NOLA in 3: A Taste of Crescent City Charm

Arrive in NOLA mid-day. After checking into your hotel — I highly recommend Virgin Hotels New Orleans — settling in and working up an appetite, head immediately to lunch at the locals-approved best po'boy in town at Frady's One Stop Food Store. After lunch, be sure to have a swamp tour booked — it's one of the top recommended must-dos when in New Orleans. We booked just the day before as we wanted to be sure the weather cooperated which was not a big deal at all. We booked an hour-and-a-half airboat tour with Ragin Cajun Airboat Tours, who pick you up and drop you back off at your hotel, which is a bonus when you don't go the rental car route. After returning to the hotel to freshen up from the day, head to dinner at Miss River located inside The Four Seasons situated on the banks of the Mississippi River. There you will enjoy a spirited take on New Orleans dishes crafted by the James Beard Award-winning chef Alon Shaya. If you are someone like me and you love to grab a post-dinner cocktail, The Four Seasons has two perfect options for that: the lobby Chandelier Bar or Chemin Á La Mer with panoramic views of the Mississippi River.

Start out by simply heading downstairs to the adorable and delicious Funny Library Cafe for breakfast. After that, head up to the rooftop to enjoy a very stylishly designed pool area with comfortable loungers, surrounded by lush greenery overlooking the city landscape. While the upbeat playlist of upbeat tunes adds to the lively ambiance, enjoy refreshing cocktails and small bites from the adorable poolside bar. When you are ready to head back out into the city for dinner, you're going to want to be sure you go to the Original Pierre Maspero's. This is a local favorite within a historic structure where Andrew Jackson met with the Lafitte brothers and planned the defense for the historic and epic Battle of New Orleans. As for that lovely late nightcap drink — you should for sure check out the Carousel Bar for their famous Sazerac cocktail in the beautiful Hotel Monteleone.

Head out in the morning to grab some yummy breakfast at Molly's Rise and Shine, the breakfast joint from chef Mason Hereford and his crew at Turkey and The Wolf (a small sandwich shop). The all-day breakfast menu shows their connection with comfort food staples. They're open every day except Tuesday and they make their own sodas but do not have booze — although it offers set-ups for BYO drinks.

Once you are stuffed, it's time to head out walking up and down Magazine Street for some great little boutique and vintage shops. But don't forget to check out the Great American Alligator Museum, which is the only museum like it in the world. After you shop until you drop, you must hit up Cafe Beignet on Royal Street, the locally suggested alternative to the long waits at Cafe du Monde. They are able to serve you a fresh beignet as there is no wait at this hidden gem location we found on our way back to the hotel. Very quaint adorable cafe for a quick pick-me-up and sweet treat. As for your last dinner in NOLA, you must head to Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar on Iberville Street and Bourbon Street for some of the best oysters, service and cute-diner style atmosphere. They don't take reservations but the line moves quickly and is well worth the wait. You can always grab a cocktail from the bar to sip on while you wait in line listening to the sounds of all the live jazz being played throughout the streets.