Purple Haze and Jazz Days: A NOLA Story

Chris and Eva had long dreamed of visiting New Orleans together. One spring morning, they finally set off from South Florida, determined to make the drive in one straight shot. With music blaring and the excitement of adventure fueling their journey, they powered through the night, arriving in New Orleans at the break of dawn.

The city was still asleep, and nothing was open. Feeling the fatigue from their overnight drive, they found a quiet corner of a TJ Maxx parking lot and napped in their car, dreaming of the adventures that awaited them. At 9 a.m., they were able to check into their hotel early, a stroke of luck that allowed them to unload their luggage, freshen up, and recharge.

Their first stop was the Abita Brewing Company for a free tour. To their delight, the tour included an open bar. Eva, an instant fan of Abita’s Purple Haze, felt like a kid in a candy shop, filling her cup with the sweet, raspberry-infused beer. The tour took them through the history of the brewery and the intricate brewing process. By the end, they were brimming with knowledge and beer, ready to continue their New Orleans adventure.

From the brewery, they made their way to the Abita Brew Pub to soak up the alcohol. The pub had a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with wooden tables and the scent of freshly baked pretzels wafting through the air. They indulged in hearty pub fare, hoping to balance out the beer they had consumed.

Next, they were drawn to a place called Daquiri’s Gone Wild, chosen purely for its amusing name. They laughed at the novelty of a drive-thru window where one could order frozen daiquiris to go. Sipping their colorful drinks, they marveled at the quirky charm of Louisiana.

Their next stop was the Slidell VFW, which had a sign reading “Open to the Public.” While the men welcomed them warmly, Eva noticed the women giving her the side-eye. Unperturbed, they struck up a conversation with an older veteran who invited them to play a game of pool. Though their pool skills were lacking, the veteran’s stories were enthralling. He spoke of his time in the service and shared wisdom gleaned from years of experience. Generous to a fault, he even let them bum cigarettes from him throughout the evening.

As the night wore on, the drinks kept flowing, and the details became hazy. The last clear memory Eva had was of playing pool and laughing with their new friend. The next thing she knew, she was waking up in their hotel room, her head pounding and her stomach churning. She barely made it to the bathroom before she was sick. The next four hours were a blur of nausea and fitful sleep.

Despite her weakened state, Eva was determined not to let her hangover ruin their trip. By mid-afternoon, she and Chris ventured into downtown New Orleans to experience the legendary Jazz Fest. The vibrant music and bustling crowds were both exhilarating and overwhelming. At one point, Eva had to rush to a nearby trashcan, where she was relieved to find she wasn’t the only one using it for its unintended purpose.

As the sun began to set, Eva finally started to feel human again. They made their way to the Superdome for a Kings of Leon concert. The atmosphere was electric, and when the band played “On Call,” Chris and Eva’s song, they shared a moment of pure joy, singing along and holding each other close.

Exhausted but elated, they returned to their hotel that night, reflecting on their eventful trip. From the unexpected open bar at Abita Brewing Company to the daiquiris and pool games, their weekend in New Orleans had been a rollercoaster of experiences. Despite the rough patches, they agreed it was an epic trip and vowed to return in the future.