Hi everybody! If you follow Lost & Found on Facebook or Instagram, then you probably saw that I spent a few days last week in New Orleans.
It was a surprise trip–for me at least. My husband told me last month that for his mid-March birthday, all he wanted as a gift was to plan a short getaway for he and I. In my mind, that meant maybe a night in a nice hotel in downtown Ft. Worth, or a day trip to a B&B in the Texas Hill Country. So I was quite surprised when he produced plane tickets and a 3-day itinerary for a trip to New Orleans!
To make sure I am representing us rightly, I want to say that we don’t do things like this often. We’re not some jet-setting couple, always headed for weekend getaways here and there.
Our weekends are typically filled with kids’ soccer games, birthday parties, and projects around our house! So it really was quite a nice treat to have a few days together on our own (our boys were at my in-laws) and be able to really get outta town.
So this post doesn’t have a lot of substance–no furniture makeovers, DIY projects, or major life lessons to share. I thought about you all many times though while I was exploring this beautiful city and just wanted to share with you some of the beautiful New Orleans architecture I saw.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy some architectural eye-candy 🙂
We rented a small townhouse in the Marigny district, which is close to the French Quarter and much like it in character in charm. This is what I saw when I stepped out our front door–adorable, brightly painted townhomes lining the streets.
Apparently, there wasn’t much of a winter in New Orleans because everybody’s planters and baskets looked like they were at their peak of growth.
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The majority of the homes we saw were restored and in great shape. Every once in awhile we came across a home though that was really showing its age.
I am sure it is quite expensive to maintain all of that ornate trim and woodwork! Even with it all worn and chippy though, it is still beautiful.
Once in awhile, we would walk past an open gate, where we could peek back into the hidden courtyards these homes share.
Does’t that look like the most relaxing place to be?
It’s so hard to find authentic architectural pieces where I live. But everywhere I looked in New Orleans, there were pieces with the most amazing patina.
I thought it was a really beautiful city. I was honestly surprised by how lovely it was!
I knew there would be small areas that would be charming, but I had no idea that the city as a whole had so much character.
So if you get a chance to visit New Orleans, I would highly recommend it.
Eat some gumbo, stop for an afternoon coffee and beignet, take a carriage ride through the city, and just enjoy all of the amazing architecture.
Thanks for letting me share!
Barbara Ann
Tuesday 15th of March 2016
I Love NOLA and all the South. We've made it there for the last 2 years. It is a great walking town and full of history. But the homes and the broken streets are just lovely. And the nicest people I've come into. We also went to Oak Alley to see the plantations. We were there just before Christmas and plan on going back either fall or after Christmas. This California Girl loves her some South.
Melanie
Thursday 24th of March 2016
I hope to go back and see the plantations sometime too. We missed those.
Patty Soriano
Tuesday 15th of March 2016
Melanie, I guess you were able to visit before the flooding....looks like you had a great time! I know my husband would ask for that for his birthday, too, since he has been wanting to go for years. Last time we planned it, it didn't work out. It's fairly close for us in Texas. Sounds like you're a bit further north. I'm just west of San Antonio. Thanks for showing us a little bit of NOLA. (Another reason I like watching NCIS New Orleans... the architecture and landscaping!)
Melanie
Thursday 24th of March 2016
Patty, we got really lucky and it ended up only raining on us one day. I think we managed to dodge the worst of it! I am outside of Dallas, so yes, it's a little further for us.
Patty Soriano
Tuesday 15th of March 2016
Melanie, I guess you were able to visit before the flooding....looks like you had a great time! I know my husband would ask for that for his birthday, too, since he has been wanting to go for years. Last time we planned it, it didn't work out. It's fairly close for us in Texas. Sounds like you're a bit further north. I'm just west of San Antonio. Thanks for showing us a little bit of NOLA. (Another reason I like watching NCIS New Orleans... the architecture and landscaping!)
Melanie
Thursday 24th of March 2016
Patty, we got really lucky and it ended up only raining on us one day. I think we managed to dodge the worst of it! I am outside of Dallas, so yes, it's a little further for us.
Ashley
Tuesday 15th of March 2016
Too much fun! New Orleans definitely has a piece of my heart. I love the pics! I'm glad you guys had a great trip.
Melanie
Thursday 24th of March 2016
Thanks Ashley. It was a great break from the routine.
Ashley
Tuesday 15th of March 2016
Too much fun! New Orleans definitely has a piece of my heart. I love the pics! I'm glad you guys had a great trip.
Melanie
Thursday 24th of March 2016
Thanks Ashley. It was a great break from the routine.