St. James Hotel Blog
Updates From Magazine St. In Downtown New Orleans
Swinging jazz clubs, world-class restaurants and the entangled history of the French Quarter illuminate your stay at the St. James Hotel. Discover all that New Orleans has to offer with our local guide.
Jazz Fest Food You Don’t Want to Miss
There’s no denying that Jazz Fest is one of the most legendary festivals, spanning 10 days in NOLA. Visitors flock to the Big Easy from all over the globe to experience the fantastic music, complete with mega headliners. But Jazz Fest isn’t just about music; there’s a whole other side to this festival that can’t be missed -- the food.
The Perfect Four-Day Itinerary for New Orleans
It can be hard to put together an itinerary for New Orleans with so many things to do and places to see. While it may seem impossible, we’ve put together the ideal itinerary for a four-day trip to New Orleans. You’ll get to see some of the city’s highlights as well as its hidden gems.
22 Things To Try In New Orleans 2022
Planning a trip to New Orleans in 2022 is full of possibilities. There are so many different things to do and places to see that you’ll never get bored. Use our list of 22 things to do in NOLA as a jumping-off point, no matter what time of year you decide to visit The Big Easy.
Time to Cruise: Set Sail from New Orleans
Cruises are up-and-running again in New Orleans, and there’s no time like the present to set sail. Plus, when you choose to start your cruise in New Orleans, it’s like getting two vacations! You can enjoy all of the fantastic food, music, and culture the Big Easy offers before embarking on your cruise adventure.
Five Best Crawfish Spots In New Orleans
One could argue it’s almost always crawfish season in NOLA since, technically, the season goes from November to July. But, if you’re looking for the absolute best time to enjoy crawfish in New Orleans, it’s late February through May. The peak of crawfish season is March, and you’ll start to see all sorts of crawfish specials popping up in bars and restaurants throughout the Big Easy.
What To Pack For New Orleans Mardi Gras?
It doesn’t matter where you travel, packing the right stuff is essential. And if you’re heading to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you’ll have a few unique items on your packing list. For example, a durable bag and some empty space so you can bring home all your loot from the parades.
How Long Is Mardi Gras In New Orleans?
If you’re planning to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2022, you might assume you have to be there on March 1st. But, the carnival season lasts a lot longer than one day, so it all depends on what you want to experience. If you’re going to enjoy some parades, eat king cake, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere, you have plenty of options.
A Romantic Valentine’s Day In New Orleans 2022
There’s a reason locals say “Every day is Valentine’s Day in New Orleans.” NOLA is one of the most romantic cities in the world, so it’s the ideal destination for Valentine’s Day 2022. You’ll find some of the best music, food, and people in the world here. So, show the love of your life just how special they are with a romance-filled New Orleans vacation or staycation.
Celebrate National Dog Day in NOLA
National Dog Day is right around the corner on August 26th. If you’re planning on taking a vacay to New Orleans to celebrate, you don’t need to leave your furry friend at home. The St. James Hotel is proud to be a pet-friendly hotel, and there are plenty of ways to spend time with Fido in the Crescent City.
Four Ways to Make your NOLA Wedding Shine
Having your wedding in New Orleans gives your friends and family a great excuse to be tourists in the city while also celebrating the marriage of their loved ones. The city is full of different venue options, but if you’re looking to be right in the heart of the French Quarter, look no further than the St. James Hotel. With its neighbor, the New Orleans Board of Trade, you also have a convenient space for a reception that provides space for intimate and larger weddings.
It’s COOLinary Time Again, New Orleans
It’s the moment locals and visitors alike wait for each year in The Big Easy, COOLinary New Orleans. During summertime, many fabulous restaurants throughout the NOLA area offer outstanding deals on their most delicious menu items.
7 Best Barbeque Joints in New Orleans
If you don’t know anyone who knows their way around a grill or are simply in NOLA on vacation, don’t worry! Good barbeque is not hard to find in this city, so be sure to check out any of these restaurants for your grilled and saucy fix.
Satchmo Summerfest Returns to New Orleans
Satchmo Summerfest will take place the weekend of July 31 through August 1 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, celebrating the life of beloved New Orleans musician Louis Armstrong.
Experience July 4th the New Orleans Way
The 4th of July is just around the corner, and the festivities lined up for that weekend are the perfect way to celebrate!
“Wine” Down this Spring in New Orleans
If you’re a wine lover, then you may have already marked your calendar for National Wine Day on May 25th. Or, perhaps for you, every day is wine day!
Hey, Y’all! It’s National Shrimp Day
Every year on May 10th, America honors its most-loved seafood, shrimp. Yep, of all the seafood we eat in the US, we eat shrimp the most.
