Go See Do Explore

Top 10 Things to do in Acadia National Park

On October 6, 2025

In Camping, Hiking, National Parks & Places, Road Trip, Travel

Top 10 Things to do in Acadia National Park

After three visits to Maine’s crown jewel, Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, we’ve compiled our definitive list of must-do experiences. This unique park, unlike the sprawling wilderness of Yellowstone or Grand Canyon, offers a “Swiss cheese” layout of protected lands interwoven with charming coastal towns—creating an intimate yet diverse adventure destination.

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Start your Acadia adventure with the iconic Park Loop Road, a scenic marvel funded by Rockefeller money and designed specifically for automotive touring. This one-way road offers breathtaking coastal vistas and serves as the perfect introduction to the park’s highlights. We highly recommend using an audio tour app like GuideAlong to enhance the experience with historical context and insider tips you won’t find elsewhere.

Pro tip: Visit in the evening (around 4:30-5:00 PM) when parking is abundant at popular stops like Sand Beach, allowing you to actually get out and explore rather than just drive by.

LL Bean funds this fantastic free bus service that connects the park with surrounding towns. While we recommend driving the Park Loop Road at least once, the Island Explorer is invaluable for accessing crowded spots like Sand Beach and Jordan Pond House without the parking hassles. You can park at the visitor center and bus into Bar Harbor, making your visit much more relaxed.

The coastal perspective is essential to understanding Acadia’s beauty. We’ve consistently chosen Acadian Nature Tours for sunset excursions to Egg Rock Lighthouse (above) and more adventurous puffin-watching trips. The sunset tours offer spectacular views of Bar Harbor’s grand “cottages” (really mansions) and often include wildlife sightings like bald eagles. For the more adventurous, the lighthouse and puffin tour ventures into open ocean—just bring warm layers, as it gets surprisingly cold even in July.

John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s vision included these gravel roads designed specifically for horse-drawn carriages, separate from automobile traffic. Today, you can experience them on foot, by bicycle, or authentically by horse-drawn carriage through Wildwood Stables. The roads feature distinctive stone bridges, each uniquely designed, and offer a genteel way to explore the park’s interior.

This historic tea house at Jordan Pond’s base is famous for its popovers and outdoor dining with views of the Bubble Mountains. While they now accept reservations through Resy (thankfully eliminating the old wait-and-see system), if you choose to dine outside, be prepared for an unusual dining companion: bees. The staff now warns guests about the bee situation when seating outdoor diners, and servers provide specific jam-application instructions to manage the swarms. Despite the buzzing dinner guests, the experience remains quintessentially Acadia.

These unique hiking experiences feature iron rungs and ladders installed into steep rock faces by the Civilian Conservation Corps. While trails like the Beehive and Precipice offer nearly vertical challenges for experienced hikers, more manageable options exist on the quietside. Note that Precipice Trail often closes during summer for Peregrine Falcon nesting.

Two standout lobster pounds deserve your attention: Beals Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor and Thurston’s in Bernard provide the full whole-lobster experience and also offer Maine’s famous lobster rolls. Yes, prices have risen significantly since 2019, but you still won’t find Maine lobster cheaper anywhere else than in Maine itself. Budget accordingly and consider it a special experience worth the splurge.

The highest peak on the Eastern Seaboard requires advance reservations through Recreation.gov during busy season ($2 fee). Sunrise reservations are extremely limited and released via weekly lottery, while sunset slots are more readily available. Book your sunset slot in peak summer for 7:00 PM entry to ensure you’re positioned before the sun actually sets around 8:00-8:30 PM.

9. Venture beyond Mount Desert Island

Don’t overlook Acadia’s other units. The Schoodic Peninsula offers rugged coastline and a fascinating history as a former Navy listening station, accessible by ferry from Bar Harbor. The Island Explorer operates there too, making car-free exploration possible. For the truly adventurous, Isle au Haut requires two ferry connections but promises pristine wilderness experiences.

