Help with our first visit needed

Making our first visit and only enough time for 2 days cause we%26#39;re going to see our baby before his Air Force Unit leaves for Iraq. We have been reading as much as we can but it sure is confusing. We%26#39;re going to have a rental car so will need to park it in our hotel garage, it looks like these places are high on the wife%26#39;s list:

Chateau Dupre Hotel... The Pelham Hotel

Parc St. Charles..... Hotel Le Cirque

The Lafayette Hotel .....St. James Hotel

Holiday Inn Express Hotel .......Historic French Market Inn

We figured we%26#39;d just sightsee in that day and half around our hotel area, hit some New Orleans stores, eateries, and speciality shops. We thought we%26#39;d like to be in French Quarter but heard it%26#39;s quite noisey. We plan on just walking it all and not moving our rental car until we leave. Not able to walk miles and miles either. So, which hotel would you suggest is best for us? We would like a pool if possible so we can work out some as well as a gym if also possible. We choose these places cause they seem to represent New Orleans so well is their ad%26#39;s.

So, tell us about these, your favorites and why and feel free to give us all advice you can. We accept all advice. LOL And if you think we would be better off at anohter place, please post it. I know we only have about a day and a half to 2 days but we want to try and get the New Orleans expience in ...thanks for all your help.

Help with our first visit needed

I have stayed at the Lafayette Hotel and it is very nice. However, it is not in the French Quarter and it can feel like a long walk at times. There are several nice hotels in the French Quarter that are not in a noisy area. The Hotel Provincial and LeRichelieu Hotel are both in the quiet part of the Quarter, yet still within a five minute or so walk to everything. LeRichelieu also has free parking, and you always have access to your vehicle since the parking lot is right behind the hotel - no valet needed. LeRichelieu is usually very reasonably priced especially when y ou take into account the free parking. Also, every room has access to either a wrap-around balcony, or overlooks the swimming pool. It is a very nice hotel. I don%26#39;t think that they have a gym, but hey, you are only going to be in New Orleans for a couple of days. Please spend your time enjoying everything that New Orleans has to offer and forget working out for a day ..just my opinion. LeRichelieu is very close to the French Market, which is an outdoor marketplace with many vendors selling everything you can imagine. A couple of my favorite places to eat in the Quarter are Napoleon House for muffalettas, and Clover Grill for breakfast...both very inexpensive.

Help with our first visit needed

Sorry no recommendations on your hotels, but the less you have to pay to park your car, the more you can convert those $$ into a hotel room.

The plan to not move your car until you leave is a good one. Use your walking in the FQ as your workout. It%26#39;s much more fun to be seeing new sites, sounds, smells, other than the wall in front of you, (or a mirror ;-)).

Pace yourself, sit, relax, eat, , drink, people watch when you tire, and begin again... repeat.

I%26#39;m not very high on any of those hotels. As another poster suggested since you are driving to try the Le Richelieu which has free parking and a pretty good location. The French Quarter is noisy only if you have a streetside room on Bourbon Street unless you happen to be near a party.

Thank you all very much for the quick responses. I appreciate it very much. After reading your posts, I think we%26#39;ll check out that hotel right now. Your right about working out, pass on it and enjoy the city in such a short period. And that French market sounds perfect. Thank you again and always welcome more information.

I couldn%26#39;t find anything online about the French market. Anyone have a link they could provide me? Thank you

I did a Yahoo search and found a link to frenchmarket.org, but the site is under construction, it doesn%26#39;t tell you anything. But, if you just do a Yahoo or Google search and type in french market in new orleans, it will take you do several links with information about the market. It is just a fun, cheap place to shop for souvenirs. Don%26#39;t get it mixed up with the French Market Inn (hotel) that you mentioned above - that place doesn%26#39;t get great reviews. But, if you stay at LeRichelieu you will be within a very easy walking distance to the French Market. Le Richelieu%26#39;s website is lerichelieuhotel.com

Spent most of this afternoon reading reviews and we just booked with Le Richelieu. We spoke with Carrie Jo and she was just wonderful. Gave us a special rate that we are extremely happy with for the 3 of us.

OK, the wife will now look in to dining since we%26#39;re there only 2 days. She really wants to try some cajun. We%26#39;re going to hit the French Market and Burbon street with our limited time.

