New Orleans info

Sidew13 · Post by **Sidew13** » May 7, 2007 4:53 am

Looking for a bit of New Orleans info. We're thinking about spending a few days in NO, mainly the French Quarter area, and around the first of October, and have a few questions.

The news shows a lot of problems and crimes. Is it safe in the FQ section?

Where is a good place to stay, under $150ish a night?

What are some MUST SEE things to do, NON drinking wise?

Dr.Corona · Post by **Dr.Corona** » May 7, 2007 8:12 am

Was there in the Quarter last October.....felt plenty safe. Check out the Hotel St. Marie. Very reasonably priced and a great location only steps away from Bourbon Street.

The Lost Manatee · Post by **The Lost Manatee** » May 7, 2007 4:10 pm

If you look at the actual numbers, the crime rate isn't any worse in New Orleans (and especially the Quarter) then it is in Philadelphia or Detroit or any number of other large cities.

My suggestion is the same in New Orleans as it is anywhere else, keep your wits about you at all times. This means you don't walk down dark alleys late at night, you don't get into the back seat of a two door car that claims to be a gypsy cab and you don't ignore your gut when it indicates something isn't right.

There were a lot of places to eat and eat well where you didn't spend big bucks in and around the Quarter. I haven't been to New Orleans since right before Katrina so some are probably gone. There was a great little Cuban place between Bourbon, Decatur, one street off of Canal (heading into the Quarter). You could get killer food for lunch and dinner and you would spend about $25.00 per person. If it isn't there anymore I'm sure you will find some other places to eat. If you are looking for fine dining, you will spend more, places like the Commodore aren't cheap but the food is good. And of course you can get food at Margaritaville, as well as some nice drinks and trinkets!

Sidew13 · Post by **Sidew13** » May 7, 2007 8:01 pm

We're kinda looking into the Garden district or the FQ. Not looking into the party scean, just a little sight seeing

MrTwain · Post by **MrTwain** » May 8, 2007 11:19 am

You'd be surprised how much of New Orleans is cultural and not just "the party scene".

I recommend staying in the quarter. The Marriott on Canal Street puts you right by the street cars and the quarter, the river walk, the aquarium, the convention center, etc. From there you can get to Mulattes (which you must have dinner in one night) and to a host of really neat shopping venues.

You should do the haunted history tour. It's mostly what it claims to be.. a tour of the quarter's most colorful dark history. My kids loved it. Visit Jackson Square, the French Market, Margaritaville (of course), the candy shoppes, the mardi gras stores, the art galleries, etc. The carriage ride is really worth it early in the morning, if you get a carriage driver that's also a good tour guide.

Be sure to walk through the quarter and see the entertainment. The buskers are usually at the corners of Royal and St. Louis, but can be found throughout the quarter.

While you're there, be sure to see the IMAX movie at the aquarium called "Hurricane on The Bayou". The music and visuals are amazing. Then, in the gift shop, be sure to buy the soundtrack.

We also took a shuttle to the swamps for a swamp tour airboat ride. WOW. What a great trip. Try to fit that in.

About the restaurants - a wise local New Orleans native once told me... they're all good in their own way. The little ones are as good as the big ones, and they're all good at what they do. It was great advice.

Have fun. New Orleans is one of my very favorite cities.

citcat · Post by **citcat** » May 8, 2007 1:35 pm

Some good websites:

http://www.neworleansonline.com

http://www.frenchquarterhotels.com

http://www.neworleanstophotels.com

http://www.nola.com

Put your email address in at nola.com and they will send you cool stuff, specials on rooms, deals.

OystersandBeer · Post by **OystersandBeer** » May 8, 2007 7:31 pm

Harrahs is a great casino there right off Canal. And I've never felt unsafe in NO. I grew up in Pensacola and went over there three or four times a year. Just went for New Years also and it was just as fun. See who is playing at Tipitinas Uptown. Great place for live music.

citcat · Post by **citcat** » May 9, 2007 1:15 pm

And you GOTTA go to the Rock and Bowl.

check it out: http://www.rockandbowl.com

frognot · Post by **frognot** » May 9, 2007 1:33 pm

Take the street car thru the Garden District to Riverbend and eat at the Camellia Grill. It's recently reopened and my favorite waiter, Marvin, is back.

"Word!"

http://www.ernietheattorney.net/ernie_t ... rill_.html

citcat · Post by **citcat** » May 9, 2007 1:40 pm

frognot wrote:Take the street car thru the Garden District to Riverbend and eat at the Camellia Grill. It's recently reopened and my favorite waiter, Marvin, is back.

"Word!"

http://www.ernietheattorney.net/ernie_t ... rill_.html

I thought the owner closed the Camellia and skipped town ??
yay ! I love their cheese fries. yumm

RinglingRingling · Post by **RinglingRingling** » May 9, 2007 1:41 pm

frognot wrote:Take the street car thru the Garden District to Riverbend and eat at the Camellia Grill. It's recently reopened and my favorite waiter, Marvin, is back.

"Word!"

http://www.ernietheattorney.net/ernie_t ... rill_.html

k... now I have to get a flight to NO