Our recs (and endorsement) for a trip to
New Orleans
New Orleans is one of those cities that stays with you long after you've left.
With roots that pre-date the Declaration of Independence, the city's rich history can be felt to this day. Once ruled by the Spanish, then the French, and finally folded into the U.S. in the Louisiana Purchase, New Orleans wears its layers proudly. Its blend of European and African influences shaped a culture and cuisine unlike any other.
For Spruce co-founder Kyle, the connection is personal — he got married in New Orleans and experienced firsthand the city’s warm hospitality and its come-one, come-all spirit.
Spread across distinct neighborhoods that make the city feel larger than it is, there’s more to eat, drink, and explore than you could ever fit into a weekend.
So with a sweeping caveat that this is by no means authoritative or exhaustive, here are some highlights to help shape a long weekend getaway, and a gentle nudge to move it to the top of your travel hit list (and not just for Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest—though by all means do go for those too).
Hotel Peter and Paul: Set in a restored 19th-century church and schoolhouse in the leafy Marigny neighborhood, this hotel marries historic charm with Southern hospitality, creating a quintessential NOLA vibe. The Elysian Bar is worth a visit even if staying offsite.
Maison Métier: Located in the Warehouse District, this upscale boutique blends Southern charm with Parisian flair. Intimate and tastefully designed, it's also home to city's 'vibiest' cocktail bar (w/ priority access for hotel guests).
Windsor Court: Not far from the French Quarter, the Windsor Court brings a little bit of England to Nola, complete with a daily afternoon tea, Polo Bar-esque cocktail lounge and a rooftop pool. The staff are warm and attentive, making you feel right at home from the minute you arrive.
Henry Howard Hotel: Situated in the Garden District in a historic townhouse offering guests Southern comfort with a side of design quirk. Come for the secluded courtyard and front porch, both perfect for soaking up the Nola vibes with a coffee or cocktail in hand.
Explore City Park: One-and-half times the size of New York's Central Park, City Park is a verdant oasis about 15 minutes ride from the French Quarter. The park has something for everybody to enjoy, including the Botanical Gardens, a statue garden, two 18-hole golf courses, tennis courts, playing fields, forests, and walking paths that meander along and over ponds and streams. Plus, there's an outpost of Cafe du Monde when it's time to rest and refuel.
Take in live music on Frenchman Street: Less touristy than Bourbon, this three-block stretch in the Marigny is packed with venues showcasing Nola's world-class jazz scene. Come at night, grab a roadie, and stroll on into whichever club calls out to you.
World War II Museum: A history lover's dream, the museum is a sprawling, immersive experience, including several pavilions with aircraft, artifacts, and movies and mementos sharing powerful personal accounts. Highly recommended, if time allows - you can easily spend most of the day here (or more).
Stroll Magazine Street: Magazine Street stretches for six miles from the French Quarter through the Garden District and Uptown on to its end in Audubon Park. Lined with colorful shops, restaurants, and cottages, it has unmistakable Nola charm and makes for a great stroll.
Take the St. Charles Streetcar to Audubon Park: While you can make your way just about anywhere in an Uber, we recommend hopping on the St. Charles Streetcar at least once to take in the beauty of the city the old-fashioned way. Running along the Garden District, St. Charles Avenue is lined with seriously impressive historic mansions shrouded by towering trees and greenery. Take it all the way to the end of the line to Audubon Park, another large park which includes the New Orleans Zoo (and another 18-hole golf course).
Cafe du Monde: A Nola institution since 1862, serving chicory coffee and beignets straight from the fryer blasted with powdered sugar. The original is located right on Jackson Square in the French Quarter (open until 11pm) with additional outposts throughout the city. Touristy, yes, but iconic for a reason and a must-hit in our eyes.
Turkey and the Wolf: A nationally acclaimed sandwich shop in the relaxed Irish Channel neighborhood known for its inventive take on comfort food. There can be a line during lunch hour, so come prepared (and hungry).
Brennan's: A French Quarter institution serving up creole classics. Famous for its pink facade and Banana's Foster and much less so for hosting Kyle's (Spruce co-founder) wedding reception. Whether its brunch, lunch, or dinner, you won't be disappointed.
Commander's Palace: A Garden District landmark since 1893 featuring refined Creole cuisine, lively jazz brunches, and white-tablecloth hospitality in a charming mansion dating back to the Victorian era.
N7 Restaurant: Technically located in the Bywater neighborhood, this indoor-outdoor oasis could just as well be in Provence. The French Med-influenced menu fires on all fronts and is complemented by a curated natural wine program. Book ahead.
Saba: Located on Uptown, this relative newcomer serves delicious wood-fired Middle Eastern classics in a buzzy space. Come with a crowd and share as many plates as you can. And don't skip the fresh, fluffy homemade pita bread and delicious dips.
The Tell Me Bar: As you make your way in an Uber you might begin to wonder if your driver got lost as you wind through quiet Lower Garden streets before ending up next to the interstate overpass. But once you walk in, it all makes sense— with its sharp wine program, rotating food collabs, worn-in vintage aesthetic, and outdoor setup made for long nights, it's the neighborhood spot you wish you had at home.
Bar Métier: Within Maison Métier hotel, this swanky cocktail bar is one of the city's trendiest. It can be tricky to get in, so be sure to plan ahead.
Bacchanal: This Bywater favorite combines a wine shop, natural wine bar and large outdoor garden with live music. A great place to pass a few hours on a nice weekend afternoon.
Gold Mine Saloon: For the more rowdy-night-out end of the spectrum, this bar one block off Bourbon Street is spread over two stories in a historic French Quarter building, with a large bar and live music on the ground floor, and another bar upstairs that opens onto a large balcony overlooking Dauphine Street below.
