NOLA: Day 3

Workout

Like clockwork we were up pretty early. You can take us away from the alarm clock, but you can't take the alarm clock away from us...or something like that. This was also going to be the day we head to our friend's house in Covington. We got up, got dressed, and headed down to the gym again. Starting the day with a workout, even while on vacation, is always a good start. It really helps you wake up more easily, gets the blood flowing, and gets you ready for a day of exploring.

Leaving

After working out we headed back up to the room to shower, change, gets packed up, and head down for check out. Since we had valeted the car it was fairly easy check out the. The issue? We weren't heading out to Covington until way later tonight. So after loading the car we had to find a safe and long term parking lot. We decided on one that was central to where we would be most of the time and it was right next to the loading dock and Jax Brew house with a lot of security. I mean, we had suitcases in the car we needed the extra security. Due to having to be parked there for almost 12 hours the rate was actually decent and you could pay through an app on your phone so if needed to extend the time we could do so from anywhere. Technology is amazing.

Breakfast

We headed to check out another corner restaurant at Jackson Square for breakfast...well brunch technically since it was about 10 am already. The one that was opened and seemed like what we wanted was Monty's on The Square. Naturally we got Po Boys, fries, and beer. Carbs, carbs, and carbs. We needed energy for the walking and day of adventuring. The atmosphere in the place was very open and bright. Huge windows and open seating. It really gave the feel that at night it might turn into more of a bistro than typical restaurant. As far as the meal, it was average. Of course it was just a Po Boy, but I might have high expectations when it comes to those sandwiches. Just fried shrimp, french bread, lettuce, and tomato. Basic, but still good. With it being brunch we went we some light beers from Abita.

Walking the french quarter

Our friends wouldn't be coming in for awhile (work and all) so we did what do best and toured the area some more. This time we walked along the Mississippi river, people watching and just checking out the sites. The weather was still on and off (hurricane season was in full swing) so we kept close to areas that we could duck into to wait out any and all rain when it showed up. Working our way along the river we came to Woldenberg Park which had a lot of art installments. Some permanent and some seasonal. Unfortunately I did not get any pictures of my own for fear of the clouds opening up and soaking me along with my phone (note: next time bring a baggie). You can check out more information about the park and some photos here; even though the art installments are not pictured. The park does have a very gorgeous and abstract Holocaust Memorial installment that is definitely a hidden gem everyone should visit at least once. We continued on past the Audubon Aquarium (we had that as a planned visit once we met up with our friends) and made it to The Outlet Collection at The Riverwalk. The area around it has a lot to see as well. I know so surprising since it is New Orleans and all. In front of the outlet mall is The Spanish Plaza which consists of a fountain and some interactive exhibits, such as a massive xylophone that my husband had to try out. Yes, he did wait in line behind a few kids. We also got to see The Creole Queen a lot closer than we had the previous day. It is a paddlewheeler that is similar to the Steamboat Natchez that also offers rides up and down the Mississippi River. While walking the outlet mall we got the call that our friends were getting close so we decided to head back toward the Aquarium to meet up since that would be easiest place to find each other. Once meeting up we walked along the river back toward the French Quarter to just check out the sites and a new brewery we hadn't been too before.

Crescent City Brewery

Named after the city itself (If you aren't sure why NOLA gets the nickname "Crescent City" it is because of the shape of the Mississippi River has when curving around the city itself. Like a crescent!). Local breweries are always a favourite to visit because you always get the beer that tastes the best and the freshest from the tap. So, they are also a must visit attraction.
Beer tried:
Pilsner for me
Black Forest for Matt.
It is also restaurant that was already pretty busy so we got seated, for the most part, at the bar while enjoying our brews.

Aquarium

Matt and I love being nerdy and touring museums and aquariums basically anywhere. They are relaxing, we always learn something new, most of the time you learn about the local histories and environment, and they are air conditioned. This one in particular really focused on the local fish, beaches, animals, history, fisheries, and preservation efforts. One exhibit you could walk through a raptor( bird...not the dinosaur) rehab center. One raptor had an injured wing which they were helping to mend.

Barcadia

After the Aquarium our friends suggested trying out a new bar a few blocks away. A bar that we had actually discovered via Google a few days prior, so since we were pretty close to it we went with it. The bar was named Barcadia and was very much a throwback to the old arcades and super great place for four nerds to visits. They not only had the arcade games, but Giant Connect 4 and Giant Jenga. Like most places in NOLA, the beer on tap was always good and had a great variety. They had waiters walking all over so you rarely had to go up to the bar to order anything.