Since you all know where we%26#39;re staying now, what places to eat do you suggest that is within walking distance?

Thanks for the suggestion to Le Richelieu. We truly appreciate your help.

Any other suggestions for us?

I am also visiting NO this weekend and after all of my research, have decided to enjoy some upscale cajun food at Cochon. I haven%26#39;t read too much about it on this board, but those on Chowhound seem to love it. You might want to ceck it out.

www.cochonrestaurant.com/

All of the hotels the original poster mentioned are owned the same group. They don%26#39;t get very good marks for service, I%26#39;m afraid, and some (Historic ';French Market'; Inn, Le Cirque, and Parc St. Charles come to mind) have received downright awful reviews on tripadvisor.

A good ';ad'; doesn%26#39;t equal a good hotel. Read tripadvisor reviews carefully. I travel a lot and use tripadvisor extensively and the reviews are usually right on the money. Try to pick a hotel within your budget that gets good reviews. It%26#39;s possible to do!

Also remember that parking is very expensive at many hotels. It%26#39;s usually free at B%26amp;Bs and is also complimentary at the Le Richelieu Hotel in the FQ.

Love Anacortes, by the way. Took my family to the San Juan Islands for vacation last summer.

You will be within walking distance (10 - 15) minutes of just about any restaurant in the French Quarter. You won%26#39;t need to stay close to LeRichelieu because everything will be within an easy walking distance. The French Quarter is a fairly small area. Also, in addition to Bourbon Street, you might want to check out Frenchmen Street which is a hot spot for music. It will also be within a 10 - 15 minute walk of LeRichelieu, but in the opposite direction.

Glad that you were able to make arrangements at LeRichelieu, I think you will enjoy it. Be sure to take your son to Pat O%26#39;Brien%26#39;s!

pimple treatment

Katrina Anniversary

After returning from New Orleans yesterday, i have seen with my own eyes the devastation that is still to be seen and felt from Katrina.

It is unbelievable how we have been kept in the dark about what has truly happned over there, and what, in the form of rebuild, has not happened.

But the love and warmth we received from the locals was second to none, you are amazing people and i really hope in my heart of hearts that things turn around for you all as soon as possible.

On the anniversary of Katrina you are all in my thoughts and prayers that your lives will once again return to how they once were.

Love to you all xxxx

Katrina Anniversary

Thanks for your kind words and prayers. It was and is an experience that remains ever present with hundreds of thousands of people.

Katrina Anniversary

The people of New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We%26#39;re still here and we%26#39;re still struggling.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you today also.

We were in New Orleans last week and felt so welcome (and safe) in your beautiful city!

Our family worked with Habitat for Humanity and we saw some areas of town that are really suffering -2 years after the hurricane!

It is truly unbelievable.

We will be thinking of you every day but today especially.

Hope to be back soon!

I too witnesses both the devastation and the beautiful spirit of the people during a visit in June. Imo, Bush painted a very unrealistically rosy picture during his TV spots shown today. Today%26#39;s Oprah was much more in line with reality describing both the negative aspects as well as informing the audience that it is a wonderful city to visit.

I%26#39;m counting the weeks until my next visit.

Thank you so much, that really does mean a lot. Your kind words are appreciated.

Oct 13-14 trip

Are there any Halloween happenings going on BEFORE halloween? We are going down the weekend of Oct 13 and 14th.

Oct 13-14 trip

There may be a haunted house or two but your visit is a full two weeks before the big Halloween parties.

Oct 13-14 trip

O.k. That%26#39;s what I thought...oh well. There%26#39;s still PLENTY of things to keep up busy! Thanks!

streamreader

Katrina tours

We%26#39;ll be in NO Saturday, 9/29 thru Tuesday, 10/2. Who has the best Katrina tour? Isabelle%26#39;s or Grayline? Any idea on prices? Thanks!

Katrina tours

Isabelle%26#39;s hands down. Van with 12 people vs. a 50 pass. bus that can not go down many of the side streets. We took it in May and was very, very eye opening!!!! I believe it was $ 55.00 per person and well worth it!

Katrina tours

We were there at the end of May and took the Isabelle tour, Woody got it right., very informative.

