republic, Tipitina’s, Preservation Hall. I miss performing in them with my shake team!” 
Big Freedia, bounce artist and reality TV star

Alon Shaya
Alon Shaya
Alon Shaya

Get a pre-game burger and a post-game second-line.

“There’d be a noon Saints game, and we’d head over to Company Burger, and we would eat some cheeseburgers and tater-tots, then walk to the Superdome to watch the Saints beat the Patriots, or someone like that, and then from there walk to the 7th Ward in the Treme and be part of a badass second-line.” 
-Alon Shaya, chef/owner, Saba

Mike Coppola / Getty Images
Mike Coppola / Getty Images
Mike Coppola / Getty Images

Take a drive along the lake before lunch at Francesca

“I have this great 1975 baby blue Caprice, a convertible. I’d get all the kids up, pile everybody in and go out to Francesca. They do these great lunches with shrimp po’boys, a Cuban, roast beef po’boys, fried okra, gumbo, and these things they call frips, which are French fried potato chips. You get a good drive, crank up the tunes, and your hair’s blowing in the wind.” 
Cooper Manning, host of Fox Sports’ The Manning Hour Sign up here for our daily New Orleans email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun in the Big Easy.

Chelsea Brasted is a freelance writer in her hometown of New Orleans, where she formerly worked for The Times-Picayune. She recently cried with joy over the return of a favorite cheeseburger, and she, too, is ready to dance in the streets again.

New Orleans

Where to Go on a Perfect Date in New Orleans This Spring

Woo that special someone with sultry live music and inviting outdoor date ideas.

Photo courtesy of Louisiana Travel
Photo courtesy of Louisiana Travel
Photo courtesy of Louisiana Travel

Whether you’re searching for the perfect spot for a first date or looking to spend some time with your longtime love, you should have no problem planning a romantic outing in New Orleans. Our amazing restaurants and bars are classic settings for some quality time, but think outside the date night box and literally get outside. Spring is the most gorgeous time of year here, so you can score some serious romance points. From strolls in the park and outdoor music to cozy wine bars and sultry jazz nights, here are some can’t-miss ideas for the perfect date in New Orleans.

Spend an afternoon in City Park

Mid-City
One could spend hours strolling beneath City Park’s moss-drenched oaks, but combine this beautiful setting with the park’s other offerings and you’ve got yourself a date. Start with coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde to ease into things. Explore the collections at the New Orleans Museum of Art or stroll through the sculpture garden. Continue your romantic walk around the Big Lake, or rent a boat and paddle your way around. If things are going well, finish up with a well-earned drink and a bite at Ralph’s on the Park.

Grab bagels and bike on the Greenway

Mid-City
Bike the Lafitte Greenway and you’ll get moving while having plenty of time to connect. Fuel up at Flour Moon Bagels with coffee and stellar carbs before you hit the pavement. The Greenway’s linear path is 2.7 miles, but you can make it a longer ride by linking up with the Wisner Trail or the Norman C. Francis bike path. The Greenway goes all the way to the Quarter, but you can save that for another date. End up back where you started and cool down with a pint or two at Skeeta Hawk Brewing.

Create some Magazine Street magic

Uptown/Garden District
Magazine Street boasts six miles of unique, locally owned businesses. There are plenty of one-off date options along the street (like grabbing coffee and chocolate at Piety and Desire, having a romantic dinner at Coquette or Saffron, or ordering wine and small plates at Saba). But for a longer get-to-know-you date, the street is perfect for an all-day stroll. Browse esteemed art galleries and shops, have a well-made cocktail at Bouligny Tavern, stop for fresh oysters at Basin, taste a few wines at Spirit Wine, and admire the mix of architecture along the street. Why stop there? Shop for some vinyl at Peaches, grab a casual dinner at Picnic Provisions & Whiskey or Tito’s, then see who’s playing at Le Bon Temps.

