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Keeping It Cool with COOLinary

As summer heats up in New Orleans, so does the city’s vibrant culinary scene with the return of COOLinary New Orleans. Each year, COOLinary offers locals and visitors alike the chance to indulge in the best of New Orleans cuisine at unbeatable prices. Over 100 of the city’s finest restaurants serve up specially curated prix fixe menus, showcasing their most delectable dishes. 

Whether you’re a foodie looking to explore the local cuisine or a casual diner eager to experience fine dining without breaking the bank, COOLinary is the perfect opportunity to savor the flavors of the Crescent City!

So what exactly is COOLinary? The city’s most delicious summer tradition, of course! Brunch, lunch, and dinner are at your fingertips…whatever you’re in the mood for. Participating restaurants create incredible prix fixe menus showcasing a taste of their signature dishes at a fraction of the regular price. This is what makes COOLinary such a perfect time to explore the foodie scene, try new restaurants, and experience the culinary excellence that New Orleans is known for.

With so many incredible restaurants participating in COOLinary, it can be tough to choose where to dine. Luckily, as a special treat in honor of COOLinary’s 20th anniversary, this year’s summer menu availability will be extended from August 1, 2024 through September 15, 2024. 

The city’s foodie scene is eagerly awaiting the 2024 lineup, and in the meantime we’re remembering some of the incredible offerings of year’s past, such as:

  • Commander’s Palace: A New Orleans institution, Commander’s Palace offers a taste of sophisticated Southern cuisine in an elegant setting. Their COOLinary menu usually features classic dishes like turtle soup, pecan-crusted Gulf fish, and Creole bread pudding.
  • Arnaud’s: Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Arnaud’s is known for its timeless Creole cuisine. Enjoy a three-course dinner that might include dishes like shrimp remoulade, duck à l’orange, and baked Alaska.
  • Broussard’s: Combining French, Creole, and Spanish influences, Broussard’s offers a refined dining experience with dishes like crabmeat ravigote, filet mignon, and chocolate mousse. 
  • Cochon: For a modern take on traditional Cajun flavors, head to Cochon in the Warehouse District. Their menu typically showcases dishes like wood-fired oysters, smoked pork ribs, and creamy grits.
  • Paladar 511: Located in the Marigny neighborhood (and within walking distance of the Lanaux Mansion) Paladar 511 serves up contemporary American cuisine with a New Orleans twist. Past offerings have included house-made pasta and fresh Gulf seafood.

Though locations and menus have not yet been released, keep in mind what is perhaps the most important part of COOLinary – make your reservations early! COOLinary offerings are incredibly popular, especially among locals, and restaurant availability can fill up quickly. Make your reservations in advance to ensure you can visit each of the restaurants on your wishlist. 

However, that’s not to say that you must plan out each restaurant on your trip. One of the beautiful things about New Orleans is that there’s always something new to discover just around the corner. Use COOLinary as a way to explore different neighborhoods and experience the diverse dining scenes across the French Quarter, Uptown, the Garden District, Mid-City, and more.

And don’t forget to step out of your comfort zone! Try a new dish or a new restaurant. Remember that New Orleans is home to some of the most talented chefs in the world, and they’re the ones creating COOLinary’s prix fixe menus. You may discover a new dish or flavor that becomes a forever favorite.

So whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for a meal you’ll remember long after your visit is over, COOLinary 2024 promises an unforgettable dining experience at some of the finest restaurants in the Crescent City. Come hungry and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight!

When you’re ready to make your COOLinary reservations, don’t forget that you’ll need a place to call your home away from home as well. Right now, the Lanaux Mansion is offering an additional 10% off already deeply discounted summer rates on all our luxury suites, from Sophie’s Enchanted Cottage to Beth’s Balcony Escape. Book your suite today using promo code “sizzle”, and we’ll see you soon!

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Sizzling Summer Sights & Savings

Whether you’re just beginning to plan a New Orleans summer getaway or you’ve already made your travel plans, you’ll quickly learn there is always something new to discover in the Crescent City. From restaurants to museums, the city is full of charm, history, and culture – not to mention some of the most incredible cuisine you’ll have in a lifetime.