How about Celebration Tours

Anyone ever take one of them

??Condition of the city???

I am thinking about attending a convention in March in New Orleans. My husband is torn on weather or not he should join me after the convention is over. We had heard the city is still %26#39;not up to par';. Can anyone comment on weather we should go now, or wait until a future date? I was thinking about staying at the Ritz. Thanks for your input!

??Condition of the city???

The French Quarter and Garden District are in good shape. The rest of the city still has a long way to go towards recovery, but the %26#39;tourist%26#39; areas are fine. Tell hubby to come on down and have a great time. It is still a wonderful place to visit.

??Condition of the city???

The FQ, Garden District and CBD are fine and more than ready for tourist! We have been 2 times since Katrina and going again in October.

Go have a great time, eat, explore and find all that New Orleans has to offer:)

Celena

The original poster%26#39;s comments are indicative of how the media is absolutely KILLING the recovery of the New Orleans tourism industry. Every week, negative stories are online and on the tube yet rarely do I see stories about how great the city looks in the ';tourist'; areas, how charter schools are finally improving the test scores of kids in the city, how there are plenty of recovery-related jobs here, how the ';spirit'; of the city (which is what makes New Orleans what it is!) is still alive, etc.

Off my soapbox now, lmw9767, please convince the hubby to come visit. You%26#39;d have a great time if you were stepping off the plane tomorrow and I have no reason to think it won%26#39;t be even better in March %26#39;08!

I have been to NOLA once before Katrina, and twice after. Other than some shortages of staffing in 2006, I think that the French Quarter is NICER than before the hurricane. I had to listen to the same things myself, someone actually asked me (this year) why I would want to be in a city with bodies still floating around!!! While I was visiting in June there were three murders, one of a hairdresser in the French Quarter, and if I hadn%26#39;t seen it on the news, I would never have known it happened.

I am sure there are plenty of things not ';up to par'; for the people living in New Orleans. If you go, take the Katrina tour by Isabell. It will open your eyes to how lucky you are. But please visit this great city. As long as you stay in the tourist areas, such as the Frenqh Quarter, you are as safe as in any large city. Other than some street car routes, everything that you could want to do is back to normal.

I think that what New Orleans needs to have to counteract the negative images that we get from the media, is television advertising...saturate the tv stations with commercials showing everything that there is to do in New Orleans and how great the tourist areas look now. While internet advertising is fine, it is really only accessible to people who are already searching for the information. TV commercials would come into everyone%26#39;s house whether they are actively looking for information about New Orleans or not.

Recently I saw something on tv that had New Orleans music in the background, a riverboat, buggy ride, etc...and I thought %26#39;Finally they have made a commercial for New Orleans tourism...%26#39; but no, it was a preview for K-Ville and of course that series probably won%26#39;t be good advertisement since it is a crime drama.

I think TV ads are a great idea but they cost money, and lots of it. The state and the local tourism folks have been doing multi-million dollar ad buys but it still only scratches the surface.

My partner and I went to NOLA for a vacation in Jan and found the city to be up and running - in fact we had such a great time we are planning to go back again after Christmas. Overall, you will not notice anything out of place (although a few places were understaffed while we were there, but this was the only evidence of the hurricane that was left). You should go!

We actually live in Lafayette, LA but have an apartment in New Orleans. Agree media has made a mess of things. I think they are just trying to keep it in the public eye.

We are goiong to New Orleans in the morning for four days. After traveling to many places, it seems like going back to New Orleans often would be boring. NEVER!

We have a fantastic time whenever we are there!

Stay in the Quarter. Find a great restaurant. My fav is GW Finns or Dickie Brennan%26#39;s Steakhouse.

DO breakfast at Brennan%26#39;s! Must get a red rooster!

Walk the Quarter. Take a cruise on the steamboat Natchez.

You will have a great time!

I was never lucky enough to visit New Orleans pre Katrina, but I have visited twice since. (would go more often if I lived on the same continent). It is a beautiful city and you will love it. Not entirely sure the Ritz is the best place to stay if it is your first visit. On the very edge of the French Quarter and the area my be a bit intimidating to some if you are not used to the place.

Just got back from 5 days in New Orleans.

What a beautiful city!

