If tourist traps, drinking, and walking down suspicious streets aren't you thing, you can still enjoy a visit to New Orleans. The city has gained a certain reputation, but there's much more to New Orleans than the stereotypes that you hear about so often.
Even though I've recently moved, I enjoyed my time living just an hour away from New Orleans. I didn't visit the city as much as I thought that I would, and I am definitely not a local, but I was able to try out some things during the three years that I lived nearby.
Sweets
Cafe du Monde - Ok, I know I said no tourist traps, and this probably counts as one, but you do need to have a beignent while in New Orleans. This is not negotiable. You need to eat fried dough covered in powdered sugar, so deal with the crowd and take cute instagram photos.
Sucre - When you go to Paris, you have to get macarons from Laduree. When you go to New Orleans, you have to get macarons from Sucre. Their macarons are exactly what macarons are supposed to be like. Of course, once you get a glimpse of the chocolate, cupcakes, and cookies behind the counter, you might end up with more than just macarons. There are multiple locations, but I've only ever been to the one on Magazine Street because it's not difficult to park there.
Bonus: Paul's Pastry - If you drive down I-59 to get to New Orleans, stop at Paul's Pastry in Picayune to get a king cake either on your way there or on your way out. Yes, king cake is for Mardi Gras, but if you aren't going to be in the area during that time, just get one anyway. The strawberry/cream cheese filling is my favorite. As long as you are stopping by, you can pick up one for me too. :)
Shopping
I mainly stuck to Magazine Street for shopping because of the easy parking and access to cute boutiques. Two of my favorites are The French Library, which sells French children's books and has a perfect day bed swing near the front window, and the Petit Paris Market, which carries treats and gifts imported from France. (There's a bit of a theme with the type of shopping I like.)
Activities
Moonlight Paddle - If you are a little more adventurous and think canoeing or kayaking through Lousiana's swamps and bayous sounds like a good idea, then I recommend you check out Canoe and Trail. My mom, sister,and I went out on one of their Moonlight Paddles. It only takes place once a month around the time when the moon is full. Our group set off in the evening, ate our dinner on the shore as the sun set, and then made our way back to our starting point under the light of the moon. The company has other outings available, so it's worth taking a look at their day offering if you want to try it but don't like the idea of being in the swamp in the dark.
Square Dance NOLA - If you happen to be in town on one of the Mondays when these are held, you absolutely need to go. First of all, First Presbyterian Hall looks like a scene out of an old movie. Second, the dancing isn't hard to follow because the caller tells you exactly what to do. The people are welcoming, and while someone may laugh when you head in the wrong direction, it's just friendly. You might think that you're not a dancer, but if the people that I've gone with can do this, then so can you.
Afternoon Tea at Windsor Court - I had no idea that you could do afternoon tea in New Orleans until my sister mentioned it for her bachelorette trip. You'll need to make reservations, and it is a bit expensive, but absolutely worth it in order to be able to get all dressed up during the middle of the day and feel extremely fancy. Le Salon has specific themed weekends for tea as well. A prohibition themed tea happened recently, and I wish that I were going to be around for the holidays/Christmas season.
The National World War II Museum - Chances are that you've already heard about this museum. According to tripadvisor, it's the highest rated thing to do in new Orleans. The museum is so popular that it might not qualify as unconventional, but it's such a good museum that I couldn't leave it off the list.
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