New Orleans

Timing:  
Anytime besides summer is a great time to go to New Orleans.  In the summer the heat & humidity is smothering which really inhibits the open air experience that is New Orleans.  When I say open air experience I'm talking about the smells of beignets, creole cooking, music & the ability to drink as you come & go.  With all of that said late spring & late fall are the best times to visit.  Spring  shows off the gardens & fall highlights the voodoo culture as well as All Saints Day traditions.  Mardi Gras is of course fun but overwhelms the beautiful subtleness that make this place unique.

Lodging:
Dauphine Orleans Hotel
Outside Shot

Courtyard

Room

Itinerary:

Day 1
Arrive & check into hotel.
Dinner
Crescent City Brewhouse - Outstanding oysters.

Drinks

Napoleon House - One of the oldest bars in town & you'll need to visit at night for an extra element of mystic.  

I'd recommend sipping on a post dinner sazerac.

Day 2

Brunch - A trip to New Orleans is not complete without experiencing a Sunday jazz brunch.  For this honor we chose Palace Cafe located on Canal.

Activity

Oaks Alley Plantation - You'll have a, "I've seen that," moment when you first set eyes on the iconic entrance.  
When you get there buy a mint julep & grab the next tour.  You'll find its well worth the drive to get out of the Quarter for an afternoon.

Drinks
French 75 - Sister bar to Arnaud's, French 75 manages to be full of cheetah print but still have a classy feel.  
Heavy hor dourves & cocktails such as the French 75 itself make for a good pit stop prior to dinner.

Dinner
GW Fins - Upscale creole/seafood. 

Day 3
Lunch
Arnaud's Remoulade - This is a good casual alternative to Arnaud's if your date did not feel like packing the required sport coat.  The BBQ shrimp are where it is at here.

Activities - Afternoon in the Quarter
Cafe Du Monde - Famous for their beignets & coffee.     

Jackson Square - Look at the historical plaques, roam in & out of the boutiques & take stroll down to the Mississippi to see what all the fuss is about.

French Quarter antique shops
Carousel Bar - Literally a moving carousel that doubles as a bar located inside of Hotel Monteleone.  Hemingway hung out here which alone makes it worth the visit but so does their Pimm's Cup. 

Dinner
Mr. B's Bistro - We hit this place on a busy night so the service was a little s catered. Still the food was pretty tasty & consists of the usual creole seafood fare.