Bar Harbor buzzes with Gilded Age history, shops, and restaurants, but don’t limit yourself to this crowded hub. The “quietside” beyond Somes Sound offers charming communities like Southwest Harbor (our personal favorite), Northeast Harbor, and Bass Harbor. These towns provide respite from crowds while maintaining their authentic Maine character.

Consider camping at Seawall or Blackwoods campgrounds for the full Acadia experience, or try private options like Smugglers Den near Southwest Harbor for amenities. Don’t miss paddling opportunities on Echo Lake or the more challenging but spectacular Jordan Pond. Bring your own kayak or rent locally for a unique perspective on the park’s glacially-carved lakes.

Acadia’s blend of natural beauty, maritime culture, and accessibility makes it perfect for repeat visits. Each trip reveals new layers of this coastal gem that keeps drawing us back to Down East Maine.

Thanks for stopping by! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read more about this trip check out the Chasing Summer Road Trip page. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here.

Montreal’s Culinary Essentials: A Food Lover’s Guide to Quebec’s Signature Dishes

By Ashleigh

On September 29, 2025

In Travel

Montreal's Culinary Essentials

Montreal’s food scene centers around two iconic elements that define the city’s culinary identity: poutine and smoked meat. After a week of eating our way through Quebec’s largest city, we discovered these aren’t just tourist attractions – they’re legitimate local specialties worth seeking out.

Poutine: More Than Just Loaded Fries

Let’s start with the obvious: poutine: This seemingly simple combination of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy represents comfort food at its finest. The key lies in using proper cheese curds – they should squeak when fresh – and rich, savory gravy that soaks into the fries without making them soggy.

While tourists might overindulge, locals treat poutine more strategically. As one tour guide explained, “you couldn’t eat poutine every day – you just couldn’t.” It’s special occasion food, which makes perfect sense once you experience the rich, indulgent reality.

The beauty of poutine lies in its versatility. Throughout Montreal, you’ll find creative variations topped with everything from smoked meat to pulled pork, transforming the basic recipe into something more substantial.

Smoked Meat

Smoked Meat: Montreal’s Hidden Gem

Perhaps even more distinctive than poutine is Montreal’s smoked meat – a specialty that’s frustratingly difficult to find anywhere else. We accidentally discovered this delicacy at a border-town Walmart, not realizing we’d stumbled upon one of Quebec’s most treasured foods.

Similar to pastrami but with distinct seasonings and preparation methods, Montreal smoked meat offers a unique flavor profile that’s both familiar and exotic. The meat appears everywhere – in sandwiches, on poutine, and as a featured ingredient in countless local dishes.

The scarcity outside Montreal makes it even more special. While some specialty companies will ship it for hundreds of dollars, experiencing authentic smoked meat in its native habitat feels essential for any Montreal food adventure.

Montreal Bagels

Montreal Bagels: A Sweet Twist on Tradition

Montreal bagels represent another distinctive local specialty that sets the city apart from its New York counterpart. These aren’t just regional variations – they’re fundamentally different creations that deserve recognition in their own right.

The key differences lie in both preparation and flavor profile. Montreal bagels are notably sweeter than their New York cousins, with a distinctive texture that comes from wood-fire oven baking. The holes are larger, creating a different bite experience, while the overall shape feels more delicate and refined.

During our food tour through the Mile End neighborhood, we experienced authentic Montreal bagels fresh from a traditional bakery. The sweetness isn’t overwhelming – it’s subtle enough to complement both sweet and savory toppings while adding complexity that standard bagels lack.

Like poutine and smoked meat, Montreal bagels represent something you can’t quite replicate elsewhere. The wood-fire ovens, specific preparation methods, and local traditions combine to create a product that’s genuinely tied to place rather than just marketing.