There is so much to do - we still have a long list of things to do next time that we visit.

The city was full of people and most everything seemed to be open and running in the French Quarter and Central Business District.

Go now and have your husband come with you!

Our main purpose of our trip was to help out with Habitat for Humanity so I do have to say that although the ';tourist areas'; look great there are many neighborhoods that look like the hurricane happened last week. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those people.

We are planning on going back to New Orleans as soon as we can.

Our family had a great time and we enjoyed meeting all of the nice people of NOLA!

Star Steak and Lobster and Copper Monkey

Any thoughts on either of these? Saw good reviews for Star, then heard new ownership since Katrina. Read Copper Monkey had crawfish boils, although I can%26#39;t find any info on when or how often. Will crawfish be out of season in October?

Star Steak and Lobster and Copper Monkey

Star Steak was excellend a few months ago, would recommend. Enjoy!

Star Steak and Lobster and Copper Monkey

This past June we were walking past Star on our way to Bubba Gumps. Star looked nice so I asked 2 couples who were walking out if they liked it. They looked at me and said it was the best meal they had ever had in NO. So I may go next time I am there with just hubby, as I had 4 teens with me at the time and they wanted Bubbas.

Louisiana crawfish are most definitely out of season in October. You may see a few Louisiana crawfish coming in around late December or January, but the season really hits it%26#39;s peak around Easter.

Katrina

Hello,

We are coming this weekend and are curious to know if and how we should go about seeing wreckage of Katrina. We are taking a taxi from the airport to the French Quarter and are wondering if we will see anything.

Katrina

No, you won%26#39;t. The road from the airport to the Quarter goes through Metairie, a suburb that didn%26#39;t get as much flood damage.

There%26#39;s not much ';wreckage'; left. Just houses that haven%26#39;t been repaired. If you%26#39;re still expecting it to look like September 2005, you%26#39;ll be disappointed. Much of the area just looks like a construction zone.

Tours by Isabelle does a good city tour. It shows some of the rebuilding areas.

Katrina

Well, I am happy it does not look like 2005. Thank you for the information.

We drove through several areas, including the Ninth Ward, in June and were left quite numb by the devastation that still exists. I would recommend seeing the areas if you get the chance. It was definitely an eye-opener.

FYI JJ 鈥?Metairie got a LOT of flood damage, much more so than you鈥檇 think. It鈥檚 amazing how many homes flood when the pumps aren鈥檛 turned on.

pimple treatment

Top of the Mart

is this bar still around? Thoughts?

Top of the Mart

No, it%26#39;s not, at least not with that name.

I do believe that Ray Woolridge, former co-owner of the New Orleans Hornets, has reopened Ray%26#39;s bar atop the building. If I remember reading it correctly, it%26#39;s open on weekends only.

Top of the Mart

Thanks CajunWave for the info.

Any other locals have any more information? We like to spend an hour sippin%26#39; and spinnin%26#39; at the Top of the Mart, and heard it had been closed since the storm.

Any news of it being re-opened (even if just on the weekends), is good news.

TIA

Is this the World Trade Center building you%26#39;re speaking of? I had looked a week or two ago on the web site, ( wtcno.org) and nothing was mentioned about a bar/lounge/restaurant except for a private club. If so is it open to the public?

';...the World Trade Center building you%26#39;re speaking of?';

Yes, MSYbound, it is on the top of that building. Called the Top of the Mart for years, it was recently (2 years ago), the 360 Bar.

About 3 months ago we checked it out and it was still just a %26#39;private%26#39; deal.

O.K. the bar isn%26#39;t the only thing spinning, so is my head. Ray%26#39;s Bar, formally 360, formally Top of the Mart is open on weekends to the public? or not?

I think the unofficial answer is ';who knows?!?!'; I can%26#39;t find anything definitive and even called the WTC a little while ago only to get a recording. Odd on a weekday.