Take in the West Bank nature and noodles

Marrero
Take the Crescent City Connection and head down to the Barataria Preserve to explore acres of secluded wetlands that’ll confirm you’re really in south Louisiana. A boardwalk winds through swampy land packed with all the best regional flora and fauna, including alligators. April is typically peak iris season, so check the bloom forecast. Before you head back across the river, stop by Tan Dinh or 9 Roses for excellent pho and other Vietnamese faves.

Nevbrown/Flickr
Nevbrown/Flickr
Nevbrown/Flickr

Go on a wine bar crawl

Various locations
A wine bar presents a perfect middle ground between grabbing casual beers and sipping superior cocktails. You’ve got chill environs, curated selections, and just enough nibbles to sustain your conversation. Second Vine Wines and Faubourg Wines are thoughtfully curated shops that serve wines by the glass, so you can start off with a couple of glasses then buy a bottle if the date moves to another location. Tell Me Bar and Pluck offer rotating selections of intriguing wines you’ll want to learn more about. And of course there’s Bacchanal, where you can enjoy wine, good vibes, and live music under the stars.

Cross the river by boat

Algiers Point
There’s something undeniably romantic about standing at the bow of a boat with wind blowing through your lover’s hair, so take the Algiers Ferry to behold the mighty Mississippi and gorgeous views of the city. Stroll charming Algiers Point, grab a drink with the locals at the Old Point Bar or Crown and Anchor, and then enjoy dinner at Tavolino, Tonti’s Hand, or Plume.

Saunter down St. Charles Ave

Uptown/French Quarter
The streetcar is an underrated date option-get to know each other while rolling past the majestic St. Charles Avenue mansions. Start with a late afternoon drink at The Chloe before hopping aboard. Once you’re in the Quarter, take a spin around the bar with a cocktail at Hotel Monteleone, take a stroll through Jackson Square, then pick from swoon-worthy dining options like St. John, Jewel of the South, Cane & Table, Doris Metropolitan, or MaMou.

Explore Lake Pontchartrain

Lakefront
Take a trip out to Lake Pontchartrain for some sun, fresh air, and seafood. Cruise Lakeshore Drive, check out the Mardi Gras Fountain, maybe take a roll down the levee to connect with your inner child, then sit and watch as the boats and birds go by. As the sun sets, head over to The Blue Crab for fresh seafood or JB’s Fuel Dock at West End Park for pizza and beers.

Photo courtesy of Three Keys NOLA
Photo courtesy of Three Keys NOLA
Photo courtesy of Three Keys NOLA

Let music and lounge vibes set the mood

Various locations
Let someone special know just how you feel by taking them out for a classy evening of fine cocktails and world-class jazz. Grab a prime spot to watch Jeremy Davenport do his thing at his namesake lounge at the Ritz-Carlton, listen to the smooth sounds of solo artists at the intimate Bayou Bar at the Pontchartrain Hotel, or pop into the Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta next time you do a French Quarter outing. For a new-school option, check out a performance at the Ace Hotel’s Three Keys.

Go the extra mile with a day trip

Covington/Abita Springs
Driving the Causeway’s 24 miles will give you plenty of time to go beyond small talk, making a nearby road trip the ideal activity for upping the ante on your relationship. Head to Covington to enjoy the boutiques and galleries of the quaint historic downtown before grabbing a bite at Lola or Tavi, or rent bikes and ride the Tammany Trace to the Abita Brewery where you can take a tour and sample some of the finest local beers. Even better, head over when the brewery is hosting one of its food truck roundups or live music.

Photo courtesy of Urban South Brewery
Photo courtesy of Urban South Brewery
Photo courtesy of Urban South Brewery

Peel crawfish and sip local beer

Various locations
Spring means crawfish boils, and the city is loaded with experts bringing their boil skills to some of the top local breweries. Crawfish and beer make a perfect pair, and what better way to gauge relationship potential than by observing peel technique and spice tolerance? Check their calendars, but breweries including Faubourg Brewing, Urban South, NOLA Brewing, Miel, and Parleaux usually host boils on weekends throughout the season.

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Gerrish Lopez is a Thrillist contributor.

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