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This week, Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev and the guy who will always be Cyclops to me, James Marsden, were hanging out on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.  Although sources say that they may not be a real item and that this was just a hookup, where do you romance it up in the big easy?  Here are a few spots that might woo her in.

Happy Hour

Most people, when they think of New Orleans’ Happy Hour, are thinking about 2 for 1 PBRs on Bourbon St. or Daiquiris at the Original Fat Tuesdays, but we are going for romance, not bro-mance.  I highly recommend The Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone.  The rotating bar has been overlooking Royal St. since 1949, serves up custom cocktails and hosts live entertainment weekly.  Even if you can’t get a seat at the rotating bar, there is plenty of room around the bar and the vibe is inviting and relaxing.

Dinner

Antoine’s Restaurant, the oldest Creole restaurant in New Orleans, continues to be my personal favorite in the Crescent City.  For 174 years they have been serving up oysters, snails and shrimp a dozen different, traditional ways.  The choices here are abundant and the sauces and sides are served a la carte, but the ambiance of the 14 dining rooms is perfection.  Tradition is for more than just the food here.  The last time I was in, my waiter told me he had been working there for 19 years and his back waiter, 16.

Dessert

Normally I don’t wake up early enough to have a beignet at Café du Monde, I just head right to Johnny’s in the quarter and get a Po-boy, fries and caffeinated soda to wake up (grease does a hangover good).  So I typically find myself and my significant other up for a late night coffee and treat in the French Market.  The Café has been serving up beignets in the same place since 1862.  Staying power, that’s what all the girls want, right?

Circle the Square

Nothing says love like a horse drawn carriage ride.  After you’ve had the nice meal and dessert, how about a rustic ride around Jackson Square and the French Quarter?  Get to the Decatur Street side of Jackson Square to board or just flag down an empty carriage anywhere you see one.  Most of the tours last about 45 minutes and can be as interactive with the driver as you desire.  Sometimes learning the ins and outs of a new place from the knowledgeable driver together is more romantic than just canoodling in the back of the carriage.  If digestion is needed before dessert, good news; the drop off point is close to Café du Monde.

Brunch the Next Day

Before you head out of town, you should get yourself a full meal in for the trip.  Café Amelie is a great spot to wake up in the morning. The 150-year-old Princess of Monaco Courtyard and Carriage House houses this restaurant and bar.  They only do brunch on Sundays, but the banana waffles or French toast with pecan sauce make the trip worth wile. 

So get out there, all you Vampires and X-men, it’s time to strap on your charm and love it up in the Big Easy.