This time of year is always bittersweet, especially for the graduating class: there’s only about a month and a half until graduation and until many of us move on to new opportunities in new places or back home. These next 8 weeks might be the last time many of us will be back in the beautiful city of New Orleans. Although we’re approaching the home stretch and before we know it, facing finals, the class of 2014 has every right to live these weeks to the fullest. With a little inspiration from my roommates’ own list, here are a few items that are must-haves on a senior bucket list!
1. A final po-boy from either Parkway or Domilise’s
Possibly the most famous food from New Orleans, you absolutely can’t leave without having a shrimp or oyster po-boy (dressed, of course). Everyone has their favorite spots, but I recommend Parkway and Domilise’s. Parkway is in Mid-City, an area of the city that many do not really get the chance to explore besides attending music festivals (more on that later!), and their po-boys are divine. My personal favorite is Domilise’s, and I suggest taking an oyster po-boy and root beer to go and eat it at the Fly with your friends.
2. Hit the bars: new and old
We all know New Orleans is infamous for being a party city. Assuming everyone in the senior class is 21, it is 100% necessary to try out some new bars! Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone is a classy place to go: with a fun band, great atmosphere and a bar that spins (very slowly, thankfully), you can’t go wrong. Of course, there are some classic bars that you have to visit one more time: The Bulldog, Pat O’Brien’s, Bacchanal, and hey, maybe The Boot and The Palms too for old time’s sake.
3. Jazz Fest
The humble opinion of a New Orleanian, Jazz Fest is the best music festival in the city for people of all ages. Maybe you’ve been every year, or maybe finals week has always gotten in the way. Although finals week is surely important, just making it to one day of Jazz Fest is truly worth it, and honestly, any day is fun. Explore Congo Square and buy some souvenir jewelry, eat Crawfish Monica or crawfish beignets and listen to some of the best musical acts in the world. Depending on your musical tastes, you’ll go to different days and stages, but if you want my opinion, go see Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, and Phish.
4. EAT UP!
Besides the po-boy at the Fly, there are just so many amazing places to eat that sadly, you won’t be able to go everywhere. Go to your absolute favorites! I can safely assume that places like Dat Dog, Satsuma, and Cowbell make the list. Although money is tight, don’t be afraid to splurge on an amazing meal at a place like K Paul’s or GW Fins…or just wait for your parents to take you!