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It’s time to get away!

There are lots of fabulous cities out there to go on a weekend vacation to, but there is something about New Orleans and Atlanta that really has a special place in our hearts at #TeamBeautiful. Check out our favorite things to do in Crescent City and the Big Peach.

1. Admire New Orleans’ Gorgeous Architecture

Typical house in New Orleans

Source: © Cyrielle Beaubois / Getty

With beautiful, cast iron details and baroque influences, there’ll be plenty to take in!

2. Go To Mardi Gras-At Least Once In Your Life!

Spectators, Mardi Gras, Mobile, Alabama

Source: Buyenlarge / Getty

Everyone should turn up at Mardi Gras at least once. It’s one of-if not the biggest-party of the year. If you miss out, you’ll regret it.

3. Join A Service At Ebenezer Baptist Church In Atlanta

Red-brick church building, Atlanta

Source: Barry Winiker / Getty

After all that partying at Mardi Gras, make sure to repent! We can’t think of any better church to go in Atlanta than Ebenezer Baptist Church.

4. Stroll Down Bourbon Street

French Quarter, Bourbon Street and city skyline

Source: Walter Bibikow / Getty

Like Mardi Gras, everyone should walk down Bourbon Street at least once. There’s lots of great (and cheap) entertainment, bars, food, music and crazy characters ready to put on a show at all hours of the night.

5. Run Through Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Trail

Covered Bridge, Stone Mountain, Atlanta, Georgia

Source: joe daniel price / Getty

For my health nuts, take a trip through Stone Mountain. It’s free entry, it has some stunning views, and with the steep inclines, it will give you a really intense workout.

6. Walk Through Nola’s Cemeteries: Lafayette & St. John’s

Garden Dist-Lafayette cemetery

Source: Jim Schwabel / Getty

New Orleans is famous for its cemeteries. There’s lots of fascinating tours you can take while you’re in town but think twice before bringing the kids along. You might give them nightmares!

7. Enjoy New Orleans’ Live Jazz Bands

Dixieland band members play with passion along 116th Street...

Source: Pacific Press / Getty

If you’re going to New Orleans, you have to check out the music. If you don’t, you’ve wasted a perfectly great trip. Try hanging out at Maison Bourbon, The Spotted Cat Music Club and Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club while you’re in town.

8. Buy Some New Orleans Street Art

USA,Louisiana, New Orleans, Jackson Square, street artist painting

Source: Michael Townsend / Getty

Some street art—or some masks and headpieces—make for wonderful souvenirs to give to your friends and family when you return home for your trip. Make a point to check out New Orleans’ French Market for some really beautiful, elaborate pieces that won’t break the bank.

9. Visit Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Childhood Home

MLK March And Rally

Source: Prince Williams / Getty

Atlanta has a special place in all our hearts for being Martin Luther King’s hometown. Take your kids to see his childhood home; it will make for an unforgettable history lesson.

10. Visit Atlanta’s Center For Civil And Human Rights

Atlanta Cityscapes And City Views

Source: Raymond Boyd / Getty

Speaking of history lesson, take the kids to the Center for Civil and Human Rights while you’re at it. Inside, you’ll see exhibits on the fight for human rights in America and around the world. There’s even an exhibit just for Dr. King!

11. See A Football Game At Nola’s Sugar Bowl

All State Sugar Bowl - Alabama v Ohio State

Source: Stacy Revere / Getty

One of the best things you can do as a family is see a sports game together. What better place to do that than at one of America’s national treasures, the Sugar Bowl?! Don’t forget to grab some autographs and selfies that you can later brag about to your friends.

12. Snack On Cafe du Monde’s Famous Beignets In New Orleans

Beignets and hot chocolate are popular items at Cafe Du Monde.

Source: Kelley Miller / Getty

Beignets at Cafe du Monde are by far one of the most delicious snacks in the world. They’re light, fluffy and crispy at the same time. Give yourself plenty of time to stop by the cafe; chances are that the line will be snaking around the block!

RELATED LINKS:

On The Road: From ATL To New Orleans

The Single Girl’s Turn-Up Guide To New Orleans

Ledisi Describes Her New Orleans Roots & Gives A Message To Her Haters

On The Rails: From ATL To New Orleans
Low angle view of hanging baskets on a building, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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