Having a local's guide to a city is always valuable. But in New Orleans, where tens of thousands of people will descend for the Super Bowl on Feb. 9, it's priceless.
That's why CULTURED asked Lisa P. Jackson, a New Orleans native and vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives at Apple, to share her favorite haunts. In a city that is frequently overrun by crowds, it's especially helpful to know where to go to pause for a moment of respite off the beaten path.
Unsurprisingly for an art lover and sustainability expert (she was the first Black administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), Jackson's guide is heavy on outdoor wandering. From serene escapes along the Mississippi River to strolling through the lush beauty of Audubon Park, her recommendations celebrate the vibrancy of the city’s many neighborhoods.
Whether discovering vibrant murals with Art New Orleans or indulging in the best po' boys around, Jackson's insights will have you exploring New Orleans like a local. Craving even more tips? Check out her Hyperlocal guide on Apple Maps—your perfect companion to uncover the city’s no-longer-best-kept secrets.
Where do you go to escape the crowds?
Outdoors, of course. New Orleans is blessed with some beautiful parks. Probably my favorite place to go is Audubon Park. That's because it was right across the street when I was in school at Tulane. It was a good place to take a nice study break or even to study outside if it wasn't too hot or rainy. I also like The Batture. It's usually quiet up there—and the Mississippi [River] is relaxing in a strange sort of way. Finally, it's always fun to visit a museum: the CAC, the Ogden, or the Historic New Orleans Collection, to name a few.
Favorite place for a quintessential po' boy?
Guy’s Po-Boys and Domilise's Po-Boy & Bar, which are both uptown. Domilise’s was a favorite while I was at Tulane. They are both really great restaurants.
Best place for a coffee meeting?
Well, that depends on what part of the city I'm in. No need to travel far to get coffee in New Orleans. There are so many good bakeries and coffee/tea houses.
Your ideal art-viewing itinerary?
Apple supports a group called Art New Orleans that does a wonderful job with placemaking and public art in the city. You can go to their website, they have a map of art and murals around the city. Their latest mural, on the side of the Orleans Justice Center, will be visible from the main highway that runs between the airport and downtown. If you spend a minute reading their story, what they are about, and who they help, the art means even more.
In addition to taking in the city’s incredible murals, I always start by visiting the Arthur Roger Gallery to see what is showing there. He has remarkable taste and wonderful shows and always tries to include some local artists. I can't pick a favorite museum in New Orleans, but my dream art itinerary would be to visit Prospect New Orleans, the citywide contemporary art triennial.
Underrated Saturday-afternoon activity?
Plan a visit to one of the small neighborhood shopping districts in the city. I like the Oak Street corridor. You're uptown and can easily walk from there to the Riverbend and down Saint Charles Avenue.
What is your pick for a local restaurant you can actually get into for dinner?
Ha! If I tell you, I won't be able to get in! But seriously, get out of the Quarter and check out neighborhood eateries. It's almost impossible to get a bad meal in New Orleans. Most neighborhood places don't take reservations, but if you can brave the wait, you will eventually get in, and I can tell you, the food is worth it! Try Queen Trini Lisa in Mid City or wait in line with the locals for seafood at Jack Dempsey’s in the Bywater or Deanie's in Bucktown.
What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?
New Orleans is a city of music. And the rhythm changes and reflects the life, resilience, and spirit of New Orleanians. I feel really lucky to have grown up believing every city was like my hometown. I didn't realize how unique it was until I left.
For insider tips on how to navigate cities around the globe, check out David Castillo's guide to Miami, Gisela Capitain's tour of Cologne, and Rebecca Lamarche-Vadel's advice for visiting Paris.
