Hidden Nola 2023

W idely known as a city with a vibrant spirit, New Orleans is made up of people who embrace all of its quirks and is frequented by those who want to experience a bit of the magic. With so much to do, taste, and see, we’ve asked locals to share where they like to stroll, their best Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest tips, and all of their hidden gems around town. BIENVENUE! A CITY GUIDE BY LOCALS

TAYLOR EICHENWALD ASK A LOCAL

Assistant Director and Auctioneer, New Orleans Auction Galleries

Photo provided by Taylor Eichenwald

NINA COMPTON ASK A LOCAL Chef and Owner of Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro

ONE WORD THAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF NEW ORLEANS Vibrant FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR October – the weather is perfect and it’s the best time for outdoor activities FAVORITE NEW ORLEANS DISH Chicken and Andouille Gumbo TIP FOR FIRST TIMERS There is always something fun to do in New Orleans, so don’t wear yourself out on the first night! WHAT SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF A VISITOR’S TO-DO LIST? Listening to music on Frenchmen Street BEST MARDI GRAS ADVICE Pace yourself. Pick the parades that you really want to see and be ok with missing some. There is so much to do and see throughout Mardi Gras, it’s nearly impossible to do it all. And finally, plan to stay through Mardi Gras day. You won’t regret it! BEST JAZZ FEST ADVICE TO VISITORS Be open to all that the festival has to offer. Sometimes the leading acts are so crowded that it’s not worth it. Every tent has something wonderful to hear. FAVORITE “HIDDEN” NEW ORLEANS SPOT Bayou Bienvenue Wetland Triangle

Photo provided by Nina Compton

ONE WORD THAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF NEW ORLEANS Warmth FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD TO PLAY TOURIST IN French Quarter FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR Spring or Fall FAVORITE FESTIVAL French Quarter Fest FAVORITE NEW ORLEANS DISH Barbecue Shrimp TIP FOR FIRST TIMERS Don’t get King Cake out of season WHAT SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF A VISITOR’S TO-DO LIST? Take a ride on the streetcar through the Garden District and Uptown BEST MARDI GRAS ADVICE Eat every King Cake in sight BEST JAZZ FEST ADVICE Plan your eating as importantly as your favorite artists FAVORITE “HIDDEN” NEW ORLEANS SPOT There was a Yurt Village here somewhere. (Editor’s note: Bywater American Bistro has hosted guests in yurts in the past.)

RELATIONSHIP TO NEW ORLEANS Local and not leaving ONE WORD THAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF NEW ORLEANS Celebrate FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR Spring FAVORITE STROLL IN THE CITY Social: French Quarter; Introspective: Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden in City Park FAVORITE NEW ORLEANS DISH Crawfish Bisque if you can find it. Otherwise, Pompano at Antoine’s. WHAT SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF A VISITOR’S TO-DO LIST? The Historic New Orleans Collection. From there, New Orleans opens up. BEST JAZZ FEST ADVICE Go to the smaller tents. Let your ears, eyes, and nose guide you, and find stuff you don’t know. FAVORITE “HIDDEN” NEW ORLEANS SPOT The Chime Tree in City Park

STARR HAGENBRING ASK A LOCAL

Artist and Owner of Art & Eyes

Photo provided by Starr Hagenbring

HIDDEN NOLA

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