On the morning of day three my daughter and I got up and walked over to Jimmy J’s Cafe on Chartres Street for breakfast, a mere hop from the J.W. Marriott hotel. (Location, location, location)
It was a tiny little place but clearly a local favorite because we got there just in time to nab the last table. It had a really funky, artsy vibe and the made from scratch food was delicious!
She ordered an omelette with home fries, and I ordered buttermilk pancakes with blueberry compote and a side of bacon. It was so good!
With bellies happy and full, we strolled over to the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium on Magazine Street to immerse ourselves in the world of creepy crawlies.
I was expecting to feel super squeamish since I can’t stand bugs, but the yuck factor was surprisingly quite low. The exhibits were really interesting and so well done, more fascinating than repulsive.
That being said, cockroaches will always be the very definition of gross to me. I shudder.
I’m glad I saw them early in my visit though, because it made the rest of these fellas a lot more likable.
There were also lots of interactive displays and activities for kids (and twenty-something’s). My daughter was scooping up bees to make honey in this game! Be sure you go to the multi-sensory show. It’s less than ten minutes long but it’s full of surprises and we found ourselves laughing a lot!
She also insisted on making friends with this baby alligator in the Louisiana Swamp gallery.
Once we’d thoroughly explored the insect world, we entered the Butterfly Garden exhibit where winged creatures flutter and fly all around you. If you’re lucky, they’ll land on you!
Whether you have kids or not, the Insectarium is definitely well worth visiting.
It was already lunchtime by the time we left, so we walked along Convention Center Boulevard to look for a restaurant, and stopped at the Grand Isle Cafe.
Even though she was scared, my daughter tried oysters for the very first time in a fried oyster salad. I was told I was boring for ordering a grilled chicken salad but hey, I like what I like!
After lunch we walked over to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas which sits at the edge of the Mississippi River, and we spent a couple of hours visiting our friends in the waterways.
I have a fascination with sea horses. They’re just the weirdest, most interesting oddballs!
Speaking of oddballs…as if the albino color wasn’t freakish enough, that eyeball is just so….unnerving.
Doesn’t everyone love spending time watching the penguins? They’re so cute!
I was pretty darn proud of my daughter for going through the exotic bird displays with me. She’s terrified of birds!
After a couple hours in the aquarium, we went back to the hotel for an afternoon nap and a swim in the hotel pool, something my daughter looked forward to every day!
After we woke up, we were ready for dinner and walked to Cafe Beignet on Bourbon Street. They have live music almost all the time and it was super relaxing to listen to it while we ate dinner. We each ordered a po’ boy to which we were becoming slightly addicted! Mine was roast beef, hers was shrimp.
This little guy stopped by to see if we had anything to share. (That’s not bird poopy doopy on the table, by the way; it’s powdered sugar from beignets.)
After dinner, we hightailed it away from Bourbon Street to some of the quieter streets. That’s when we spotted La Divina Gelateria (on St. Peter Street) and since neither of us had ever tried Italian ice cream before, we had to do it!
The gelato was silky soft, super creamy and dense, and the flavor was BAM! Have you ever tried gelato? Do it!
The last thing on our agenda for the day was to try absinthe for the first time. The night before when on the Haunted History Tour, we’d seen a cozy little corner bar called Pirate’s Alley Cafe and Absinthe House, so that’s where we decided to go.
The absinthe fountain sits right on the bar which incidentally is fully pirate-themed (duh…the name of the place). It’s totally cheesy, but somehow feels right when on vacation.
The bar maiden knew her stuff. She told us all about the history of absinthe, described the process of making it and warned us about the legend of the green fairy. (Absinthe is 100 proof. Yowza.)
There’s a really chill vibe in the bar which made it a comfortable place to hang out, but my daughter and I took advantage of the cozy outdoor seating area in the alley. We enjoyed the summer evening as we slow-sipped our drinks (absinthe is best sipped, trust me).
Actually, we didn’t finish them completely, cuz we were all responsible and stuff. Or sleepy.
Next up: Day Four
Marcie W. says
I have never been to NOLA but am really dying to go. These attractions look fun and all of that food looks to die for!
