Being located on the Gulf Coast, New Orleans sees its share of rainy days. With an average annual rainfall of 64 inches, we are considered one of the wettest locations in the United States. There are many things to do in our city that never sleeps, and here are a few great ways to keep your adventure going even in tropical storm conditions.
Jazz Brunch
Every rainy day should start with jazz brunch to lift your spirits. If the meal doesn't add sunshine to your day, the music will. There is obviously no lack of excellent brunch spots in New Orleans, but a rainy day calls for something special. The Court of Two Sisters and Commander's Palace are great places for top-notch brunch food and mimosas that don't quit. Both offer authentic New Orleans cuisine to tantalize your pallet. For those who like to keep their brunches traditional, there are plenty of familiar brunch items on offer there as well.
Get Caffeinated and Hydrated
If hanging out with a great book or catching up with friends in a laid-back atmosphere is your way to stay dry, then grab your favorite literature or your bestie and head to your local coffeeshop for stimulation for both the body and mind. There is no shortage of coffeehouses in our great city; there's practically one on every corner. PJ's, Mojo Coffee House, and Rue De La Course are just a few to make those rainy days more bearable.
Shopping on Magazine
Nothing beats rainy day blues like retail therapy. Magazine Street offers a shopping experience like no other. The six-mile long street is lined with unique shops like Fleurty Girl and Bywater Clothing, both offering uniquely New Orleans apparel and locally made merchandise. If vintage clothing and accessories are your style, check out Funky Monkey for a huge selection of new and used vintage clothing. Magpie Vintage and Estate Jewelry offers jewelry dating all the way back to the Victorian area. For the lovers of the exotic, Aux Belle Choses offers an array of items imported from France and England. If you are looking to feel luxurious, stop by and indulge. For all the fun-lovers out there, Pop City and Funrockin' are your spots. These novelty stores are sure to keep you busy browsing for hours.
Discover the City
Get in touch with the history of the city on an Adventures in New Orleans city tour. There is no better way to spend a few hours on a rainy day than in a nice dry bus with a tour guide who is experienced in everything NOLA. Check out the world-renowned French Quarter. Take a break at City Park (among the largest parks in the United States), and grab a beignet from Cafe Du Monde while you're there. Tour the location of one of the infamous levee breaches during Hurricane Katrina and see the rebuilding efforts that have taken place in the years since the devastation. Finish your tour by taking a guided tour through a "city of the dead"—a New Orleans cemetery.
Get Educated
A great way to take refuge from the rain is to get lost in the world-renowned World War II Museum. Take a journey to the front lines with the men and women who experienced this monumental event firsthand. See one-of-a-kind memorabilia from one of the most pivotal times in our country's history.
Get in Touch with Your Spiritual Side
New Orleans offers many interesting cultures and religions. Take a tour of the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral, often depicted as a symbol of the city. The cathedral holds the title as the oldest cathedral in the United States, which not only makes it a historical landmark, it makes it a treasure. Voodoo is also front and center in this very eccentric city. Visit Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo for healing potions, Voodoo dolls, and assorted other potions and propaganda. Since the rain is not letting up, stay a while and get a spiritual reading—you never know what the cards might hold.
Get Sexy
Not all things done when it's raining have to be low-key. If you are feeling a bit frisky and want to experience sheer sexiness, drop by a burlesque show. In New Orleans, there is no lack of lovely ladies. Some of the sexiest shows include The House of Blues' Bustout Burlesque or Fleur De Tease at One Eyed Jack's. A little burlesque brings back the intrigue of New Orleans's nightlife from decades ago. *Currently not known when these shows will be back in operation.
Sip and Show
Nothing goes better together than the latest blockbuster and absolute comfort. Prytania Theatres at Canal Place are in a league of their own. With just a push of a button, anything from popcorn and a soda to wine and flatbread can be served to you, all while you enjoy your movie in the comfort of a large reclining seat. It is as if you brought the coziness of home to the movies!
Drinking on Bourbon
No rainy day would be complete without Bourbon Street. Drink your blues away at Tropical Isle or Pat O'Brien's. Both offer signature drinks that will knock you off your feet. Tropical Isle's Hand Grenade and Pat O's Hurricane are drinks found in history books. If dancing and music are more your style, try Cat's Meow for awesome karaoke and Famous Door for live local music. If drinking in the oldest consistently-running bar in America thrills you, stop by Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop. No matter which location you choose, you are sure to have a great conversation-starter.
For the Kids
For the young or the young at heart, the following locations offer fun for all. The Audubon Institute's Aquarium of the Americas has a breathtaking view of aquatic life. The Louisiana's Children Museum is a great way for children to learn about various things such as simple machines and safety in a fully interactive surrounding. It takes the statement "making learning fun" to an entirely different level. Mardi Gras World is an adventure like no other. Both children and adults will marvel at the spectacle that brings Mardi Gras to the streets. You can see how floats are built, try on costumes, make masks, and enjoy king cake. No matter which of these places you decide to visit, your family will have a fun-filled day.
While we may be labeled as one of the wettest places in the country, we are not going to let that rain on our parade. There are many things to do no matter what your age, so throw on a raincoat and some rain boots, and head out to explore the city, rain or shine.
