It was the morning of our last day in Nola and we still had a full day of adventures awaiting us. (Can you tell I packed as much as I could into each day of my New Orleans itinerary?)
My daughter and I hopped on the St. Charles streetcar ($1.25 per person) and took a ride over to Commander’s Palace for their Sunday Jazz Brunch. It was one of the first things I had written on my list of things to do in New Orleans way back when I was planning the trip.
It’s a New Orleans landmark with award winning food, and you’ll want to make your reservations early because it books up quickly. I called a couple of weeks ahead to make mine.
It was probably one of my favorite memories of the whole trip because it was so distinctly New Orleans: the music, the history, the atmosphere and the food.
Speaking of the food, it was beyond beyond. The presentation alone was magnificent, but the food itself was an explosion of decadence and satisfaction. It was pricier than what I’m used to but worth every penny.
And how can you not love a Jazz Brunch? The musicians were happy to take song requests and they rotated around the restaurant as they played so everyone had a good chance to hear and enjoy them.
We left with happy and full bellies and enjoyed the magnificence of the Garden District as we strolled back to the streetcar for a ride back to the hotel and a nap.
When we woke up mid-afternoon, we strolled over to do some French Market and French Quarter shopping. I loved just walking down the streets and popping into the stores that caught my eye.
Late in the afternoon, we decided to walk over to Harrah’s Casino, yes walk. So much of what we wanted to do was within walking distance of our hotel, the J.W. Marriott. There’s no question I will stay there again on my next visit.
I’m not the gambling sort, but I’m happy to drop some coins into the slot machines and hope I can make them last long enough to chalk it up to the cost of entertainment, so we did just that in the penny slots. We earned pennies, we lost pennies, and it was totally fun.
At this point, it was dinner time so we walked (see what I mean with the walking?) over to Mulate’s for dinner. They have live Zydeco music every night and a dance floor where happy diners of all ages twirl around.
We absolutely loved this restaurant and I highly recommend it. There’s such a positive energy inside, the music is catchy and fun,and the food is fantastic.
Try their red beans and rice. We loved it!
And sadly, after dinner we walked back to the hotel to pack and get some sleep before our early morning flight home which means this is the last in my series of New Orleans posts. I hope I’ve shown you how much New Orleans has to offer its visitors. I can’t wait to go back and explore it again.
I love New Orleans!
Toni says
We went to NOLA in September and LOVED it! I would like to go back again.
Dawn Lopez says
It looks like you had an amazing trip! Loved following your journey.. I need to get there again soon! It’s been too many years!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
I absolutely love the presentation for your entrees at Commander’s Palace. Beautifully done.
Kathleen says
I love all the photos, they are taking me back to my trip with my sister in August. The food at that brunch looks amazing, and I did pretty well on the slots at Harrah’s myself.
HilLesha says
These pictures of Nola are gorgeous! I definitely want to visit there someday – just not looking forward to the 12 hour drive yet. Plus, I don’t think I will ever hop on a plane. 😉
Shanna says
Looks like so much fun! I would love to visit New Orleans some day!
Jennifer @TheRebelChick says
It looks like you guys had a wonderful time in New Orleans! I’ve always wanted to visit!
Emerald says
I’ve never been to Nola before but its on one of my dream trip list.
Stefanie says
Commander’s Palace is on my list for the next, next time. I’m going back to NOLA this month but only for 2 nights.
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
This truly was one of the most epic trips I’ve ever seen to New Orleans. I feel Iike I went with you!
Colleen says
You had such an amazing adventure from the food to the sites. I could never get my husband to do that much.
[email protected] says
I always wanted to go to New Orleans! The food, the people, the music … Yes, right now I am daydreaming my way to New Orleans 🙂
Whitney @ It's Gravy, Baby! says
You got with me with the food. It all looks SO delicious!
Kelsey Apley says
Wow this looks like such a beautiful place, this would be a fun place to go on vacation for sure. Looks like you have some good eating too!
Kim @ What's That Smell? says
I really enjoyed New Orleans when I visited. It was super duper hot but the food and the history are just incredible!
Betty Manousos says
wow, all that food looks amazing and tempting! red beans and rice…mmmm..
Tough Cookie Mommy says
The food and the attractions look absolutely delicious and amazing. I’ve never been to New Orleans but it is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit in my life.
Courtney Pies says
Oh my goodness, all that food looks delicious! My mouth is watering! I definitely can’t wait to sometime make it to New Orleans!
Megan Chamberlin says
So jealous!! I’m dying to go to New Orleans – glad you’ve given me some itinerary options! That food looks to die for.
Bobbi Burleson says
I just saw The Commanders Palace on Top Chef and thought to myself that I would love to go there!
Becca says
You’re making me miss Louisiana! We lived there for a bit (I’m sure I’ve bored you with that story before) and we loved it!
