Short Weekend in New Orleans

We spent Halloween weekend in my favorite city, New Orleans. We have been to New Orleans many times. However, this is the first time we visited for Halloween. The last time we visited was for Mardi Gras earlier this year. That was right before quarantine. When I look back on that trip I think of how we really didn’t know what was in store for us all at that time when it comes to this Coronavirus stuff. 

We weren’t sure how things would turn out visiting for Halloween since we are in the middle of a pandemic. We decided we were going regardless. We haven’t had a bad visit to New Orleans yet, and we had very little doubt that things would be different this time. Each time we visit the experience is new and memorable.

We made the decision to go about two weeks before Halloween. So, we knew we may have slim pickings when it came to where we would stay. Each time we visit New Orleans we make it a point to stay in a place that boasts the city’s character and vibe instead of staying at a chain hotel.

 

Where We Stayed

We booked a stay at Bluegreen Vacations Club La Pension, Ascend Resort Collection.

The hotel is located in the French Quarter. We were within walking distance to all of the action, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, many restaurants, bars, and Bourbon Street.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the bellhop before entering. He took all of our luggage. Masks were required upon entry to the lobby. The lobby was decorated with vibrant décor, and art from local artists, which really made us feel like we were in The Big Easy. The brick in the lobby is the original brick from the1800’s. There is even one with the name of one of the builders engraved on one of the bricks when you first enter the lobby. The huge iron sculpture was made by hand by a female artist.

We stayed in a 2-bedroom suite because our teenage son came along on this trip. The entire hotel only has one 2-bedroom suite with a balcony. Obviously, with us only booking two weeks ago, that balcony suite was gone. Check out these photos of the interior of our 2-bedroom space.  

 

 

 

What We Did

This was our son’s first visit with us to New Orleans. So, we had to go to all of the usual places that we’ve been to many times so he could experience them. We took him to Jackson Square, the waterfront, and of course the famous 300 sign.  

 

 

As with many of our trips, experiencing food from local restaurants is a must. For breakfast one morning we went to Café Beignet. There are several locations. We went to the location on Decatur Street because we wanted to enjoy the beautiful weather while we ate. The service and food has always been great every time we have eaten there. This time was no different.  

After checking out shops and even a haunted house, we left the French Quarter and  headed to eat dinner at a restaurant in Mid-City that I have been waiting to visit since they opened. I was beyond excited to experience a taste of The Motherland in Louisiana. Our beautiful friend who also lives in Louisiana suggested we all meet there. So, we made a reservation a week before arriving in New Orleans. She met the three of us there. We were treated like Royalty by Prince and Ambria. They taught us some words In Ethiopian. We received some history on their family, their traditional coffee ceremony, and received recommendations from the menu. To know me is to know that I am a huge Afro Beats music fan. They played all of the Afro Beat hits. I wanted to get out of my seat and dance so bad. I think I did for a few seconds. 😂 

Now, for the part we’ve been waiting on, the amazing food. From the way the food was bought out, to the presentation, our mouths were happy. It is a whole vibe and an experience. You actually feel like you are making a connection with both the food and the motherland by eating with your hands. You use the injera bread as your edible eating utensils. I even got to experience TEJ the Ethiopian honey wine which was originally only available to Kings & Queens. Take a look for yourself. 

Obviously, during the late night hours, we enjoyed the nightlife on Frenchman Street and in the French Quarter. I know many of the locals do not hang out in the Quarter. However, since I am a dancer, I love going to Prohibition. No matter when I step foot in that place, the DJ is always on point, and so are the bartenders. You must check it out the next time you are there. My other favorite location in the Quarter for getting my dance on is Razzoo. I love hopping on that stage and acting a whole fool with no shame whatsoever. 😂 Unfortunately, due to Covid, Razzoo was not open on this trip. 

 

Tips

If you stay at Bluegreen Vacations Club La Pension and do not want to pay for parking, unload your bags in front of the hotel with a Bellhop. Then, take your bags to your suite. You can unload in front of the hotel for free for a short period of time. Once your bags have been unloaded, you can pay to park in one of the nearby parking lots. If you are like us and like to save money, you could drive to Bluegreen Vacations other property, The Marquee.

The Marquee is located on Elk Place. It took only a few minutes to get there by car. It took us about 10 minutes to return to Club La Pension on foot. When in New Orleans we rarely move our cars once we park. So, parking for free, and walking back 10 minutes was worth it. If for some reason you do need to move your car during your stay, you may come and go as you please.