Thanks for your efforts CajunWave........I%26#39;m ready for a cocktail LOL!!! Who%26#39;s with me?

ittwit

swamp tour

Where taking a swamp tour while we are in town . We where wondering if we should rent a car for that day and drive to the location or just take the shuttle bus. I know the prices for the shuttle plus tour are like $45 and we can get a car for all us us for $30 something. Is it worth driving yourself ?

swamp tour

car rentals are pretty high..you might take the cajun pride tour which doesn%26#39;t add much on for the hotel pickup and relax and you get a mini tour on the way with narration. or honey island swamp pickup adds about 20 a person but you get the extra touring and narration and don%26#39;t have to contend with the streets, construction, and all the tack on fees for car rental.

swamp tour

Thank you for the advise we have decided to just take the shuttle service with the company.

Most Romantic, Upscale Lounge

What would be people%26#39;s opinion on the nicest lounge, romantic and on the fancy side, with live music?

Thanks!!

barb

Most Romantic, Upscale Lounge

The Ritz-Carlton lounge has live music. That%26#39;s pretty upscale!

Most Romantic, Upscale Lounge

Thanks, supreme!! Is that in the french quarter area, or would we take a cab?

Thanks, again!!

barb

I would agree, the lounge in the Ritz is as good as it gets for upscale live music. The hotel is on Canal Street - which the edge of the French Quarter, so you will not have to take a cab.

Thanks, we are staying at the Chateau Lemoyne, which I believe is close to Canal.

Barb

Barb, the Bombay Club, in the Prince Conti Hotel, is on Conti St., about 1/2 block from your hotel.

http://www.thebombayclub.com/

Here%26#39;s a map that may help you to get oriented. Your hotel is near the corner of Dauphine and Conti. The Ritz-Carlton is near the corner of Dauphine and Canal.

www.bigeasy.com/maps/map-french-quarter.html

Rodin, this place looks great, and I LOVE the map!!

Thanks,

barb

And at the Ritz Carlton, French Quarter Lounge Bar, has Marva Wright through September and she is great. Jeremy Davenport often plays there also.

Agree with the recommendations for the French Quarter Lounge and Jeremy Davenport. We like to play dressup and go every couple of months and I always half expect to see Frank, Dean, or Sammy there. Classy and elegant.

This weekend in New Orleans

We will be in New Orleans over Labor Day and wondered if anyone had any suggestions regarding reasonable priced seafood lunches (shrimp, oysters, gumbo, etc). Also would like to know what are the MUST%26#39;s to do.

This weekend in New Orleans

Johnny%26#39;s Poboys (511 St Louis St) has great shrimp and oyster poboys. Acme Oyster House (724 Iberville) also has good food at reasonable prices. People also rave about the jambalaya at Coop%26#39;s (1101 Decatur), which I look forward to trying on my next visit. Cafe Maspero (601 Decatur) also has good food at reasonable prices. Please keep in mind Johnny%26#39;s and Cafe Maspero are both cash only. It sounds obvious, but the gumbo I had at The Gumbo Shoppe (630 St Peter St) was quite good.

Imo, must do%26#39;s are subjective. Antiques on Royal and Chartres, walking down Bourbon at night to hear the great music and people watch, Beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde. Riding the Canal St Ferry (free) in order to get some great photo ops of the skyline as well as perhaps spending a little time in Algiers and maybe even taking the tour at Mardi Gras World.

There is also the aquarium, the Audubon Zoo, taking the Canal St Streetcar to City Park to see the Museum of Modern Art. The botanical gardens at the park were also beautiful, but I don%26#39;t believe they%26#39;ve finished the post Katrina restoration.

Southern Decadence will also be going on Labor Day Weekend.

This weekend in New Orleans

Try Deanie%26#39;s Seafood (Dauphine/Iberville in the FQ) for great fried fish/shrimp/oyster as well as excellent gumbo and good cold beer. Nicely renovated space, too.

A lot of people like Cafe Maspero on Decatur for cheap seafood and there%26#39;s usually a line to get in. Cash only. Personally, I think it%26#39;s fine but definitely prefer Deanie%26#39;s if I want a fried shrimp po-boy.

CajunWave, thanks for the Deanie%26#39;s info. I haven%26#39;t tried it yet, but I will now.

Airport to FQ - Cab vs. Car Service?

Hello New Orleans,

Can someone please infomr me whether it is better to take a cab or use a car service as transportation to FQ from airport? If Cab, what is the standard cab fare? If car service, what is the fee and what companies do yuo recommend? Thank you kindly!