Courtney says
Gosh I am so enjoying these posts! My hubby hates to fly so it’s likely we’ll never go unless we drive. I loveeee the butterfly garden 🙂 We had that at a zoo local to use but for some reason they closed it 🙁 So sad M never got to see it. I loved when they would fly all around.
Jenn @TheRebelChick says
I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans! It looks like you guys had an amazing time. I love gelato, so you totally sold me on that one. LOL!
Mellisa says
This looks awesome! My kids would love to visit a place like the insectarium!
Leilani says
I hate cockroaches. I grew up in a tiny roach infested apartment. It was disgusting.
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie} says
It all looks fun, but I could quite happily skip that roach motel set up….GAG.
Angela says
My nieces and nephew would flip over that insectarium. I just cannot get over how much fun you had on this trip. I totally need to take my Mom for a weekend in New Orleans.
Colleen says
Looks like a great time. I have to totally agree with your assessment of a cockroach, even worse are the Palmetto bugs that are flying cockroaches. Unfortunately they are very common in FL. I would much rather stroll through the butterfly exhibit.
That crocodile/alligator is quite odd looking agreed! New Orleans looks like a fun place where you can do a lot.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
I visited New Orleans a while back and it was so amazing! I can’t wait to go back one day!
Lisa @ Oh Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy says
your first few pics made me sooo hungry, mmmm breakfast….and then I scrolled down….no more hungry lol those are some BIG bugs
Kelsey Apley says
I am SO jealous!! This looks like so much fun, and I love all the photo’s!! I love how they made a little cubby to stick your head in and get a really close up look! I love butterflies I think this would be so much fun to do!!!
Toni says
NOLA food is just the best around!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
How fun that you got to experience your NOLA trip with your daughter! Not sure I could have done the bugs though 🙂
Katie says
I coulda done without the bug pics 🙂 But the food looks amazing!
Fan R (Teddy Out Ready) says
Wonderful place, so many attractions in one spot. I like Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, my little one would be excited to be there, and explore insects and butterflies.
Almost Supermom says
I have always wanted to go to New Orleans! It looks like you had a great day there 🙂 I’m bookmarking this so I have some ideas when I do get down there 🙂
Tara says
OMG – I saw the roaches and wanted to die….lol What fun and I would total check out the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium! Looks fun!
Viccy H says
Wow that breakfast omelette looks amazing, and my 4yo son woukd adore the insectarium (I’m not so keen, heehee). Looks like you had a fantastic time xx
Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommy says
The food looks amazing. I really love New Orleans and wish I visited more often.
1955nurse says
What a wonderful time you had! I’ve always wanted to go to the Audubon aquarium, & I’ve also always wanted to try Absinthe, it’s something you read about in the novels about pre-civil war NOLA! Thanks for the great post.
patricia says
I think the bug displays would totally creep me out cause I am not a bug person. Looks like you had an amazing day though and it looks like an interesting place to visit. I just do not do well with creep crawlies.
Diane Sallans says
What a fabulous time – I knew about the food, but love those exhibits!
Slap Dash Mom says
So, a few things:
I want that ice cream!
The other food looks good, minus the meat. 🙂
The bugs in the mini kitchen display gave me a panic attack. lol
Jasanna Czellar says
Looks like lots of fun! I’ve never been there but the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium look so fun!
Becca says
I love your posts about New Orleans because it is a city I love. I visited the aquarium when I was there and loved it, but now I wish I had gone to see the butterflies and insects. I can’t wait to read more!
[email protected] says
What a fun trip for you two! Great memories, for sure.
Cynthia C says
NOLA is a place I’ve always wanted to visit. Maybe I’ll get there some day if I’m lucky.
Dawn ~ Spatulas On Parade says
Well, I saw the food and I was like, OOOHHH I want that food. THEN I see the bugs! ewww
LOL
Deborah Wallin says
It looks like you a fun filled day with your daughter!
Ms. A says
I would have loved everything except the eating and only because eating makes me too sleepy to do any of the other stuff!
krystal kesson says
THAT food! Looks awesome! and love anything to do with animals. Seems like you had fun!
