The Trekking Pawns' Diary

As part of our pre-trip journey into the rich and colorful history of New Orleans, we’ve been reading The Seamstress of New Orleans . The novel has been a fascinating guide, weaving together the city’s iconic culture with its complex history. One place that keeps popping up in the book is Storyville, a district infamous for legal prostitution and gambling. Intrigued, we had to find out if this place truly existed—and wow, what a story we uncovered! (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)  (Photo: Amazon ) The History of Storyville Yes, Storyville was very real. From 1897 to 1917, this legalized red-light district was the beating heart of New Orleans’ nightlife. It was named after Alderman Sidney Story, who ironically didn’t intend for his name to become synonymous with debauchery. The district was bordered by Iberville, Basin, St. Louis, and No...

Louisiana cooking is legendary—a delicious melting pot of cultures and culinary influences that has made the Pelican State a global gathering place for fine dining and enchanting flavors. Few states can claim even one instantly recognizable regional cuisine, let alone two. That’s what makes Louisiana such an incredible place to eat: both Creole and Cajun food are world-renowned. And that’s not all—this southern gem is also home to outstanding Italian cuisine, Jewish delis, and soulful Southern comfort food. (Photo from  Amazon ) (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.) For those of us not lucky enough to live at the lower end of the Mississippi River , it can be hard to tell the difference between Creole and Cajun cuisine. There’s definitely some overlap—gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish pie, for example, are staples in both (and are even immortali...

We love to eat—and trying new foods is one of our favorite parts of traveling! So, when we stumbled upon the book 50 States, 1,000 Eats by National Geographic , we knew it was the perfect companion for our adventures. This beautifully illustrated guide features 1,000 must-try dishes and drinks across all 50 states and Canada, complete with travel tips and mouthwatering images. From diner breakfasts and food trucks to fine dining and U-pick farms, it’s a foodie road trip dream! (Photo from Amazon ) (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.) Naturally, since we’re heading to New Orleans , we flipped straight to Louisiana to see what made the cut. Spoiler alert: there’s a lot to explore, so we’ve got some research to do over the next few days. But let’s start with the big picture: Founded in 1812, Louisiana is home to 4.59 million people and a rich c...

Whenever we’re planning a trip, we love diving into a book that takes place in the destination we’re about to explore. It’s our way of setting the mood and getting a feel for the place before we even step foot there. For New Orleans, the challenge wasn’t finding a book—it was choosing one! So many of the stories set here are steeped in voodoo, murder mysteries, and the wild celebrations of Mardi Gras. It seems like New Orleans has a bit of a spooky side, doesn’t it? (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.) (Available on Kindle, Audio, and Paperback via Amazon ) After a bit of searching, we found a book that perfectly captured the vibrant, mysterious energy of the city while also offering a fresh perspective: The Seamstress of New Orleans by Diane C. McPhail. Published in 2022, this historical fiction gem is set against the jasmine-scented backdrop ...

Go City New Orleans Pass When it comes to planning a day in New Orleans , it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city, from the historic streets of the French Quarter to the hauntingly beautiful cemeteries, bustling markets, and swamp tours that take you deep into the Louisiana bayou. Add in the countless tours and attractions, and you might find yourself asking: How do I make the most of my time and budget here? That’s where the Go City New Orleans Pass enters the conversation. We’ve been debating whether this pass is a good fit for our day in New Orleans, and after diving into the details, here’s what we think. What is the Go City New Orleans Pass? Essentially, this pass offers admission to a curated list of New Orleans’ top attractions , covering everything from swamp tours to cooking classes and even the city’s famous bus tours. It’s designed to save you money if you plan to see multiple attractions, all while streamlining the ticket-buying pr...

  Our planned walking path to see the most and eat the most. New Orleans is a feast for the senses and a paradise for food lovers. With a cuisine rooted in Creole traditions, a vibrant history of cultural blending, and a wave of international influences, the Crescent City is a culinary playground unlike any other. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, rich flavors, or innovative spins on classic dishes, here are the must-visit spots to savor the essence of New Orleans. Our walking path was inspired by the Lonely Planet and mapped for maximum flavor and time to digest while sightseeing. Another option is to book a lovely food tour! Saba , 5757 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 Mister Mao , 4501 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115 Pascal's Manale by Dickie Brennan & Co., 1838 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 Lucy Boone Ice Cream , 3918 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70115 Stein's Market and Deli , 2207 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Parkway Bakery & Tavern...

