This weekend is Halloween weekend, and if Krewe of Boo showed us anything it’s that some resemblance of “normal” is peaking in. We say take this time to spend some time with your Boo and take advantage of one of the spookiest cities in the world.
For decades, the Bourbon Orleans Hotel has been considered one of the most haunted hotels in the city. Built in 1819, the location of the Bourbon Orleans was originally the Orleans Theatre and Ballroom. In the late 1800s, the Sisters of the Holy Family bought the property and turned it into a convent, eventually making it an orphanage and school. Kelly here: If there is one thing scarier than nun ghosts, it’s ghosts of children. It became the hotel we know as the Bourbon Orleans Hotel in 1964. If you can scoop up a room this weekend, the hotel is centrally located in the French Quarter and close to many bars and restaurants serving up some Halloween fun.
Whether you’re staying at the hotel or not, you can start at the hotel’s Bourbon “O” Bar. The bar is open Thursday through Sunday with live music starting at 7:30 p.m. The bar is managed by Cheryl Charming, who was named the 2014 Mixologist of the Year by the New Orleans Bride sister publication New Orleans Magazine.
If Bourbon Street isn’t your idea of a date night, head to another (allegedly) haunted hotel the Hotel Monteleone and enjoy bar bites and cocktails at the famous Carousel Bar. There are a few spirits said to haunt the 70+ year hotel. We suggest trying to book a last-minute staycation and see for yourself.
On Oct. 29, Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard is hosting a Halloween brunch and costume contest. There will be live music from The Gumbo Trio, spooky-themed cocktails – like the “Headless Horseman,” “I’m Melting” and “Rated Arrgh.” If that wasn’t enough, the winner of the costume contest receives a $100 gift certificate — a Halloween day date that pays you.
The famous Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt Hotel is also serving up some Halloween-themed cocktails. According to a press release about the new themed cocktails, The Roosevelt says these three new drinks are available:
- Zombie: Invented by Donn Beach in 1934. Be careful with this one as it might not re-animate you the way you thought. This drink includes Bacardi Cuatro, Plantation OFTD, Falernum, Cinnamon Syrup, Grapefruit, Pernod, Lime, Grenadine and Angostura Bitters
- Corpse Reviver #2: From the 1930 Savoy Cocktail book. “To be taken whenever steam and energy are needed.” This cocktail consists of Bombay Gin, Cointreau, Cocchi Americano, Lemon and Absinthe
- Blood & Sand: Named for the 1922 Rudolph Valentino movie, you’ll be ready to take on a bull after a couple of these. This drink is made with Dewar’s Scotch, Cherry Heering Liquor, Carpano Antica Vermouth and Orange.
If you’re looking for something more low-key and outside of the French Quarter, Bouree on Carrollton Avenue is hosting a BOO-ree BBQ Bash on Saturday, Oct. 30. The day starts at 1 p.m. with the kid’s entertainment, but the adult fun begins at 6 p.m. with live music and an adult costume contest at 8 p.m. In addition to their normal offerings, Bouree will have a BBQ Platter available for purchase with your choice of the various meat they offer. Find more information in a press release here.
No matter what you end up doing this weekend, the city is full of tricks, treats and scary opportunities.
