A Scouted Getaway to New Orleans

May 22, 2024
A sunny view of a vibrant, ornate two-story building with lacy iron balconies adorned with lush green plants and hanging ferns. The architecture is reminiscent of the historic charm one might find while exploring destinations featured in The Scout Guide.

Last month, eight editors from Scouted cities across the south gathered for a few days in New Orleans. As passionate missionaries when it comes to the idea of shopping local, we knew there was no other destination that could compete with The Crescent City. When it comes to places that do local right, they are the pinnacle, as is their longtime editor, Taylor Morgan. From the rich cultural heritage and culinary scene, to historic landmarks, music, attractions, and southern hospitality, it’s a city that captivates visitors and makes for a perfect getaway—especially with the ease of their modern and well-located international airport. 

Conversations were centered around our local businesses in each respective city and how we can service them better on the print and distribution front and also on the digital front when it comes to utilizing AI, increasing digital footprints, and unique ways each of us have found to advocate for shopping local within our own communities. 

But it wasn’t all meeting rooms at the Windsor Court Hotel. It was also tons and tons of fun with New Orleans & Company, the marketing organization for the tourism division of the city that represents over 1,100 members in the local hospitality community. Between The Scout Guide New Orleans & New Orleans & Company, we were spoiled with the cutest collection of welcome gifts in our hotel rooms and an itinerary that was the perfect mix of culture, culinary, and fun.  

Thinking about heading to New Orleans soon? We’re sharing a mock itinerary below.

ITINERARY

Elegant dining room in warm tones with multiple woven globe pendant lights suspended from the ceiling, well-spaced tables set with white tablecloths, glassware, and flatware, all bathed in natural light from adjacent windows, embodying a sophisticated atmosphere as profiled by The Scout Guide.
Brasa

DAY 1: 

  • Arrive and check in to the Windsor Court Hotel located in the heart of downtown. We recommend opting for 22nd floor club level access for complementary daily breakfast, open bar and a relaxing place to take in the sights of the city from above. 
  • Dinner at Brasa, a new contemporary steakhouse built on South American tradition run by Edgar Caro, a renowned Colombian Chef. 
  • Post-dinner stroll just across Canal to Harrah’s to show off your luck…or do we mean skill? The longtime staple of the city is now owned by Caesar’s and is unbelievably clean, vibrant and a fun way to close out the evening. 
Two cheerful women standing side by side on a sunny sidewalk under a yellow awning of 'La Petite Grocery' restaurant and bar, with one woman wearing sunglasses, a red shawl, and a blue dress holding a blue handbag, and the other in a ruffled white blouse and white pants, both holding shopping bags, embodying a casual and stylish vibe that captures The Scout Guide's essence of local exploration and community.
Le Petite Grocery
Interior of a boutique store from The Scout Guide featuring a selection of colorful handbags on white shelves, with a woman examining a product. Exposed brick wall and decorative plants enhance the shop's ambiance, while natural light streams in through the door.
Hola Guava
A chic interior setup featuring a mannequin head adorned with a colorful straw hat and matching patterned bag, positioned next to a rustic wooden stand. On the opposite side, a well-lit window sill displays a potted plant, a book titled 'Inca Style', and a couple of pink flamingo ornaments, enhancing the boutique feel of the space. A stylish white shelf holds a variety of vibrant, embroidered clutches, adding a touch of artisanal charm, representative of The Scout Guide’s spotlight on local businesses and craftsmanship.
Hola Guava
A joyous gathering of individuals around a dining table raising glasses in a toast, captured in a well-lit room with chic decor, reflective of a scene from The Scout Guide.
Miss River Dinner with New Orleans & Company
Elegant interior of a bar with a curved marble countertop, chic leather stools and a patterned tile floor, reflecting The Scout Guide's emphasis on refined local spaces and design. The area is well-lit with natural light complementing the modern yet classic décor, featuring archways, round mirrors, and a sophisticated color palette with brass accents.
Miiss River
A group of nine stylish individuals posing for a photo in an elegant interior setting with a polished marble floor and a chic wall design featuring the text "Miss River." The group, a mix of men and women, exhibits a variety of fashion styles, with the women donning dresses and outfits in white, patterned, and black colors, complemented by eye-catching accessories. The gentleman in the center sports a casual look with a green shirt and denim. The Scout Guide lifestyle is well-reflected in their polished and sophisticated attire, showcasing a scene likely associated with a social event or gathering.
Alon Shaya & Group
A group of nine cheerful women posing together on a rooftop with a clear blue sky above and a sprawling cityscape in the distance, embodying the adventurous spirit of The Scout Guide with their stylish attire and sunny dispositions.
Observation Deck at Vue Orleans
Alt text: A vibrant display featuring musicians from the Preservation Hall All-Stars of New Orleans, LA, with a trombone player in mid-performance beside a large drum bearing the group's name, flanked by images of a bassist and a trumpet player, encapsulating the essence of The Scout Guide's exploration of local culture.
Vue Orleans

DAY 2: 

