New Orleans- follow me to fun

Katy:City Park’s 1,300 acres provides access to abundant natural and cultural resources, offering a variety of attractions including an amusement park, botanical garden, golf, tennis, museums, boat and bike rentals

Katy:Just steps from the French Quarter sits this public park that honors the jazz great Louis Armstrong. Look for the iconic, arched entrance. Inside you'll find sites like Congo Square (a historic meeting place for slaves in the 1800s), sculptures, duck ponds and lots of open spaces for relaxing

Katy:Now apartments, this was once a mansion where Madame Lalaurie committed atrocities. Her story was the basis for American Horror Story Season 2 “Coven”

Katy:Those brave enough to visit can view and learn more about body bags, coffins, skulls, morticians, cannibalism and much more. Special displays include Manson family photos, crime morgue scene photos and more. I have not been. Who wants to go with me?

Katy:The Bywater neighborhood has taken off. With quaint restaurants, unique artwork, and laid-back nightlife, the Bywater is a must-visit for any New Orleans trip. Places to check out include Bachannal wine and cheese shop and Parleaux Beer Lab. Both have great outdoor spaces perfect for a sunny day hang.

Katy:People travel from near and far to marvel at and enjoy the ever-beautiful oak trees, lagoons, and expansive green space located within the park.

Katy:THE place for beignets and chicory coffee. The unofficial rule is if there isn’t a line when you walk by you go in. Be prepared to leave covered in powdered sugar

Katy:Americas oldest family run restaurant and where oysters Rockefeller originated. Reservations recommended but if you can find a spot at the bar you have access to the full menu

Katy:A Garden District landmark, this is the place to go if you’re looking for a swanky dining experience. You can get a martini for .25 when you order a lunch entree. There is a dress code and you will need reservations

Katy:Verti Marte is the French Quarter’s longtime neighborhood deli, known for its breakfast, extensive menu of sandwiches, no-nonsense counter service, and 24/7 hours, a top late-night eats destination. It’s loved equally for the hot sausage po’ boy, a sloppy roast beef version made with a secret sauce, and the All That Jazz, a po’ boy stuffed with a stack of grilled turkey, ham, American and Swiss cheeses, fried shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, and “wow sauce.”

Katy:Since 1957, Willie Mae’s Scotch House has been serving the 6th Ward and visitors from around the world. In 2005, the restaurant received the James Beard Award and has been recognized by the Food Network and Travel Channel as having “America’s Best Fried Chicken.”

Katy:Central Grocery may have invented the muffuletta, but Frank’s perfected it. Trust. We taste tested both picnic style along the Mississippi and Frank’s was the unanimous favorite

Katy:I haven’t been yet, but PoC is consistently voted best burger in NOLA. Maybe this next trip I can finally verify how tasty those burgers are!

Katy:Located in a romantic Creole cottage in the historic French Quarter. Chef Susan Spicer prepares her nationally acclaimed International cuisine which has given Bayona the distinction as one of the top restaurants in the United States. Reservations recommended.

Katy: Known for introducing brunch to the world and inventing the Grasshopper cocktail. America’s oldest stand up bar recently moved down the street

Katy:Technically a hotel bar, we discovered via a cocktail tour that this place has THE best Hurricane in town. Originally a brothel, this establishment is said to be haunted by a former lady of the night

Katy:If you’re lucky enough to get a seat at the beautiful carousel bar, take a spin and order a Vieux Carre. I’m also a fan of their Pimms Cup here

Katy:Where I had my first absinthe experience. If you’re lucky, the bartender will talk you through the process and share the history of this once banned drink

Katy:A dive bar that was the site of a mass murder in 1973. Google the UpStairs Lounge to read about the horrific arson fire targeting the LGBTQ community. 32 people lost their lives