Lauren Thom – Fleurty Girl founder on New Orleans

“Breakfast has to be at Elizabeth’s in the Marigny. I love to get the Bayou Breakfast. That is fried catfish and eggs. Also: praline bacon.

Next, I would stop at Fleurty Girl and grab a parasol and a fun T-shirt for the day. Comfy shoes, too. Heels don’t jive well with French Quarter sidewalks.

Lunch at Yo Mama’s on St. Peter Street for a peanut butter burger with a loaded potato would be essential. They’ve got a great jukebox, too, and I usually play Fats Domino while I wait for my margarita.

Next I would sit in the window seat at the Boondock Saint bar next door and have a cold Abita and watch the second lines go by. This is my favorite seat in the French Quarter. If you see a second line, grab a go-cup for your beer and jump in.

Then I’d make a pit stop for a Pimm’s Cup at Napoleon House and catch Ms. Doreen and her clarinet on Royal Street. Drop a few bucks in her bucket if you like what you hear, which you will.

Dinner would be at Crescent City Steaks on North Broad Street in the Seventh Ward. Ask for a private booth and order a Sazerac. The steaks are just amazing.

After dinner, you can’t go wrong with live music on Frenchman Street: DBA, The Maison, Snug Harbor and Three Muses.

For dessert, the Goat Cheese Cheesecake at Three Muses always calls my name.”

Looking for other things to do while you’re in New Orleans? Check out the links below.