New Orleans, LA: Exploring the Big Easy
A city full of vibrant colors, tastes, and people, New Orleans has it all! While it might be what we’re known for, Mardi Gras is only a small part of what makes NOLA so special. Mini Mall Storage is proud to be part of the New Orleans community, so for those looking to visit or relocate, let us be the ones to show you around. Don’t be surprised if you love it enough to move! If you do, we can help with that too. We have vehicle parking and climate controlled self storage units waiting for you to make New Orleans your new home. But first, who’s hungry?
Flavors of the City
You can’t think of New Orleans without thinking of food. The port city’s unique mix of cultures also creates unique cuisine: po’boys, beignets, oysters Rockefeller, and bananas foster all originated here, after all. Gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, king cake, and muffaletta are also staple foods in the crescent. We’ll be honest with you – you can get good food at pretty much any restaurant here. That said, we still have a list of our favorites for those who can get overwhelmed by the near-infinite number of choices.
Absolutely everyone will tell you to go to Café Du Monde, and the open-air coffee shop is world famous for good reason. Their beignets are borderline magical and their café au lait is the perfect pairing as you take a break from browsing the market in the French Quarter to refuel and people watch. Lines are long and the café is cash-only, so come early and come prepared. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, El Gato Negro’s authentic Mexican is also walking distance from the market. Family owned and operated, their three locations are all in NOLA and serve dishes inspired by family recipes from the Mexican state of Michoacan. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but we recommend the fajitas and their Blood of the Gods margarita.
If you’re in the Garden District looking for upscale dining with local specialties, try the Commander’s Palace. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the fabulous blue Victorian building. Make sure to come well-dressed (collared shirts and close-toed shoes) and try the gumbo du jour when you visit. For those looking for a more casual vibe, try Lilly’s Café, a quiet Vietnamese restaurant that serves classics like Pho and Banh Mi. For something even more casual head to Parasol’s, a “divey hang” to grab a delicious po’boy and watch the game.
Whether you’re in the mood for Creole, Cajun, Soul, Vietnamese, Mexican, Italian, or any other type of cuisine, New Orleans has you covered. Our fresh seafood is spectacular, our regional dishes are unlike anything else, and one taste will have you ready to come back over and over again. Hungry for more than just food? Our next section takes you to places that will feed your heart and soul.
Places to Be, Things to Do
NOLA is a cultural hub, so whether you’re into art, music, architecture, animals, museums, nature, or anything else you can dream of, we have it in spades. There are plenty of family-friendly options, educational experiences, and just plain fun things to do here. Join us as we take you through some of our favorite haunts.
If you’re a fan of jazz music, the New Orleans Jazz Museum is a must-visit for music lovers, as it is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of jazz in New Orleans. Located in the historic Old U.S. Mint building, it features exhibits, performances, and educational programs highlighting the city’s jazz heritage. As the birthplace of the genre our live options aren’t lacking either – try Preservation Hall, The Spotted Cat, or Fritzel’s European Jazz Club. Enjoy drinks and dancing no matter where you go as you enjoy the soundtrack of the city.
If eating the city’s cuisine isn’t enough for you, try the Southern Food and Beverage Museum. The museum showcases the unique foods and drinks of the American South and features exhibits for each state, demonstrations, and events that explore the region’s culinary history. Visitors can learn about Cajun and Creole cuisine’s history and sample traditional dishes. They also have the Meat Lab, a state-of-the-art facility that offers classes and demonstrations for everything meat-related.
Those with little ones will enjoy the Louisiana Children’s Museum, a fun and educational destination for families. The museum features interactive exhibits and activities that encourage learning and play for kids of all ages. Exhibits include a grocery store, a climbing wall, a puppet theater, 100-foot water table, and more. The museum also offers special events and programs throughout the year, including art classes, science workshops, and holiday celebrations.
For animal lovers or those looking for even more family-friendly things to do, visit the Audobon Zoo and Aquarium. Consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the country, their Louisiana Swamp exhibit has been one of their most popular attractions throughout the organization’s history. It explores the ties between the region’s people, animals, plants, food, industry, and culture. The swamp’s white alligators are considered good luck, and for those of us who are less academic the gators’ public feeding times are can’t be missed entertainment. Also worth seeing are the open flight aviary, Sumatran orangutans, amur leopards, and green sea turtles.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Explore the vibrant and distinctive neighborhoods of New Orleans! From the lively Mid-City to the serene Lakeview Lakefront and the bustling Central City, we have something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in seeing the city’s beautiful architecture, exploring, or scouting out locations for your new home we’ve got plenty of suggestions to get you started.
Mid-City is a lively and easy-going neighborhood just north of the French Quarter. It’s most notable for being the home of City Park, a green space larger than Central Park in NYC. With its stunning oak trees, lagoons, and gardens, the park offers a range of recreational activities, including golf, tennis, and boating. Additionally, Mid-City is home to many excellent restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists.
Known for its scenic views and stunning sunsets over the lake, Lakeview Lakefront is a vibrant neighborhood along Lake Pontchartrain’s shores. If you are looking for a bite to eat, Lakeshore has many great restaurants, bars, and several seafood markets where visitors can sample the day’s fresh catch. The Lakefront also has many parks and green spaces, including the Lakeshore Playground.
Just west of the Central Business District, Central City is a historically significant neighborhood recognized for its lively arts scene, cultural heritage, and iconic buildings and landmarks. One of the neighborhood’s most renowned establishments is Tipitina’s, a famous jazz club that has welcomed numerous music legends. The district is home to various community organizations, and initiatives are working towards revitalizing the area and preserving its cultural heritage.
Storage in the Big Easy
As your neighborhood self storage experts, we hope you enjoyed our brief guide to New Orleans. Whether you’re a local, a business owner, or looking to find your new home, we have everything you need to make storage simple. We have covered and uncovered parking for vehicle storage, be it your car, RV, or boat, climate controlled storage units in a wide variety of sizes, month-to-month leases, a fully fenced and gated property, and an expert team dedicated to helping you create space for what matters in life. Not sure what size storage unit you need or what the benefits of climate controlled storage are? Check out our unit size calculator and visit our guide to climate controlled storage. You can also give our New Orleans self storage facility a call, drop by for a visit, or check out our available storage units in NOLA and rent completely online!