Beyond the Basics

Montreal’s Little Italy offers its own culinary treasures. Bottega Pizzeria serves exceptional Neapolitan-style pizza that earned spots on multiple “where to eat in Montreal” lists. The authentic Italian atmosphere, complete with proper spritzes and an impressive wine selection, provides a perfect evening out.

Don’t overlook Montreal steak, either. This isn’t just about the seasoning blend found in grocery stores – it’s a legitimate local preparation that showcases how the city has developed its own take on classic dishes. We found ourselves at a French brasserie near the waterfront, enjoying perfectly prepared steak that justified both the price and the reputation.

Practical Tips for Food Adventures

The language element adds charm to dining experiences, though it can initially feel jarring when servers begin conversations in French. Most Montreal restaurants seamlessly switch to English, but learning a few basic French phrases enhances the experience and shows respect for local culture.

Reservations matter at popular spots, especially in neighborhoods like Little Italy where locals and tourists compete for tables. The city’s food scene rewards planning ahead.

The Verdict

Montreal’s food culture represents something increasingly rare: authentic regional specialties that haven’t been diluted by mass commercialization. Whether you’re sampling poutine from a food truck or enjoying smoked meat at a legendary deli, you’re experiencing flavors genuinely tied to this specific place.

For food lovers, Montreal offers the perfect combination of accessible comfort food and sophisticated dining, all wrapped in a distinctly Quebecois identity that makes every meal feel like a cultural discovery.

A Week in Montreal: European Charm Meets North American Adventure

By Ashleigh

On September 22, 2025

In Camping, Road Trip, Travel

Montreal from Mont Royale

Montreal has been calling our names for years – that tantalizing promise of European flair without crossing an ocean. After spending a week exploring Quebec’s largest city, we can confirm it lives up to every expectation and then some.

Some of the links below are affiliate links, and as such, I earn a small commission from purchases that allow me to continue telling you my stories without costing you anything extra.

Getting There and Getting Around

We stayed at Montreal South KOA Journey, about 30 minutes outside the city. While the campground had small sites typical of private RV parks, it offered excellent amenities including dish washing stations (a camping game-changer) and surprisingly good Starlink reception in the open field setting.

Pro tip: Don’t rely on the commuter train schedule if you want flexibility. We found driving into Montreal surprisingly manageable – nothing like navigating New York or Chicago. Using a parking app to reserve spots in advance saved us both money and stress, especially since some garages have vehicle size restrictions.

Must-Do Experiences

Notre Dame Cathedral

Private Walking Tour

Our three-hour private tour with Lokafy proved invaluable for getting oriented. Guide Tomas took us from the heights of Mount Royal (prepare for serious steps – the view is worth every one) down to Old Port, covering the city’s diverse neighborhoods and rich history. The panoramic vista from Mount Royal remains Montreal’s most Instagram-worthy spot, though expect crowds at sunset.

Museums Worth Your Time

The Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts) surprised us with its scope – multiple buildings connected underground house impressive European and Canadian art collections. Plan more time than you think you’ll need.

The Montreal Museum of History and Archaeology offered something truly unique: exploring the actual underground foundations of old Montreal while learning about the city’s evolution. Walking through the former sewer system (don’t worry, it’s clean now) with atmospheric lighting felt like time travel.

Notre-Dame Basilica

The modern lighting system of Montreal’s Cathedral creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere during daytime visits. We chose the regular tour over the evening light show, but both options looked compelling. The hidden lighting fixtures bathe the altars in ethereal blue tones unlike any church we’ve visited in Europe.

St. Lawrence Boat Tour

We believe in getting out on the water when visiting new destinations and our surprisingly private afternoon boat tour let us see the city from a new perspective.

Food Adventures

St. Viateur Bagels

Montreal’s culinary scene centers around two iconic items: poutine and smoked meat. We embraced both wholeheartedly during a Mile End food tour, discovering everything from perfectly textured Montreal bagels (sweeter than New York style, with larger holes) to incredible homemade gnocchi with sauce so good we considered smuggling it across the border. Be sure to check back next week as I detail the food of Montreal!

