Local Take: New Orleans
Local Take is your key to our favorite destinations, unlocked by those who know it best.
Marianne’s New Orleans
Meet Marianne Angeli Rodriguez, an abstract contemporary painter based in Covington, Louisiana, a historic city across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans. A Filipino-American whose parents’ work with the United Nations moved her from West Africa, to Central America, Europe, and Asia, Marianne was initially drawn to New Orleans because the city’s warm hospitality and subtropical climate reminded her of her childhood. The city’s vibrancy now serves as an undercurrent to her art: distinguished, colorful, large-scale paintings that reflect her international upbringing. Here, Marianne shares her go-to spots around New Orleans, from local shops and restaurants to outdoor activities and art experiences. Next time you’re in the Big Easy, be sure to check out Marianne Angeli Rodriguez Gallery in Covington!
courtesy of Marianne Rodriguez
Stay
Magnolia Hotel in the central business district is conveniently located near the French Quarter and the Garden District. It's walkable to the Audubon aquarium and the WWII museum. I also love that the art that adorns their walls is by local artists and that the hotel is pet-friendly!
See + Do
The boat and bike rental at City Park is a lot of fun! The park is huge and utterly picturesque - it's the perfect family-friendly destination. The Sculpture Garden is also located at City Park and is hands down my favorite art experience in New Orleans. To top it off, there is also a Cafe Du Monde located in the park, so you can grab a quick snack of NOLA's famous beignets and cafe au lait.
Dine
My favorite go-to spot for any day of the week is Cafe Carmo in the Warehouse District. They offer an eclectic tropical menu and specialize in vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free cuisine. I love that they offer freshly squeezed juices and healthy baked desserts. A big plus is that they're located right in the heart of the arts district on Julia Street, right next door to some of the best galleries in the city. My favorite restaurant for dinner is Boucherie. They specialize in contemporary southern cuisine. They have the best boudain balls in town (a classic spin on a cajun staple) and a Krispy Kreme bread pudding that is to die for. It's the perfect place to bring out-of-town guests or to enjoy a date night.
Shop
My bookworm husband and I have been popping into Blue Cypress Bookstore on Oak Street for the past nine years. He's found his favorite philosophy books here and I have scored some of the best vintage art books on the old masters. There's a friendly resident kitty that hangs out with you while you browse. Another local favorite is Home Malone boutique, which carries a wide array of high-quality gifts, art, and various artisanal treasures inspired by New Orleans and completely produced in the South. You will definitely find something special to bring back home as souvenirs for yourself and for friends!
Discover
Some of the most amazing hidden gems of New Orleans are the street art. In order to see some of the best murals in the city, you'll want to rent a car and plan out your stops. The best street art can be found in the 7th ward, St. Claude, Bywater, St. Roch, Marigny, the CBD, and Uptown. My favorite mural is the two-story Dr. John portrait on Toledano Street.
ESCAPE
A 45 minute drive over Lake Ponchartrain takes you to Mandeville, where you can escape the city buzz for the most serene nature walk at the Northlake Nature Center. A wooden trail with several bridges and viewing docks wind through the most tranquil and breathtaking scenery.
