I'll be in New Orleans on business from April 15-17, but then my fiancee and I will be sticking around the night of the 17th through the weekend.
What are the *can't miss* things we should focus on while we're there? It essentially boils down to two days and three nights - and we are trying to be budget conscious.
Posted by Sterling (Member # 8096) on :
I must confess to a certain amusement at what I perceive as symmetry in having a "What to do in New Orleans" thread going at the same time as a "What to do in Salt Lake City" thread.
(Not that I'm full of insights for either.)
Posted by Tullaan (Member # 5515) on :
I went to NO for work before Katrina. So my suggestions may not be valid.
I really enjoyed the World War II museum. It was very well done. The landing craft that were used during D-Day were made there.
The aquarium was nice.
If your a fan of Bannana's Foster, you need to check out Brennan's. It's a very nice restaurant in the French Quarter. Bring your money though.
Lots of good food and live music.
If your in to ghost stories, there are after dark cemetary tours and the like.
There are also plantation tours.
Just a few suggestions.
Tull
Posted by Fyfe (Member # 937) on :
Get beignets at Cafe du Monde. Seriously. They are so tasty.
Posted by scholarette (Member # 11540) on :
Hmm, I could have sworn I posted in this thread. I agree with Fyfe on the beignets. I would do one of the tours of the city. We did a donkey drawn carriage and got a good overview of the French Quarter and learned some interesting stuff. We also did a haunted walking tour, which was very interesting. There are little historical details that would be easy to miss- like they have one of the old slave cells, but there is no signs or anything- it just looks like a randomly lit hallway. We also parked our car in a haunted place- across from the house Nicolas Cage owns and does nothing with.
Posted by Shanna (Member # 7900) on :
What are you interested in? New Orleans has alot of stuff for alot of different kind of people. For instance, a carriage ride would bore me but I love hanging out in Jackson Square checking out all the artists and getting my Tarot read. I haven't done the walking tour stuff but I've seen a few groups going about and it seems interesting. The aquarium is really nice.
You like history? Nature? Food? Wild nights? Relaxing nights?
As a local, I hate being deep in the French Quarter after hours. If you're down for drinks and music, I recommend Frenchmen St.
Beignets are a must! Just remember not to breathe while eating them. If you exhale while holding them up to your face, you will cover yourself and everyone around you in powdered sugar.
Posted by BelladonnaOrchid (Member # 188) on :
I second Jackson Square. I third Cafe du Monde.
I went absolutely bonkers at the Audubon Zoo. It was sooo awesome! Definitely a must.
Posted by Fyfe (Member # 937) on :
Also, re: beignets - if you breathe IN around them, you will inhale powdered sugar and it will be unpleasant.
Posted by FlyingCow (Member # 2150) on :
Beignets sound good just from the warnings.
We are pretty relaxed, and enjoy history, culture, nature, art, good food, and good drink.
Not so big on "wild nights" or debauchery, meaning the usual club/bar scene is out, though we are a fan of cool pubs with good beer/food.
We're generally not obsessed with touristy stuff, though if there are "must see" things in a location we'll go see.
As of right now, we'll be participating in a Habitat for Humanity cleanup of a school on Wednesday before the convention starts (organized by the convention planners, which is cool). Then Thurs/Fri will be in a convention (though my fiancee will be on her own), and nights at the Ritz Carlton on Canal St.
Friday night through Sunday night, we'll be in the La Quinta in the french quarter, and our time will be our own.
Another of our friends recommended brunch at the Court of 2 Sisters, and to get gator bites at Ralph and Cuckoos.