Bourbon Street, You Win

Go to New Orleans, Louisiana 

I have always wanted to go to New Orleans and when a good friend of mine decided to celebrate her bachelorette party there, I could not pass up the opportunity! I envisioned New Orleans being a lot like Nashville; good food, lively atmosphere with live Jazz music in all the bars. Spoiler alert: it was nothing like Nashville.

I lived with Natasha and my best friend from high school, Brittany, for 6 weeks when I was interning at a hospital in Wilmington, NC, and we became close.  She has always been so kind and genuine, one of the most selfless and fun people I have ever met.  I knew about half of the girls on the trip, they have always been so warm and welcoming to me since I met them in college and they continue to include me in group chats, fun times together without having an abundance of inside jokes or situations that make you feel left out of a group.  I just love each one of them and their different personalities that they each bring to the table.   It was nice to hang out with this small group of fabulous ladies before the real craziness began.

Tasha Calderon, Valerie Jurczyk, Ashley Purgason, Brittany Donovan

with Brittany Donovan

After checking in, I couldn't wait to explore this city! As soon as we stepped onto Bourbon Street there was a parade and an intense energy that I live for.  We walked to various bars and tried all the touristy drinks/places until everyone arrived at different times.

 Had my party "pants" on & was ready for Bourbon Street

We stayed at The Four Points by Sheraton on Bourbon Street, which was a great location. I should have known I was too old for this city when they handed us ear plugs at check-in, haha.   Each night following dinner we passed our hotel on the way to the bars.  This setup was absolutely perfect as some folks could call it an early night if they wanted, while others could party into the wee hours of the morning.

such a fun group of girls

Dinner with the Future Mrs. Alfano

The 4am crew

Some takeaways; the beignets at Cafe du Monde were 100% worth the wait and hype.  Cafe Amelie was my favorite meal and dinner was nestled in a quintessential New Orleans outdoor patio. A bayou tour was pleasant for something to do something outdoors and away from the city for a few hours, touristy for sure but still a great time and guaranteed to see plenty of alligators.

Cafe du Monde

Cafe Amelie

Bayou Tour

New Orleans was absolutely insane.  To be fair, we never ventured away from Bourbon Street.  A normal Sunday night was how I envisioned Mardi Gras to be! I saw so many disturbing things and situations but it was definitely a weekend full of beads and belly laughs! We did it perfect for the first time, however next time I would like to venture off to smaller streets and away from the crowds. I am fortunate to have experienced Bourbon Street, but if I never go back I won't be upset. I must be getting old, I was not prepared for the craze!

I flew from New Orleans>>San Antonio, TX for a quick but wonderful visit with my best friend from childhood and to visit with extended family.  It was the icing on the cake to this fun week!

 with Shannon Baker, celebrating 25 years of friendship on the San Antonio Riverwalk

Love my family