See Bourbon Street, but visit New Orleans

When researching a visit to New Orleans, Louisiana, you will undoubtedly find must-see lists that include Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest and Bourbon Street. While I’m not a NOLA native, I recognized one consistent struggle in my two years living there: convincing visitors to venture away from the city’s famous French Quarter and festivals and into the rest of New Orleans. Let me be clear – the Quarter’s undeniable uniqueness shouldn’t be missed. Drink a Pat O’Brien’s hurricane and dunk a beignet into Café du Monde’s mouth-watering café au laits. Just explore the rest of the city too. Here are seven must-sees that my NOLA friends and family compiled for a more local experience:

Sno-Balls. Think snow cones, only more fluffy, sugary and delicious. With a wide variety of unique flavors, historic Hansen’s Sno-Bliz is one of the most famous “sno-ball” stands in the city. If you don’t have time to wait in the usually long lines, visit my personal favorite, Plum Street Snoballs. It’s off the beaten path, still with plenty of flavors and a shorter wait. And, when asked if you want to add condensed milk, say yes. You won’t regret it. Bacchanal Wine. Let me entice you: wine cellar, cheese plates, outdoor seating, live music, string lights. This cozy, yet vibrant local hotspot is one you’d likely never stumble upon accidentally. A quick cab ride from the Quarter, you can enjoy dinner or a glass (bottle) of wine while listening to local musicians on an intimate backyard stage.

Crescent Park – This one’s a newbie, but has been all the rage among locals lately. The park seems to offer something for everyone, including scenic views of downtown, a dog park, flower gardens, walking/biking paths and art markets. Venture into the charming residential neighborhood surrounding the park, grabbing brunch at Elizabeth’s Restaurant or dinner at Bacchanal!

Explore the up-and-coming hoods – Walk or drive through the Treme, Bywater and Marigny. All are up-and-coming neighborhoods that boast well-preserved African-American and Creole culture mixed with new restaurants and cafes for lounging and dining. Wave hello to the local porch-sitters and, if you’re lucky, witness a random dance or Second Line erupt in the streets.

Kayak the Bayou. Take a historical tour of Bayou St. John, or rent a kayak, throw it afloat and paddle away. This waterway is the reason NOLA exists in the first place, so venturing down it shouldn’t be missed. Not into kayaking? Young professionals and families fill the surrounding Mid-City neighborhood, picnicking on crawfish and po’ boys along the bayou banks and enjoying adult beverages at the local beer gardens. The Soul Rebels. We all know that NOLA lives and breathes live music. If you have to see just one performance, check out The Soul Rebels. The band tours nationwide, but makes it home every Thursday to play a gig at Le Bon Temps Roulé. You can also catch them at other local nightlife hotspots like Tipitina’s, Blue Nile and D.B.A to name a few.

The Coffee Pot. This restaurant is filled with genuine New Orleans food and characters. While located near Bourbon Street, it somehow manages to dodge a huge tourist crowd. Many of the wait staff has been employed for 40+ years despite the restaurant’s multiple fires, hurricanes and ownership changes. Really, my dad visited NOLA in 2012 and recognized his server from when he frequented the establishment in the 70s. If you’re lucky, all service will stop mid-meal while one of the staff members belts out an old-time spiritual.*Update: This restaurant is permanently closed

Honorable Mentions:

Bars/Restaurants: Café Atchafalaya, The Joint, R-Bar, Red Door Dive Bar, Café Negril, Betsy’s Pancake House, Jacques-Imo’s. Activities/Festivals: Po-Boy Fest, admire NOLA from a riverboat or streetcar