A Taste of NOLA: Bread Pudding
New Orleans is known for all sorts of sweet treats, like beignets, Doberge cake, pralines, and the ultimate down-home favorite, bread pudding.
Five Delicious Ways to Celebrate Cinco-de-Mayo in NOLA
This May 5th, make your way to one of these hot spots for some delicious Mexican cuisine and inspired cocktails.
It's Crawfish Season in New Orleans
If you're spending your vacation in NOLA, you might refer to these small crustaceans as crayfish, mudbugs, or crawdads, but if you're a Louisiana native or local, it's 100% crawfish.
New Orleans Drinks and Where to Get Them
While there are countless cocktails filling the menus of the Big Easy’s restaurants and bars, there are a few that are undoubtedly classic New Orleans standouts.
New Orleans's Hot Spots for Easter Brunch
Brunch is as common a meal in the Big Easy as breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a springtime must is enjoying a fabulous Easter Brunch.
Exploring New Orleans with Kids
If you're planning a family vacay, New Orleans delivers some fun, kid-friendly attractions too.
Top NOLA Parks for the Ultimate Spring Picnic
And as springtime approaches, those pleasant days start to increase in number. It’s the perfect time for some picnics in the park, featuring delicious food and fabulous surroundings, two things that NOLA has in abundance.
Why Is New Orleans America’s Most European City?
Every year, millions of tourists visit the city to try the fabulous cuisine, experience the incredible architecture and soak in the rich and dynamic culture.
The Sweet Side of New Orleans
Some of NOLA's classic desserts include things like bananas foster, bread pudding, and of course, the ever-popular beignets.
How to Speak Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Here’s a handy guide to some of the most popular words and phrases you’ll hear throughout the carnival season!
A New Orleans Oasis All to Yourself
St. James Hotel, with its exclusive buyout of its beautiful Natchez Building, is the perfect solution for your group. It’s the perfect way for travelers to ensure they receive the ultimate in comfort, privacy, and personal attention.
Having a Ball in New Orleans
This year it's more important than ever to remember the reasons behind the revelry, so the cherished traditions of carnival season remain strong.
Celebrating New Year's Eve in New Orleans
Well, lucky for you, there are several socially-distanced ways to celebrate and some special events that are planned to ring in the New Year in New Orleans.
It’s a New Orleans Christmas on Magazine Street
With its assortment of unique shops, fun cafes, and artistic sense of local flair, Magazine Street has always been a popular place to spend your day shopping and enjoying NOLA.
New Orleans Christmas
‘Tis the season for Christmas lights all aglow, singing carols, and if you’re lucky, catching a glimpse of Mr. Christmas himself, Santa Claus.
What’s Open in New Orleans
Whether you’re a Big Easy local or planning to visit NOLA for a much-needed getaway, something is spellbinding about this unique city!
Tips for a Safer Holiday Gathering
If you choose to get together with family and friends this holiday season, ensure you follow these helpful tips to do so as safely as possible.
New Orleans Thanksgiving: Try Some Étouffée
Whether it’s a starter of oyster soup, a side of jambalaya, or a hearty helping of our featured New Orleans favorite, étouffée, you’re sure to have more than enough to eat when you celebrate Thanksgiving NOLA style.
Four Best Places to Watch the Saints During Covid-19
If you’re a die-hard Saints fan, then you’re likely struggling with the fact that you don’t get to watch your beloved football team from their home in the dome.
10 Fun Facts You Might Not Know About the New Orleans Saints
You don’t have to be a native New Orleanian to be a fan of the Black and Gold! The New Orleans Saints are one of the country’s most-watched NFL teams and have even been dubbed “America’s Team.”
Getting Around NOLA Style: All About the New Orleans Streetcar
One of the great features you can enjoy when you stay in the Big Easy is the convenient access to the authentic New Orleans Streetcar. Besides being a go-to form of public transportation for locals, the streetcars are also a tourist destination all their own. Here’s a closer look at everything you need to know about NOLA’s iconic mode of transportation.
New Orleans: Haunted Legends and Mysteries- Marie Laveau’s Tomb
The Big Easy is full of tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and downright puzzling. When you take a stroll through the French Quarter, pop into a neighborhood restaurant, or even browse through one of the many local shops, you’ll likely find yourself exploring a haunted place (whether you realize it or not). This darker side of the city is part of what gives NOLA such a rich and colorful story and enticing charm.
Experience NOLA Staycation Style
Sometimes, you don’t have to go very far to have an amazing vacation.