Melanie says
Oh my gosh! That is an amazing place! I like the picture where the bugs are in a “room” table and everything. Amazing place they put together
Robyn says
I have always wanted to go to New Orleans. These pics look great!
JulieK says
I’m SO jealous of your lovely travels!!! I LOVE those seahorses!! And the food looks delish!
Shell Feis says
This post needs a big warning on top about all of those bugs! YUCK! The rest of everything looks awesome, though!
Dawn says
Bird poppy doopy! Ha, love your terminology. Oh, and that eyeball did creep me out, as did the cockroaches! But I loved the penguins, butterflies and those funny pinkish looking bugs! Looks like you guys had tons of fun!
Tough Cookie Mommy says
These are some great photos but this place would have creeped me out because I am deathly afraid of waterbugs. I love how they presented all of the exhibits though, it was very creative.
Sara Phillips says
The omelette & home fries look DELICIOUS!!
My boys would love the insectarium!! I don’t think we’ve ever been to one.
brett says
Gelateria. I love that word. I’ts awesome.
I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans and your posts make me want to more!!
Cynthia L says
Wow, it looks like you are having a good time on your vacation! Perfect amount of sights and great food. I love it that you are able to walk around and not have to travel far to see things. Can’t wait to hear more.
Amy Lynn Desrosiers says
Looks like a very interesting trip! The food, and butterflies are so appealing! The roaches are creepy and scary lol!
Ashley - Embracing Beauty says
Wow, what beautiful pictures! I feel like I’ve been there with you. I’d love to visit there for real some time!
noelle d says
this makes me miss NOLA so much..i want to go back…
and yeah.. that Absinthe is the devil 🙂 lol
Karen says
I would have been seriously creeped out with the bugs, you are much braver than me
Christy Anderson says
Looks like a wonderful time! I’d like to visit New Orleans now!
karen says
Sounds and looks awesome.
Mariana says
Yummm… those pancakes look delish! Looks like you’re having a fabulous time in New Orleans 🙂
Anita Breeze says
New Orleans is definitely on my bucket list! I am not a big fan of insects or scary white crocodiles, but I really like the look of some of the other places you visited. Thanks for the great photos!
brian miller says
puffins!!!! they are so cool…the roach house is pretty nasty…and i have seen gators up close when i lived in florida….def will freak you out….
Danielle @ We Have It All says
YUK YUK YUK to the bugs, but the animals are cute and I would DIE to walk around New Orleans! That little restaurant looks perfect!
Melanie a/k/a CrazyMom says
What a great trip… I had no idea that NOLA has SOOO many cool things.. Loved the butterfly.. the roaches are cool.. BUT don’t let them out.. super cool to look at, but still makes my skin shiver..lol… Looks like you guys had a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing the post and taking all of us on your trip… sure felt like it reading the story.
Laurie - Steals and Deals for Kids says
This looks like an amazing day!! I would have loved that Aquarium but the rest of the trip looks fun too….and the food – YUM!!! Hope to visit there one day!!
April @Pixie Dust Savings says
Looks like you had a super fun day! You took amazing pictures! I felt just as if I sent the day with you!
Ari T. says
The Audabon Aquarium of the Americas sounds like my kind of sanctuary. I love the aquatics and having lived near the Mississippi up north, I’d love to see the creatures from the southern end. I’ve had gelato before but one can never have enough, so I would definitely want to go to La Divina Gelataria! Thanks for sharing your adventures in attractions and food! NOLA has something for everyone!
Lolo says
I totally love watching penguins too! They are so cute!!
Bobbi Burleson says
I have wanted to go to New Orleans for so long!! You are making me so jealous!
Ave says
Those pancakes looks really delicious! I’m a big fan of aquariums, and Aquarium of the Americas seems like a place I would love!
Mally says
Very fun, but you and insects don’t mix!
