Photo via Visual Vamp

I confess. My first trip to the Big Easy was in a post-Katrina world. However, with an open mind, I traveled to New Orleans to find what was so special about this town, that would convince people to visit it, even in it’s less than stellar post-hurricane state.

And, even though I’ve spent my 9- to 5 as the editor of a travel magazine, I ignored recommendations from fellow editors and headed off to NoLA with little more than the notion that I wanted to be led by locals, a keen design eye, and my stomach. Thanks to a whip smart hotel staff, amazing courteous people on every corner, and Cajun food, I achieved all that I dreamed, and more. So much more than I just kept going back, sans guidebook every time. Thanks to helpful neighbors, I discovered the Garden District. Magazine Street, in particular, is less traveled than the French Quarter- due to a lack of bead tossing and booze, but just as charming, and only minutes away.

Hop on the St. Charles streetcar on Canal St. (after bringing exact change, please. The streetcar drivers cannot break bills!) and you’ll find yourself in the Garden District. Teeming with elaborate Southern homes, the walk from the streetcar to Magazine St, where most of the shops and eateries are, feels like a walk back in time.

This districts specialty is antiques and Parisian-like design, and that’s never more obvious than catching glimpses of the mansions along the streets here.

If you’re aching to give that credit card a workout, you’ll want to start at contemporary design shops like Perch Home, Bella Nola, and Hazelnut. At Perch, pick up funky, sleek, or vintage pieces for your home from a constantly revolving stock. Although it isn’t cheap by any means, every single piece is one-of-a-kind, and worth the cost. At Bella Nola, splurge on uniquely New Orleans items such as Fleur de Lis drawer knobs, and kitchenware. Being the symbol of this great city, a Fleur de Lis in your home is always a reminder of where you were. If you have any cash left when you arrive at Hazelnut, you can stock-up on an eclectic range of authentic toile fabrics, ceramic tableware, and sunburst mirrors. Although this little shop has been voted a favorite by top quality magazines and websites, it’s truly where the locals come to decorate their homes.

To add a little chintz and funky to your trip, La Maison d’Absinthe has everything you need to throw your own absinthe party at home. From fountains and spoons to pre-made gift sets, absinthe is now legal in the US, and there is no better place to find it. As a journalist, I never come home from the Crescent City without stopping by Scriptura. You can pick up “thank you” cards anywhere, but only in New Orleans can you pick up “thank you” cards adorned with bowls of crawfish, dancing alligators, and zydeco accordions.

After all that shopping, stop in for a quick treat at Sucre, where the pastries are beautiful enough to save and bring home, and yummy enough to devour in mere seconds. The shop itself brings to mind idyllic pastry fantasies… but pull yourself together, and don’t forget to bring home a signature chocolate box, or some handmade macaroons. I, personally, stock up on handmade marshmallows for the holidays; they make great gifts for neighbors and even better hot chocolate toppers on cold winter nights.

And where to crash after a long day in the Big Easy? Why not head back to that streetcar for a little carnivale?

The Maison Dupuy is full of French charm and sits right in the French Quarter amid gaslamps and cobblestones. Visitors here get a front row view of the French Quarter Wine Festival, which is rolling into town again next year.

The W French Quarter is ultra hip and way swanky, with dripping chandeliers and a neon lit pool lounge, right across from Jackson Square. Steer clear during Mardi Gras as this hotel has a reputation as a party spot to keep.

Hotel Monteleone is a romantic choice, a little more subdued, and right near the Mississippi River. They’ve earned their four diamonds with a heated rooftop pool, three award winning restaurants, and modern guestrooms that pack in the charm.

For More Information:

Perch: 2844 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115-2229
(504) 899-2122

Bella Nola: 4236 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115-2735
(504) 897-9499

Hazelnut: 5515 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115-3151
(504) 891-2424

La Maison D’Absinth:
823 Royal St
New Orleans, LA 70116-3114
(504) 523-0903

Scriptura: 5423 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115-3149
(504) 897-1555

Sucre: 3025 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 520-8311