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If you didn’t get to have some of those delicious beignets last night then head over to Café Du Monde for breakfast. Enjoy the mounds of powder sugar, coffee or chocolate milk to jump start your day. After breakfast check out the artists around Jackson Square where you can have your portrait or caricature drawn to commemorate the occasion. Ready to venture out to another part of town full of historic homes, beautiful churches and parks? Hop on the Streetcar at the corner of Canal St. and St. Charles Ave. and relax as theStreetcar makes its way down the historic and and architecturally magnificant St. Charles Ave.. When you get to Audubon Park stop, step off the Streetcar and you will be in front of the beautiful Audubon Park which is popular among locals and tourists, alike. You’ll understand once you take a stroll under the canopies of oak trees. Head straight through the park along the walkway that makes a circle around the park until you hit Magazine St.. Cross Magazine St. until you you come to the entrance of Audubon Zoo and get ready to step into one of the nation’s top-ranked zoos. The Audubon Zoo is a world of its own - see exotic animals, reptiles, elephants and more. Walk through The Louisiana Swamp exhibit which is a re-creation of a 1930s swamp settlement equipped with a trapper’s cottage, Spanish moss, white alligators and cypress knees. Be sure to check the schedule for alligator feedings - you won’t want to miss this! Speaking of feeding…are you getting hungry? In the Cajun Swamp there is a restaurant overlooking the swamp. Have a snack break in the bayou and relax with a daiquiri or cold beer. Its easy to spend hours in the zoo, so by the time you see it all, you may be getting restless for some lunch. Head back through Audubon Park until you hit St. Charles Ave. and take a right towards downtown. Take your time while you wander the avenue known for historic homes, churches and parks. If you are in the mood for a movie, stop by the neighborhood Prytania Theater showing the latest blockbuster. This quaint, historic, one screen theater also has a balcony viewing area. Call ahead for show times to insure that you will be on time for the movies. It has been quite a day and perfect romantic restaurants are just steps away. Dine at La Crepe Nanou, a neighborhood hotspot offering some of the French cuisine, including a variety of specialty crepes. This intimate restaurant is small, but there is also outside seating available. The restaurant does fill up quickly, and doesn’t take reservations, so there may be a wait. Don’t feel like waiting? On the next block is The Upperline known for its Creole flavors, friendly staff and beautiful local art that are just part of the elegant dining experience. Even the building itself has a story to tell originally being an 1877 town house. Call ahead for reservations. If you’re still hungry after dinner and in the mood for a sweet treat, make sure you check out Creole Creamery across the street on Prytania. This locally owned ice cream parlor specializes in delicious homemade ice creams in a wide variety of delicious flavors. Want more than ice cream? Head over to Sucre on Magazine Street for gourmet desserts housed in a cool, new bistro-type environment overlooking the street. Spend the night on the town and stop by the Columns Hotel for an after dinner drink. You may recognize it as the bordello in the movie Pretty Baby starring Brooke Shields. This historic 1883 hotel is enriched with stain glass windows, the dark and cozy Victorian Lounge, ballroom and mahogany staircase leading to the guestrooms. If it is a cool night, sit on the large front porch with an amazing view of St. Charles Ave. If you are pulling an all nighter, which is customary in New Orleans, check out these other romantic hotspots along the way.
Day 3
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| New Orleans Jazz Club |
Same town, different scene. In the morning, experience a New Orleans Jazz Brunch taking place in restaurants all over the city. For a world-famous daily jazz brunch buffet, be sure to go to The Court of Two Sisters for great food, entertainment and a memorable mid-morning delight that will leave your mouth watering.
If you want to dress up in your Sunday’s best, then strut on down to Antoine’s Restaurant world-renowned for its French-Creole cuisine and rooms full of priceless memorabilia. Everything from Judy Garland, Pope John Paul the II and Mardi Gras treasures from the past. Antoine’s Sunday Jazz Brunch is held every Sunday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Burn off some of that delicious food by renting bicycles for the day from Bicycle Michael’s located on Frenchmen St. and ride along Esplanade Avenue to City Park. You can rent individual bikes or go tandem (two person bikes) passing beautiful mansions, cozy cafes, New Orleans’ extraordinary cemeteries and eventually coming up to Bayou St. John.
If you want, take a nice ride around the bayou and loop back to Esplanade. Take a left on Moss St. and ride along Bayou St. John then simply cross over the bridge at Orleans Ave. This will take you to the opposite side of the bayou and just take a right heading back to Esplanade which will put you directly in front of the entrance to City Park.
City Park is a nature lover’s haven full of oak trees, lagoons and the home of the New Orleans Botanical Gardens. Feel free to bike ride some more if you are feeling energetic, however if you need a break, visit the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. This beautiful and peaceful garden is home to 55 art sculptures by various artists from around the world. Kick off your shoes and stay awhile!
Once you’ve regained your strength, climb on those bikes and head back down to Frenchmen St. to return them. The fun does not end there. Try The Marigny Brasserie, which serves eclectic New Orleans dishes featuring seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood. Watch the world go by through the classic French windows opening out onto historic Frenchmen St..
This area of town is unlike any other in New Orleans hosting artists, philosophers, musicians and anyone looking to live the chill, bohemian lifestyle. The jazz clubs along this strip are some of the best in the city. Snug Harbor, d.b.a., and Café Brasil are just some of the popular venues to catch live, local New Orleans musicians.
After this romantic getaway, you will fall in love with each other – and New Orleans - all over again!
Ten Great Places to Kiss:
- Moonwalk in Woldenberg Park at Dusk
- Sculpture Garden in City Park
- Lakefront at Sunset
- French Quarter roof top patio
- Carriage Ride through the French Quarter
- Fountain at Audubon Park
- Top deck of the Steamboat Natchez
- Pirate’s Alley
- On the Streetcar
- In a corner booth at a dimly lit jazz club
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