Thursday 13: Retracing our Steps in New Orleans

The 2014 Romantic Times Convention is at the Marriott in the New Orleans French Quarter, and it's NEVER too early to start dreaming about a trip there! Here are the 13 places we visited that definitely deserve a repeat in '14:

1. The Everything Shop: across the street from the conference Marriott, this is where you get your souvenirs, late night snacks, and wine--lots of wine.
2. Huck Finn's Restaurant: Delicious for breakfast! They have TVs streaming football, so it's boisterous and crowded during games. Skylar recommends their Gator Bite cocktail--it's served in a souvenir cup, perfect for wandering the French Quarter!
3. Woldenberg Park: Take the Natchez Riverboat, listen to awesome street performers, and have your picture taken in front of the Mississippi River.
4. Cafe du Monde: grab a table quickly and prepare to leave covered in powdered sugar. 
5. French Marketplace: more souvenirs, crafts, and awesome hats than you can shake a stick at. Like a swap meet with NOLA flair. Catch live music and demonstrations on the weekends.
6. Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo: This Bourbon Street staple provides voodoo dolls, incense, love charms, palm reading, and tarot card readings.
7. Royal House Oyster Bar: Break into pairs and ask to sit on the second story balcony (though the steps are steep and kind of narrow). Delicious cocktails, seafood stuffed mushrooms, and seafood gumbo!
8. Frenchmen Street: hear amazing New Orleans jazz! About a mile walking distance from the Marriott, this is where the locals hang out. 
9. Somethin' Else Cafe: A local's favorite! Great breakfasts, and the staff is SO nice! This is a must-try restaurant. 
10. Starbucks: If you have to... there's one across the street in the Sheraton. But really, you should just walk down Decateur to the Cafe du Monde. 
11. Bourbon House Seafood: Our waiter, Joshua, was oh so charming. This is a little upscale, so the appetizers are in tiny portions--however, the desserts more than make up for it. YOU MUST try the Chocolate Pecan Crunch Cake.
12. Ruby Slipper Cafe: Across the street and up a half-block from the Marriott, this little joint is PACKED on the weekends. Head there during the week for amazing omelets and fried green tomatoes. They returned to New Orleans and opened after Katrina, choosing the name because "There's no place like home."
13. Bourbon Street: Wander on a Saturday night to people-watch; visit during the rest of the week for a little breathing room. This is only a few blocks from the Marriott.