Language and Culture

Most Montrealers speak both French and English, making navigation easy for English speakers. The initial jarring moment of being greeted in French quickly gives way to seamless communication. For future visits, we’d love to learn enough conversational French to make those transitions more graceful.

Why Montreal Matters

This city offers something increasingly rare: authentic cultural immersion without extensive travel. The blend of French Canadian heritage, modern cosmopolitan energy, and genuine food culture creates an experience that feels both foreign and accessible. Whether you’re seeking European architecture, world-class museums, or simply the best poutine outside Quebec, Montreal delivers on every front. Plan at least a week – this city rewards deeper exploration beyond the obvious tourist attractions.

Discovering Hidden Gems: Unexpected Adventures in Eastern Ontario

By Ashleigh

On September 15, 2025

In Camping, Road Trip, Travel, Wine Travel

Grapes growing in Eastern Ontario

When planning a road trip through Ontario, most travelers think of Toronto, Niagara Falls, or perhaps the famous Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region. But sometimes the most memorable discoveries happen in the places you least expect. During our recent journey between Ottawa and Montreal, we stumbled upon a delightful surprise that’s worth adding to your Ontario travel itinerary.

Some of the links below are affiliate links, and as such, I earn a small commission from purchases that allow me to continue telling you my stories without costing you anything extra.

Our base for this adventure was Voyagers Provincial Park, located about an hour between Ottawa and Montreal along the Ottawa River. While the campground had its quirks – including surprisingly busy bathrooms and a definite party atmosphere – it offered something special: spacious, well-wooded sites that provided plenty of privacy. The Ottawa River beach area gives the park a resort-like feel, making it popular with weekend visitors looking to unwind.

Despite some logistical challenges (long bathroom lines seem to be the park’s main drawback), the natural setting more than made up for it. The large, secluded campsites made it an ideal spot for relaxing and planning our next moves.

Wine at Stonehouse Vineyard The real revelation came when we spotted a winery sign while driving into the park. A bit of research revealed that Eastern Ontario has quietly developed into an impressive wine region that flies completely under the radar. We visited two standout wineries: Vankleek Hill Vineyard and Stonehouse Vineyard (left).

At Vankleek Hill, we enjoyed a lovely charcuterie board paired with their wines – good enough that we couldn’t resist taking a bottle home. But Stonehouse Vineyard was the real showstopper. This family-friendly winery offers multiple tasting areas, from intimate spots near the main building to a larger pavilion, and even a secluded area deeper in the vineyard.

Goat at Stonehouse Winery

The highlight at Stonehouse? Watching their resident sheep and goats roam the property. These entertaining animals provided endless amusement as they followed each other up and down the hills in perfect herd formation – a delightful addition to an already excellent wine tasting experience.

Wine at VanKleek Hill What impressed us most was the quality of wine being produced here. Many of the grapes are hybrid varieties, perfectly suited to the shorter growing season, and the results are genuinely impressive. It’s proof that excellent wine can be made in unexpected places when winemakers adapt to their local conditions.

This Eastern Ontario/Western Quebec wine region feels like Canada’s best-kept secret. While everyone flocks to Niagara-on-the-Lake, this area offers a more intimate, authentic experience without the crowds. The geological similarities to the more famous Niagara region, combined with the moderating influence of the Great Lakes and Ottawa River, create ideal growing conditions.

For travelers seeking something off the beaten path, this hidden wine country offers the perfect blend of excellent vintages, beautiful scenery, and genuine hospitality – all with that wonderful sense of discovery that makes the best trips truly memorable.

Paddling Paradise: Our Algonquin Provincial Park Adventure

By Ashleigh

On September 8, 2025

In Camping, Road Trip, Travel

Paddling Algonquin

When you’re planning a three-week camping adventure through Ontario, Algonquin Provincial Park absolutely has to be on your list. This massive wilderness area is legendary among outdoor enthusiasts, and after spending several days at Lake of Two Rivers Campground, we completely understand why.

