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The French Quarter in a day....

Posted: February 6, 2012 10:38 am
by Bob Roberts
I and possibly my 5-month pregnant wife will be visiting the French Quarter on a Sunday in late April. Neither of us have ever been and want to try to hit as many high-points as we can. We'll most likely be there from about 10am to 4pm or so. Drinking for the most part is probably out, as she is pregnant. We will have lunch and probably a couple of other snacks. Neither of us are into alot of high-end shopping, but we'll want to hit some "touristy" type shops. I would like to hear some authentic New Orleans jazz music, but she will not go into a smoky bar. I love historical landmarks and picturesque spots, but her walking will be limited some. For those of you that have been, what are the "must-sees", "must-dos", and "must eats" that you would have someone do if they only had a few hours in the Quarter? Thanks!

Here's what's on my list so far....

1. Margaritaville Cafe New Orleans
2. Cafe Du Monde for beignets
3. Gumbo Shop for some authentic New Orleans gumbo

Re: The French Quarter in a day....

Posted: February 6, 2012 12:16 pm
by OttoCal
Hmmm... 10-4, that's a tight time span :o

OK- A good place to start is at Cafe du Monde. Fun place to get your bearings. (unless there is a line for the tables, then skip & go later). You'll find all sorts of little shops on Decatur street that will be fun for shopping. The French Market is a fun shopping spot too. The expensive stuff is in anything that looks like an art gallery or antique shop, usually up on Royal St.

Margaritaville will often have a musician playing, but usually at nights or happy hour, so I am unsure about Sunday afternoon. Check their schedules now for similar days of the week.

Consider a Jazz Brunch somewhere for Sunday morning Jazz. Reservations a must if you do this. Check around restaurants to see if they offer this, and plan accordingly- Maybe Gumbo shop has one? I don't get a warm fuzzy there, so it's never on my 'must do' list in New Orleans.
Sunday Brunch is big there, if you do plan for a brunch, get there early, or make a reservation in advance for the best times/locations (like now... 8) )

Looking for any culture? I can comment on some non-drinking semi-educational/cultural activities if you want. Check out these FQ places online: Ursuline Convent, Hermann-Grima House, Beauregard-Keyes House, Cabildo, Presbytere. If those types of things are of any interest to you, let me know and I will be happy to share opinions on those.

We are used to finding live music pretty much everywhere at every hour in New Orleans, but if you are looking for something specific, it can be a bit more of a puzzle. Bars are quite smoky there, but may be OK enough for you in the daytime.

Here's a starter site for Music listings: http://www.nola.com/music/

Bargain Picturesque trip: if you can time it right, take the free ferry to Algeirs Point. Stay on & ride right back across the River. Nothing to see in AP with your short time span. But you can get some great views of Jackson Square from the River and if the Steamboat Natchez happens to go by, it looks fabulous in photos :wink:
Always look up for wrought iron balconies, and at doorways- they are really great in the FQ.

ALWAYS stay with recommendations from friends and guide books you trust for food in NOLA. Don't waste your time there on somewhere with a waiter standing outside handing out menus. Just don't do it. You will have average food at best, and there is no reason to settle for average here, where there are so many outstanding choices.

Have been to NOLA w/ a pregnant friend- just be careful of the heat, she got tired FAST when it was hot, but of course that will vary. Don't forget a hat. The sun can beat down, even in the dense FQ.

Re: The French Quarter in a day....

Posted: April 12, 2012 8:06 am
by Bob Roberts
OttoCal, thanks for the great info! We're just over a week now from going, and I can't wait! 8) Any last minute suggestions, anybody?

Re: The French Quarter in a day....

Posted: April 12, 2012 10:28 am
by OttoCal
Bob Roberts wrote:OttoCal, thanks for the great info! We're just over a week now from going, and I can't wait! 8) Any last minute suggestions, anybody?
What's your updated itinerary look like so far? A cemetery tour might be interesting to add if you have time, but St. Louis # 1 is at the other side of the French Quarter and you must go on a tour (safety in numbers- the cemetery borders on a 'bad' neighborhood).

Re: The French Quarter in a day....

Posted: April 12, 2012 12:27 pm
by citcat
One of the things we missed, but I wish we hadn't, was a horse-drawn carriage ride through the whole French Quarter. It may be too long, but probably a good way to see all the streets away from Bourbon St.
And the Rock and Bowl, but that's out from the Quarter a ways. Next time.

Re: The French Quarter in a day....

Posted: April 12, 2012 1:32 pm
by Ragtop Girl
Really glad we did the horse-drawn carriage ride last time we were there in 05.