While the heat (and/or occasional flooding) may keep you inside in these final sweaty summer days, time waits for no one. The summer months are sizzling away. Soon the traffic will be heavier, the kids will be back to school, and of course, football will be back and we’ll all have our eyes on the refs after last year’s (thing-of-which-we-shall-not-speak). But before all that fun into the fall, we have white linen to wear, festivals to bear and food beyond compare. Here’s how to keep your cool during these last days of summer.
Where Sicily and the Crescent City collide
The story of New Orleans’ most famous ice cream shop began approximately 125 years ago. Angelo Brocato’s is a staple of Mid-City, but before that, the famous ice cream and sweets shop was nestled in the heart of the French Quarter. Click here to read more about the story of the Brocato family and how the became Very Local.
Rebirth of a Brand
There’s nothing like cracking open a cold beer on a hot summer day. The rebirth of Dixie Beer after being off shelves is expanding, with their brewing facility now occupying the old MacFrugal’s warehouse in New Orleans East. In the first year, Dixie will provide 50 new jobs and have enough capacity to brew, ferment and package upward of 65,000 barrels of beer in kegs, cans and bottles, representatives said. Click here to learn more about how Dixie is helping reviving its brand and the economy of New Orleans East.
Last Minute Getaway
There is a lot to love about New Orleans: The stories, the food, the celebrations. Every once in a while, though, it’s nice to see something outside the parish lines. Maybe you’re trying to squeeze in that last vacation with the kids, and the beaches of Ship Island offer a perfect getaway. It’s only an hour outside of New Orleans (just enough time for the little ones to get a power nap in) and if the beach isn’t your thing, you can hike up to the fort on the other side of the island during your day there. Click here to read more about a day at Ship Island.
What’s Happening This Weekend
Fri. Aug. 2, 2019
Satchmo Summerfest | Aug. 2 – Aug. 4 | New Orleans Jazz Museum | $6
Satchmo Summerfest began in 2001 as a way to celebrate Louis Armstrong’s 100th birthday, but now it’s grown into a three-day festival featuring more than 30 acts and food vendors. The fest also includes local traditions like a Jazz Mass at St. Augustine Catholic Church in the Treme, followed by a second line from the church to the festival. Needs the details on where to park, pee and what to pack? Click here for all the pro tips you’re looking for.
COOLinary | Entire month of August | Various restaurants | $39 or less
So technically COOLinary starts on Thursday (Aug. 1), but for the entire month of August more than 40 restaurants in the city offer special prix-fixe menus. That means you can go restaurant hopping on a budget! Two-course lunches are $20 or less, and three-course dinners and brunches top at $39.
Sat. Aug. 3, 2019
V. Fresh Pool Party Yoga | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | The Drifter Hotel | $15
Need to switch up your yoga routine? This yoga session is followed immediately after with dranks 🍸 and all day pool access. All attendees will get koozies, chapstick and Mural Margarita samples, and 15 lucky yogi’s can win tote bags.
This annual celebration showcases galleries, live music and the arts, and offers Julia Street and the Arts District a night to strut their stuff. There are parties all over the street: the block party is free and open to the public, but different galleries will have paid admissions to attend.
Sun. Aug. 4, 2019
Sunday Swim Society | 11 a.m. | NOPSI Hotel | Free
Usually open only to hotel guests, the gorgeous pool at Above the Grid bar is open to locals every Sunday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. A live DJ will be at the pool from 3 – 6 p.m.
Black & Gold Fest | 5 – 6:30 p.m. | Tulane University Yulman Stadium | Free
The Saints are inviting all fans to a fan fest at Tulane Stadium prior to their training camp practice at 7 p.m. Fans can watch the Saints practice after the fest, or get their gear signed by players during an autograph session.
