Summer can be rough when you’re away from home, and it’s even worse when everyone else is spending their days under the hot summer sun back at home. But don’t fret! If you’re spending your summer in NOLA, take this opportunity to explore the beautiful city we’re lucky enough to call home. Check out some of these local attractions so that when everyone gets back to campus for the semester, you’ll be the new 504 expert!
1. Check Out the French Quarter in Broad Daylight.
Sure, the quarter is a blast at night, but seeing it in the light of day is a different experience altogether. Check out Cafe du Monde, Jackson Square, and all the artist vendors around the quarter. There are tons of artsy cafes, side streets, and boutiques that we Tulane students rarely explore as we’re busy throughout the year. Now’s the best time to rent a bike from Blue Bikes Nola and get your tourist on!
2. Go to Audubon Zoo.
If you’re spending your summer near campus, there’s no excuse to not be taking a ton of walks through Audubon Park. One of Audubon’s more underrated highlights is the acclaimed zoo. Filled with all sorts of animals, ranging from big to small, this zoo is certainly not just for kids.
3. Try Out a New Workout Class at Reily.
You know you’ve been meaning to do it; you only tell yourself every day after class that you’re going to finally try bodypump or deepwater conditioning, but the day gets the best of you and you find yourself locked up in the b school or getting some desperately needed shut eye instead. If you’re enrolled at Tulane during the summer, your Reily membership is included in your tuition and now you’ll finally have the time to learn how to properly~execute those burpees you butchered back in high school gym class.
4. Go Shopping on Magazine Street.
I know what you’re thinking: broke college students don’t have ample opportunities or funds to go shopping in New Orleans’ coolest shops. But have no fear, this doesn’t have to break the bank! Check out secondhand stores, like Buffalo Exchange and Funky Monkey, and revamp your wardrobe without going broke.
5. Check Out the Ashley Longshore Gallery.
If you’re like me, you’ve been meaning to do this for a long time. The art here is sure to inspire your inner badass, and it’s always fun seeing something that NOLA has become known for on social media. Once you’re done shopping, head over to this gallery and Instagram to your heart’s content.
This city is so amazing, it’d be a shame not to explore more of it, even if you have to do it alone. It can be a bummer to be alone or far from home for the summer, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself! Make NOLA your new home and enjoy all there is to see. And if it ever gets too hard, just remember that it’s only one more month until move-in!
COVER PHOTO: Nina Bedrick
