New Orleans Always Makes for a Perfect Escape

By Bill Malcolm*

French Quarter bar

I never tire of visiting the Crescent City, New Orleans. It is rich French, Spanish, Creole, and Caribbean cultures make for a great food scene. The welcoming LGBTQ atmosphere is another plus. And the French Quarter always amazes.

Stay

I stayed at the historic Hotel Monteleone at 214 Royal Street in the French Quarter. The service is top notch, and it is close to all the attractions. Its historic charm is a plus. Rates are reasonable with no surprise resort fee. My flight was cancelled due to thunderstorms in Dallas, and they did not charge me. Plus, they have a turn down service at night (cleaning the room twice a day) complete with mints on the pillow. This is service from another era with many of the employees having worked there for 20 years or longer. Do not miss the fabulous roof top pool.

Eat

Antoines' is the oldest restaurant in New Orleans. The food is great, as is the service. Try the steak. You will find them at 713 St. Louis. Enjoy the crawfish cardinal, which is a soup you eat with fresh baked bread. The Filet de Marchande de Vin (steak) is to die for as is the Deconstructed Chicken Cordon Bleu. For dessert, the Pecan Bread Pudding is a must.

The French Market has lots of food choices with local cuisine. I had shrimp with grit. And of course, beignets and pralines are a treat.

Do

Lafayette status in park

Visit both Louisiana State Museums. The Presbytere Museum has an interesting exhibit on the tragedy that was Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The storm surge caused widespread levee failures flooding 80% of the city. It also has an interesting exhibit on the history of Mardi Gras.

The Cabildo Museum highlights the countries that have ruled and influenced the city including the French, the Spanish, the Acadians/Creole, and Caribbeans. The building dates to 1795 and witnessed the most important moments in the state's history including the Louisiana Purchase Ceremony in 1803, the being used as a city hall, then a courthouse, then a prison, etc.

The LGBTQ+ Archives Project of Louisiana features Queer History Tours and has a Queer History Center and Exhibit at 311 Burgundy.

Walk along the newly expanded Mississippi River on the Riverfront trail.

Getting There

French Quarter ferry

I took my new favorite airlines, American. Service is great, planes are new, and very professional. The Pride section of the entertainment system was a treat. (I am a Southwest refugee after they gutted their business model with lots of new copycat fees and policies.)

From the airport, hop on the #202 RTA express bus and get off at the Library. It is a doable walk to the French Quarter. UBER not needed.

Drink

The Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone is a must and features live bands.

The gay scene is strong as ever:

The Crossing is a fun and friendly bar. It also has food. Try the wedge salad. Wednesday night is karaoke night.

Lafitte in Exile is the oldest gay bar in the U.S.

The Corner Pocket has dancers.

The Bourbon Pub has nightly goings and a magnificent view of Bourbon Street.

Rawhide and Phoenix are also fun.

For More Information

Ambush Magazine is the monthly LGBTQ publication (also online). Where Y'AT is a weekly that highlights nightlife, dining, music, and entertainment. There is something going on every weekend in the Big Easy. Do not forget Southern Decadence is Labor Day weekend. Its name says all you need to know.

New Orleans has a unique culture you will not find anywhere else. And it is very welcoming to all. I never tire of my visits to this unique city with a rich French and Spanish history.

*Bill Malcolm's syndicated LGBTQ+ travel columns have appeared in publications and websites around the country (GRAB Chicago, IGLTA travel blog, Erie Gay News, and more). He is not compensated by the cities he visits, making him one of the truly independent travel writers. And he avoids hotels with resort fees or other made-up junk charges. He resides in Indianapolis.

About the Author

Bill Malcolm Bill Malcolm is North America's only syndicated travel columnist. He focuses on value and pays his own way. He takes local transit and seeks to go where the locals go. He has appeared 100 times in LGBTQ publications and on websites including the IGLTA travel blog. You can find his work in GRAB Chicago, Erie Gay News, Seattle Gay News, and other places. He does this as a volunteer and does not charge for his work. He boycotts hotels and hotel chains with resort fees, amenity fees, destination fees, and other made up junk charges. He resides in Indianapolis. Follow him on Facebook.