Your run at the NOLA Motorsports Park is going to leave you sore, soaked, and grinning from ear to ear. With miles of backcountry trails, steep-sided canals, and even a gator or three (we’re kidding…maybe), how could it not? After you’ve washed away the mud you’re bound to be looking for a few fun activities to fill the rest of your Nawlins getaway. Sure, Motorsports Park also plays home to go-karts and trail-riding, but with the French Quarter a short 20 minute drive away, we figured we’d let you in on all the best things there are to do once you’re off course.
To help you prep for your jaunt to NOLA, here’s a helpful guide on some of the best places to eat, stay, and adventure straight from locals, TMHQ staff, and Tough Mudder ambassadors who know a thing or two about The Big Easy.
Around mile 8 you may start daydreaming about your post-event meal. One thing’s for sure, you can’t go wrong with good ol’ fashioned fried chicken. Well, anything fried really (which there’s plenty of in these parts). If you’re looking for America’s Best Fried Chicken (that’s actually what it’s called on the menu), look no further than Willie Mae’s Scotch House. Since 1957, Willie Mae’s has been cranking out the tenderest, finger lickin-est fried chicken southerners and northerners alike have ever seen. Skip the calorie counting when you’re at Willies and don’t forget to stay hydrated – this chicken’s hot. Top it off with a classic southerin cocktail from one of the oldest (and unique) bars in the United States, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.
Looking for something a little finer for that post-event celebratory meal? Take a stroll to the Garden District, where you’ll find the Commander’s Palace and plenty of old world ambience to go along with traditional Creole fare. Brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktails – the Commander has it all. Treat yourself to a meal fit for a king after a weekend fit for a warrior.
And for dessert? Beignets of course. It’s hard to go wrong with the fluffy, powdery treats at Cafe Du Monde, a New Orleans staple.
New Orleans is perfect for the energetic vacationer. If you get the chance, take in some live music on Bourbon Street – jazz, blues, cajun, zydeco – it’s all worth it. If you’re looking to take things outdoors though, we’ve got you covered on that too.
Looking to flex those bis and tris before you hit Willie Mae’s for a calorie-loaded lunch? Yak your way to earning that massive meal and take on a real New Orleans adventure with Kayak Swamp Tours. Learn about the Gulf Coast ecosystem and check out the dense beauty of cypress groves as you paddle. Just book and post up at one of two pick-up locations.
Itching to escape the city and hit a trail? Take a trip to Hooper Road Park, where 10 miles of lush green awaits your sore or soon-to-be sore muscles. Only an hour west of New Orleans, Hooper Road is also perfect for a mountain bike. Luckily, you can rent.
City Park is another spot to stretch those legs and see some of the natural beauty New Orleans has to offer. Hit Couturie Forest, located within the city limits, for a short hike that’ll leave you with more fond memories of your trip south than you can shake a muddy shoe at.
Missing crucial gear for said epic weekend adventure? Check out what Merrell’s serving up in 2017 and start checking things off your bucket list.
Mudders make the most of everything – badasses that you are, it’s just what you do. That, of course, includes picking a place to stay. If you’re going to rest your head somewhere, may as well make it the coolest place in town, right?
In Nawlins, there may be no cooler place than the Henry Howard Hotel. Located in the Garden District, the Henry Howard is all about uniqueness and Southern hospitality. Mixing vintage and custom furniture with local artwork, and offering a variety of unique room set ups for all budget sizes, the Henry Howard is the perfect place to rest up before and after you tackle tough.
If you’re in for something a little more adventurous we present you with the Places d’Armes Hotel. This one counts as a kind of twofer – the Places d’Armes is both an adventure and a place to stay. Situated in the heart of the French Quarter, with Bourbon Street (and boozy tourists) adjacent, you’ll be right in the thick of things. Where’s the adventure you ask? Said to be one of the most haunted hotels in NOLA, erie voices, footsteps, moving furniture and music without a source will surely kick up your heart rate and get you out of your comfort zone both pre and post event.
Need more inspiration on where to stay? Click here to view our discounted hotel options.