What an experience for you!
Tara says
OH…how I love NOLA…and you captured the essence of the food and atmosphere so well in your pictures. I have never ridden the St. Charles streetcar when visiting and will do that next time for sure!
Dee @ Cocktails with Mom says
I loved reading all about your visit to New Orleans although it made me homesick. So glad you enjoyed your visit!
Theresa says
I’m kinda sad that this is the end of the series! You have definitely increased my desire to visit NOLA some day!
Marcie W. says
All of the food you featured looks beyond delicious! You both look so happy and I’m sure it was a fantastic mother/daughter trip! I seriously must make plans to visit.
Brandy says
Every time I read the words New Orleans, that rice commercial pops into my head “Jazzoray New Orleans” or something like that – some rice commercial I swear. It does look like you have a great time! The food looks dlish.
Kendra says
I’ve never taken my boys to New Orleans but I’d love to. I last went for Mardi Gras in 2007. I’ve gotta to catch up on your whole trip now. 🙂
amanda says
i was in new orleans back in 2001 or 2002. it was right after mardi gras and a lot of fun.
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
You did pack in a lot of fun while you were there. I have to agree that the presentation of the food is fantastic. I’m drooling just looking at your photos. It’s also nice that you could walk so many places. Having to drive and find places to park sometimes is just a pain.
Kristyn says
I would love to visit there some day all the food looks amazing!
Debbie Lamb says
I love New Orleans….our favorite town. We have been there numerous times…quite a few times at Mardi Gras. It is a amazing place…like none other. I am sure you are having a wonderful time! Everyone does in New Orleans!
Ashley says
Oh my daughter would love to ride in that trolley. She loooves trolleys. It looks like you had a fun day!
Taylor @ Pink Heels Pink Truck says
I went to New Orleans last year and thoroughly enjoyed the trip! And we walked every where except when we were riding the trolley to go to the zoo. 🙂 And the food at each restaurant was soooo yummy!! I tried Alligator for the first (and last) time on that trip. 😉 LOL
jordyn @ Almost Supermom says
OOOOO!!! I really want to go to New Orleans. I’m bookmarking this so I have some good ideas of where to visit when I get there. Thanks!!
Karen Hartzell (@InTheKitchenKP) says
What a great share about New Orleans! The photos are gorgeous and I am guessing the food tastes even more amazing that your fab photos. New Orleans is definitely on my travel bucket list.
JDaniel4's Mom says
I have had the best time reading about your trips to New Orleans. What fun you have had!
Malia says
Look at all that food! Everything looks so tasty. One of my favorite things about traveling is eating out and trying new foods.
Elizabeth Towns says
My sisters were in New Orleans for the first time for 7 days about a month ago. I haven’t had the opportunity yet, but I love your post. I want to get there, and I want to take my kids with me. I’m ready to continue our journeys through the continental United States!
Janeane Davis says
NOLA is such a wonderful city. I have not been back for two years and your post made me feel nostalgic.
Shell Feis says
I want to go there so bad! &I’m the same way as you with gambling- I’ll play a few dollars &if I lose it, well, I paid for the time I spent having fun.
Lily Kwan says
The food looks very tasty. Thanks for sharing!
Beeb says
I’m not a gambler either so penny slots are totally my speed. That food has me drooling!
Mimi says
That looks like an amazing place to visit! The food at that restaurant looked decadent, but even if it was expensive, I’d have loved it for the atmosphere! I love how inexpensive the trolly was. So glad you’re experiencing this with your daughter!
Lisa says
All that food looks amazing!
Ronni Keller says
I keep saying… 1 day I will get to NOLA!!!
Looks like such an awesome time!!!
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
Oh, the food!! I just had a baby so I haven’t gone anywhere in quite a while. I think it’s time for a road trip!
Danielle @ We Have It All says
OMGosh I LOVE these pictures! I would love to visit New Orleans more than anything… and I keep seeing all of your post – ugh! I’m anxious to walk the streets there!
Jeanae says
New Orleans is quite a city, and I love the food! Your post makes me want to take a roadtrip soon
Kristen @ kristenione says
You and your daughter are look beautiful and so happy on this trip. I love New Orleans and haven’t been since college!
Le-an Lacaba says
The food looks amazing! I’d love to ride the train 🙂
Francine says
Brunch is my favorite meal and this place looks amazing!
Katherine Bartlett says
What an amazing trip! I’ve loved the posts so far!
Donna says
I can’t wait to visit NOLA! I’ve heard so much about it, especially the food and the architecture. It sounds like a wonderful trip for you and your daughter!
Amanda says
You had a packed day!!! I would love to take my family down to NOLA soon.
