Bloom Where You are Planted :: A NOLA Staycation

This post is not sponsored in any way. My family genuinely enjoyed the referenced local businesses and wanted to share our experience with you. 

Don’t have the budget or time to travel? Overwhelmed about where to go and what to pack? Does traveling with small ones seem daunting? You’re in luck! If you live in New Orleans, you know that there is no shortage of things to do, delicious restaurants to try and sights to see. I encourage everyone to take a few days and do a staycation in our beautiful city WITH  your kids. Here is how we had a fun-filled weekend with our kids and we didn’t have to travel to do so.

Day One:

Considering our children were ages 5 and 3 at the time of this trip, we knew we needed spacious accommodations since we wouldn’t be partaking in NOLA’s nightlife. We used Expedia to find a good deal and wound up booking with Drury Inn and Suites on Canal Boulevard. We had a one bedroom suite with a sofa sleeper. It was affordable and comfortable. Our kids were thrilled to sleep on the sofa bed, and we were thankful for a bedroom with a door. Bonus: they had a popcorn machine and our kids were ecstatic as we were since it was free! As any New Orleanian knows, food is paramount and there is no shortage of incredible options. We arrived on a Friday evening after school and chose Johnny Sanchez for its  margaritas  fun atmosphere and proximity to our hotel. It did not disappoint. They created cheese quesadillas for our kids, and we enjoyed everything we ordered. We headed back to our room and all climbed in bed for a movie.

Day Two:

The following morning, we took advantage of the hotel’s complimentary breakfast then headed out first thing to the Louisiana Children’s Museum. It was actually our boys’ first visit, and I had forgotten what a gem it is. We spent hours exploring and playing there. Next we headed to Legacy Kitchen. We wanted to be able to walk there with the kids and enjoy a lunch where our boisterous children would be welcome. Generally speaking, that consideration guided our dining choices. Next, we needed coffee and to walk off lunch so we hit Starbucks in Canal Place and the boys spotted the street car. We hopped on with no destination in mind but rather to just enjoy the ride. We hopped off and into the Audubon Insectarium where our boys tasted chocolate covered crickets and enjoyed looking at all the bugs you can imagine. Next, we walked around Fulton Street and looked at the beautiful holiday displays at nearby hotels since we were there in December. Mom and Dad were overdue for a beverage so we swung into the Polo Club Lounge at the Windsor Court and got a geaux cup. We ended the evening with burgers at The Company Burger and back to our room for a movie and early bedtime.

Day Three:

We enjoyed the hotel complimentary breakfast, packed our bags, checked out of the hotel and headed to the aquarium. After several hours checking out the penguins, sharks and more, we headed to our last stop, District Donuts. The kids were thrilled to get donuts the size of their heads for lunch and we enjoyed some sliders. We headed home with full bellies and hearts.

Do yourself a favor, stay in our beautiful city and take advantage of the countless possibilities.

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