For foodies, history buffs, and adventurers alike, New Orleans will delight you around every corner this summer!

 

A Foodie’s Dream Restaurant Scene

New Orleans is a vibrant foodie city with a rich culinary heritage and world-renowned cuisine, and summer is one of the the best times to dive in. Whether you’re a seafood lover or looking to dive into authentic Creole cuisine, you’ll experience mouthwatering fare in a setting unlike any other.

 

While you’ll find no shortage of restaurants here, we have a few recommendations to get you started on your culinary journey. For a quintessential New Orleans experience, enjoy fine cuisine in lush courtyards at restaurants like Bayona, The Elysian Bar*, Sylvain*, or Brennan’s. Or for a new twist on classic fare, choose Cane and Table* or Jewel of the South.

 

If you’re celebrating an extra special occasion, the best of French-Creole cuisine is available any night at Arnaud’s, Antoine’s, Cafe Sbisa*, or GW Fins. 

 

If a New Orleans drag lunch is on your bucket list, book a table at Barrilleaux’s Restaurant and Wine Bar* or The Country Club. Or for a more traditional jazz brunch, consider Brennan’s or Arnaud’s for an experience even more unforgettable than the menu.

 

And of course, if you’re visiting New Orleans this August, check out COOLinary New Orleans, a collaboration among New Orleans’ best restaurants to offer discounted prix fixe menus to locals and visitors alike. This year COOLinary will run from Thursday, August 1 and last through Sunday, September 15 (an extension of last year’s month-long celebration). Stay tuned…participating restaurants for 2024 will be announced soon.

 

Free for the Whole Family

There are a multitude of free activities in the Crescent City, which is part of what makes it such a go-to destination. For an inside look at the city’s culture and heritage, check out the free Irish Cultural Museum of New Orleans and Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum. 

 

Get into the spirit of the Sazerac at Sazerac House, which offers free tours (though you must reserve your tour slot in advance), or enjoy free live music at the New Orleans Jazz Museum each Tuesday afternoon.

 

If you’re a Louisiana resident exploring New Orleans, you’ll receive free admission at several museums this summer, such as the New Orleans Museum of Art and New Orleans Botanical Garden on Wednesdays, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art on Thursdays, and the Contemporary Arts Center on Sundays. The Louisiana Children’s Museum is also free on the second Sunday of each month, and Longue Vue House and Gardens is free on rotating Sundays.

 

Music, Games, and Other Fun

And when you’re ready for a break from museums, kick back and relax at Dave & Buster’s, where the fun never stops. This entertainment complex offers a wide range of arcade games, virtual reality experiences, and interactive attractions that will keep kids and adults entertained for hours. 

 

Or strike up some fun at Rock ‘n’ Bowl, a beloved New Orleans venue offering live music, delicious food, and 18 lanes of classic ten-pin bowling!

 

Ready to take your family adventure to new heights? Consider New Orleans Boulder Lounge, the city’s premier indoor rock climbing gym. Suitable for climbers of all ages and skill levels, this family-friendly facility offers a variety of climbing routes, bouldering walls, and challenging obstacles to conquer.

 

Finally, when you need a break from all the exercise, dive into the vibrant music scene at JAM NOLA, an immersive art experience that celebrates the city’s rich musical heritage. This interactive exhibit features colorful installations, larger-than-life sculptures, and multimedia displays that showcase the diverse genres and iconic artists that have shaped New Orleans’ musical identity. 

 

No matter how you choose to spend your summer vacation in New Orleans, you’ll need a place to recharge and relax for the next day’s adventures. At the Lanaux Mansion, we’re offering an additional 10% off our already discounted sizzling summer rates. 

 

Browse our lineup of luxury suites for couples, friends, or family on our website, and add promo code “sizzle” for a summer deal that will add the perfect final touch to your travel plans. And if you have any questions, we’re just a call or email away!

 

*Within walking distance of Lanaux Mansion

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Summer Fun in New Orleans for the Whole Family

Summer Fun for the Whole Family

Planning this year’s summer vacation? Look no further than the vibrant city of New Orleans! With a rich history, diverse culture, and endless array of sights and activities, the Crescent City will wow you with all she has to offer.

