AFL TRAVEL: NEW ORLEANS (NOLA) “GIRLS TRIP” DIARIES!

My friends and I are always up for a good “girls trip!” Its nothing like a break away from the every day stress of life. Last year we went to New York, but this year we had a little something different in mind. My friend LOVES Beyonce and wanted to see her on tour, so we thought it only made sense to head to New Orleans to see Queen B! New Orleans is such a great city for a girls trip. There’s food, Bourbon Street, food and Bourbon Street. Oh, is there a theme here? Why yes, there is! Lol.

 

So we set out to find the most perfect accommodations for our trip. We like to travel in style! After all, this is a girls getaway. So having a clean, plush and glamorous hotel is a must-have! After some searching, I came across the Royal Sonesta Hotel, right on Bourbon Street. Perfection! We wanted to be in the “hub” of New Orleans.Royal Sonesta recently made some renovations and upgrades to their hotels. I must say its absolutely gorgeous! We walked in and said, “WOW!!” Not only is the hotel glamorous, but the staff was super friendly and accommodating. We were greeted by each staff member and they made sure our accommodations were to our liking. Customer service is HUGE in my book. So staying at a hotel that made us feel at home just made our stay even better.

 

If you ever head to New Orleans, definitely stay at the Royal Sonesta and book a courtyard/pool room. The view is gorgeous and quiet, considering you are not on the Bourbon Street side of the hotel. I woke up early the next morning and snapped a few pics of the courtyard. It was so beautiful and peaceful. Just imagine yourself having a cup of coffee and reading a book in the shade. Or laying by the pool catching some sun. Sounds amazing right? It most definitely is!

 

After we checked in, we hit the streets to take in some of the city and of course, EAT! We headed to the Gumbo Shop and had drinks and their “New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp.” Now there is no BBQ anywhere in this dish, but somehow its called BBQ shrimp lol. It was delicious though. What was even more yummy, was their daiquiris! I ordered a cantaloupe daiquiri made with fresh cantaloupe. So good!!

 

 

 

 

 

Customized T-shirts HERE

After lunch we strolled thru Jackson Square to take in more of New Orleans. Of course, Cafe Du Monde was next on our list! The fresh and hot beignets were definitely yummy. I didn’t try any of the Chicory coffee because it was super hot outside. But, next time for sure!

The next morning we set out to see the Garden District and of course, eat some more! But, not before getting glam’d up for the day and taking a few pics in our customized robes by Recluse Apparel. Because when its a Beyonce weekend, you got to keep with the theme! We thought it would be cute to get our robes customized with a song title from Beyonce. Recluse Apparel was so kind and provided great service in getting our robes. We were “feelin’ ourselves,’ obviously!

 

But first, BRUNCH! Because how can you even start the day without it right? We went to the Ruby Slipper per recommendation of the hotel. The food was so great! I had the Banana Foster French toast, my friend had the Shrimp Benedict with Fried Green Tomatoes. We both were in heaven with our meals. Be sure to try this place too!

 

I wish I had decent pictures of the Garden District, but we took the street car route thru the Garden District. So my pictures didn’t come out that great as we were constantly moving. Afterwards we headed off to Dragos Restaurant for charbroiled oysters for lunch. OMG, if you ever visit New Orleans you MUST visit this place. The oysters were just pure deliciousness. The oysters were charbroiled with a butter, garlic sauce with grated cheese on top. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I am still dreaming about those oysters!

 

We headed back to the hotel for a much needed nap after the busy day. I was very excited about our dinner plans as we had reservations with Salon Sucre. They have really unique dishes and the ambiance is gorgeous. What made the night was their gorgeous patio and the view of Conti Street. We started off with cocktails, a delicious beet salad and the most decadent chocolate dessert I think I ever had. It was such a great dining experience. I definitely recommend to check it out! Whats even better is their sweets and treats on the first floor. Gelato, skillet cakes and macarons, are you kidding me?!  I bought four of their macarons. Sooooo good!!

 

 

After our dinner we headed to Bourbon Street! We had a GREAT time!! I tried the famous Pat O’Brien Hurricane and it did the job if you know what I mean. I also had a “Hand Grenade” drink. Whoa, this thing is no joke! A guy at a bar told me there was Everclear in it. Thats when I put it down and didn’t drink anymore LOL. If you follow me on InstaStories, you probably saw our fun night on Bourbon Street. Needless to say, the picture taking ended after a while. So this is all I have lol.

 

 

 

Saturday we ate again at the Ruby Slipper. Hey, when we find a place we like, we stick to it! LOL. After which, we went on a swamp tour! It was an experience let me tell you being out in the middle of a swamp amongst gators. But, it was a great time. HOT, but a great time! We took the Airboat Adventures Swamp Tour and it was a really good tour! Definitely recommend this company if you ever want to see the swamps of NOLA.

 

After the tour we headed back to the hotel to get ready to see Beyonce. She definitely puts on a great show!

 

After the concert, we went back to Bourbon Street! Lets just say we had a GREAT time and woke up in time to catch our 8 am flight after possibly 2 hours of sleep LOL. All in all, New Orleans doesn’t owe us a darn thing! Our girls trip was so needed and we have memories to laugh and share for years to come. This is what creating memories and spending time with your friends is all about!

 

Have you been to New Orleans? What are a few of your favorite places to visit?!

 

Outfit Details

*”Beyonce” Customized robes $60

Beyonce and Beignets customized t-shirts 

Off Shoulder Cut Out Jumpsuit 

Accommodations/ Restaurants Mentioned

*Royal Sonesta Hotel- New Orleans

The Gumbo Shop

Cafe Du Monde

Ruby Slipper Restaurant

Drago’s Restaurant

*Salon Sucre’

*Airboat Adventures

DISCLOSURE

Items listed with a (*) have been gifted or provided gratis. I have not been compensated to provide a positive review.  My thoughts and opinions, as always, are of my own!  I always strive to provide my followers with honest feedback and review.