Debi says
It looks like a wonderful time. The food looks delish!
noelle d says
glad you shared all these places… i will have to check them all out
Jenn says
We enjoyed the jazz brunch at Commander’s palace about 10 years ago as part of my college graduation trip. Unforgettable! Glad ya’ll had fun.
Jennifer Williams says
I would love to try the food in New Orleans. I have heard so many great things about it and you are confirming what I have heard. I would love to know what the shrimp meal was.
laurie says
I would love to go to new Orleans, sound great
Cynthia L says
I have always wanted to go to NOLA. My daughter was able to go to Mardi Gras a few years ago and I was very envious. It looks like you had a great time. Love all the photos of the food! yum!
Paula @ Frosted Fingers says
That food looks AMAZING! We ate at Harrah’s while we were in New Orleans. Their food was REALLY good. We had no time to gamble, but I’m not a gambler anyway.
Debra says
Looks like a fun trip – and the food is so exquisite! New Orleans is always a fun and great place to visit!
Amy Desrosiers says
I have loved reading about your New Orleans adventures! The food looks delicious!
Stefani says
I am glad you enjoyed your trip! I think I would want to make a vacation just for the food!
Virginia @thatbaldchick says
I just love the picture of you two together, you look like you are really enjoying yourselves.
Kiersten @ OMV says
Oh my gosh, those pancakes? Want. Now. What an awesome trip!
Hilary says
Wow.. what a fun time. I know a few people who have been to NO and all loved it as much as you and your daughter.
Casandra says
I have never been to New Orleans, but I really want to go! The food and the music sound incredible, I’m so jealous of your travels:) This definitely gave me a better view of what to expect, Thanks for the info…now I’m hungry looking at your food pics!
Theresa says
It looks like you had an amazing time!
Jennifer Speed says
Looks like a fun place to visit I have always wanted to go to New Orleans but haven’t had the chance to go yet.
Janel says
Looks like you had a fantastic trip! I’ve never been to New Orleans. My husband spent a few weeks there for a contract job and loved checking out the city.
Ave says
I really would love to take a ride on St. Charles streetcar! And the food looks delicious like always 😀
Richard Hicks says
What a wonderful place to visit. I would visit just to eat their foods!
Kecia says
New Orleans is a place I definitely want to visit. All of the food photos look amazing!
Cascia Talbert says
Sounds like you had a fun trip! I’ve never been to New Orleans.
Chelsea says
This looks like such a fantastic place to visit! I would go for the food alone- delicious!!!
Pam says
I love New Orleans too! It is such an awesome place to explore and there is so much to do.
Hanan says
Oh my, that food looks delicious!! I love the houses there, the way they were designed. You don’t get that here =/
Jen-Eighty MPH Mom says
First of all, let me say that your daughter is gorgeous!
I have always wanted to go to NOLA…it looks like a blast. And the food…oh my gosh. You’re killing me here!
Ange says
I seriously want to visit New Orleans!! Now, that food looks absolutely delicious! More things to add to my list.
Helene Cohen Bludman says
New Orleans is definitely on my bucket list. It must be an amazing place to visit. I love what you said about the food: it’s beyond beyond. That’s what I have always heard.
Amber Edwards says
OH my goodness!! So much fun! I want to go to New Orleans so badly now! You seriously must be having the time of your life!
Cara says
Looks like you had a blast! I love New Orleans too but I may be a bit biased! I also hate New Orleans in a way only someone that lives here could hate the city. It’s a true love / hate relationship we have! But in spite of that I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else than here!
Shop with Me Mama says
Wow! What fun! I only wish I could visit there someday! Love your pictures!
Catherine says
Gah, the food looks amazing. What a fun time – I’ve loved following along!
kathy balman says
What a fabulous trip. I will have to keep this in mind for a moms weekend.
Kita says
I have not been to New Orleans in years I went to Mardi Gras a few years ago and had the best time the food and atmosphere is so nice and different than what I am use to.
Angela says
I love the streetcars and all the wonderful history in that city. It looks like you had some amazing eats on this trip!
Nancy Lustri (StyleDecor) says
Oh my! The food looks incredible! I have got to get to New Orleans. The gorgeous pics make me want to visit. 🙂
Jessica Beal Harlow says
What an amazing trip! I love the photos of inside the streetcar! I’ve never seen one! New Orleans is on my bucket list of places to visit for sure!
Rachel says
Any excuse to eat shrimp for breakfast is ok with me. I visited New Orleans about 10 years ago and LOVED the live zydeco music. Your post really took me back. Looks like you had a great time!
kay adeola says
That food looks amazing,i really want to visit New Orleans i find the history and things i have read and seen really interesting, thanks for sharing.
Lindsey Silvestrini says
Looks like an awesome trip! My kids would love to ride a street car. That would be all they need for it to be a perfect vacation!
