Beyond Bourbon and Beads in New Orleans

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Cars pass by the St. Louis Cathedral at night in New Orleans. (Photo: iStock)

Yahoo is streaming the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, a three-day music festival live from New Orleans. This year’s lineup includes artists like Florence & The Machine, deadmau5, Jane’s Addiction, and more. It starts on Friday, October 30 at 4pm ET/1pm PT and you can watch all weekend long at yahoo.com/voodoo

A visit to the Big Easy doesn’t have to be a cliche of beers on Bourbon street and beads. You can enjoy a perfectly respectable night out in New Orleans without descending into a den of debauchery. Here’s how grownups experience NOLA.

Eating should be the most important thing you do while in New Orleans, so it is worth basing your entire stay around when, and where to consume food. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of good restaurant and street food options throughout the city, but for an iconic French Quarter culinary experience, look no further than Bayona.

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Seared Tuna with Sesame Guac and Hoisin (Photo: Bayona)

This modern and refreshing eatery, helmed by Chef Susan Spicer, has a menu that draws on influences from every corner of the globe to update beloved classic dishes, many with a creole flair. The menu also varies daily depending on the local produce available.

For something a little less fancy, but just as stimulating for your taste buds, check out Coop’s. This spot is a local favorite where no-frills cajun food is served the traditional Louisiana way. Gumbo, jambalaya, BBQ ribs and fried shrimp are served on huge overflowing platters that will make your mouth water. The later you go in the night, the longer the line gets — sometimes it even curves around the block — but it is worth the wait!

Related: New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees Breaks Down the Perfect Night Out in NOLA

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Beignets and Café au lait (Photo: Thinkstock)

If you saved room after dinner, head to the world famous Cafe Du Monde for a creamy café au lait and a plate of fluffy beignets. The place is open 24 hours a day and manages to stay busy the entire time. This makes it an amazing place to people watch and indulge before heading on to some lively after dinner entertainment.

No visit to New Orleans would be complete without taking in some jazz, so settle your stomach with a stroll over the Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse. With its sumptuous decor and vibrant atmosphere, this historic music venue is home to some of the finest jazz musicians in town and will catapult you back to a bygone era. No cover and no drinks minimum means you can pop in for one drink, or get settled in for the whole night.

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No, you haven’t had too many drinks. This bar is actually spinning. (Photo: The Carousel bar)

If getting away from the buzz of Bourbon street is more your speed, head to the Carousel Bar inside the Monteleone Hotel to enjoy a night cap at the city’s only revolving bar. Overlooking Royal Street, guests can perch on one of the 25 seats surrounding the circular bar which has been slowly rotating for 65 years.. Live music is a nightly occurrence, and little snacks are served until the wee hours of the morning if you’re still hungry.

And finally, embrace the spooky side of you could also take the legendary Voodoo Bone Lady Haunted Night Tour — a terrifying exploration of the mysterious New Orleans world of vampires, ghosts, witches and the like. Tours start at 8pm each night and take you on a 2-hour spooktacular walk through the city streets and cemeteries before stopping at sites of real reported hauntings. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children, if you dare.

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