From leisurely streetcar rides to thrilling swamp tours and everything in between, let us be your guide to memorable attractions and experiences that’ll make your summer vacation in New Orleans one your family remembers for a lifetime!

 

Get Outdoors

Kick off your vacation by stepping aboard the historic Steamboat Natchez for a scenic cruise along the mighty Mississippi River, soaking in breathtaking views of the New Orleans skyline, bustling riverfront, and picturesque historic sites. With live jazz music, narrated tours, and delicious Creole cuisine available onboard, it’s a relaxing and memorable way to experience the city’s charm – all with the breeze of the Mississippi keeping you cool!

 

When you’re ready to dive deeper, immerse yourself in the Audubon Nature Institute. Head on down to the Audubon Zoo, home to thousands of animals from around the globe, including elephants, lions, and exotic birds. Then, venture to the Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium for a close-up look at colorful fish, sharks, butterflies, honey bees, eco engineers, and more. 

 

Another beautiful way to spend a day is exploring the expansive City Park, one of the oldest and largest urban parks in the country. Let the kids run wild at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, or explore Storyland, where imagination knows no bounds and every corner is filled with wonder as beloved storybook characters come to life. Then cool off at the park’s splash pad, take a leisurely stroll through the lush botanical gardens, or enjoy beignets among the ancient oak trees. 

 

When you’re ready to venture outside the city, get an up-close, first-hand view of Louisiana’s unique wildlife in the wild! Embark on a guided airboat or pontoon boat ride through the swamps and bayous surrounding New Orleans, where you might encounter alligators, large birds, snakes, turtles, and other fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. If your days are filling up, we recommend taking an evening swamp tour when temperatures are cooler anyway.

 

And finally, when the day is done, top off your outdoor adventures with a refreshing snowball. Head to one of New Orleans’ beloved snowball stands, like Hansen’s Sno-Bliz or Plum Street Snowballs, and indulge in a colorful concoction of shaved ice and flavorful syrups. It’s truly the sweetest and most satisfying way to cool off after a day of sightseeing.

 

See the Big Picture

What better way to get a 360 degree view of New Orleans and all she has to offer than at the top of one of the tallest buildings in the city? Treat your little ones to an unforgettable adventure at Vue Orleans Kids Experience. Vue Orleans offers a variety of interactive exhibits and play areas that will spark creativity and imagination in kids of all ages. And perhaps best of all, parents can relax and take in the stunning panoramic views of the city while the kids embark on a journey of discovery and fun.

 

For a look at New Orleans’ most famous holiday, visit Mardi Gras World, where the magic of Carnival comes to life year-round. You’ll discover the artistry and craftsmanship behind the larger-than-life floats, costumes, and props used in parades. Kids will love getting an up-close look at the intricate designs and vibrant colors of the floats, and they might even have the chance to try on a Mardi Gras costume themselves!

 

When you’re ready for a change of scenery, take a leisurely ride up St. Charles Avenue on one of the city’s iconic streetcars. See historic neighborhoods, majestic oak-lined streets, and charming uptown districts. It’s a fun and affordable way to explore the city without wearing out those walking shoes.

 

And for those that infuse education into each family vacation, dive into the fascinating history of medicine and pharmacy at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum. Step back in time as you explore the museum’s collection of antique medical instruments, apothecary jars, and vintage pharmaceuticals. And don’t miss the opportunity to visit the museum’s recreated 19th-century pharmacy and learn about the role of pharmacists in New Orleans’ past.

From scenic streetcar rides to thrilling swamp tours and everything in between, New Orleans offers endless opportunities for family-friendly fun during the summer months. But there’s just one last thing to consider…your family’s home away from home during your vacation! 

 

Stay with us at The Lanaux Mansion and relax in our luxurious suites or enjoy the breezes on one of our balconies while overlooking the Courtyard or Esplanade Avenue. We’re one block from Frenchmen Street, two blocks from the Riverfront Streetcar, and half a block from the French Quarter!

 

Right now, enjoy 10% off our already discounted sizzling summer rates. Simply visit our website, select the perfect suite for your family, and add promo code “sizzle” when booking. 

 

We look forward to hosting y’all this summer!

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