Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Marigny

"The turquoise and white awning is the first sign of good taste at this flagship of the Brennan family, housed in a gorgeous Victorian mansion in the Garden District since 1880. Sporting a decor that combines whimsy with elegance, Commanders is a dressy spot, no shorts or t-shirts and jackets are preferred - but not required - for gents at dinner. The kitchen, where Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme started and chef Meg Bickford now presides, delivers Haute Creole specialties including oysters with absinthe and skillet seared gulf fish."

"Address: 1403 Washington AvenueNew Orleans, LA 70130Phone: (504) 899-8221Website. World-class chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme have graced the kitchen of this landmark restaurant. In existence since 1893, Commander’s Palace features “haute Creole cuisine” and a “dirt to plate within 100 miles” policy that contributes to its legendary status as one of the city’s great dining establishments."

"Garden District Not all classic New Orleans restaurants live in the French Quarter. Uptown in the Garden District, right across from Lafayette Cemetery No.1, is the famous Commander’s Palace. You might recognize the former head chef’s name: Emeril Lagasse, who helmed the Palace’s kitchen in the '80s, long before “Bam!"

"If you’re up for waking up early, Jackson Square, featuring the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral in the background, is about as Instagrammable as you can get. This area gets crowded later in the day though, so if you want the perfect shot with no people in it, you have to go early. Either way though, it’s a fantastic shot for your ‘gram."

"Originally built in 1727, the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis is flanked by the historic Cabildo on one side and the Presbytère on the other. After the great fire of 1794, the original structure was rebuilt. The current structure was finished in 1850 and overlooks Jackson Square."

"Beautiful structure filled with the spirit and preservation of God. This is the oldest active Cathedral in the United States. Basilica St. Louis of France… read more »"

"There are lots of places in New Orleans where you can partake in fun activities with your family, and one of them is Jackson Square. The area has got lots of residential and commercial properties, and is named after Andrew Jackson, whose statue was erected here in 1856. Jackson Square has also been featured numerous times in television shows and network broadcasts as well."

"Located in front of the St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter, Jackson Square is a beautiful and historic park area surrounded by some of the oldest buildings in the city. Once here, you will find a local artist colony here, too. Many artists paint, draw, create, and display their works throughout the Square and is really great for an afternoon stroll."

"Surrounded by historic buildings and atmospheric street life, this beautifully landscaped park is the heart of the French Quarter. St."

"The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is dedicated to exploring the showcasing the visual arts and culture of the American South. Located next to Lee Circle in the Central Business District, the museum is associated with the University of New Orleans and features a collection of works from 1733 to the present by artists from or associated with fifteen southern American states, and the District of Columbia. The collection features over 4,000 works of all materials ranging from paintings, watercolors, drawings, and prints to photographs, sculpture, wood, and crafts, and notable artists include Benny Andrews, Ida Kohlmeyer, Walter Andrews, Hunt Slonem, Clementine Hunter, William Dunlap, and George Ohr."

"Civil War Museum and Ogden Museum of Southern Art|© Richard Cummins / Alamy Stock Photo. Sitting adjacent to the National WWII Museum and the Contemporary Arts Center, this Smithsonian-affiliated museum celebrates the culture of Southern artists through folk art, painting, photography, sculpture and handcrafted heritage, as well as contemporary works from Southern artists and designers. With works dating back to 1733, there’s a permanent collection of more than 4,000 pieces from 15 states, making it the most comprehensive collection of Southern art in the world."

"With works by Picasso, Renoir, Matisse, Monet, and Georgia O'Keeffe, NOMA is an oasis of fine art that can be appreciated by both parents and children alike. Kids will love story time, child-focused art workshops, and art classes."

"BywaterAcclaimed wine and cheese shop with live music out backStart your date night off by choosing a bottle of wine and a selection of cheeses together, which the restaurant will turn into an over-the-top board with toasts, pickles, and other accouterments. Then make a beeline for the first table you can find to catch some of whatever local music act is performing that night. Don’t forget to bring extra cash to tip the band."

"From the outside, Bacchanal looks like a leaning Bywater shack; inside are racks of wine and stinky-but-sexy cheese. Musicians play in the garden, while cooks dispense delicious meals on paper plates from the... Louisianan in French Quarter"

"Bacchanal, a Bywater wine shop known for its amazing courtyard and eclectic, creative small plates, is open for curbside pickup and courtyard dining. Hours are Thursday and Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 9 p.m."

"A classic upscale steakhouse in Old Gretna since 1963, the dinner menu here brings the prices one would expect in such a setting, but the weekday lunch specials bring two-course meals of stunningly high quality for $10.95. Choose from a starter of excellent turtle soup, seafood gumbo, soup of the day, or a fresh salad, followed by six entrees that include slow-cooked boiled beef brisket with cabbage, carrots, new potatoes, and horseradish sauce; and a boneless pork rib-eye glazed with Steen’s cane syrup and fig reduction with yam mash, and haricots verts. 1036 Lafayette St., Gretna, 367-0935, theredmaple.com."

"1036 Lafayette St., Gretna, (504) 367-0935; www.theredmaple.com. Grilled redfish Pontchartrain is topped with crabmeat and served with sherry mushroom cream sauce and haricots verts. Reservations recommended."