With Algonquin’s enormous size (seriously, just look at it on a map of Ontario), choosing where to stay can feel overwhelming. The park is famous for its backcountry canoe tripping—people disappear into the wilderness for weeks at a time, hopping between hundreds of remote campsites. But since we were traveling with our camper and wanted easy kayak access, we needed a front-country solution.

Lake of Two Rivers Campground turned out to be perfect. As one of the park’s largest campgrounds, it offered rustic camping without electricity but with modern bathhouses and—crucially for a three-week trip—laundry facilities. Pro tip: Ontario Parks consistently impressed us with their laundry amenities, something we never needed on weekend trips but were grateful for during extended adventures.

Our picnicking spot on Rock Lake

The kayaking here was phenomenal. Our first paddle took us about 10 miles through multiple connected lakes, ending with lunch on a secluded island. There’s something magical about having your own private island for an afternoon, even if it’s temporary.

Our second adventure led us upstream on the Madawaska River, where we unexpectedly discovered a beautiful waterfall. We paddled right up to its base—no portaging required! Speaking of portages, while Algonquin is canoe country (with portages that can stretch over a mile), kayakers face unique challenges. Without a proper yoke system, carrying a kayak any distance requires two people and a lot of patience.

Algonquin offers impressive front-country amenities that enhanced our stay. The transformed Portage Store on Canoe Lake now serves elevated fare like gourmet smash burgers—a far cry from its no-frills past. We explored the excellent visitor center exhibits and discovered the park’s rich artistic heritage at the on-site gallery, where you can actually purchase works inspired by this stunning landscape.

The park holds deep significance in Canadian art history, with famous painters like Tom Thomson capturing its beauty (though our Montreal food tour guide’s tales of his mysterious death might be more legend than fact!).

Whether you’re planning a backcountry expedition or prefer front-country comfort, Algonquin Provincial Park delivers unforgettable experiences for every type of outdoor adventurer.

Discovering Bruce Peninsula National Park

By Ashleigh

On September 1, 2025

In Camping, Hiking

Chairs looking out at Cyprus Lake

After months of anticipation (and some booking mishaps that cost us a night!), we finally made it to Bruce Peninsula National Park and the charming town of Tobermory. Was the six-hour drive from Michigan worth it? Absolutely – though we’re already planning our return trip to tackle everything we missed.

Here’s your first reality check: Campground reservations for Bruce Peninsula National Park open for the whole season at once in February. By the time we planned this trip, the popular weekend dates were no longer available. We ended up shortening the trip by a day and leaving us with less time than we had hoped to spend in the park.

The drive from Michigan takes twice as long as you’d expect – about six hours versus the four it takes to reach Mackinac. Why? No expressways. But trust us, the scenic route through Ontario’s countryside sets the mood perfectly for what awaits.

We stayed at Cypress Lake Campground, where the sites are tight but manageable for our compact 11-foot camper. The backing-in process was honestly a challenge due to the angle and surrounding trees – thank goodness our setup is small enough that we can unhitch and push it by hand if needed!

Pro tip: if you can swing it, book a site in the northern loops (Poplars or Birches) – you’ll save yourself an extra kilometer walk to the main trails. The southern Tamarack loop where we stayed meant adding quite a bit of distance to our hikes, which adds up over multiple trips.

Boardwalk trail in Bruce Peninsula National Park

The real surprise? Unlimited firewood included! Every campground should follow this lead. We loaded up our truck and had cozy campfires every night without worrying about the cost. It was hilarious watching other campers abandon their hand-carried bags to fetch their cars once they saw our setup.

The campground has an interesting mix of facilities – most loops have these unique “running water outhouses” with sinks for washing hands and brushing teeth, but without traditional plumbing. Don’t let the rustic designation fool you though – there’s one modern bathhouse that’s honestly the most luxurious campground shower experience we’ve ever had. Trust us, make the walk down there on your first day.

