Guest Author - Shelley Shearer


One thing high on our list was to just wander the French Quarter, enjoy the architecture, watch the street performers and try one of those beignets we kept hearing about. The guidebooks all recommended a place called Café Du Monde for them. We got there about 8am and the line was around the block to even have your order taken. Sorry, but no food is worth that wait! Just down the block was The Beignet Café with a line as well, but not as bad. Apparently no beignet is served before its time because we had to wait awhile for them to be finished, but the end result was worth it. We were hooked and had them often throughout the weekend.

With tired feet and a desire to see more we decided to go on a mule drawn carriage ride. They are found parked at Jackson Square near the St. Louis Cathedral. Be sure and ask prices of a couple different companies. There was a $10 difference between them while we were there and the tour looked the same. We were given insight into everything from the history of the buildings to room rental prices during Mardi Gras season. Be careful while going down Bourbon Street with young children. Even during non-parade time it’s a fairly sleazy area and the full nude posters and sex shop may not be appropriate for young eyes.

Overall it’s a fun place to just wander around and sightsee. Crowds get thick quickly though so you may want to get there early. Parking was packed but we were always able to find a space in one of the public parking lots. We passed on the public bus system and streetcars just due to having a stroller to lug around as well, but I’ve been told they’re a cheap, easy way to get around the city.