Yay, so exciting! My very first post about travel! I’m so excited that my first travel journal gets to highlight one of my absolute favorite destinations. I have been visiting Louisiana several times a year ever since I was born. I have loads of family in the state, all the way from Springfield and Ponchatoula to New Orleans itself! I love to travel to Louisiana for the #1 reason of family. When we all gather together, there’s over 30 of us, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Of course, I love the restaurants and shopping in Hammond and Ponchatoula, and New Orleans is always so exciting. I was stoked to get to drive down and spend a couple days there in the second part of my spring break, and I thought it would be the perfect time to write my first travel journal!
Day 1: March 16
We arrived at about 6:30 at night on March 15, but that night was just spent meeting new baby cousins and enjoying my Aunt’s stew. The real fun began the next day, the 16th. We started the day at Berry Patch Cafe in Hammond. This is a cute little brunch place that has updated twists on classic New Orleans flavors. I enjoyed the strawberry filled beignets and the crab cake eggs Benedict that morning, and I can’t wait to go back and try all the other yummy things! And of course, there’s no way I would make it through breakfast in Louisiana without a Cafe Au Lait! 
When we got back to my aunt’s house after brunch, I got to spend tons of time with all of my little cousins. Finally, it was time for the big family crawfish boil that was planned for that night! If you’ve never had an old-fashioned, genuine Louisiana crawfish boil, I’m sorry to tell you how much you’re missing out on. It’s even better when you can just gather around the table and hang out with your huge family!
Day 2: March 17
Woohoo, St. Paddy’s Day is always a party in New Orleans! Ever since I was young, my family and I have been going to the Irish Channel Parades in the city for St. Patrick’s Day, and it’s one of my favorite traditions. My family heritage on my mom’s side is primarily Irish, and you can tell by our frizzy curls! My cousins and I always get decked out, and this year we even tried green glitter roots (highly recommend, just make sure you scrub your scalp afterward 😉). If you’ve never been to a parade in NOLA, it’s something I think everyone should experience! There are so many sights to see and so many fun toys and beads to catch!
After the parade, we simply couldn’t resist stopping by A. Brocato’s, the most amazing little Italian pastry and ice shop. Brocato’s is another family tradition, and their authentic Italian treats are delicious! I ordered a latte and their fresh, made-on-demand cannoli (which are to die for!)
I had so much fun visiting family and my favorite city this past weekend, and I can’t wait to do it again! Thank you all so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed my very first travel journal!
Stay sweet, Sophia ❤
Small Town Sophia 