Foodie Tour & Historical Adventure

Welcome to NOLA 🌟

Upon arriving at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans at approximately 10:30 a.m., you'll gather your bags and head to the Ground Transportation Center outside of Baggage Claim Doors 1-5. There, you'll find shared shuttle vans ready to transport you to the TownePlace Suites hotel. Although your room may not be ready upon arrival, the hotel conveniently offers luggage storage services. You can drop off your bags, freeing yourself to start your vacation adventure immediately. Leave your belongings safely stored until later in the afternoon, and dive right into the excitement and charm of New Orleans! 🌆🎉

Notes:
* Shared shuttle vans cost approximately $30/person and must be booked in advance. There are other options (taxi, Uber, etc.).
* As when in any major city, ensure that your essential items and personal valuables are securely kept on your person. It is advisable to either place them in your front pocket or wear your purse with the strap across your body.

Helpful Links:
• Marriott Towneplace Suites
• Airport shuttle reservations

Start with a delightful lunch by walking over to Olive (approx. 17-min. walk), where you can enjoy a delicious meal to fuel your adventures. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll to the Spanish Plaza (approx. 17-min. walk), where you'll be greeted by vibrant surroundings and beautiful fountains. From there, head to the Vue Orleans Observation Deck (approx. 3-min. walk) for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Continue your exploration with a visit to Woldenberg Park and the Holocaust Memorial (approx. 8-min. walk), where you can reflect on history and appreciate the serene park atmosphere. After your exciting day of exploration, why not head back to the hotel for a quick refresh? Your room should be ready and waiting. When you're ready to head back, simply hop on the streetcar (near Harrah's Casino - approx. 6-min. walk from the park) for a convenient and scenic ride back to your hotel.

Get comfy, organize your things, and gear up for an evening of fun adventures ahead!

Notes:
* Tickets for Vue Orleans Observation Deck range from approx. $30 to $40/person and should be purchased in advanced @: VUE Orleans
* The streetcars require a pass or exact fare. We recommend 3-day Jazzy Pass for $8/person. Can be purchased online @: New Orleans Regional Transit
* To get back to your hotel, if taking the canal streetcar, get off at N. Claiborne (out).
* When traveling the streetcar: Out is lake-bound and in is river-bound
* While at the waterfront, we recommend stopping at Cafe Du Monde for some beignets (and a "Beignet Done That" shirt).

Helpful Links:
• View the RTA map PDF
• Olive Restaurant

Addresses:
* Olive Restaurant: 339 Carondelet St
* Spanish Plaza: 2 Canal St
* Vue Orleans Observation Deck: 2 Canal St.
* Woldenberg Park: 1 Canal St.
* Cafe Du Monde 813 Decatur St.
* TownePlace Suites: 1600 Canal St.

Start your day right with a light breakfast at the hotel—just a little something to tide you over after an exciting night of exploring Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. You'll want to save room for the Signature Tastes of New Orleans food tour.

At 9:00 am, hop on the lively Canal Streetcar line and enjoy the ride until you reach the Canal Street Station. From there, transfer to the UPT Riverfront line and make your way to the vibrant Toulouse Station. Step off the streetcar and take a leisurely one-block stroll to the iconic Jackson Square, where you'll be greeted by picture-perfect photo opportunities at every turn.

At 10:20 am, once you've captured the essence of this historic gem, make your way to the Signature Tastes of New Orleans du Jour tour meeting spot, just one block away at 816 Decatur St., where your delicious adventure begins at 11:00 am.

Notes:
* The Signature Tastes of New Orleans tour is $78/person and should be booked in advance online (see link below).
* The food tour will take approximately 3 hours.
* It is highly recommended that you wear comfortable shoes and clothing and dress for rain or shine

Helpful Link:
• Tastebud Tours Food Tours

After savoring every bite on your food tour, keep the excitement going with some stylish exploration! Head back to the Jackson Square Hop-On Hop-Off Red Route stop for an afternoon filled with delightful discoveries.

Take full advantage of your free time by hopping on the sightseeing bus, which offers 19 amazing stops for you to explore. You have the freedom to create your own adventure and discover the best that the city has to offer. Enjoy the journey and make the most of your exploration time! 🚍

When your afternoon hop-on hop-off adventure comes to a close, head back and take a refreshing break at your hotel. It's time to freshen up for another thrilling evening!

Note:
* Tickets for the Hop-On Hop-Off bus are $46/person (13 & up) and are recommended to be purchased in advance online.
* Back to hotel: Stop 19 (canal place) from Hop-On Hop-Off and then pick up the canal streetcar to closest stop to your hotel, which is N. Claiborne (out).

Helpful Link:
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour New Orleans

As your journey in New Orleans draws to a close, it's time to pack up and check out by 11AM, but don't fret, your adventure is far from over! Once your luggage is ready, head down to the front desk and let them know that your flight isn't until later. They will happily hold your bags, giving you more time to explore this vibrant city.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the legendary Mother's Restaurant, fueling up for the excitement ahead. Afterward, make your way to the waterfront to kick off your Urban Adventure Quest. When you're ready, head to urbanadventurequest.com to redeem your voucher and begin your interactive tour, taking on fun challenges along the way.

Notes:
* Expect and be prepared for a long line and wait at Mother's Restaurant. This little gem was featured on the Food Network and the secret is out! However, it is worth the wait!
* To get there: Canal streetcar to S. Peters. Then, walk to Poydras (towards PJ's Coffee).
* Urban Adventure Quest only works through a smart or Ipad (with internet through cellular connectivity).
* To begin: Go to link below, choose purchase, and then click on "Redeem a Voucher." Follow the prompts. Enjoy!
* The quest ($49) will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours (self-paced).

Helpful Links:
• Mother's Restaurant/ Mother's Next Door
• Urban Adventure Quest: New Orleans

Address:
* Mother's Restaurant: 401 Poydras St.

Continue your Urban Adventure Quest, and don't forget to fuel up along the way. The "game" offers two opportunities to pause, so when you come across one of the many delicious dining spots on your interactive tour, take advantage and grab a bite.

Once you've completed your quest, wind down your vacation at the City Park. Spend your final hours relaxing and exploring this beautiful and serene oasis in the heart of the bustling city.

At 4:00 PM, it's time to head back to the hotel to pick up your luggage and board the shuttle to Louis Armstrong Airport. You'll check in for your 7:30 PM flight back home, bringing your unforgettable New Orleans adventure to a close. Safe travels! ✈️

Note:
* To get to City Park: Take the Canal Streetcar Line from Mid-City to the Central Business District in Downtown New Orleans. There are two different routes along this line – one runs to the historic Mid-City Cemeteries, and the other stops at the foot of City Park. (same thing in reverse on the way back).

Helpful Link:
• Get a ride from MSY to Towne Place Suites by Marriott