The highlight was definitely hiking to the famous Grotto (above) with its stunning limestone formations. Hit it early morning for a peaceful, almost mystical experience, or join the crowds later for a more social vibe – both have their charm. The approximately 1.5-kilometer trail is well-maintained and accessible for most fitness levels.

The crystal-clear waters of Cypress Lake itself are perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding if you have more time than we did. We watched enviously as other visitors glided across the pristine waters while we packed up for our next destination.

Tobermory

Tobermory (above) stole our hearts with its picturesque harbor and small-town feel. We’re already plotting our return to catch the ferry to Flower Pot Island and explore Manitoulin Island – there’s so much more to discover in this scenic corner of Ontario. Sometimes the best trips are the ones that leave you with an immediate desire to return.

Chasing Summer: A Cross-Border Adventure from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic

By Ashleigh

On August 25, 2025

In Camping, Hiking, National Parks & Places, Road Trip, Travel

Runaway Rangerunner at Cyprus Lake Campground in Bruce Peninsula National Park

We are back from our annual summer vacation and this year instead of jetting off to Europe or Alaska, we took our tiny camper on a road trip through Canada and New England! Here is a preview of what is to come on this trip report:

Bruce Peninsula National Park – Ontario, Canada
- Cyprus Lake Campground
- Tobermory
- The Grotto
Algonquin Provincial Park – Ontario, Canada
- Lake of Two Rivers Campground
- Paddling Algonquin
Voyageurs Provincial Park – Ontario, Canada
- Wineries
Montreal – Quebec, Canada
- Montreal South KOA Journey
- Old Montreal Walking Tour
- Montreal Museum of Beaux Arts
- Mile End Food Tour
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Montreal History & Archaeology Museum
- Boat Tour
- Montreal’s Culinary Essentials
Acadia National Park – Maine, USA
- Seawall Campground
- Smuggler’s Den Campground
- Park Loop Road
- Sunset on Cadillac Mountain
- Lighthouses, Puffins, and Sea Bird Boat Tour
- Paddling Echo Lake
Hammonassett Beach – Connecticut, USA
- Hammonassett Beach State Park
- Exploring Connecticut and Rhode Island
Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Office Tour
- Simon B. Elliot State Park

This was the longest trip we have taken to date in our camper. Up until this trip we hadn’t even spent a week in the camper, but we made it work and saw a lot of sites along the way! This trip crossed off a few bucket list places and two new states and one new Canadian province.

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check back next week when I begin the trip recap! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here.

Your Essential Road Trip Planning Guide

By Ashleigh

On August 18, 2025

In Travel, Travel Tips

Planning the perfect road trip can seem overwhelming, but with the right approach, you’ll be cruising toward adventure in no time. After countless miles on the road, we’ve learned that successful road trips come down to smart planning, flexibility, and knowing what tools to use.

Some of the links below are affiliate links, and as such, I earn a small commission from purchases that allow me to continue telling you my stories without costing you anything extra.

Start with the Big Picture

First, decide your travel style. Will you camp your way across the country or hop between hotels? Both have merit – camping gets you closer to nature and often inside national parks, while hotels offer comfort and flexibility. Don’t assume camping is always cheaper; between campground fees, gas for towing, and equipment costs, hotels can sometimes be the more economical choice.

Choose one or two major destinations to anchor your trip, then build your route around them. We’ve found that limiting driving to 3-4 hours per day leaves plenty of time for exploration and reduces road fatigue.

Essential Planning Tools

Furkot.com has been our go-to route planner for years. Despite occasional glitches, it excels at creating logical routes and suggesting interesting stops along the way. Input your destinations, preferred daily driving time, and travel dates – it handles the rest.

For finding attractions along your route, Road Trippers offers user-friendly discovery tools, while the iExit app helps you find interesting stops in real-time during your journey.