New Orleans: Haunted Legends and Mysteries - Muriel's Jackson Square
New Orleans is no stranger to restless souls and ghostly residents; the city possesses a haunted history rich with intrigue, mystery, and even fun. Our third eerie tale in our Haunted Legends and Mysteries Series takes you to one of these very restaurants, reputed to be one of the Crescent City's most haunted places: Muriel's Jackson Square
New Orleans: Haunted Legends and Mysteries
New Orleans is touted as one of the most haunted cities in the United States, and for good reason. The Big Easy is full of stories about restless spirits, ghostly pirates, vampires, and a legendary voodoo queen, and you don’t need to wait for Halloween to try and catch a glimpse of these famous spirited residents.
New Orleans: Haunted Legends and Mysteries Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and Bar
It doesn’t have to be Halloween to enjoy a spooky tale or two when you’re in New Orleans. The city is full of history of the haunted kind, from restless souls to ghostly pirates to a Voodoo Queen, and everything in between. In fact, New Orleans is believed to be one of the most haunted cities in the United States.
Taking It Outside: NOLA Style
New Orleans might be known for its fun atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and Creole culture, but there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors!
Feeling Thirsty? Check Out These Five NOLA Breweries
The pandemic may have shut down the bars, but it definitely didn’t squash NOLA’s love affair with beer. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, you can still enjoy some of the most fantastic beers from several of the city’s top breweries.
Five Classic New Orleans Cocktails To Toast Your Wedding Day
If you're planning to get married, there's no place as romantic, charming, and unique as New Orleans. Although there are currently many restrictions because of the pandemic on things like open bars, crowd size, and social distancing, many people are still deciding to press on and tie the knot. Yet, just because your wedding needs to be a little more intimate, doesn't mean it can't make an impression.
Weddings Don’t Have To Be Big To Be Unforgettable
The St. James Hotel makes it possible to have a memorable and romantic New Orleans wedding, even when the crowds have to stay small.
Dining in New Orleans During COVID-19
A closer look at COOLinary participants: GW Fins, Tommy’s Cuisine, Haiku Sushi and Bar, and Atchafalaya Restaurant
COOLinary in August Keeps Cooking in New Orleans
COVID-19 has changed how we do things in New Orleans, but it definitely hasn’t changed the fact that the Big Easy has some of the most incredible cuisine on the planet. For years, NOLA has been indulging in a fabulous culinary tradition to support local restaurants during the slow summer months, known as COOLinary.
Say What? New Orleans Lingo - Know Before You Go
If you’re planning to make a visit to New Orleans, then you’re in for a real treat. There is no other city that is quite as unique and vibrant as the Big Easy; from the people to the architecture and the vast array of eclectic entertainment options that you’ll discover at every turn. Another element of NOLA that possesses its own special charm is the language. New Orleans natives and self-made locals speak a whole different vocabulary that can make you feel like it’s a foreign language.
How To Beat the Heat on a New Orleans Vacation
There’s no place that can match the magic and romance of New Orleans, but if you’re traveling to the Big Easy during the summer, it can get hot and steamy (which isn’t always a good thing)! Lucky for you, NOLA is packed with possibilities for all sorts of fun, including many attractions that keep you nice and cool while you explore.
Big Easy Romance: Destination Weddings in New Orleans
Thinking about getting married in the Big Easy? Let the St. James Hotel add an extra touch of romance and elegance to your special day.
Making Memories on Magazine Street
When you stay at the St. James Hotel on Magazine Street, you don’t have to go very far to create many memorable moments.
New Orleans Staycation
When you live in a city as amazing, unique, and charming as New Orleans, you really don’t have to go farther than your own backyard to experience a fabulous vacation. If you’re not ready to travel, then play tourist in your own city and treat yourself to an unforgettable staycation at the historic St. James Hotel.
Experience NOLA Staycation Style at the St. James Hotel
Sometimes, you don’t have to go very far to have an amazing vacation
Magazine Street Guide
Stretching an astounding six miles long as it winds through the city, Magazine Street is a destination unto itself. You can easily spend a day (or days) traversing this amazing thoroughfare and still barely make a dent in seeing everything it has to offer. Luckily, we’ve put together a comprehensive Magazine Street itinerary as a handy guide to some of the street’s best bars, boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and more, so you can spend less time looking up places to visit and more time enjoying the endlessly fun Magazine Street!
It's Gumbo Season!
Gumbo is consumed year-round in Louisiana, but it really hits the spot when the temperatures are a little cooler. Made of a mix of protein, whether from the sea or land, a thick roux, and the “holy trinity” of all Louisiana cuisine – celery, bell pepper and onion – many compare gumbo’s mix of ingredients to the complexity of the south.