Top 10 Instagrammable Spots in New Orleans

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Trevor Mark Ekanger takes his place under our spotlight this month as we share his Top 10 Instagrammable Spots in New Orleans. Trevor, a professional photographer and local influencer, and his wife Sara, owner of Antigua Floral + Styling, moved to the Crescent City about six years ago. Attracted to the city's palpable spirit and original personality, Trevor and Sara realized that New Orleans was unlike anywhere else they had ever traveled. They quickly fell in love with everything it had to offer, making it an easy decision to stay.

“The city has been good to us,” says Trevor. “We came seeking a community and immediately found it — we embraced the city as our new home but it embraced us back.”

While he finds it easy to capture content wherever NOLA takes him, we asked Trevor why he chose these Top 10 as his favorite.

“All these places are centered around life and movement… it’s an old city, but there is so much new life. You have to be willing to let your day be interrupted by the city. Its spontaneity draws you in and makes you want to be a part of it."

All around there is a deep and captivating sense of life happening. In the overgrowth, in the hundred-year-old oak trees covered in Spanish moss, on the streetcar, or along the wrought-iron balconies of the French Quarter.

"Everything in the city is about textures. Rough and beautiful, the food, the people — everything has its unique texture. That’s what makes it so visually exciting to capture."

Trevor + Sara Ekanger | Photo by Hannah McSwain

1.  Prytania Street

The best way to travel the city, Trevor insists, is on two wheels. Rent your scooter or bicycle of choice and travel to this fabulous wall mural on Prytania. Street art is common and colorful all throughout the city and this spot is no exception. While capturing that perfect 'gram, Trevor suggests stopping for lunch at St. James Cheese Company and following up with dessert at  Creole Creamery. For a little lagniappe, walk one block east and three blocks north to St. Charles Avenue where the Milton H. Latter Public Library branch stands tall and imposing, housed in a mansion with stunning rooms preserved in their historic glory. Find Trevor's favorite gramming spot inside the solarium.

 

@trevork_mark

2.  One Shell Square Stairs

These monochromatic architectural beauties are the perfect backdrop for a dramatic photo op. In the heart of the Central Business District, this locale is only a few blocks down on Poydras Street, home to Loews New Orleans Hotel.

@trevork_mark

3.  Brennan's – Royal Street

One of Trevor's favorite streets in the French Quarter, it takes up almost a third of this list for all the action you can catch down this lane. Every block is an Instagram-worthy moment, so grab your walking shoes and take a stroll. First stop is Brennan's and its fantastic, flamingo-pink facade. Operated by the same extended family that owns Cafe Adelaide, this city staple is known for its brunch and other delicious fare.

@trevork_mark

4.  Ornate Balconies – Royal Street

These wrought-iron, elaborately designed balconies are an iconic architectural motif all throughout the French Quarter, painted in lovely hues and often decorated for the season.

@trevork_mark

5.  Street Performers – Royal Street

There's always a band or street musician playing on Royal, often accompanied by a spontaneous dance party of passersby. If for some reason there isn't, wait 5 minutes and come back.

@trevor_mark

6.  Carondelet + Gravier

This street corner is a hot-spot for people watching, sitting amidst the bustling Central Business District. The stunning edifice serving as the backdrop is the old New Orleans Cotton Exchange, originally built in 1871. The famously forest green St. Charles streetcar line also runs right through this spot, so grab that tripod and frame up for when it passes by.

@trevor_mark

7.  Uptown / Garden District

Uptown is filled with a plethora of magical backdrops that pop with color and architectural allure. Trevor loves to find a New Orleans Garden District mansion, standing with integrity and decorated with gingerbread and imposing columns to serve as a 'gram canvas — but sometimes those off-the-beaten-path hidden spaces are even better photographic gems.

@trevor_mark	@trevor_mark

8.  Magnolia Bridge

Venture into Bayou St. John and take a stroll across this one-of-a-kind pedestrian bridge in Mid-City. Grab a couple of po-boys from Parkway Bakery and Tavern before you go, and settle yourself down to watch the current of bayou sway underneath your feet.

@trevor_mark

9.  City Park

If those oak trees could talk, what stories they could tell. Over 1,300 acres of wide open spaces, winding walking trails, biking paths and stone bridges, City Park is a welcoming, verdant respite with more than a few 'grammable spots to score.

@trevor_mark	@trevor_mark

10. Warehouse District

One of Trevor's favorite coffee shops resides in this neighborhood and it's easily walkable from Loew New Orleans. Pop on over to Stumptown for some stellar ambiance and a specialty cup of joe that'll knock your socks off. To jazz it up a little, follow Lafayette Street to the Cellar Door and order a cocktail. Snap a few shots for your story with the exposed brick wall and stunning chandelier or outside in their cozy courtyard.

@trevor_mark

Lizzie

Lizzie has been at Loews New Orleans since January 2016 and is a new resident of the Big Easy—but no stranger to its rich culture, colorful character and incredible cuisine. Her mom’s a NOLA native, and she’s excited to be returning to her roots.