Hotels: Book with free cancellation whenever possible. This gives you maximum flexibility to adjust your plans.
National Park Lodges: Book nearly a year in advance – these fill up fast! Keep checking for cancellations if you’re planning last-minute.
Campgrounds: Popular spots book 6 months to 1 year ahead, especially weekends in summer. Know the booking windows for your destinations and reserve as soon as possible.
- Reserve America, Recreation.gov, Campendium, and KOA are great resources for finding camp spots
Stay Flexible and Prepared

Download offline maps, podcasts, and music for areas with poor cell coverage. Pack an emergency kit with jumper cables, basic tools, and tire-changing equipment – especially crucial for longer trips.

Most importantly, build flexibility into your plans. Weather, mechanical issues, or simply falling in love with a location might require itinerary changes. Having cancellation options and backup plans turns potential disasters into minor inconveniences.

The best road trips balance careful planning with spontaneous discovery. Plan your major stops and accommodations, but leave room for those unexpected roadside attractions that often become the trip’s highlights.

Ready to hit the road? Your adventure awaits just beyond the next exit.

Thanks for stopping by! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here.

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The Ultimate Food Lover’s Guide to New Orleans

By Ashleigh

On August 11, 2025

In Travel

New Orleans Food

New Orleans stands as America’s most distinctive culinary city, where French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences have melted together to create something truly unique. While many cities have signature dishes, few can claim an entire cuisine as their own quite like the Big Easy.

Some of the links below are affiliate links, and as such, I earn a small commission from purchases that allow me to continue telling you my stories without costing you anything extra.

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Must-Try New Orleans Specialties

Jambalaya and Gumbo are the soul-warming stews that define Louisiana cooking. Jambalaya brings together sausage, shrimp, and rice in perfect harmony, while gumbo offers a gravy-like consistency that locals describe as “drinking gravy” – and trust us, that’s a compliment.

Red beans and rice might sound simple, but this Monday tradition is elevated with aromatic vegetables, flavorful stock, and your choice of pickled pork or sausage. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Po’ Boys are the city’s answer to the sandwich, served “dressed” with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayo. Whether you choose shrimp, catfish, or the wonderfully messy roast beef version, prepare for a delicious adventure.

The Muffuletta represents New Orleans’ Italian heritage – a massive round loaf stuffed with cured meats, provolone, and that magical olive tapenade that ties it all together. Pro tip: a half is plenty for most appetites!

Crawfish are a seafood staple of New Orleans. If you visit in season, crawfish boils and étouffée are a must-try!

Commander’s Palace

Classic Restaurant Experiences

Commander’s Palace in the Garden District delivers refined Creole dining with jazz brunch and those legendary 25-cent lunch martinis (yes, really!). For a different perspective on New Orleans cuisine, Dooky Chase in the Tremé neighborhood offers incredible African American tradition and a powerful civil rights history.

Café Du Monde remains the beignet king, where powdered sugar coverage is a badge of honor. Their café au lait, made with chicory, pairs perfectly with these pillowy French donuts. Café Beignet is a great alternative to avoid the lines and have more than just coffee and beignets.

Reuben from Stein's

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Don’t overlook Central Grocery for the original muffuletta, or Stein’s Deli in the Garden District for what locals claim is the city’s best Reuben sandwich.

For a restaurant with a story, check out Napoleon House, known for its Pimm’s Cup Cocktail. The building was originally built as a refuge for Napoleon, but the exiled leader died before his attempted rescue, and it was subsequently turned into a restaurant.

For planning your culinary adventure, join the “New Orleans Foodies” Facebook group – locals there are incredibly helpful with neighborhood-specific recommendations.

New Orleans isn’t just about the food; it’s about the stories, traditions, and communities that created these flavors. Every bite connects you to centuries of cultural exchange that makes this city unlike anywhere else in America.

Ready to explore? Your taste buds are in for an unforgettable journey through the most delicious city in the South.

