Sistersgiving +1~ Thanksgiving in New Orleans

This year, Thanksgiving ended up being something completely out of the norm. Usually, I am in South Carolina spending quality time with my family, eating the typical Thanksgiving food and then enjoying leftovers. You know, when turkey and ham turn in to sandwiches days later. This year was so different. Many of my family members either had to work Thanksgiving Day or the following day, so time would be limited. My sister and I decided we would do something completely different. We decided to we would celebrate Thanksgiving together in the Big Easy. That’s right…Sistersgiving was going to take place in New Orleans!

This was such a great decision by us. It was nonstop fun from start to finish. We arrived in New Orleans on Wednesday morning to start our adventures. We were picked up from the airport by the most authentic New Orleans Uber driver, who started our trip off with so much excitement. He said BABBYY in every sentence and had us laughing the entire 30 minute ride to our hotel. He even recommended different places to eat and things to do.

Day One was a success, as we walked around the city to bask in the culture and see all of what Bourbon and Canal Streets and the French Quarter had to offer. Later that night, we went to see the New Orleans Pelicans take on the San Antonio Spurs. There was a pregame block party and of course we had to dance to some old school hip hop. This part of the trip was for my nephew, who was our +1. I don’t think he enjoyed it because the Pelicans beat his team. Oh well, at least he saw them play. *insert Kanye shrug here* Following the game, we went to Oceana and had gumbo and po boys, a must when in Nawlins!

We started Thanksgiving Day by visiting the original Café Du Mode for my favorite treat-beignets. With a belly fully of doughy goodness, we walked around Jackson Square and the French Market. We caught a little concert from a brass band on the corner, which is not an uncommon sight. We originally had reservations at a really nice restaurant. At some point we realized we really did not want fancy and ended up at The Gumbo Shop. I am so glad we did because the gumbo made me forget all about turkey and stuffing. We totally went against the one thing we had planned, which was fine by me.

The highlight of the trip was spending time with my sister on Frenchmen Street. Frenchmen Street is where the locals hang out. It is what many call the real New Orleans. Our first stop was Vaso Lounge and we had no idea the treat we were in for. There was an amazing R&B band whose name I cannot remember. We danced and sung old school songs and laughed at drunk *points to inside of hand* men trying to find the beat. We left there and ending up dancing in the street while listening to Young Fellas Brass Band, who were jamming on the corner. Now mind you, cars were still driving down the street as we danced but hey, it’s New Orleans. We had the best time that nice and it was because we literally danced like no one was watching. I am so thankful for the opportunity to experience something out of the norm.

I would recommend New Orleans to anyone looking for a city with a rich culture and great food. Here are some tips:

Ride the street car to tour the city. It’s $3 for a 24 hour pass and is definitely worth the little bit of money.

Don’t over plan your day and be flexible.

Definitely hang out at night. Our Uber driver said New York City is not the only place that doesn’t sleep. If you want to be the typical tourist, then go to Bourbon Street. If you want to hang out somewhere which isn’t as hectic, hit up Frenchmen Street and tell them Krissy sent you.

Try a jazz lounge (See previous tip)

Try different food. Our +1 had a hot dog made of alligator meat. He said he did not come all the way to New Orleans to eat a regular hot dog. Be like Ethan people!

Get in the street and dance, literally! There is probably a band playing near you.

Get tips from your Uber driver. They are from the city (usually) and so they can recommend hidden gems to you.

Whether you go to New Orleans or some other place, I encourage you to live your best life and have fun.

See you in the next city!