Getaway 2013: Day Nine (New Orleans)

Oh hey!  So the trip through New Orleans continues!  After our first night on the town partaking in the Mardi Gras spirit, we might have been a wee bit slow getting out of bed in the morning.  Good thing it was Sunday and we had nothing specific on our agenda. ;)

After sharing a burger and some icy cold Coke for our morning after cure, we decided to wander on through the French Market.

I was thisclose to another round of Cafe du Monde beignets but the hour long line-ups (yes, two!) kept us walking.

Bet you didn’t know Joan of Arc hangs out in NOLA.

Inside the market we checked out the farmer’s stands, the local artisans, the random antiques and collectibles, the bins and bins of touristy do-dads, and a delish bowl of crawfish etouffee.

   

Outside we enjoyed the cool weather, avoided a few rain drops, and spent a long, long time perusing some of the most wonderful handcrafted masks you’ve ever seen.  True art.

 

After a few hours of browsing we strolled off into the French Quarter again.

A couple of Bloody Marys later and we were back in the twilight crowds of Bourbon Street.

(I got that amazingly cute hat from a couple of the most lovely girls selling them on the street.  They were half a block in front of us carrying their hats on racks and we caught up to them so I could try one on.  After trying on everything they had I chose this one because it has a mask, a peacock feather and I loved the colour.  I wore it all day!) {Yo Hatter Hatter on Etsy}

Since we’d already done the Bourbon Street party the night before we were more interested in tracking down a southern dinner this time.  We happened upon this Gumbo Shop where we chowed down on red beans with rice and sausage, jambalaya, smothered collard greens, and this crazy delish creole creamed corn dish.  So yum.

After dinner we wandered back towards our hotel.

We got caught on the inside of a parade again!  These parades are hours long and if you are watching along Canal Street there is literally no way to cross.  They are beautiful, but if you aren’t partying along they can be a bit overwhelming!

{Next post: Swamps and Plantations}