Visiting New Orleans Last-Minute This Thanksgiving? Let BBC Destination Management Guide You!

In a city that is known for its exquisite cuisine and southern hospitality, it should come as no surprise that New Orleans was named one of Forbes’ 14 Last-Minute Thanksgiving Getaways; and we couldn’t agree more! As New Orleans Magazine’s 2016 Face of Hospitality, BBC Destination Management has put together some great last-minute tips for the optimal Nola- Thanksgiving experience. From dining to horse racing, your last-minute getaway is sure to be anything but dull, especially down in the Crescent City!

Tip 1: Thanksgiving Dinner

New Orleanians live to eat, so, naturally, Thanksgiving in NOLA is taken very seriously! Every year, restaurants throughout the city create specialty menus that will literally make your mouth water. For those wishing to experience Thanksgiving dinner in one of our finest restaurants, we recommend making a reservation at either Tujaque’s or Arnaud’s.

Tujaque’s, located along the bustling Decatur Street just two blocks away from Jackson Square in the French Quarter, was established in 1856 and, at 160 years old, is the second-oldest restaurant in New Orleans. What to expect: a delicious five course meal consisting of Shrimp Remoulade, Creole Turtle Soup, Oysters en Brochette, and Gulf Puppy Drum Ponchartrain (just to name a few). For the full menu, click here.

Arnaud’s is another local favorite that was established in 1918 and is located less than a block off the famous Bourbon Street. Here guests can savor New Orleans’ classic creole cuisine with Arnaud’s exceptional Thanksgiving Table D’Hôte menu. What to expect: a delectable four course meal consisting of Smoked Duck Gumbo, Red Oak Lettuce Salad, Gulf Fish Amandine, and Pumpkin Torte. Be sure to check out their full menu here!

If you cannot get a reservation, you needn’t worry. Several New Orleans restaurants and local grocers offer To-Go menus so that you can still taste our various Cajun/creole dishes without preparing a thing!

For more details, visit: http://www.nola.com/food/index.ssf/2016/11/no_restaurants_cook_up_thanksg.html

Tip 2:  Thanksgiving Football

Thanksgiving Day is never complete without a little football “en famille”. If you are an avid sports fan looking for the ideal Nola sports bar, we recommend making a stop at Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar or Manning’s .

Tracey’s, established in 1949, is located along the charming Magazine Street, a favorite among locals and tourists for its many boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Here you can enjoy some football while sampling some of NOLA’s signature dishes, including our world famous Po’Boys and locally brewed Abita beer.

Mannings, a Harrah’s New Orleans restaurant partner, is located downtown along Fulton Alley in the posh Warehouse District. This venue encompasses all things football from the 30+ flat screen TVs to the sports anchor desk. Guests can also sample some delicious snacks with a southern twist such as their Louisiana Crawfish Mac ‘N’ Cheese and Alligator Sausage Dog. For the full menu, click here.

Tip 3: Enjoy a Day at the Races at the New Orleans Fairgrounds

The New Orleans Fairgrounds is located in the historic Mid-City and has been a New Orleans staple since 1872. It is the third-oldest racetrack in the country that continues to be a part of the cultural fabric of the city. Thanksgiving marks the official opening day for the thoroughbred racing season and has been a NOLA tradition for years. What to expect: elaborate hats, traditional race day fashion (from gloves to vintage dresses for women and tweeds for men), cocktails and a Thanksgiving dinner buffet!

The list of NOLA Thanksgiving tips could go on as there really never is a dull moment in New Orleans! From all of us at BBC, we wish you a wonderful stay and Happy Thanksgiving in our amazing city!