Girl Who Travels

Travel Date: March 2026

French Quarter: Books, Bites, and Exploration

The magic of New Orleans is that even a quiet day is packed with flavor and history. Our latest trek through the city was a perfect mix of checked-off bucket list items and those spontaneous finds that only happen when you’re wandering aimlessly.

Breakfast at Hotel Theo

We started the morning at the restaurant inside Hotel Theo. The standout was the eggs Benedict served on a croissant—the buttery layers of the pastry are a game-changer for soaking up hollandaise. We also gave their beignets a try. They were solid, but if I’m being honest, they didn’t quite reach the heights of the ones at Streetcar Cafe. Still, it was the perfect fuel for a day of walking.

Shopping the Colonnade

Next, we headed to the French Quarter to browse the shops at the Colonnade. It’s impossible for me to leave that area empty-handed. I managed to find a new coffee mug (because apparently, there is always room for one more on the shelf), some postcards, and a few Christmas ornaments. I collect ornaments from every trip, so finding some unique ones was a win.

We even stumbled upon a store entirely devoted to socks! After a few hours of navigating the crowds, we headed back to the room to drop off our haul and recharge our batteries for a bit.

Lunch at Cafe 615

For lunch, we ventured out to Cafe 615. The Lyft ride there was half the fun, as we got to cross a really cool bridge to get to the restaurant. I opted for the fried pork chops, and they did not disappoint—perfectly seasoned and exactly the kind of comfort food you want in NOLA.

Literary Stops and Alleyway Views

No trip to the Quarter is complete without a stop at Faulkner House Books, a bookstore in the very house where William Faulkner lived and wrote while he was in New Orleans. Due to the small space, they have a strict “six people at a time” rule, which actually worked out in my favor. While waiting for my turn to step into the tiny, book-filled sanctuary, I had a rare moment to snap a photo of the alley while it was completely empty.

I didn’t leave empty-handed, either; I picked up a copy of “The Pun Also Rises.” As someone who appreciates a good pun, I couldn’t resist.

Voodoo Dolls and Custom Hats

We spent the rest of the afternoon drifting through the Quarter. I finally picked up a voodoo doll and spent a good chunk of time browsing a local hat store. There is something so therapeutic about looking at rows of beautifully displayed hats, even if you’re just window shopping.

We had originally planned to head to Napoleon House for dinner, but the day finally caught up with us. Sometimes the best travel decision you can make is knowing when to call it. We traded the crowded dining room for a quiet evening in, resting up and reflecting on a very successful day in New Orleans. Next time, Napoleon House. Next time…