Beignets and Cafe Au Lait

By RVLife Published January 13, 2020 Louisiana

Fried dough dusted with a generous layer of powdered sugar primed me for The Big Easy. My first stop in New Orleans without hesitation was Cafe Du Monde. “The Original French Market Coffee Stand” has been serving beignets and cafe au lait since 1862.

I then perused the French Market, an open-air flea market with a slightly international flair packed full of trinkets, jewelry, souvenirs, and a few fruits and vegetables.

French Market in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The renown Bourbon Street in the heart of the French Quarter did not disappoint. I eased into New Orleans along with a myriad of Tiger fans – both of the Clemson and LSU varieties. I maneuvered through the crowd amid the occasional shout of “Go Tigers” to Pat O’Briens for yet another New Orleans tradition – the world famous Hurricane.

The street entertainers proved worthwhile with their dancing, acrobatics and music. True professionals at working the crowd, providing some amazement and discreetly soliciting tips.

There is no other place on earth even remotely like New Orleans. Don’t even try to compare it to anywhere else.
Anthony Bourdain, American celebrity chef, author, and travel documentarian

RVing in New Orleans

I deviated from traditional New Orleans, Louisiana and did not stay in motel or one of the historic two-story bed and breakfasts with a second floor balcony. I opted for an RV Park, which is especially convenient as I live and travel full-time in my RV.

Three Oaks and a Pine RV Park in New Orleans.

There is actually an RV Park right in the French Quarter, but they were booked full with the College Football Championship game just days away. There are several other options, and I decided to stay at Three Oaks and a Pine RV Park on the east-side of New Orleans. Ironically, I never saw the oak trees, the pine tree, or any trees for that matter.

Even the very traditional Dueling Piano Bars were embracing the football rivalries.

Fairly typical of city RV Parks it was basically just a huge parking lot with full hookups. The level site enabled me to keep my truck connected to my fifth wheel travel trailer for the two nights. It was an easy 15-minute Uber ride down over to the French Quarter.

Royal Praline Company on Royal Street in New Orleans, Louisiana.

My two days in New Orleans slipped away rather quickly, and it was time to move on. I would have enjoyed one more morning of beignets and a cafe au lait.

I’m moving just down the road to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity just an hour outside of New Orleans. I’ll be sharing that experience soon!