Last week I was lucky to be able to attend a conference in New Orleans. I managed to have a little free time to explore this wonderful city.

While shopping when I travel, I avoid the tourist traps and try to discover the little guy and shop local. My first find: Fleur D’Orleans. A wonderful shop full of beautiful sterling silver jewelry modeled after the gates and unique architecture of New Orleans. Notecards and scarves are also part of this beautiful shop. A can’t miss in New Orleans. Not all of their line is included on the website. Definitely visit!

Next Stop: Forever New Orleans Shop

Forever New Orleans opened its doors in 2007, in the beautiful LaBranche Building, on the corner of Royal and St. Peter Streets in the historic French Quarter. It quickly became a favorite place to shop for both locals and visiting tourists.

Forever New Orleans soon outgrew a single location and now has a unique and eclectic mix of gifts and home décor housed in three locations…at 700, 606 and 308 Royal Street.

From local art to jewelry, candles, fragrances, home décor and New Orleans inspired apparel, Forever New Orleans has something to offer for everyone on your shopping list. Several locations in the French Quarter.

To Eat: Emerils New Orleans

One cannot go to New Orleans without a stop at Emerils. Fantastic food, and service! Emeril has several restaurants in New Orleans. I went to the one in the Warehouse District. See photo below, Smores Ice Cream Sandwich for dessert! A great way to end a fantastic meal.

Emeril’s Restaurant is chef/restaurateur Emeril Lagasse’s famed flagship restaurant housed in a renovated pharmacy warehouse in New Orleans’ Warehouse District. Since opening in 1990, Emeril’s has been a definitive force in contemporary New Orleans cuisine and has earned rave reviews and accolades for nearly 25 years, including Esquire magazine’s “Restaurant of the Year” and Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award” for 14 consecutive years. At the helm is chef de cuisine Douglas Braselman, who works closely with Chef Emeril to push culinary boundaries and deliver bold and diverse flavors for a one-of-a-kind dining experience with unparalleled service and a festive unpretentious setting.