French Quarter, NOLA

We decided to head for Louisiana a day ahead of schedule because rain was predicted for most of the weekend. Checked into Fontainebleau State Park on Thursday. I stayed in this state park last year, really like it for the price (50% off for MD residents) and its proximity to New Orleans. The next day, we drove the 24-mile Lake Pontchartrain Causeway into New Orleans, found parking right in the French Quarter (thanks to the SpotHero app), and spent a good amount of time walking around the Quarter. Below are some of the sights.

Horse drawn carriage rides around the French Quarter

Really good jazz bands playing at street corners

Lovely buildings and store fronts decorated for Mardi Gras

And, how can we go to the French Quarter and not stop for cafe au lait with beignets at the Cafe du Monde? We managed to snag a table near the street and listened to a singer belt out the blues.

We wanted to take the historic New Orleans tour on the Creole Queen, but it was too cold and dreary, decided to table that for another time.

Last round the quarter, we went into the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. I have walked around this cathedral several times when I was in New Orleans but this is the first time I went in. It was quite beautiful inside!