Jennifer B says
Oh wow I am jealous!! Your food looked delicious and I’d love to see all of those insects too! I love love New Orleans, but I might be partial to it because that’s where I’m from originally! 🙂
Malia says
Great pictures, makes me want to go on vacation! Looks like you and your daughter are having a great trip!
eleni says
Looks like you had a blast! I went a few years ago. I stayed across the street at the regular Marriott, I remember the restaurant had the best lobster mac & cheeses that I have ever had.
shaunie says
that was an amazing da: great food and entertainment. would love to go other than in march
Sarah Bailey says
Wow that looks some amazing things to do and see – I have to admit I’m not a fan of cockroaches either but I probably would have been quite fascinated with them behind glass lol x
Shauna says
Oh my goodness, what fun. We have never been to New Orleans, but plan to! I will definitely bookmark this post for when we go. Thank you
JJ Caraway says
My daughter took her children to the Aquarium in New Orleans and they had a blast. They visited Bass Pro Shop while there (my son in law just had to stop) and their was quite a bit to look at there as well. The food is great in New Orleans and I can’t leave without a few cannoli of course. Did your daughter enjoy the oysters?
lisa at two bears farm says
I have never tried absinthe. Maybe that is for the b est. I am such a lightweight.
HilLesha says
I’ll admit the sight of the roaches would make me squeamish, but I wouldn’t mind visiting there!
Lisa says
My kids would totally love the bug place!
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
My friend went to New Orleans on her honeymoon last year and she had such a great time. I never really thought about going before that, but now it’s on my bucket list!
Yona says
OK..your daughter is gorgeous.
I am all about the food and animals, but INSECTS…oh no…not me. I couldn’t do a museum like that.
I love monarch butterflies though!
Amber Edwards says
WOW! I want to come travel with you! You find the coolest places to visit! I want to see the sharks and all that food you ate.! Amazing!
brett says
i’m going to have nightmares for weeks from that albino gator staring at me. thanks.
🙂
Alissa Apel says
Roaches…they are all over there! That little house with them is pretty funny. Did you know that the Praying Mantis is related to them? Creepy!
That trip looks wonderful!
Rachel says
Looks like a great trip. I have never been to New Orleans but have always wanted to check it out.
I was going to ask if you saw the green fairy.
Theresa says
I always love hearing about your New Orleans trip! That city just sounds so full of activities, I’m not sure how one could ever grow bored there. Though the cockroach exhibit… yuck. I think I’ll skip that if I ever get to NO.
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
I’ve always dreamed of visiting New Orleans. Seeing your day makes me want to go even more.
Katherine Bartlett says
Wow, that sounds like an awesome day! Totally jealous!
Dana Rodriguez says
Looks like a great day! (minus the roaches lol)
Desiree H says
MMM Jimmy J’s looks great! Ive never been to New Orleans, but I would love to go one day!
Ashley says
You’re entire day looks like so much.. except the cockraoches. However the food looked drool worthy!
Matthew's Mom says
Sounds like a fun trip – good food and nice places to visit. My son would like the bugs and birds. 😉
Janeane Davis says
NOLA is one of my favorite places to visit. I recognized many of the places you visited as locations near places I visited and ate when I was last there. I enjoyed seeing your beautiful photos.
Beeb says
There is so much to say about this! First of all, my fiance would love the Insectarium and Aquarium so this would be a really fun day for us. Second, all the food looks sooo good and I love that you made friends with a little birdie while you were eating (And that the pic shows powdered sugar and not you-know-what). Finally, I was making absinthe Halloween cocktails this weekend! I NEED to go to NOLA!
Cathi says
Awesome mother and daughter time. Can I be a wee be envious? xoxo
Aisha Kristine Chong says
I agree.
I am not a fan of cockroaches and I don’t think I’ll ever be.. it was a nice adventure overall though. 🙂
Pam says
What an absolutely wonderful day! Your really packed a lot in for one day and such good food. I loved this post and thank you for sharing these wonderful places to visit.
Susan says
What an amazing trip! I have visited new Orleans and we loved it. I would love to go back with my daughter one day, there are so many great things for kids too.
Colette S says
Your daughter is so lovely!
Look at all that adventure! I would love to visit and be a tourist too sometime when I have $
Have fun girl!
