New Orleans

Last weekend I went to New Orleans with some friends from work - Jodi, Judy, and Curt. We went to celebrate Jodi's birthday. She and Judy had never been to New Orleans before so I had fun showing them around! We decided to take a train to NO (not exactly sure whose idea that was!). It left from Birmingham at noon and was supposed to arrive in NO at 7:30pm. We thought it would be a fun experience and no one would have to worry about driving. The train ride started out okay, but then our train hit a car crossing the tracks in Petal, MS. We knew we were in for a long ride when the train stopped and it was announced that we had hit a car and it was a fatality. Apparently the person had gone around the barriers and tried to outrun the train. So what was supposed to be a 7 hour train ride turned into 12 hours. We were not allowed to get off the train so we started getting a little anxious. We finally got to NO at midnight. Needless to say, we were so happy to get off that train!

Once we arrived in NO, we had a great time! The first day we were there we took a walking tour of the Garden District. I love the Garden District. It is so beautiful.


Judy, Jodi, and Curt in front of our hotel


Judy and I waiting on the tour to start

The tour started in the oldest cemetery in New Orleans.




A tomb for members of the local fire department

Then onto the beautiful homes. We saw many homes of famous people.


Sandra Bullock's home


Archie and Olivia Manning's home


Beautiful tree-lined streets


This picture was taken after the tour. We were so hot and sweaty!

Friday night we walked around and we went to Pat O'Brien's to see the flaming fountain.


On Saturday, the girls went shopping on Magazine Street. We had a great time in the cute boutique shops. On Sunday, we went to Cafe Du Monde (which is a must if you are in NO!). We are wearing black and gold to support the Saints! It was so fun to be in New Orleans when the Saints had a game. The city was electric and everyone was pulling for the Saints!




Jackson Square

On Sunday, Judy and I were on a hunt to find something for her grandson Jonah and Caroline. We had bought them Saints t-shirts, but we knew they would want a toy to play with. We walked all around the French Quarter and found one toy shop, but we decided to try the Riverwalk before we bought something. Well, there was nothing at the Riverwalk. So Judy and I walked back to the French Quarter to the toy shop, but it was closed when we got there. Since it was Sunday it closed at 6pm and we got there 15 minutes late. We were so upset because we had to bring back something for Jonah and Caroline. As we were walking off, the owners of the toy shop came walking out of the store. Judy ran up to them and talked them into opening up the store for us (I learned on this trip that Judy can talk anyone into anything!). We went in and shopped and came out with toys for Jonah and Caroline!

On Sunday night, we went to eat at the Redfish Grill. It was so delicious! We ate great food the whole weekend, but this was by far my favorite meal!



We had such a fun trip. I love going to New Orleans, but I had not been since before Katrina. Thankfully, we had a safe, quick train ride home because I was so ready to see Caroline and Tripp. I missed them both so much while I was gone!