Dining
Franklin Barbecue
Kick off your trip with a Texas institution. Arrive early for a taste of Aaron Franklin's James Beard Award-winning brisket, a legendary experience that defines Central Texas barbecue.
6
Days
21
Stops
active
Region
Austin, TXNew Orleans, LA
Embark on a culinary and cultural pilgrimage from the heart of Texas to the soul of Louisiana. This journey traces a path through legendary barbecue joints, vibrant Cajun prairies, and the electrifying rhythms of the Big Easy, focusing on unforgettable food, lively music, and rich local history.
Trip highlights
The route
- 1Austin, TXStart · 30.2672, -97.7431
- 2Franklin BarbecueStop · 30.2314, -97.7929
- 3The Menil CollectionStop · 29.7373, -95.3984
- 4Anvil Bar & RefugeStop · 29.7429, -95.4011
- 5Hotel ZaZa Museum DistrictStop · 29.7098, -95.4011
- 6NASA Johnson Space CenterStop · 29.5528, -95.0931
- 7XochiStop · 29.7562, -95.3626
- 8The Continental ClubStop · 29.7479, -95.3854
- 9Avery Island: TABASCO and Jungle GardensStop · 29.9048, -91.9056
- 10Blue Moon Saloon & GuesthouseStop · 30.2245, -92.0229
- 11Maison MadeleineStop · 30.1245, -91.9866
- 12The Whitney PlantationStop · 30.0483, -90.6865
- 13Jacques-Imo's CafeStop · 29.9298, -90.1062
- 14The ColumnsStop · 29.9272, -90.1010
- 15Frenchmen StreetStop · 29.9624, -90.0601
- 16French Quarter Walking TourStop · 29.9575, -90.0674
- 17Dooky Chase's RestaurantStop · 29.9705, -90.0768
- 18The Sazerac HouseStop · 29.9515, -90.0711
- 19Preservation HallStop · 29.9582, -90.0652
- 20Café Du MondeStop · 29.9575, -90.0619
- 21The National WWII MuseumStop · 29.9431, -90.0703
- 22Commander's PalaceStop · 29.9282, -90.0841
- 23New Orleans, LAEnd · 29.9511, -90.0715
Day 2
Culture Arts
The Menil Collection
After driving to Houston, immerse yourself in this stunning and serene art museum. It features a diverse private collection from antiquity to contemporary works, housed in a masterpiece of modern architecture.
Nightlife
Anvil Bar & Refuge
Experience one of America's best cocktail bars. Anvil is known for its meticulously crafted classic cocktails and innovative creations, set in a stylish, industrial-chic space in the vibrant Montrose neighborhood.
Lodging
Hotel ZaZa Museum District
Check into this stylish and eccentric boutique hotel, perfectly located for exploring Houston's world-class museums and vibrant cultural scene.
Day 3
Culture Arts
NASA Johnson Space Center
Spend the day exploring the epicenter of human spaceflight. Take the tram tour to see the historic Mission Control Center and the massive Saturn V rocket, a truly awe-inspiring cultural and scientific experience.
Dining
Xochi
Dine at Chef Hugo Ortega's celebrated restaurant for an authentic and inspired taste of Oaxaca. The menu features rich moles, house-made chocolate, and a bar program with an incredible selection of mezcal.
Nightlife
The Continental Club
Catch a live show at this iconic Houston music venue, a sibling to the Austin original. It hosts a wide variety of local and touring rock, blues, and country acts in an intimate setting.
Day 4
Local Experience
Avery Island: TABASCO and Jungle Gardens
On your way to Lafayette, detour to the home of TABASCO sauce. Tour the factory to see how the iconic hot sauce is made, then explore the lush, 170-acre Jungle Gardens, a botanical and wildlife paradise.
Nightlife
Blue Moon Saloon & Guesthouse
Check into your lodging and the night's entertainment in one stop. This world-famous honky-tonk is the go-to spot for live Cajun, Zydeco, and other roots music, offering a truly authentic Louisiana experience.
Lodging
Maison Madeleine
Stay in a beautifully restored 1840s French-Creole cottage on the serene shores of Lake Martin. This romantic bed and breakfast offers a peaceful escape deep in the heart of Cajun Country.
Day 5
Historical Site
The Whitney Plantation
En route to New Orleans, stop at this essential historic site. As America's first museum dedicated to the realities of slavery, it provides a powerful and moving perspective on the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked here.
Dining
Jacques-Imo's Cafe
Announce your arrival in New Orleans with a meal at this famously eclectic and vibrant restaurant. Expect a wait, a loud atmosphere, and unforgettable 'real N'awlins food' like alligator cheesecake and shrimp and tasso cornbread.
Lodging
The Columns
Settle into this historic Garden District hotel, famed for its grand Southern architecture and iconic front porch bar. It’s the perfect spot to sip a cocktail and watch the streetcar roll by.
Nightlife
Frenchmen Street
For your first night, skip the Bourbon Street crowds and head to where the locals go for live music. Dip into legendary clubs like The Spotted Cat or d.b.a. for incredible jazz, blues, and funk in intimate settings.
Day 6
Culture Arts
French Quarter Walking Tour
Spend the morning exploring the iconic architecture, hidden courtyards, and rich history of the Vieux Carré. A guided tour can reveal the stories behind landmarks like Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the Pontalba Buildings.
Dining
Dooky Chase's Restaurant
Experience a cornerstone of Creole cuisine and Civil Rights history. The late Chef Leah Chase's legendary establishment has served presidents and activists, known for its unmatched gumbo and fried chicken.
Local Experience
The Sazerac House
Discover the history of America's original cocktail through interactive exhibits at this multi-story museum and distillery. Enjoy tastings of the iconic Sazerac and other spirits right where they're made.
Entertainment
Preservation Hall
End the day with a pilgrimage to this hallowed venue for traditional New Orleans jazz. Experience an intimate, acoustic performance from the world-class Preservation Hall Jazz Band in a rustic, historic setting.
Day 7
Dining
Café Du Monde
No trip to New Orleans is complete without a morning stop at this iconic, open-air coffee shop for their world-famous beignets—pillowy, fried dough covered in powdered sugar—and a café au lait.
Historical Site
The National WWII Museum
Before departing, explore this immersive and powerful museum, designated by Congress as the official WWII museum of the United States. Its compelling exhibits offer a deep dive into the American experience of the war.
Dining
Commander's Palace
Conclude your epic road trip with a final, celebratory meal at this Garden District grande dame. Known for its inventive Creole cuisine, impeccable service, and legendary 25-cent jazz brunch martinis.
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