"The eggplant beignets, Southwest eggrolls, and fried fish sandwich all ring up under $10. While you might be tempted to spend your whole visit at the dining table, don’t miss all the fun things to do in New Orleans. Grab your chicory coffee and check out these fun, affordable activities:"

"Take a stroll down Mardi Gras memory lane at this colorfully festive museum. Located above Arnaud's Restaurant, the free Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum - named for the daughter of Count Arnaud, the restaurant's originator, has about two dozen gowns and costumes along with other bits of feathered and sequined memorabilia. Wells came by the collection honestly - she reigned as queen of some 22 Mardi Gras balls from 1937 to 1968, more than any other lovely to date."

"Located in the historic Gem Theater—one of only two remaining African American movie theaters still standing in the city—Zony Mash Beer Project is both a brewery and an entertainment space. Named after the title of an album of rare B-side songs by New Orleans funk band The Meters, Zony Mash offers 21 taps in the tasting room and a robust line of brews using ingredients like coffee from local roaster, Congregation; additions include carrot and dragon fruit juices, coriander and butterfly pea. Year-round brews include Tiny Bubbles (a sparkling ale), Pillow Talk (a “fluffy” IPA) and Run for the Rosé (a wine hybrid ale)."

"Zony Mash is beautiful on the inside, a stunningly re-imagined microbrewery-take on the former Gem Theater. But its outdoor beer garden has been the center of the action lately, showcasing a rotation of popup eateries, as well as Zony Mash brews sold from the brewery’s tricked-out beer bus. As owner Adam Ritter said, “When the weather is nice, and it’s feeling right, it’s great.” Recent eats have included Zee’s Pizzeria and Doughtown’s Detroit-style pies as well as Bub’s Burgers, Southerns (of fried chicken sandwich fame) and the culinary talents of Luncheon."

"The Oakwood Shopping Center is in Gretna, a quick drive over the Crescent City Connection, the bridge that takes you to the West Bank of the Mississippi. It's not as big as some of the other malls on this list, but that can be a blessing in disguise. The Oakwood Mall has plenty of parking and fewer crowds, making the shopping experience breezier."

"With 82 shops, including Dillard's and JC Penny's, this mall on Jefferson Parish's West Bank offers an array of retail options across all price ranges, as well as dining, spas, a barbershop and more."

"The Shops at Jax Brewery are located in an architecturally striking 19th-century former beer brewing facility - opened in 1891, the Brewery was the largest independent brewery in the south. The property has four floors of shops, cafes and boutiques, with the top floor offering some pretty spectacular views of the city. A few of the shops offer child and adult-themed screen print items of local witticisms and attractions that are sure to be a hit."

"Coffee came to European markets via the Middle East in the 1600s. Then it arrived in North America by way of European settlement, and it appears that its first point of entry may very well have been none other than New Orleans!. The French — who often used a unique coffee/chicory mix — brought it here in approximately 1720."

"The grand dame of NOLA's uptown live music venues, this spot draws a diverse crowd every night of the week. Just about every style of music is performed here—it's even known for its poetry nights—though the famous Rebirth Brass Band has been packing the place every Tuesday night for decades. Their $20 cover is a little higher than most, but if you get there on time it'll usually get you two hour-long sets with some terrific musicians."

"One of the most famous venues in Uptown, the Maple Leaf has recurring nightly shows Sunday-Thursday and traveling acts Friday- Sunday. Its small physical size is more then made up for by the energy of the crowd, especially on Tuesdays when the Grammy winning Rebirth Brass Band plays. They’ve been known to host free seafood boils on Sunday’s, and sometimes at random."

"Every building with a stage and a liquor license in this city will tell you they're the best venue for live music, but Maple Leaf Bar is one of the few that may actually live up to the billing.[Learn more]"

"Bourbon Pub and Parade is located in the cluster of gay bars heading into the residential end of Bourbon. The venue is known for its male go-go dancers prancing around the bars, regular karaoke and a spacious balcony for people watching. There usually is a cover, but the bar makes up for it by having a friendly staff that does its best to make each and every patron feel welcome."

"Are you wondering if all the nightclubs are strictly for the straight?. Do not wonder anymore because Bourbon Pub Parade has got your back. This venue is a night club of colors for the colored; this is New Orleans’ finest and best gay bar and nightclub with over 40 years in the business of uninhibited fun."

"French QuarterIf you like your dance clubs with a decidedly unapologetic rainbow vibe, Bourbon Pub is the place you need to be. There’s also karaoke every Thursday night, not to mention cabaret performances, '90s nights, and retro music video nights, among other things."

"The turquoise and white awning is the first sign of good taste at this flagship of the Brennan family, housed in a gorgeous Victorian mansion in the Garden District since 1880. Sporting a decor that combines whimsy with elegance, Commanders is a dressy spot, no shorts or t-shirts and jackets are preferred - but not required - for gents at dinner. The kitchen, where Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme started and chef Meg Bickford now presides, delivers Haute Creole specialties including oysters with absinthe and skillet seared gulf fish."

"Address: 1403 Washington AvenueNew Orleans, LA 70130Phone: (504) 899-8221Website. World-class chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme have graced the kitchen of this landmark restaurant. In existence since 1893, Commander’s Palace features “haute Creole cuisine” and a “dirt to plate within 100 miles” policy that contributes to its legendary status as one of the city’s great dining establishments."

"Garden District Not all classic New Orleans restaurants live in the French Quarter. Uptown in the Garden District, right across from Lafayette Cemetery No.1, is the famous Commander’s Palace. You might recognize the former head chef’s name: Emeril Lagasse, who helmed the Palace’s kitchen in the '80s, long before “Bam!"