New Orleans Vacations - Southern Living

Ralph Anderson, Mark Sandlin, Eugenia Uhl

Walk the City

Plug in your earbuds and take a walking tour that kicks off in historic Jackson Square. Audissey Guides offers a free hour-long audio guide to escort you through the city’s rich past at your own pace.

New Orleans Vacations: New Orleans Athletic Club

Ralph Anderson, Mark Sandlin, Eugenia Uhl

Get a Workout

Try the New Orleans Athletic Club, the second-oldest athletic club in the U.S. The gorgeous architecture is motivation enough to hit the treadmill.

222 North Rampart Street; (504) 525-2375

New Orleans Vacations: Crescent City Farmers Market

Ralph Anderson, Mark Sandlin, Eugenia Uhl

Shop Locally

Grab a snack at the Crescent City Farmers Market, open 8 a.m.-noon Saturday. Pick up local produce and enjoy cooking demonstrations.

At the corner of Magazine and Girod.

New Orleans Vacations: Beignets from Cafe du Monde

Ralph Anderson, Mark Sandlin, Eugenia Uhl

You've Earned It!

A beignet (shown here from Café du Monde) contains about 250 calories and is 100% worth it! Plan a brisk walk afterward to work it off.

New Orleans Vacations: Belladonna Day Spa

Ralph Anderson, Mark Sandlin, Eugenia Uhl

Reduce Stress

Relax and unwind with a coffee body scrub and swamp mud facial at Belladonna Day Spa. Enjoy being pampered on the private outdoor patio―they’ll serve you a cup of gumbo and a homemade praline.

2900 Magazine Street; (504) 891-4393

Ralph Anderson, Mark Sandlin, Eugenia Uhl

Dine Healthily

Taste local seafood with Latin flavor at RioMar. Try the escabèche, a Gulf fish grilled with peppers, olives, and caper relish. At only 244 calories, it’s delicious and packed with nutrients.

800 South Peters Street; (504) 525-3474

Illustration: Ryan Kelly

New Orleans Travel Tips

Where to stay
The Bienville House: Recently renovated, this hotel has the feel of a French Quarter manor house but offers contemporary amenities. 320 Decatur Street; (504) 529-2345

How to get around
On Foot: Bring comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets.

By Streetcar: The vintage streetcars run three lines along Canal Street, St. Charles Avenue, and the riverfront. norta.com

When to visit
October brings cooler temps and blue skies to the area (perfect for walking!), as well as the New Orleans Film Festival (October 8-15) and the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival (October 17-18).

New Orleans Vacations: Joe's Stuff Seasoning

Ralph Anderson, Mark Sandlin, Eugenia Uhl

Love It? Bring It Home!

Pack it in your suitcase or order it online―these healthy products bring the best of the Big Easy home.

Joe’s Stuff
Low in sodium and high in taste, this seasoning blend is used at The New Orleans School of Cooking and got a thumbs up from our Test Kitchen for its Cajun kick. $6.75 (9 oz.); 1-800-237-4841

Ralph Anderson, Mark Sandlin, Eugenia Uhl

Thai Coffee Body Scrub

Replicate the coffee body scrub at Belladonna Day Spa with this exfoliating concoction. It contains no dyes or perfumes and results in smooth skin. $21 (7.8 oz); (504) 891-4393

Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.

Lighten Up in New Orleans

Walk the City

Get a Workout

Shop Locally

You've Earned It!

Reduce Stress

Dine Healthily

New Orleans Travel Tips

Love It? Bring It Home!

Thai Coffee Body Scrub