“Chicago!!!” TaiTai exclaimed. “Chicago…” Nini murmured.
It was a grand deception, meticulously planned and executed. For months, I had kept a secret, one of the final destinations of our summer travels firmly under wraps. From the weeks leading up to the trip, the casual Uber ride to the airport, even going through the monotonous security checks, everything was calm and carefully orchestrated.

The girls had played along, humoring me. They saw the delight I was taking in keeping them in the dark, and understood that Mama’s surprise would be worth the wait. Earlier in the summer, we had explored Rhode Island, and a visit with family in New York would cap off our season. But this particular destination was planned to be the highlight of our summer.

I am not sure when it happened exactly, but I fell in love with New Orleans. Perhaps it’s the Caribbean girl in me, but reading about New Orleans, Louisiana, sparked a love of culture and a profound sense of belonging. I yearned to visit and experience all it had to offer. The food, the monuments, the music, and the rich history had held me captive since high school. I made a silent vow to immerse myself in everything NOLA one day.

One of my favorite things growing up was the Mardi Gras celebration of my Caribbean country, so even from afar, I anticipated relishing New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. As author Ruta Sepetys perfectly describes, “New Orleans is unlike any city in America, its cultural diversity is woven into the food, the music, the architecture, even the local superstitions. It’s a sensory experience on all levels, and there’s a story lurking around every corner.”

So, as we sat waiting to board the plane, they still had no idea our destination was not the Windy City, but the vibrant heart of Louisiana, whose plane would be leaving from the next gate. “What’s wrong with Chicago?” I asked playfully, knowing full well that the Windy City is a fantastic place to visit during the summer. Little did I know that Nini and TaiTai would later proclaim this trip to be “One of the best vacations ever!”

And it truly was. From August 15th to August 19th, New Orleans unfolded its magic before us, as we learn to understand the real meaning of: “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”.

Thursday, August 15th:

• Checked in to The Chateau Lemoyne
• Brunched at the bustling Oceana Grill
• Relaxed at The Chateau, soaking in the atmosphere
• Experienced a live band in the heart of the French Quarter, the music filling the air
• Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe
• Relaxing evening with a movie in our hotel room

Friday, August 16th:

• Immersive tour of the French Quarter, exploring City Parks & the hauntingly beautiful St Louis Cemetery.
• Brunch at Coterie Nola, a local favorite
• Bought several souvenirs at Royal Praline
• Relaxed by the pool, basking in the Louisiana sun
• Dinner at Curio, a restaurant with a unique atmosphere.
• Another relaxing movie night in our hotel room

Saturday, August 17th:

• The Ultimate Swamp Tour of Bayou Segnette, an unforgettable adventure
• Brunch at Zesty Creole, savoring authentic flavors
• Relaxed by the pool, reflecting on the day’s adventures
• Dinner at Olde Nola Cookerie, experiencing traditional dishes
• Yet another cozy movie night in our hotel room

Sunday, August 18th:

• A captivating tour of the Garden District, admiring the stunning architecture
• Brunch at Cafe Fleur de Lis, a delightful culinary experience
• Visited the unique clothing shop Dollz and Dames on Decatur Street and other local treasures
• Dinner at Fiery Crab, indulging in seafood delights
• Relaxing with a movie in our hotel room

Monday, August 19th:

• A final ride to Louis Armstrong International Airport
• Indulged in beignets, coffee, and hot chocolate at the iconic Cafe du Monde
• Last-minute souvenir browsing
• Flew back home, hearts full of memories and bursting with anticipation to come back.

Seeing the multicolored, vibrant hibiscus flowers and the Creole buildings on the streets of New Orleans evoked Island childhood memories and feelings of my Island days. The familiar scenes were like a time portal to the past, reminding me of sun-kissed days, warm breezes, and the relaxed pace of island living.

I purposefully chose to stay at The Chateau Lemoyne for its undeniable charm and authentic architecture. We were not disappointed. The exposed brick in the room, the wall papered lobby, and the intimate courtyard all contributed to the overall cultural experience.

The charm of the old Creole neighborhoods, the colorful buildings adorned with wrought iron balconies, the quaint antique shops, the vibrant art galleries, the charming streetcars, the lively musicians, and the beautiful pre-Civil War mansions discovered during our tours made this vacation absolutely priceless.

But beyond the sights and sounds, it was the moments shared with Nini and TaiTai that truly made this trip unforgettable. Watching them splashing each other in the pool, discovering the gorgeous mansions around the city, their delight in the flavors of authentic NOLA dishes: gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, andouille, Po Boys, and of course, the irresistible beignets, TaiTai’s smile of triumph while holding a baby alligator, despite my hysterical and vehement protests during our Bayou excursion. These memories will last a lifetime and remind us of the enduring magic of New Orleans.

© 2025 Addie DeRose