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New Orleans: A Cultural Feast for the Senses

By Ashleigh

On August 4, 2025

In Travel

New Orleans is a city unlike any other in the United States. With its unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, NOLA offers visitors a vibrant cultural experience that engages all the senses. From the soulful sounds of jazz wafting through the streets to the mouthwatering aromas of Creole cuisine, the Big Easy invites you to laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll).

Some of the links below are affiliate links, and as such, I earn a small commission from purchases that allow me to continue telling you my stories without costing you anything extra.

On a recent trip to New Orleans, we discovered why this resilient city continues to captivate travelers two decades after Hurricane Katrina. Here are some of the highlights that make NOLA a must-visit destination:

A Rich Tapestry of History

Founded in 1718 by French colonists, New Orleans has a fascinating and complex history. The city changed hands between the French, Spanish, and Americans over the centuries, with each culture leaving its mark. African influences from the slave trade also shaped NOLA’s unique identity.

Today, you can explore this history through guided tours of the French Quarter and Garden District. We recommend starting with a hop-on hop-off bus tour to get oriented and learn interesting tidbits from knowledgeable local guides. Walking tours offer a more intimate look at the city’s architecture and hidden gems.

For a deeper dive into NOLA’s past, visit some of the excellent museums:

The National WWII Museum – An immersive look at America’s role in the war
New Orleans Jazz Museum – Celebrating the city’s musical legacy
New Orleans Museum of Art – Showcasing 5,000 years of artistic heritage

The Birthplace of Jazz

Buddy Bolden Statue in Louis Armstrong Park

No visit to New Orleans is complete without experiencing its legendary music scene. As the birthplace of jazz, NOLA continues to be a mecca for musicians and music lovers.

We highly recommend taking a jazz tour to learn about the genre’s roots and evolution. Our tour started in Louis Armstrong Park and wound through the streets to Frenchman Street, the best place to catch live performances.

For an unforgettable evening, stroll down Frenchman Street and pop into the various clubs and bars. With no cover charges and one-drink minimums, it’s easy to sample different styles and find your groove. From traditional jazz to blues and everything in between, the musical offerings are as diverse as the city itself.

Beyond the French Quarter

While the French Quarter is the heart of tourism in New Orleans, venturing beyond its boundaries reveals even more of the city’s charms. We stayed on the edge of the French Quarter and the Marigny neighborhood at Hotel de la Monnaie, which offered a perfect home base for exploring.

Other areas worth visiting:

The Garden District for stately mansions and lush greenery
City Park for outdoor recreation and the New Orleans Museum of Art
The Bywater for hip cafes and colorful street art
Mardi Gras World to see how they make the floats and try King Cake

Steamboat Natchez

Getting Out on the Water

New Orleans’ location along the mighty Mississippi River has shaped its history and culture. To fully appreciate the city, take a river cruise on an authentic paddlewheel steamboat. We enjoyed a sunset jazz cruise on the Creole Queen, taking in views of the city skyline as the sun dipped below the horizon.

For the more adventurous, swamp tours offer a chance to spot alligators and learn about the unique ecosystem of the bayous. Just be prepared for intense heat and humidity, especially if visiting in summer!

St. Louis Cathedral at Sunset

The Spirit of New Orleans

What truly sets New Orleans apart is its indomitable spirit. Despite the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the city has rebounded with remarkable resilience. New growth and energy pulse through NOLA’s veins, while still honoring its rich cultural heritage. From the lively street performers in Jackson Square to the centuries-old oaks draped in Spanish moss, New Orleans is a city that gets under your skin. Its intoxicating blend of history, music, food, and joie de vivre create an atmosphere you won’t soon forget. Be sure to check back next week for a post about the unforgettable food on New Orleans!

So grab a go-cup, join a second line parade, and let New Orleans work its magic on you. As they say in NOLA, “Laissez les bon temps rouler!”

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