If you’ve been following along on insta, you’ll know that I just returned from a birthday celebration in the Big Easy! It was the perfect getaway amid the holiday season, and was full of Southern entertainment and hospitality. See below a full guide of some of my favorite spots and the looks I sported around town:

CAROUSEL BAR - Recently restored to its original glory, the Carousel Bar at the Monteleone is a French Quarter staple! Stop by for a drink and a quick trip back in time!

PONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL - Another history-filled hospitality staple, the Pontchartrain hotel is full of fun little corners to lounge and indulge in the libations!

HOTEL PETER AND PAUL - Set in a former church, dating from 1860, this chic spot gives new life to the simple southern styles you expect from New Orleans. Enjoy some contemporary cocktails in the bar/cafe!

ACE HOTEL - The fresh and fun Ace near Bourbon St features 5 restaurants! You’ll never have to leave the hotel to get a taste of the Big Easy!

MAYPOP - Something you’ll only find in a city this vibrant - “Asian-Southern Fusion”.

BYWATER - A classic comfort food menu in an interesting, vintage-inspired setting!

ORPHEUM THEATER - Originally designed in 1918 as a Vaudeville theater, this is the perfect place to see a show and absorb all the culture of New Orleans, from world-class ballet acts to solo instrumentalists.

SPOTTED CAT MUSIC CLUB - This is one of those places that has seen it all! A self-described “weathered and intimate” jazz bar featuring live local acts!

ASHLEY LONGSHORE STUDIO GALLERY - If you’re looking for a fun place to peruse some art, or want a funky accessory to dress up your space, this is the perfect spot to pick up a piece of New Orleans attitude to take home with you!

FRENCH QUARTER ANTIQUE SHOPS (VINTAGE CHANEL!) - As a city steeped in trade history, the French Quarter is FULL of fine furnishings and one-of-a-kind antiques. You can spend days browsing everything from home decor to vintage fashions and accessories!

EFFERVESCENCE - Champagne and small bites - need I say more?

AUCTION HOUSE MARKET - A fashionable food hall with both Southern and International options!

SALON RESTAURANT by Sucre - This sweet spot knows the meaning of the phrase “treat yourself”. With colorful confections, and elevated decor, there’s something for any foodie or design freak.

WILLA JEAN - This retro-chic restaurant serves up the one thing you can’t leave the South without — biscuits.

NOLA MUSEUM OF ART - If you’re feeling like you need to walk off all that fried food, the NOLA museums have their fair share of world-class collections to visit.

BOTANICAL GARDEN - Any trip to New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without a restful walk through the city’s garden. Stop and smell the flowers in this serene retreat from all the city’s activity!