  • Head to their spa for some R&R…Steam room, Sauna, Service Rooms and Hot Tea will leave you feeling refreshed as you head to Magazine Street. 
  • Upon arrival on Magazine Street, we recommend starting at Le Petite Grocery for lunch and walking off the to-die-for fries and French 75’s after with some shopping. You can read a full shopping guide here, courtesy of The Scout Guide New Orleans. However, we felt it was worth mentioning that we specifically spent a lot of time in Hola Guava. The bright shop sits on a corner on Magazine and offers an insanely cute hat and bag collection with products made by South American artisans. The owner is amazing, even customizing earrings for us based on our latest guide colors… which you know we loved! Other favorite stops were classics like, Leontine Linens, Sue Sartor & Mignon.
  • Head back to the hotel and refresh before heading out to Vue Orleans. A french play on the word view, this one-of-a-kind indoor and outdoor cultural exhibit walks you through the history of New Orleans and ends at the observation deck featuring the only 360-degree panoramic view of New Orleans. This is a must stop to anyone interested in the rich cultural history of the city. 
  • Dinner at Miss River, owned by acclaimed chef Alon Shaya. This restaurant is said to be his love letter to the city and after enjoying it with fellow editors turned friends, it felt like a love letter to us, too. Wonderful vibes, beautiful decor, great service, classic cocktails and educated staff filled with recommendations for those who don’t speak cajun as well as the locals do. 
Three women smiling at a vibrant gathering inside a room with patterned wallpaper, part of The Scout Guide community events. The table is adorned with an elegant flower arrangement featuring tulips and glasses, suggesting a celebratory occasion.
Galatoire’s
A gentleman in a colorful plaid shirt and navy trousers stands within an art gallery, gesticulating while speaking, surrounded by various framed photographs that cover the walls and floor, capturing a sense of culture and history typically highlighted by The Scout Guide.
Joshua Pailet
Alt text: A smiling woman in a beige dress with puffy sleeves and a man in a black tuxedo with a bow tie and medals, embracing for a photo at a social event with blurred figures in the background, for The Scout Guide.
Galatoire’s
Two women dressed in bright summer dresses are walking down a lively street, enjoying ice creams on a sunny day. The scene captures the essence of The Scout Guide's exploration of charming locales bustling with activity and local character.
Bourbon
A joyful gathering inside a vibrant restaurant with mirrored walls and chandeliers. Three women are sitting closely, embracing and laughing heartily, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. The table is adorned with a colorful bouquet of tulips and gerbera daisies, accompanied by glasses of wine and champagne, all contributing to the celebratory mood resonant of The Scout Guide ethos celebrating local businesses and communities.
Galatoire’s
Elegant dining room setup with The Scout Guide's West Texas edition on the table, surrounded by multiple place settings with clear glasses, silver cutlery, and vibrant floral centerpieces, against a backdrop of mirrored walls and green patterned wallpaper.
Galatoire’s

DAY 3: 

  • Wake up and enjoy breakfast with a view (yes, again) at the Windsor Court Hotel on the club level.
  • Enjoy some downtime at the rooftop heated pool, appropriately stocked with a daiquiri bar. 
  • Pop into A Gallery for Fine Photography, owned by world renowned photographer, Joshua Pailet. Open Monday, Thursday and Saturdays for limited hours, the gallery has established itself as one of the most respected in America – one that has flourished despite an ever-changing art world by remaining true to itself and Pailet’s unique perspective.
  • If you happen to be in New Orleans on a Friday, there’s nowhere else to lunch than Galatoire’s. As you turn onto Bourbon Street, you’ll see a line down the block with men dressed in sport coats and women in southern dresses and heels waiting for the door to open for first come, first serve access.  With bottles of bubbly at each table, jazz bands off the street doing laps through the restaurants, napkins waving as each table’s celebration is announced, it’s a scene to say the least. Opt for 3+ hours, order the milk punch and bring your most fun party decor to deck out your table. “New Orleans is at its very best on a Friday at Galatoire’s” per Frances King of TSG Knoxville. 
  • Conveniently, you’re already on bourbon street for lunch and a few stops on the most iconic street in the south is not to be missed. Make your way down the bars, with people watching as your top to-do and be sure to grab a hurricane at Pat O’s prior to karaoke at Cat’s Meow.
  • Close out the trip with a casual dinner at Pascal Manale’s right off of St. Charles Ave in Uptown, New Orleans.

DAY 4: 

  • The day pass to the steam room and spa may be worth it to properly detox from a few days of southern eats and cocktails on repeat before saying goodbye for now to New Orleans. 

At the conclusion of the getaway, each of us departed with a renewed sense of our mission… to support and shine the spotlight on the small businesses in our own communities, feeling invigorated and inspired to bring the communal sense of New Orleans back to our own territories. We also left with generous gifts from TSG West Texas member, Hancock Group that even included a TSG-medallion branded Apple air-tag—the most unique and useful gift to date.

Long Live New Orleans!

Editors in Attendance: 

You May Also Like

A person modeling a flowy orange and white floral outfit that exudes a breezy Scout Guide aesthetic, against a neutral background.

Summer Wardrobe: Just Add Color

Alt text: An elegant two-story house with a beige stucco exterior and a dark roof, surrounded by mature trees and beautifully landscaped gardens. The house features large windows, a charming balcony with wrought-iron railing, and a winding pathway leading to the front entrance, as seen in The Scout Guide.

On the Market: May 2024 Scouted Real Estate

The Scouted Edit: 2024 Father’s Day Gift Guide

The Scouted Edit: 2024 Graduation Gift Guide