Big Easy Charm: Take a Southern Cooking & Mixology Class in New Orleans

SAMPLE ITINERARY
Jun 13
3 min read

Updated: Jul 4

THE CITY: New Orleans Louisiana

No matter the season, New Orleans rolls out the red carpet with a style all its own—where Caribbean, French, Spanish, and African influences collide in a sensory explosion of flavor, rhythm, and soul. Music spills from every corner, food is practically a religion, and the party never really stops in the birthplace of jazz. It’s a city of Creole spice, clacking streetcars, and centuries-old oaks draped in Spanish moss.

Beyond the revelry of Mardi Gras, you’ll find deep history, haunting beauty, and a pulse that runs from the cobbled streets of the French Quarter to the still waters of the bayou. From swamp tours and second lines to festivals, voodoo lore, and iconic architecture, New Orleans doesn’t just entertain—it enchants. There’s no other place in the U.S. quite like it.

STAY: Maison de la Luz (now Maison Métier)

Set in a historic building in the Warehouse District, Maison de la Luz is a bold, beautifully designed guesthouse that blends Southern elegance with a touch of eccentricity. With just 67 suites, it feels more like a private home than a hotel—think vintage tile, velvet furnishings, and bespoke details like zodiac tables and serpent-handled showers.

Guests enjoy nightly wine and cheese in the lounge, access to the nearby Ace Hotel’s pool and gym, and an exclusive key to Bar Marilou, a moody, bookcase-hidden speakeasy that’s as stylish as the rooms themselves. It's polished, personal, and unlike anywhere else in New Orleans.

MAIN ACTIVITY: Southern Cooking & Mixology Class

There’s incredible food to be found in the marshlands—and this hands-on experience brings you right into the heart of it. You’ll join a local chef in a cozy, character-filled kitchen to explore the flavors that define the Lowcountry. From shrimp and grits to freshly foraged herbs and seasonal sides, you’ll learn how to prepare traditional Southern dishes with a modern twist.

As the evening unfolds, you’ll shake up a signature cocktail to pair with your meal, pick up tips from a true culinary pro, and hear stories about the cultural roots of each recipe. Then it’s time to sit down and enjoy the feast you helped create, surrounded by good company and the quiet beauty of the marsh. It’s more than a cooking class—it’s a flavorful dive into the soul of the South.

MORE TO DO: Local’s Tour of NOLA History and Culture

See New Orleans through the eyes of a local on this lively city tour that blends culture, history, and just the right amount of swagger. You’ll cruise past iconic landmarks like Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, and the French Market—soaking in the stories that shaped the Crescent City.

Along the way, your guide will point out centuries-old homes, ornate mansions, and one of the city’s hauntingly beautiful above-ground cemeteries. You’ll also explore the vibrant energy of Frenchmen Street, with time to stop into a local bar or two for live music and a drink. It’s a full-sensory intro to a city that refuses to be ordinary—equal parts charm, grit, and magic.

MORE TO DO: Plantation History Deep Dive

This experience takes you beyond the city to visit two historic plantations near New Orleans—sites that are both beautifully preserved and deeply complex. Walking the grounds, you’ll step back more than two centuries to explore the architecture, daily life, and economic significance of these estates, while also confronting the painful realities of slavery that shaped their legacy.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour offers thoughtful insight into the lives of those who lived and labored here. Between visits, you’ll enjoy a locally prepared lunch that draws on traditional recipes—adding another layer of cultural flavor to the day. It’s an eye-opening, meaningful journey through a chapter of Southern history that continues to echo.