Bloggers on Bourbon: NOLA…My New Favorite City

Thanks to MomDot and Bookieboo who dreamed up a unique event called Bloggers on Bourbon and the hospitality of my friend Bridgette from Experimental Mommy and Renee at What Mommies Need, last weekend one one to remember.  A history buff, food lover and people person, it seems New Orleans was made for me.  I loved everything about it including a streetcar ride through the Garden District, a blogging event focused forging relationships, and the Frech Quarter’s blend of cultures.

Friday night we ate at Harrah’s Casino (follow on Facebook) and even though I was unable to turn the voucher they provided into big bucks, we had a fantastic time and yummy meal including my first order of grits and crawfish.  Afterwards Haunted History Tours took us through the French Quarter courtesy of Lingerie.com with a historical look at the city’s haunts.  Supprisingly I was able to sleep through the night!

The next day we hopped on a bus for my first visit to a southern plantation. Thanks to Shannon at Traveling Mamas who coordinated the day’s events, Houmas House was everything I imagined a plantation mansion to be.  I only wish it were a bit closer since the setting would be perfect for our upcoming 15th year anniversary.  Lunch courtesy of  Global Resort Homes included the first of multiple rounds of cheesecake on our trip.  On a side note, Global Resort Homes rents vacation homes in the Orlando area…too bad we already booked Disney for September since it looks like a neat way to travel with the family.

After a bit of shopping at the French Market where I purchased Good Night NOLA for the kids, we dined at Dickie Brennens Steakhouse courtesy of Collective Bias and The Open Sky Project.  If you’re a blogger, both programs are definitelyworth checking out.  We are actually opening an Open Sky shop right here on Cool Baby Kid August 10th which will allow readers to buy products we love right here from our site.  And what NOLA trip would be complete without a visit to Bourbon Street which was unlike any experience I’ve ever had.  Street performers, music, people and good company rounded out a magnificent weekend.

I’ll be sharing some of the neat swag and giveaways in future posts as we get a chance to use them.  In the meantime, thank you again for all those who made the event possible, and Bridgette for allowing me a chance to get to know she, her family and her city a bit better.