How to Spend a Weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana

“The powdered, fluffy, deliciousness of a Cafe Du Monde cafe au lait is the best way to start your day,” the singer insists. You might as well treat yourself to their famous beignets while you’re there. Try not to inhale the sugar before inhaling the dough.

Need to relax before you hit the streets for one giant dance party? “I can spend an entire day at the Windsor Court Hotel Spa!”, she exclaims. The Windsor is located mere steps from the French Quarter. Nestled between the plentiful shops and vibrancy of Canal and Poydras. The pet-friendly Hotel spans an entire block and offers one luxurious perk after another. Life is better lived with Oxygen Facials and poolside musings.

For lunch, hit up Lil Dizzy’s Soul Food for red beans and rice, or gumbo. “For the best of New Orleans soul food--I grew up eating at Dizzy’s!” Located on Esplanade Avenue just north of Tremé, the destination spot for Nola’s African American and Creole heritage, Dizzy’s is the real deal with zero frills. Save for the roux-perfected gumbo and easy, come-as-you-are company.

Don’t forget to capture photos along the way. Spotted throughout the French Quarter, the cast iron balconies covered in Mardis Gras beads are better than Instagram-worthy. “Get ready for a variety of purple, pink, green and yellows.” One of the most recognizable neighborhoods in the world, every which way you turn in the French Quarter offers stunning visual appeal. From street performers to historic monuments and horses bedecked in feathers, wrack up on colorful content for The ‘Gram while you’re here.

There’s no short supply of creative inspiration in this town, but Barnes insists on heading to the Riverwalk on the Mighty Mississippi for a little daydreaming. “I can get lost just sitting and listening to music from the steamboat calliopes.” Take a stroll along the River for some of the best views of the city. Catching a glimpse of the grandeur of the former Jax Brewery against the backdrop of the colorful vendors of the French Market and Jackson Square Park is like being inside of a painting.

For intriguing conversations and great people watching, head to the Carousel Bar inside Hotel Monteleone. Bourbon Street is only one block away, so the Monteleone acts as a spillover retreat from the countless jazz bars and intriguing voodoo dens of The Quarter. “There’s an actual carousel and the place is always buzzing with excitement,” she says.

Barnes loves Compère Lapin for dinner, and insists that Chef Nina Compton is “a true artist when it comes to food and flavor.” Compère Lapin is French for “brother rabbit”, and Chef Nina focuses on a cuisine that compliments Caribbean and Creole flavors that are delicious enough to have garnered a James Beard Award. Lapin is located in the trendy Warehouse District and popular hotspot for eclectic food and shopping experiences.

Music is everywhere here, so seek out some of the best. “Stop by Frenchmen Street--a destination street that runs north from the east tip of the French Quarter--for top notch soul and jazz. While on Frenchmen, pop in Spotted Cat for live music on a Sunday, which is New Orleans’ favorite day of the week for dancing in the street.”