Day By District: Metairie/Kenner
If you have only one day to visit Metairie/Kenner, follow our guide so you don’t miss the high points!
8:00 AM: Waffles On Maple
Start the day right with breakfast at this adorable little spot. They offer crepes, omelets, and other breakfast food, but needless to say, their waffles are their best dish. Get the waffle sampler, which comes with a spinach-artichoke waffle, a mushroom-omelet topped waffle, a strawberry banana waffle, and a strawberry cream cheese waffle. The assortment of sweet and savory just highlights the different flavors. And since you’re in New Orleans, pair it with a cafe au lait.
9:00 AM: Airboat Swamp Tours
Find out who’s living in the swamps by taking a boat out. The tour starts at 9:45, but get there early to snag a good spot. On the two-hour ride, you’ll have the chance to see alligators, snakes, turtles, raccoons, eagles, and more. It’s really amazing just how diverse the wildlife can be in the area.
12:00 PM: Parran’s
A trip on the water always makes people hungry. Stop at Parran’s and get a seafood muffaletta – it’s the best in the country. The meal includes shrimp, catfish, and oysters, all fresh from the bayou, and the perfect spicy Cajun mayo to accent it. Pair with red beans and rice for a bit more Southern flavor.
1:00 PM: Metairie Cemetary
After you’ve eaten, head to the graveyard. Located on the site of an old horse-racing track, the cemetary now has some big names that played a major role in New Orleans culture. Don’t forget to pay homage to Al Copeland – he founded Popeye’s Fried Chicken – and Louis Prima.
3:00 PM: Kenner Planetarium and Space Science Complex
Want to see the International Space Station? The Space Science Complex has a full size replica, and you can learn all about the United States’ path in the Space Race. Other hands-on exhibits allow you to forecast the weather or try your hand at paleontology. It’s fun for kids and adults, so plan on spending several hours here.
7:00 PM: Harbor Seafood and Oyster Bar
For dinner, indulge in some great down-home food. This restaurant does an amazing crab-stuffed eggplant pirogue, but the brave will want to get the Swamp Platter. It includes alligator, frog legs, and turtle soup, so that you can try some of NOLA’s more exotic dishes. Everyone will want a piece of the rich and decadent bourbon pecan pie to finish, though!
9:00 PM: Treasure Chest Casino
Finish the evening at this riverboat casino! Try your luck in one of the many gambling games, such as blackjack or roulette, see live music performed by groups like Sugarbomb or the Kurt Brunus Project, or simply have fun in the bold and over-the-top casino atmosphere.