I went down to New Orleans – literally for 48 hours – this weekend to run in the Mardis Gras half-marathon and hang out with Laney, Judson, and Shelby. I’ve heard New Orleans referred to as a “state of mind,” and I whole-heartedly agree. It’s a vibrant, colorful city heavily influenced by a relaxed southern vibe. I left telling Laney, “Sheesh, I feel like we did a lot!” yet I never felt rushed.

Saturday

4 p.m. – I arrived, later than planned, on Saturday. The race was early the next day, so we checked into the hotel and went out to eat. I forgot my snacks for the plane, the airline didn’t give out even one edible thing, and I had no time during my layover to grab anything. I was extremely hungry, which I now believe is the best way to arrive in this city. You surely won’t leave feeling that way.

6:30 p.m. – I ordered the shrimp and spicy sausage Po’ Boy at American Sector. Judson and Laney were keen on having me sample southern cuisine, so I also nibbled on southern greens, macaroni and cheese, meatloaf, homemade peppermint patty, Devil’s food cupcake, and a milkshake. Everything was delicious, and I left fueled up for the race!

Shelby liked to show me her shoe. She’s recently discovered where her “toes” are and it’s the cutest thing.

Sunday

10:30 a.m. – Reunited with Shelby, who loved my beaded race medal! The race was actually a lot of fun. It started early. We had to get up at 5 a.m. to pick up our race numbers, and the race started at 7 a.m. It was a big event – about 15,000 people. They had live bands every few miles, Krispy Kreme donuts at mile one, and beer at mile eight. {I had both!} The weather was warm and gorgeous. I must have said twenty times to Laney while we were running, “I just can’t get over that there is no snow?!”

1:30 p.m. – Jazz brunch at Commander’s Palace!

Mimosas for everyone.

Entertained by live music. Shelby got a serenade.

I had the Commander’s salad {romaine lettuce, Parmesan, pressed eggs, house made bacon, French bread croutons, grated Gruyère and creamy black pepper dressing} and the pecan crusted gulf fish. I sampled some turtle soup for the first time as well.   The best part was the dessert sharing at the end. We all ordered something different and passed them around. Check out the crème brulée adorned with the fleur-de-lis.

4 p.m. – Chilled at Alison’s parents’ place in the French Quarter. Most amazing house ever! I’ve never seen such tall ceilings or doors. {Judson is around 5’10”.}

And it was nice to relax on the second-story porch.

I mean, really, this is fabulous. I could people-watch out here for hours on end.

8 p.m. – Out at a cute bisto/wine bar sort of place.

The pommes frites {fried in goose fat} were possibly the best fries ever.

Monday

11 a.m. – Walked along Magazine Street.

I should have bought a King Cake. Darn!

12:00 p.m. – Waiting for brunch at the Stanley in Jackson Square. Laney and I posing with Shelby and rocking out to the street music.

I saw a man walking with a cat on his shoulder.

Brunch! Call me boring, but I love a good egg, potato, toast, and bacon brunch.

3 p.m. – After walking around the French Quarter – I bought some spices at the New Orleans School of Cooking where Alison works -  we had some pinkberry {my first time!} and I headed back to the airport around 4 p.m.

The weekend went much too fast for my liking. I can’t wait for my next trip to NOLA.