My family recently became the proud owners of two hermit crabs. Was this decision a mistake on the part of my husband and me? Likely. But our boys are so happy, and that’s what it’s all about, right?

A few months ago, my oldest son became obsessed with the idea of hermit crabs following an episode of PBS’s Wild Kratts. I had a pet hermit crab when I was young, maybe 10 years old or so, back when they used to sell them at a kiosk in the Mall of Louisiana, and I remember them being the easiest pets. Well, times have changed dramatically since 2005, it seems, because, boy, was I surprised when we were handed the care booklet for these small creatures.

A 20-gallon tank, two heat lamps and way too many accessories later, here we are. And what we are is signed up for a hermit crab care savings plan. Lord, help us.

We already have two dogs, a fish and an occasional stray cat that my son has named Russia. (I have got to remember to turn off the news once he gets home.) I love our pets, but as I was swapping out the fresh fruit and vegetables in the hermit crab habitat and feeding our beloved dogs their “special cheese” (it’s Kraft singles, but don’t tell them), I had a flashback. I was sucked into a vivid memory of when, as a young and fun 20-something, I had no hermit crabs to my name. Those were the days.

Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t change a single thing. And, with just a drive down 1-10, I don’t have to.

New Orleans is THE place to go to forget you have two hermit crabs. It’s the place to reconnect with that fun 20-something that is deep inside. And it’s the place to, dare I say it, visit in the dead of summer.

Now, hear me out. I know it’s practically a million degrees. And I also know that weird pee smell is worse in the heat. But nothing beats the no-crowds, no-fuss experience that is New Orleans in July.

Of course, this is much easier to say as someone with access to a French Quarter pool. And to that I say, get access to a pool, obviously, even if it isn’t in the French Quarter. If the hermit crabs get a saltwater plunge pool, then so do we.

If you’re looking for a pool to plunge into, read the July cover story here. This month, we’re diving into New Orleans’ most beautiful boutique hotels. From the Garden District to the Marigny to downtown, these hotels not only play host to high-design accommodations, but they do their part to preserve the vibrant history and culture of the Crescent City. Even if they don’t have a pool, I promise, they’re worth a visit.

In the meantime, though, my husband and I will be here. It’s 10 p.m. Our kids are asleep. And we’re stationed in front of the hermit crab tank. For some reason, it seems my husband and I are hooked. We have to see if the crabs eat the strawberries or the cucumbers first. What do you think? Place your bets now.

Here’s to boring, but somehow fun, pets, growing older and the city that makes time stand still, even in the heat of a Louisiana summer. Cheers!