Best of New Orleans: Making the Most of the Sunshine

I don’t know about all of you, but putting on shorts for the first time in ages was arguably one of my favorite moments this week. Sitting out in the sun writing this instead of bundled up in an oversized sweatshirt in a Howie-T cubicle has made me realize all the amazing things that come along with living in New Orleans during one of the most beautiful times of the year. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the five things that I’m going to do before its too hot to tear myself away from the air conditioning!

French Quarter Festival

http://www.fqfi.org/frenchquarterfest/

It’s my first time being in New Orleans for French Quarter Festival and I could not be more excited! Sometimes called the “World’s Largest Block Party” this 30-year-old tradition is bound to be filled with amazing food and great music. Going from April 11th to the 14th, this is a can’t miss event!

A Cold Drink

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/virgin-strawberry-daiquiri-2/

Of course there’s Daq Shack but I also found this super easy recipe for a virgin strawberry daiquiri. So grab some cute glasses and all your friends and try this quintessential, not to mention delicious, New Orleans drink!

A New Haircut

http://www.twistedsalon.com/

There’s something about warm weather that makes me want to experiment with a new hairstyle. Go for a cute bob, get bangs, or try out highlights–whatever is going to make you feel your best whether you’re spending a lazy afternoon with your friends at the Fly or walking into that huge final you’ve been stressing about for weeks! I’ve heard that Twisted Hair Salon is a good bet for an awesome haircut. 

A Trip to the Zoo

http://www.auduboninstitute.org/visit/zoo

One of my biggest regrets of freshman year is that I haven’t made it to the zoo yet. With the Audubon Zoo so close to campus, this is the perfect idea for a spontaneous trip with your friends when you can’t study for finals anymore and the sun is just way too tempting. 

Jazz Fest 

http://www.nojazzfest.com/

Yes, tickets are expensive, but the lineup is also more than amazing this year. From Maroon 5, to The Black Keys to Billy Joel, this is going to be one talent-packed music festival. The hardest part? Deciding which day you want to go!