It’s no secret that summertime in Louisiana is H-O-T! It’s the type of heat where time outside is typically reserved for later in the evening after the sun sets. Even though we knew it would be a little hot, Shea and I were married in the French Quarter in July of 2014 and spend our anniversary each summer in New Orleans. This year, with temperatures hovering in the 100’s, I knew we needed to have some cooler options when it came to planning what to do in the city.
My friends at Southern Quality Ford hooked me up with a ride to NOLA (a brand new Ford Escape!) so I can share with you my top ways to cool off and escape the New Orleans heat this summer.
SHOPPING
Shopping can pretty much help fix anything, including a hot summer day. We don’t have a Saks in Baton Rouge, so I always like to stop at the Shops at Canal Place to get some shopping in before heading home. It helps that so many of my favorite stores – J. Crew, lululemon, and Anthropologie – are all located under one air-conditioned roof, so I can keep cool while I shop. I recommend shopping for pieces made with lighter fabrics that are nice and airy for these hot summer days. Also, you can never have too much color in your wardrobe during the summer!
LOUNGE POOLSIDE
I seriously slacked on building up a summer glow before vacation (which is totally obvious in these pictures…yikes!), so I am in dire need of any type of pool/outside time this month. Lounging on a rooftop in a gorgeous French Quarter courtyard is exactly what I needed. We stayed at the Royal Sonesta hotel this year for our anniversary trip, because I could not pass up laying out at this stunning rooftop pool. Bring a good book or trashy magazine, sunscreen and turn off for a few hours while you relax poolside. It’s good for the soul…and also for the hot summer days!
HANSEN’S SNO-BLIZ
A snoball from Hansen’s Sno-Bliz might be my favorite way to fight the New Orleans heat. There are plenty of delicious snoball stands in NOLA, but Hansen’s is a city classic that has been around since 1939! When it comes to flavors, I’m a classic ice cream type of gal, but Hansen’s offers beaucoup flavors. Located uptown on Tchoupitoulas Street, this family-owned snoball shop is a one-of-a kind shop with no other locations. Also, don’t let the long lines fool you. Hansen’s motto is “We believe there is no shortcut to quality”, and let me tell you, the line is totally worth it!
LAGNIAPPE
While we were driving around, I might have figured out the best way to stay cool – hang in the car with the AC blasting! There is so much to do in New Orleans, and no matter how many times I have been to the city, there are countless things still on my to-do list. Here are a few other options for staying cool in New Orleans this summer.
VISIT A MUSEUM – The National WWII Museum is a must-see, and I also like the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.
ART GALLERY – My favorite art gallery is the Arthur Roger Gallery (he is a longtime family friend and has a beautiful art collection), and I would love to check out the Ashley Longshore Gallery and Studio.
COOL OFF WITH COCKTAILS – After you have parked it for the night (or day!), try some of the best drinks in town. I recommend having a cocktail on St. Charles Avenue on the front porch of The Columns hotel or in the French Quarter at the Carousel Bar and Lounge at the Hotel Monteleone.
RIDE THE STREET CAR – Hop on at multiple points throughout the city and feel the breeze as you explore New Orleans.
What are some of your favorite ways to stay cool in New Orleans? The hot temps last for the majority of the year around here, so I am always looking for ways to cool off in this Louisiana heat.
Thank you to Southern Quality Ford for partnering with me for today’s post and for letting me drive around NOLA in style. As always, all opinions are my own.
