Best Dessert in Mid-City

"From the moment you step through the wooden screen doorsat Hansen's uptown, you'll be struck by the relaxed atmosphere and friendly service. The snoballs at Hansen's Sno-Bliz are a local legend, dripping with handmade syrups in flavors like ginger and cardamom. It was Ernest and Mary Hansen who pioneered the treat with Ernest's patented Sno-Bliz machine back in 1939, giving the shaved ice a powdery, fluffy texture nothing like the granular uber-sweet sno-cones sold in some locales."

"SnoBalls are New Orleans' twist on a slushie or snow cone and have been around for ages. Hansen's opened up in 1939 during the Great Depression and has been serving snoballs ever since. With hundreds of flavors and different mixtures of their homemade syrups, you're bound to be satisfied by this delicious summer treat."

"Open since 1939, this location still uses the same ice-shaving machine its owner invented in 1934. Expect the lines to be long, even on those oppressively hot days."

"For a taste of what some might call the best confections in New Orleans, head over to the Garden District and drop by Sucre, Tariq Hanna's sweet retreat filled with gossamer macarons, Italian gelatos and chocolates that stand up to the best in Belgium. The Dark Chocolate Bark â€" sheets of chocolate shot through with assorted nuts and dried fruits â€" is a must-taste, as is the Drinking Chocolate, which is served with handmade marshmallows and caramel cookies for dipping. This sweet shop is as beautifully appointed as the meticulously packaged goodies it features and is the ideal stop if you want to satisfy a special someone's sweet tooth."

"And with delicious food options like the Mexican food at Juan’s Flying Burritos and the sweets at Sucre, Magazine Street has plenty of places to relax and refuel. Alternatively, take the St. Charles streetcar back towards the French Quarter, getting off at Lee Circle in the Central Business District to visit NOLA’s top-rated WWII Museum on the other end of Magazine Street."

"Opened in 2011 by three NOPD officers, this bright blue building on Canal Street sells out more days than not, thanks in no small part to its signature maple bacon long john doughnut. The cops are gone now — they sold to a baker in 2017, but all doughnuts are still made by hand at Blue Dot Donuts, a point of pride for this busy shop. Get there early, and on the weekends, expect a line."

"Over in Mid-City, Blue Dot Donuts features a wide assortment of freshly made glazed, filled, cake, buttermilk and specialty doughnuts. The shop at 4301 Canal St. has earned four stars out of 181 reviews on Yelp. Look for raspberry doughnuts topped with powdered sugar, chocolate iced with coconut, Bavarian cream and an assortment of doughnut holes."

"The selection of baked goods includes plain, chocolate-glazed, jelly-filled and creatively flavored donuts, as well as donut holes, eclairs, apple fritters and bacon-maple long johns."

"Warehouse DistrictThe various food halls springing up all over town bring small vendors to a receptive clientele with lower overhead costs than a regular restaurant, giving more niche ideas -- like vegan and vegetarian food -- the opportunity to set up shop. Stop in at the Auction House Market on the corner of Julia and Magazine to get a masala dosa at Tava Indian Streetfood, jackfruit BBQ toast from Happy Jaxx, and a vegan macaron or milkshake from Mac & Moon Macarons."

"The smell of bacon maple frosted bars and apple fritters fills the room at Daddy’s Donuts, a staple in the New Orleans donut community. Belly-busting treats are standard here, but you won’t mind indulging a bit as they’re so delicious it makes it all worth it. Apple fritters tend to sell out fast, as do many of their other varieties."

"This beloved family-owned and -operated spot over in Gentilly is beloved for being open seven mornings a week—and for their attention to freshness and a fondness for fun, holiday-themed creations. Go for a classic here: like a sprinkled donut, just like the giant one on their sign."

"This family-run Gentilly fave fries up some mean dough: Bacon-maple frosted bars are a belly-busting case in point. Set back in a small shopping center, Daddy’s isn’t fancy but the sweets are divine. If you’re an apple fritter lover, get there early, since they always sell out."

"Internationally renowned artist, Chris Roberts-Antieau offers up her whimsical and bizarre world of fabric appliqué in her galleries in Nola and Santa Fe!"

"For something a bit more lively, head to Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Located within the French Quarter, Bourbon Street is the place you want to head to when the sun goes down and the lights come on, as the colourful lights entice you to come inside on of the bars that line the streets for a drink or two. Honestly, it’s a total assault on the senses, which initially took me back."

"I heard it compared to an over-sized frat party by one of our tour guides. It is the center of all the partying, drinking and debauchery. If that is your thing, or you just want to capture the scene with your camera, head on down in the evening and see what you can do."

"Take your pick for nightlife: Bourbon Street or Frenchmen Street. New Orleans is famous for its nightlife, and no New Orleans itinerary would be complete without including it: this isn’t a place to call it quits and head back to the hotel after dinner."

"Nearby you’ll find Dr. Bob Folk Art, which was reminiscent of Slab City’s East Jesus, full of upcycled art in curious combinations. From there it’s a quick walk to Studio BE, an absolute must in the neighborhood. You’ll find a 35,000 square foot warehouse full of #BLM movement and Hurricane Katrina crisis large-scale art installations, created by local artist Brandan Odums. I was blown away by how prolific and varied his work was, incorporating sculpture, street art, and even a basketball court to spread awareness, and ultimately share the power of love."

"Bob, half Crow Indian and half French/German, is a self taught artist born in Kansas who relocated to New Orleans via Lake Pontchartrain. His utilization of found objects in his work, along with his own unique painting style, have combined into one of the most recognizable and respected representations of New Orleans and Louisiana folk art in the world."

"La Boca, which resides in a chic renovated former warehouse, is an Argentinian steakhouse specializing in fine cuts of beef served in a simple and traditional way. Established by James Beard semi-finalist chef Adolfo Garcia, La Boca features designs from local architect Brooks Graham and metal craftsman Duane Link, resulting in a beautifully designed space able to accommodate the restaurant’s ever growing clientele. Try dishes such as the chorizo de la casa, La Boca’s house made grilled sausage and the bife ancho, a mouthwatering 24 ounce cowboy cut, bone-in rib eye steak."

"Bife La Boca is a lime- and garlic-marinated Angus sirloin flap served with avocado. Reservations accepted. Dinner Mon.-Sat., late-night Thu.-Sat."

"While you could easily spend another day or two in the heart of the city, I recommend getting out to the countryside and seeing another part of Louisiana: the Bayou. Most swamp tours are located at least an hour outside of the center and offer round trip transport at an extra charge. We went with Cajun Encounters on aboat ride through the famous Honey Swamp. While on the tour, we spotted multiple (!!) alligators as well as several species of birds, raccoons, and more."

"Gulf shrimp Ya-Ya pasta includes grape tomatoes sauteed in Cajun pesto over penne pasta and is served with garlic toast. Reservations accepted. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily."