The average high temperature for the next week is 85 degrees, and the average low is 77 degrees. With a “real feel” hitting 90 degrees, it’s hard to believe summer is officially over. New Orleans holds on to summer like a former Rex Queen holds on to her crown – we just can’t let go.
If you are visiting the Crescent City this time of year, especially from a place with four seasons, it can be unnerving to sweat this much with October upon us. “Brisk” is a balmy 75 degrees. Here are seven ways you can enjoy our version of autumn.
Saints Football
Few cities do football the way New Orleans does football. The traditions of tailgating, jersey-wearing and sports bar imbibing take on an entirely new character here. There is no sacrilege involved when fans call the Superdome “church,” and every priest in town knows to time his homily so parishioners can watch the pregame. Our prayers include world peace and a Saints victory. For those who don’t practice a formal religion, Saints football sometimes serves as their own personal practice in faith. Did you see Brees against Atlanta last week? We think a higher power is on our side. So, join in the fandom and buy tickets for a home game or watch with a hometown crowd at a bar.
Locally-brewed Oktoberfest Beers
Even though there is no crispness to the air outside, our local brewers are rolling out their seasonal beers inspired by German traditions. NOLA Brewing Company offers Darkest Before Dawn, a Munich-style Dunkel. Find it in their Taproom and grab some McClure’s Barbecue while you’re there. The pulled pork nachos will pair nicely. Urban South Brewery makes a traditional Oktoberfest that is a Marzen Lager. Their taproom offers it in two sizes, one of which include a keepsake stein. It is family and dog friendly, and a rotating lineup of food trucks offers a variety of food.
Costume Shopping
Halloween is right around the corner and no one does costuming like New Orleanians. Be the person in your hometown who goes to work on Halloween in full costume, or trick or treat as a family in group-themed costumes. While you’re here, visit some of the best costume shops around. Nikki’s French Quarter Halloween Store has a great variety of off-the-rack costumes and if you want something truly special, consider a custom costume from Southern Costume Company. For wigs, no one beats Fifi Mahony’s, which also stocks specialty cosmetics.
Haunted Houses
In light of Halloween, why not visit a haunted house while you are in one of the spookiest cities in the country? New Orleans Nightmare is a quick cab ride out of town and The Mortuary Haunted House is in a real haunted house. If gore isn’t your thing, there are also plentiful French Quarter Ghost Tours to choose from, even if it may be a bit hot walking around outside. That’s why we love daiquiris year-round.
Visit NOMA
Put on your chicest sweater and most bohemian scarf and visit the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). It is always freezing in there so you can wear those fall favorite boots and explore the exhibits. The permanent collection is impressive on its own, and current exhibitions feature historic photography, the photography of Del Hall, painting and calligraphy by Zen masters, and a curated selection from the permanent collection that delves into Orientalism and its “shades of oppression, racism, and superficial cultural understanding.”
Pumpkin Spice Gumbo
Gotcha! While I haven’t heard of such an abomination yet, New Orleans isn’t so un-American that we don’t participate in fall’s favorite flavor. Ask about seasonal desserts at your restaurants. Local coffee chains feature fall menu items too. PJ’s Coffee is advertising a pumpkin latté, pumpkin affogato, caramel apple latté and bananas foster cold brew latté; and CC’s Coffee House is featuring a pumpkin pie latté and pumpkin pie Mochamississippi.
Netflix and (literally) Chill
Autumn makes you want to cozy up beneath a down blanket and watch a fire crackle before you. Crank up the air conditioning in your hotel room and stream Netflix’s “Fireplace for Your Home” or choose from multiple options on YouTube to create your own personal fireplace. Sip one of those autumnal coffee drinks and read a good book while you are at it. Down time is part of the culture here too.