Jenny says
This looks AMAZING!! A trip that me and my gang would totally love! We’re all about bugs and nature over here! 🙂
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
What a great day! That breakfast is making me hungry again and that albino croc is freaky!
Grace Hodgin says
I loved your photos. This looks like such a great places to visit from the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium to the places to eat. Loved this journey.
CiCi says
Gosh I wish I were with you there. Haven’t been there in years and your photos are wonderful, enticing us to want to be there.
Rosey says
If we ever get to go I’m going to come back and reference some of these places you’ve been noting. It sounds like there’s so much to see and do that’s awesome.
The roaches… I can’t unsee the roaches. THOSE are one thing I don’t miss about living in a warm weather state. The ones in Florida were huge, lived in trees outside, and flew. Gah!
Jackie says
I’ve been waiting for the next post in this series! Sounds like a perfect trip really and I’m impressed that you tried Absinthe…. I’ve been a chicken about it!
Ellen Christian says
I would love to visit New Orleans some day but those bugs totally freak me out!
AmyLK says
I’m so glad you had an awesome vacation! Each day seems better than the last! I love reading about your adventures.
Dov Shapira says
I’d love to go there.
I love the ocean life, it’s endless and beautiful
Debi says
I love NOLA. I have always wanted to be able to spend some vacation there.
Annemarie says
OMG New Orleans is one of the places on my bucket list. Lucky you – that breakfast looks so yummy… Hope to go one day!
Melissa Vosburgh says
I always love seeing your pictures ! It is like flipping through a magazine. What fun you have !
Pam says
Aw, now I am wanting to go back to Nola! It looks like you had an awesome time on your visit. We stayed for five days the last time I was there and still didn’t get to see everything I wanted/
Meghan @JaMonkey says
Butterflies I can handle cock roaches not so much. Looks like a lot of fun though!
Marika says
Wow some of these are gorgeous but some are downright scary lol
Patty says
There was some great art created under the influence of absinthe…
Le-an Lacaba says
Wow! What a great place to go to! Great food, great view, and great pics!
Nichol says
Ack I’ve never seen a cockroach and really could have gone another day without seeing one lol. Like you I adore seahorses. I did a huge project on them in 6th grade. They are fascinating creatures. Looks like you had a wonderful day 3 in NO!
Growing Up Madison says
I’ve never been to New Orleans but I’ve always wanted to visit. I see all the Mardi Gras and just want to go get my beads. 🙂 Seems like you all had fun. As for those roaches, I hate them and don’t think I would even have gone close to take a pic. Is that a pink grasshopper I see? That is truly unique, I’ve always only seen green.
Ruth Zankich says
I have never been to New Orleans or to a Insectarium. My son would flip over that. He loves bugs.
Sarah Elyce says
I love all the photos of the animals- including the insects and the albino! I’m a nature lover.
Virginia @thatbaldchick says
I shudder with you on the cockroaches. Blech. You did get some great pictures!
Kerri O says
The breakfast totally made me drool!
My boys would love all the bugs, lol.
Looks like you had a blast! I had no idea New Orleans had all of this. Guess I’d never really thought about it, I think New Orleans and just think Mardi Gras!
Dee @ Cocktails with Mom says
I WANT one of those Po Boys NOW! New Orleans is definitely close to my heart and a great place to visit and live. I miss it. Glad you had a great time. Now I’m home sick!
Daisy says
I’ve never been, but now that we live in Dallas, it is within driving distance, so we need to visit!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
New Orleans looks like such an amazing place to visit. It’s definitely on my bucket list.
Andrea Kruse says
Wow! What an amazing day. Not sure which attraction my family would love more – the aquarium or the bugs!
MizFitCarla says
I NEED TO GO.
I have such a dear blogging friend there and IVE NEVER BEEN!
Terry (My Journey With Candida) says
I want to got to New Orleans… and we almost made it there last year… something happened though. I think some bad storms were coming through and we drove home to Pennsylvania like sissies.
When I do make it there….. thanks to you, I will know where I wnat to go.
I see you had your favorite traveling companion with you.