Rolling into a New Orleans Holiday
By Magi Thomley Williams Photos by Jackson Williams
There’s something romantic about train travel — its rhythm, its pace, its promise of adventure. A ride on the Amtrack Mobile to New Orleans Mardi Gras Service is a perfect day trip or overnighter. And for just $79 round trip for two, it’s a steal. Celebrating the season with New Orleans energy and enthusiasm is a surefire way to spark holiday revelry.
We boarded the train early in the morning, coffee in hand and full of anticipation. The journey took about three and a half hours — through stretches of marshland and sleepy towns; the experience was refreshingly different from flying. For one, the Wi-Fi worked without any airplane mode restrictions. The seating, even in coach, was surprisingly roomy. There was plenty of space for luggage, and the food service, though limited, was varied enough to satisfy. After all, who needs food when you are headed to NOLA dining options? Passengers are free to move around the entire trip. The Mardi Gras Service is perfect for shoppers who want to spend a day shopping and bring back loads of treasure.
New Orleans greeted us decked in her finest holiday lights and embellishments, shimmering with holiday spirit. Two outstanding locations to enjoy the holiday magic are the Royal Sonesta and The Roosevelt, each hotel lobby offering dazzling displays that bring the joy and hope of the holiday season.
Our home base for the trip was the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street. We chose to walk 20 minutes from the train station, but trams, taxis, and ride-sharing services are available outside the station. The hotel was welcoming and perfectly situated with informative and engaging staff. Bar service was warm and attentive, and the lounge offered a cozy retreat after a long day exploring. As a bonus, our room boasted an expansive view of the Mississippi River.
On our walk to the hotel, we stopped for lunch at Café Fleur de Lis, a local gem with an interesting menu. The catfish fingers were crunchy and golden, nestled atop creamy grits laced with scallions and lemon sauce. The place was buzzing with locals — a sure sign we’d chosen well.
One of the highlights of our trip was the Sazerac House tour. We immersed ourselves in the rich history of New Orleans’ cocktail culture, learning about the city’s official drink and sampling creations from expert bartenders. It was more than a tasting — it was a celebration of tradition.
We never miss people watching along the Riverwalk, strolling through Jackson Square and reflecting at the St. Louis Cathedral. We couldn’t resist the pull of Café Du Monde, though we opted for an outlying location to avoid the chaos of the French Market original. Still, no visit to New Orleans feels complete without café au lait and beignets.
For dinner, we made our way to Deanie’s Seafood, where I discovered a new favorite wine: Ant Moore Sauvignon Blanc. Instead of bread for the table, they served their signature house potatoes, a delightful twist that paired perfectly with the retro vibe of the restaurant’s post-Katrina location.
Another can’t-miss for us is cocktails at the Carousel Bar & Lounge in the Hotel Monteleone, making friends at the rotating bar, then exploring the enchanting Christmas décor. Meandering through the holiday scenes, watching the wonder in the eyes of children, and getting lost in the spirit of the season — a perfect winter getaway.
