Many people associate New Orleans with Bourbon Street, but there is more to New Orleans than boozy cocktails. New Orleans is also home to an amazing food scene, charming architecture, lovely antiques and plenty of culture, all of which makes it the perfect destination for a quick get-away.

Recently, my husband and I flew in on Saturday morning for a long weekend stay. We checked in to The Roosevelt Hotel, a historic beauty currently managed by the Waldorf Astoria. We’ve stayed there many times in the past, and as always, we were welcomed with top-notch service.

After checkin, we decided to grab lunch at Cochon Butcher, a lovely spot in the Warehouse District featuring a variety of small plates. There, we sampled several options, including standouts like the chargrilled oysters, gator bites and corn cakes with crawfish.

Next, we toured Garden District, my favorite NOLA neighborhood. You can access it via the charming St. Charles streetcar. The ride affords you a fantastic view of the historic mansions lining this wide boulevard.

Once there, we made our way to Magazine Street, which is home to a variety of boutiques, upscale bars and elegant casual restaurants. We made several stops at some of my favorite shops, including Perch, an antique shop full of French imports, Pied Nu, a clothing boutique offering a well-curated sampling of some of my favorite housewares brands, and Sunday Shop, a lovely boutique offering a well-curated mix of antiques and elevated housewares.

That evening, we had drinks at the Sazerac Bar in our hotel. It is said that Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong performed here, which only adds to the allure of this elegant, buzzy bar. I love the beautiful murals lining the walls, and the cocktails are excellent.

After drinks, we had dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Mr. B’s Bistro, and then we decided to visit the lobby bar at The Eliza Jane, a beautiful boutique hotel housed in a series of linked 19th-century warehouses. I’d love to stay here in the future, or at least have dinner at their hotel restaurant, Couvant.

Sunday morning means one thing in New Orleans–it’s time for an epic brunch! We started our day with a really special one at Salon by Sucre; I enjoyed the “afternoon” tea, which included multiple courses featuring beautiful, delicious treats. On our way out, I purchased four candied violet-studded dark chocolate bars to take home. They are amazing, and I never leave New Orleans without them.

After brunch, we walked through the French Quarter, stopping to admire Jackson Square and the surrounding buildings. We then opted for drinks at one of our old favorites, the Napoleon House, where they make an excellent Pimm’s Cup.

After drinks, we did a little window shopping along Royal Street, home to several excellent antiques shops, many featuring items imported from France. My favorite is Antiques de Provence. It is made up of several connected buildings, and features a secret terrace in the back. Here you can find a wide assortment of vintage Chanel costume jewelry, giltwood Louis Philippe mirrors, ornate chandeliers and an incredible collection of olive jars, urns and other garden pottery.

In the late afternoon, we headed to another Café Amelie, where I had incredible shrimp and grits. The restaurant is located in the former home of an American heiress, a woman who went on to become the Princess of Monaco, long before Grace Kelly did the same.

After lunch, we visited some other favorites, such as Keil’s Antiques and Krewe Eyewear, a newer local brand carrying a great assortment of eyeglasses and sunglasses.

That evening, we walked to dinner at Justine, a French brasserie high on design. I enjoyed a crudité bowl, a croque monsieur, and an incredible gateau basque. I could write an entire post about this sophisticated restaurant, which featured beautiful seating areas, original murals, excellent service and great food.

On our final morning, we had beignets at Cafe du Monde, another must-do. It’s touristy, but these treats are so good I can’t help but recommend them. We walked around the French Quarter once more before heading back to our hotel to gather our things and go.

Have you been to New Orleans? If so, what are your favorite places? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Stephanie