Hidden Nola Summer_Fall 2022

Number one way to spot a local?

"They take their drinks to-go when leaving a bar or restaurant."

"The 'High School' question."

"People who walk through a film set as if it is not happening."

"They don't carry their cell phone in their back pocket and they don't frequent Bourbon Street."

"They have a flair that's all about 'I don't care' but in a non braggadocious way."

PHOTO BY M AT TH E W H I N TON

W hile New Orleans is loved year-round, everyone has a favorite time of year…even if it's not an official season! MARDI GRAS begins January 6th on Twelfth Night and ends the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Expect long standing traditions, parades, and of course, king cake. SPRING brings the smells of sweet olive and jasmine, as well as milder temperatures and festivals like French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest. FALL might not feel like it does in the rest of the country but is filled with Saints pride and spirit. HALLOWEEN holds a special place in the heart of New Orleanians: festive decorations, creative costumes, and of course, a parade to boot. THE HOLIDAYS are another favorite time of year with gorgeous décor all around, the Christmas lunch tradition, and plenty of shops to find just the gift you're looking for!

Favorite New Orleans memory?

"My first meal at Galatoire's."

"Feb 7th, 2010 – When the saints won the Super Bowl!"

"Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest 2022 - it felt great to be back!"

"Standing on stage at Caroling in Jackson Square and seeing a sea of humanity singing side by side."

"Playing piano next to Harry Connick Jr. in the kids tent at Jazz Fest"

Favorite local tradition?

Favorite place in the city that tourists don't know about?

"St. Joseph Altar – Beautiful to see but even better to understand the significance of the food on display."

The Vintage – it has something for everyone: coffee, wine and cocktails, beignets, and cheese fries. PRO TIP: It's a great place to stop on the way home from dinner for a nightcap, maybe a little extra bite of something sweet. Algiers Point – It's quiet and has a true small-town atmosphere, although it is next door (across the river) from all the touristy things in the French Quarter. PRO TIP: Walk, don't ride, through the city's streets to enjoy them more. A hidden gem is the Mardi Gras Museum in Arnaud's Restaurant. It's free and open to the public during restaurant hours. It's so unique and tells a story of Mardi Gras in New Orleans that many don't get to see. PRO TIP: Grab a drink from the French 75 Bar before heading upstairs to the museum.

"Red beans and rice on Monday. It reminds me of my grandmother."

"Going to Fairgrounds for opening day of horse racing on Thanksgiving Day."

"King cake – Another excuse to have a party or daily treat between Twelfth Night and Fat Tuesday."

"The Who Dat chant before Saints games."

PHOTO BY B I L L F E I G

Looking for the perfect place to take a stroll?

Magazine Street, the Garden District, French Quarter (especially down Royal Street), and City Park garnered the most votes!

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HIDDEN NOLA • SUMMER/ FALL 2022