An Ideal 24 Hours in Uptown, New Orleans
Saturdays and Sundays are what you make of them, and if any day has the ability to be "perfect," these fast-passing weekends are your best bet. Some opt for day trips to the beach with cold drinks and good friends, while others go for a sunny day downtown, listening to live music and shopping the block. Whatever it may be, a perfect day holds a different definition from person to person, so the question is, what would make your perfect day?
You may not have an answer
to that - not off the top of your head - and that's quite alright. If you're
searching for ideas for your own ideal 24 hours, I can help you out.
My perfect day would admittedly be synonymous with some peoples' idea of the tried-and-true
lazy day routine. As an overworked college student without a car in Uptown New
Orleans, the activities involved in a day of perfection sit closely to one
another and have the general aim of rejuvenation at the end of a long week… and
maybe, just maybe, that might be what you're looking for, too. So, without
further ado, here is my itinerary for the perfect (lazy) day in Uptown New
Orleans.
Iced Coffee on Oak Street
Getting the perfect day started just right requires a little dose of energy, and my personal favorite is an iced coffee at one of two places on Oak Street: Rue de la Course or Z'otz. The decision for which café to take your business is entirely based on aesthetics. Rue de la Course is a classic coffee house with beautifully high ceilings, dark wood interiors, and plenty of natural lighting, while Z'otz is the grungy stepsister who lives down the street. While the difference between the two may be a bit jarring, Z'otz has something to offer in her own right. With walls covered in skeleton themed art and a signature concoction called The Zombie, this hole-in-the-wall café is a unique experience to say the least. Whichever of these options calls your name, Rue de la Course or good old Z'otz, you can't go wrong with this simple beginning to a perfect day.
A Quick Stop at Blue Cypress Books
Just across the
street from either coffee locale is the perfect stop for local book lovers. At
Blue Cypress Books, one can find two floors of overstuffed shelves lined with new
and used books that seemingly have no end. With little sticky notes marking new
releases, top picks, and more from the shop owner herself, it's easy enough to
find a new favorite at this little bookshop. The store's friendly cat is sure
to make an appearance during your visit, and if you're unsure of what you're
looking for, the staff are eager to hand out personalized recommendations based
on your interests. If nothing else, at least come in for a peek - you won't
regret it.
Brunch at Satsuma on Maple Street
We all know what they say about breakfast being the most important meal of the day. While I'm not quite sure how much I agree with that, breakfast or brunch at Satsuma on Maple is pretty important to me and is a must on the perfect day. This little corner café has an easygoing atmosphere dripping with cute pastels and vibrant indoor plants, but what really takes the cake at Satsuma is their incredible food. While you can't go wrong with a single dish coming out of this kitchen, the green sandwich on a toasted croissant is my personal favorite savory option, or if you're feeling sweet, the blueberry pancake - or any of their pancakes - falls under a list of foods I would personally commit arson for. Crisped golden edges and runny maple syrup will surely make your day better - if not perfect.
A Little Outdoor Rest & Relaxation
This next stop is where the laziness of our perfect day really comes into play, and here, we have a bit of a "choose your own adventure." My suggestion: grab a picnic blanket and a good book (maybe one you bought at Blue Cypress?) and cozy up under a sprawling tree at Audubon Park or by the river at "The Fly." Laying under one of the huge Spanish moss-covered oaks or watching boats lazily pass along the Mississippi, this part of the perfect day is a form of religion in its own right. If nothing else, it's good for the soul. In fact, some say reading a good book in the greenery of a beautiful park has healing properties. I say that, at least.
Cool Off at Plum St. Snowballs
The truth is, sitting out in the New Orleans heat is sure to build up a sweat, so the next stop is ideal for cooling off and what better way to do that than a sweet treat at Plum St. Snowballs? This neighborhood joint runs out of a little yellow house on the corner of Burdette and Plum Street (of course), and they've got you covered with over 99 fruity and creamy flavor choices that are served out of a classic folding Chinese takeout box. Cooling off on the perfect lazy day has never tasted so good… or been so inexpensive.
Happy Hour at Oak & Ale on Oak
In the homestretch of our perfect day, it's time to get back to where we started: Oak Street. Merging in an intimate green courtyard oasis, this neighboring wine bar & taproom combo has an incredible happy hour that's sure to please the entire gang. A perfect day can't be complete without some good spirits and good company, and happiness certainly awaits where the modern sleekness of Oak wine bar meets the rustic comfort of Ale on Oak: a perfect balance to round out the perfect day.
Dinner at Coté Sud
With the evening drawing
the perfect, lazy day to a bittersweet close, a cozy meal that's an easy walk
from our happy hour destination couldn't sound any better. Back on Maple
Street, candlelit Coté Sud
is the perfect spot to move the camaraderie after happy hour. With delicious
French food and incredible shareable pizzas in the comfort of an intimate
setting, Coté Sud is a cozy eatery where you can drink more wine, enjoy lazy
conversation, and say goodnight to the perfect (lazy) day in Uptown New
Orleans.