Ms. A says
How on earth do you stay so skinny? Guess the walking helps a little bit, but my heavens, THE FOOD LOOKS AMAZING!
brett says
Next time you are making a New Orleans Itinerary, you need to remember one thing. Brett.
I want to come too!!
Jennifer B says
Ah yes there is nothing better that pralines from the French Quarter! Looks like you had a wonderful time and great pics!
Kate, aka guavalicious says
We love Commander’s Palace! Their turtle soup is amazing!
Lolli @ Better in Bulk says
I’ve never been to New Orleans, and your posts are making me want to go!! That food…oh my goodness! And I’m totally like you with gambling. I like it as a form of entertainment. 🙂 If I can come away with a few more dollars than I started with, then even better.
Sarah Bailey says
Oh wow what some beautiful and different looking places – I would really love to take some time out and travel around the US one day there seems to be so many places to see. x
Nicole B says
That looks like such a nice place to visit. Good food, good sites, and fun things to do.
Mariah says
I just saw Commander’s Palace on an episode of Top Chef and it’s now on my to do list for a visit to New Orleans. I really want to visit with my husband some day and since it’s within driving distance for us, I think it will happen… eventually!
Susan says
I would love to take a food tour in NO, what a tour that would be!
Jennifer says
Those pictures make me really want to take a trip! That food looks amazing, too!!!
Dawn says
Oh my, the architecture and food looks so great in New Orleans!
Milena says
You’ve been having an awesome trip! Thanks for sharing your adventures!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
New Orleans is definitely a place I want to visit one day. That trolley ride sounds fun. My hubby and I did one in Salem, MA once and saw all the witch trial hot spots.
AmyLK says
I love NOLA! We walked every where when we visited as well. Walking makes room for more wonderful food and drinks! After reading all your wonderful experiences, I have to make plans to go to NOLA again! I haven’t been there since the hurricane.
kristin says
I have always wanted to visit New Orleans and now when I do I know where to look for all the best spots to visit.
Seriously though, I can’t wait to visit that part of the country one day!
brian miller says
oh man…i would love to make it back to nawlins…..never been to that restaurant…but i will…for sure….
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I already want to visit New Orleans and all these posts just make me want to go more!
Patty says
I really enjoyed these posts. Took me back to one of my favorite cities.
Heather says
I went for a trip there on business and I hated it – seemed so run down. But you make it look fun.
Tess says
I always wanted to go because of the food. It looks so fun to visit!
Jackie says
I have loved reading this series and following along on your NOLA adventures. It is definitely on my list of places to visit sometime in the future!
Matthew's Mom says
Now this looks like a fun weekend trip for my family!
Daisy says
The food looks A-m-a-z-i-n-g! I totally want to visit for the food alone.
Trice says
Been following your trying and I have officially made New Orleans the place for our girls getaway next year so exciting and I love all your pictures. I think I was sold on Day 4.
Debbie Denny says
I love to travel! I am putting this on my list! Looks like an awesome time!
Jeanie @ create&babble says
New Orleans is definitely on my list of places to go!
Grandma Bonnie says
Good food, great shopping and sight seeing are a must on any trip or vacation. Sounds like you had a great trip.
Rosey says
You’ve out and out given me the New Orleans bug!! I’m excited about a visit there someday!
Your baby girl (ha! I call mine my baby too and she’s almost taller than me) looks so stylish in all of her pictures!! Just gorgeous (her and the city). And the food on those plates does look fantabulous. Those pancakes are calling my name.
This was a fun series!! I’m sorry to see it end. 🙁
jen says
Liz, I am so envious. I’ve always wanted to go there. Now that I’ve read this I need to start planning my own trip.
Dee says
So many awesome pictures! Now I want to go!
Lisa @ Two Bears Farm says
We went to all those places when we were there except the Jazz brunch – which looked amazing from your pictures! I won the jackpot with nickel slots at Harrah’s – which was funny, since it was just nickels in ended up being like $40 🙂
Kristyn says
i want to go just for all that amazing looking food!!
Maria says
Food, music, architecture, museums…everyone should visit!! Love this and glad you had a blast in New Orleans.
Madeline says
I just came upon your post of your New Orleans adventure, day 5. I need to go back and look at the rest of your post. I am glad you and your daughter enjoyed your stay in New Orleans, I live here (Metairie) and it is nice to see when someone posts about the good time they had in our city. I love New Orleans and lived here all my life, can’t imagine living anywhere else. There is always something to do, something to see and never run out of places to eat! I hope you will visit us again soon!
Terry (My Journey With Candida) says
I don’t blame you for packing as much as you can into one day. I see they have a Harrahs there… Bonus for my Hubs.
Ellen Christian says
Looks like so much fun. I’d love to visit New Orleans some day.
Suz says
I wanna go again!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
looks very quaint, the food looks delicious!