New Orleans has a unique, vibrant history, award winning chefs, craft cocktails galore, and a low-key, Southern fun atmosphere. There's no wonder NOLA is consistently ranked one of the best US cities to visit. We've got you covered with tips on locals' favorite spots to check out during your stay. Scroll through our blog for suggestions, current events and truly experience New Orleans like a local.
What does the Rathbone staff have in common with Sofia Coppola?
We're not part of American film legend, but we do have some similar tastes... especially regarding New Orleans.
Over at Condé Nast's truly excellent page about New Orleans, is a quality "Guide to New Orleans" by Sofia Coppola she contributed after filming in town recently. You may remember Sofia as Connie Corleone's baby in the Godfather back in 1972... or more recently as Cannes Film Festival Best Director of 2017.
While we at the Rathbone are not legends in American film history, we certainly have some things in common with Sofia. While we loved all of her NOLA recommendations, like Pêche and Antoine’s, she likes some places that are also particularly special for us.
First of all, if you stay at the Rathbone, you're probably going to take the short jaunt over to Frenchman St, where you can visit three places Sofia recommends: The Spotted Cat, dba, and Three Muses. There you'll hear terrific NOLA music any night of the week. Naturally we love having these spots as our neighbors!
Secondly, we have put a lot of hard work into the Rathbone over the last year. We can definitively say that work couldn't have been done without heavy doses of coffee from HiVolt coffee shop over in the Lower Garden District just off Magazine St. We especially recommend the French Connection breakfast sandwich (on a brioche bun instead of a croissant) and the Happy Hippy Bowl! (*drooling*) Another great thing about HiVolt (and what Sofia probably enjoyed too) is all the super cool local art for sale on the walls.
Thanks much to Sofia and Condé Nast for shouting out some of our local faves!
-Rathbone Staff
"Why Everyone Should Experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans"
Bourbon St may less than 1% of what Mardi Gras is about... it's an excellent experience for everyone!
Recently Ni’Kesia Pannell, writer for INSIDER digital magazine and popular crowd-sourced story-telling blog, posted a nice piece on Mardi Gras in New Olreans, making the case “why everyone should experience it.” We have to agree with her!
Without the experience, many people may only have the impression of a raucous Bourbon Street, overcrowded with drunks and beaded mayhem. However, as Miss Pannell describes, there is so much more to New Orleans. The fun, laid-back extravagance of NOLA (that’s short for New Olreans, LA for some of you non-locals) permeates everything from the food and music to the stunningly creative and colorful costumes and parade floats. If there’s one thing NOLA can provide you, it’s showing you a good time and making you forget about all your responsibilities!
Miss Pannell points out the benefits of staying near the Quarter (but maybe not right in the Quarter) so that you keep close to the fun & sights NOLA is most famous for. While she stayed with our friends over at Homewood Suites, at RATHBONE MANSIONS we’re just a short walk away from Frenchman St and the Quarter, as well as an easy trek over to City Park if you’re coming for Jazz Fest.
Take Miss Pannell’s advice, come and experience New Orleans for yourself! Even if not for Mardi Gras, we always have good times in store. Laissez les bons temps rouler!