9th Ward, New Orleans East & Gentilly | New Orleans As we prepare to embark on our cruise from New Orleans, we’ve decided to arrive two nights early to immerse ourselves in the city’s magic before setting sail. One night will be all about catching up on rest after a late-night flight, but the next day, we’re diving into exploring this vibrant city. With so many distinct neighborhoods to choose from, we’re planning to visit a different one each day to help us decide where we’d want to stay or explore further . Today, let’s talk about the fascinating and resilient neighborhoods of Gentilly , New Orleans East , and the Lower Ninth Ward . Gentilly: Resilient Charm and Diverse Culture Gentilly, nestled on the eastern edge of New Orleans, is a neighborhood with stories to tell. It’s close to the University of New Orleans and has a historic gem in Pontchartrain Park , one of the city’s oldest African-American neighborhoods. What We’re Excited About Lakefront Views : With its proximity t...

Image: New Orleans Uptown & The Garden District | New Orleans Deciding Where to Stay in NOLA As we gear up for our next big adventure—a cruise out of New Orleans—we’re taking the opportunity to spend two nights in the Big Easy before setting sail. It’s always smart to arrive a day early to avoid any last-minute travel hiccups, but why stop at just one day? We’re coming in late the first night, catching some Zs, and then diving headfirst into exploring this magical city. But first, we need to decide where to stay. Each neighborhood in New Orleans offers something unique, so we’re breaking it down and considering doing one neighborhood a day before settling on our favorite. Let’s take a look at what makes the Lower Garden District , Irish Channel , and Uptown/Carrollton neighborhoods shine. Lower Garden District The Lower Garden District is a feast for the senses. With streets that radiate charm and an artistic, offbeat vibe, it’s easy to see why this neighborhood is a favorite....

  Credit:  Warehouse District | New Orleans Arriving in New Orleans two nights before our cruise isn’t just a travel precaution—it’s an opportunity to immerse ourselves in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. We’re rolling in late the first night, but day two is reserved for exploration. After some research, the Warehouse District has caught our attention as a potential place to stay and play . This neighborhood, also known as the Arts District , is where New Orleans’ industrial past collides beautifully with its creative present. From museums to trendy restaurants and rooftop pools, the Warehouse District offers a mix of grit and glam that’s hard to resist. Why the Warehouse District Stands Out The Warehouse District has transformed from a 19th-century industrial hub into a hotspot for art, culture, and food. Its streets are lined with converted warehouses, now home to galleries, loft apartments, and award-winning restaurants. What We Love About It: Art Lover’s Pa...

Image:  neworleans.com Whenever we plan a cruise, we always arrive at least one day early—it’s the golden rule for avoiding travel-induced stress! For our upcoming Caribbean cruise from New Orleans , we’ve taken it a step further by arriving two nights early. Our first night is just a pit stop to rest, but our second day? It’s all about immersing ourselves in the magic of the Crescent City. We’ve been researching New Orleans neighborhoods to decide where to stay, and today we’re diving into the Central Business District (CBD) —a neighborhood that promises a mix of convenience, charm, and sophistication. Why the Central Business District Caught Our Eye The CBD is the professional hub of New Orleans, located just a stone’s throw from the bustling French Quarter. Unlike the Quarter’s nonstop energy, the CBD offers a more subdued, business-like vibe—perfect if you want to be close to the action but not right in the middle of it. What We Love About the CBD: Prime Location : Walking dist...

Image:  neworleans.com When it comes to travel, our motto is simple: “Plan ahead, but leave room for surprises.” That’s why we’re arriving in New Orleans two nights before our cruise departs—because missing out on NOLA due to a delayed flight would be a tragedy. The first night will be a blur (thank you, late-night flight), but our second day? That’s reserved for adventure! We’ve been doing a deep dive into New Orleans neighborhoods to decide where to stay and explore, and today, we’re spotlighting two vibrant areas: Marigny and Bywater . They’re neighbors—just like us—and brimming with character. Marigny: A Stone’s Throw from the French Quarter The Marigny is perfect if you want to stay close to the energy of the French Quarter while enjoying a slightly quieter vibe. Picture colorful Creole cottages, streets adorned with Mardi Gras beads, and the iconic Frenchmen Street —a hub of live music that rivals Bourbon Street without the tourist overload. Why We Love Marigny: Location, Lo...

Whenever we plan a cruise, arriving a day early is non-negotiable—airline delays are no joke, and missing the ship isn’t the kind of adventure we’re after. This time, we’ve gone one better and booked two nights in New Orleans before our Caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Getaway. After arriving late on our first night (just enough time to crash at the hotel), we’ll have a full day to dive into the magic of NOLA. We’re considering renting a car, but first, we need to figure out which neighborhood we want to stay in. New Orleans is a patchwork of vibrant, unique areas, each with its own character, and we’ve been doing some research to narrow down our options. Our plan? Spend one day exploring each neighborhood we’re curious about and then decide where we’d love to call home for our brief stay. Image: booking.com The French Quarter : The Heart of New Orleans The French Quarter is what most people picture when they think of New Orleans. From its wrought-iron balconies to its lively streets...