I hinted at this on the flagship show that dropped Thursday morning, but I used to live in New Orleans and it is a magical place, only made more magical by the Birds playing there next Sunday. So, for the members of the flock fortunate enough to make the trek down for The Big Game (still not sure if I can say Super Bowl? Oh well guess I just did) here are a few recos.
And I want to be clear here, this is a simple run through, nothing that should be considered comprehensive by any stretch. Also, if you’re going down with one of those fan groups that arrange all aspects of an away trip (I have personally gone on trips with the “Big 2” companies, and had a great experience with both), I’m not really talking to you. Why you ask?? Because those companies tend to have itineraries for you and you won’t have a ton of flexibility regarding the topics I’m gonna hit. Alright, that’s enough preamble.
Tickets: Check the sightlines before you buy!
I cannot stress this enough. I have been in the dome too many times to try to count. It is a very old building. There are A LOT of seats that will remind you of the Vet in that they aren’t technically obstructed view, but they won’t have a view of the scoreboard, the upper levels, etc. Check websites like https://aviewfrommyseat.com to verify the seats you’re buying are acceptable for your Birds viewing.
Take in some Culture: Seriously save your voice and liver if time permits
If you have the time, the World War II Museum is totally worth a few hours. Sober up, save the voice. This museum truly is on par with those in our nation’s capital.
Preservation Hall is also a great place to check out in between to-go cups on Bourbon Street…
If you really have the time, take the streetcar up to Audubon Park and enjoy the scenery. Also, Chamelia Grill is on the streetcar line in Carrollton, it’s dope. Trust.
Don’t go with a local you don’t know to a second location
This also applies to hippies in any situation. And look, I realize that this seems obvious, but it might not be at 2 am after a few hand grenades at Tropical Isle. Long story short, do you wanna get robbed? Cuz that’s how you get robbed.
Drago’s Charbroiled Oysters by the Riverwalk: Go there, thank me later.
The piano bar at Pat O’s is awesome, but the wait will be ridiculous most nights. There are plenty of great spots on Decatur Street (2 blocks from Bourbon, toward the Mississippi River) that will not make you wait for 30+ minutes…
Lastly, if it doesn’t look like an area for tourists, you should probably go the fuck back the way you came, trust me.
Go Birds.
Are you heading to NOLA? Any side trips planned while you’re there? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.