Soniat House

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When we were planning our travels to New Orleans to shoot our latest inspiring woman, Christina Graci, I knew I wanted to stay someplace magical, a true “N’awlins” gem: and I found it in the French Quarter’s Soniat House.

We fell in love with the warm Southern charm, the friendly hotel cat, and of course the amazing breakfasts. Now, you go down south for the music and the cocktails, but the food was the shining star of this trip.

We loved the classic French Quarter fare of Marti’s and the modern casual elegance of Lilette in the beautiful Garden District’s Magazine Street. If we are talking about simple pleasures, a cocktail (or two or three) at Bouligny Tavern is the perfect way to end the day in the Big Easy. And you know… I can never come to New Orleans without always stopping in for a few of these….

All of this is barely scratching the surface of all this great American city has to offer…New Orleans, I’ll be back for you…

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Christina’s Guide to New Orleans

Yesterday we heard all about the life of our Southern muse, Christina Graci…and today we get insider knowledge about all her favorite New Orleans hot spots! A city so full of culture, life, music, color, food and amazing shopping, it’s no wonder it’s one of the fastest growing cities in America. So here’s the scoop!

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Above & Below~ Christina is wearing a vintage dress from an estate sale, shoes by Roger Vivier, vintage tassel earrings, a vintage ocelot leopard belt, and HopeConfidence, and Stability Charms by Pandora Jewelry.

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New Orleans Museum of Art

“Museums are my favorite places to go alone or with my brother, Chad.  I am fascinated with history and culture so I truly find visiting the museum enlightening and so peaceful.  The architecture of NOMA is beautiful too.  It is located in City Park and has great exhibits.  What more could you ask for?!”

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Way down yonder in New Orleans

“Creole babies with flashin’ eyes  Softly whisper their tender sighs
Then stop….won’t you give your lady fair…a little smile
Stop..ya bet your life you’ll linger there…a little while

We’ve got heaven right here on earth
With those beautiful queens
Way down yonder in New…Orleans”

-Louis Armstrong

A trip down to the Big Easy made easy by her amazing local recommendations!

The breakdown: 

  • Breakfast at Satsuma Cafe in the Bywater followed by amazing thrift store treasures next door
  • A late morning stroll through the French Market bloody mary in hand
  • Seafood Po Boy’s, a  shoe shine on Jackson Square,  afternoon coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde
  • A trip on the St. Charles Streetcar followed by a walk through the mansions in the Garden District where the air actually smelled sweet 
  • The most amazing meal we had in NOLA at  Sylvain in the French Quarter which probably had something to do with the fact  it used to be a carriage house turned into a bordello where Faulkner used to visit his madam and write…. awesome.
  • Capping the evening off with Pimm’s Cup in hand and those flavorful NOLA parities…

All images shot with Pentax Spotmatic & Kodak 400VC film

Have a great Mardi Gras y’all!