Airport to FQ - Cab vs. Car Service?

fixed price cab fare $28 + $1 gas surcharge one way ;shuttle is $26 roundtrip but stops at many stops (hotels), I don%26#39;t know what the rate is for Nicolls Limosine service.

Airport to FQ - Cab vs. Car Service?

Use United Cab 522-9771. It%26#39;s the most reliable cab service in NOLA. I%26#39;ve never waited more than 10 minutes after calling them from the hotel.

I%26#39;ve used the Airport Shuttle several times, $26 roundtrip, and have found it quite convenient. Yes, there may be passengers staying at other hotels, but drop offs have always been quick and efficient, in my experience. You can order and pay at the airport or make reservations online.

Where are you staying? A lot of FQ hotels have their own service.

Oilfieldt,

RE: ';Where are you staying? A lot of FQ hotels have their own service.';

In the forty some times I have visited I did not know this. Can you name some as we will be coming in October and again in December and have not yet made hotel reservations. It would be very handy I think. Thanks.

I%26#39;d also like to know which FQ hotels have their own service. I%26#39;ve never heard this either. It%26#39;s certainly not complimentary as the case with airport hotels.

Last year when I came into town for Tom Fitzmorris%26#39;s book signing at Dickie Brennen%26#39;s Bourbon House I stayed at the Royal Sonesta and they provided me a complimentary van to the airport the next morning.

Oilfieldt,

Well you must be a V.I.P because I just called the hotel directly and was told this service does not exist. She was very helpful in giving me the phone number of the shuttle service based at the airport as well as a local cab service. And the, (A lot of FQ hotels) others?

Sorry but the hotels do not have pickup vans. I don%26#39;t know of any.

Hotel Help for Voodoo Music Fest

My girlfriend and I are going to the VMF at the end of Oct. and I%26#39;m wondering what hotels are good and relatively cheap($150 or under) around where the show is at. I%26#39;ve never stayed in New Orleans before, so any info will be really helpful. Thanks

Hotel Help for Voodoo Music Fest

Hi! Be forwarned rates are up during that time. Some of the locals might be able to direct you to a decent hotel but have you thought about a Bed %26amp; Breakfast?

I like using www.bedandbreakfast.com they have good maps with the location of the B%26amp;B%26#39;s.

Here is another www.bbonline.com

Maybe one of the locals can give more wed sites??

Also look here on TA for reviews of B%26amp;B%26#39;s:)

Celena

Hotel Help for Voodoo Music Fest

It%26#39;s gonna be a busy time (and higher rates).

No suggestions, sorry (some hotels are sold out already), especially the less expensive ones.

Do your research, but make a choice soon, (within the next few days) whatever it may be, they%26#39;re only gonna get more rare.

Autin

My wife and I (along with some friends) are coming for VMF and we are staying at the W on Poydras. I think we are paying 163/night. Slightly more than the 150/night limit but well worth it. Enjoy the show!

There are no hotels near VMF, but it%26#39;s relatively close to downtown and the FQ, so if you can find something in your budget there, you%26#39;ll be fine.

The O%26#39;Malley House (www.1895omalleyhouse.com) is located near the corner of Carrollton and Canal, just 1/2 block from the streetcar stop. You can catch the streetcar to City Park, and the O%26#39;Malley House is a great place to stay. The online booking engine on their web site is showing one room available during that time period for $155 per night, which includes s scrumptuous breakfast. Check out their reviews on TripAdvisor.

Oops.....I made a typo in my last post. Their web site is www.1896omalleyhouse.com

hey we%26#39;re coming from Austin to the voodoo fest too! Skipping out on ACL this yr.

We stayed at Country Inn and Suites on Magazine street in June and loved it. Did a review on it.I just looked and they have rates of 159. a night that weekend. I had thought about bringing my daughters there too, but because of school that idea fell thru.Had we come, would have most definitely stayed there...Have fun.

Some good suggestions from previous posters.

My husband and I came down for VMF last year and stayed at the Place d%26#39;Armes, which is quite a distance from Canal Street (where we picked up the VMF shuttle each day). However, the walk to the shuttle was not bad at all, and it was nice to stroll through the FQ several times a day. Essentially, there really is no need to get a hotel right on or near Canal in order to find transpo to VMF.

VMF is so much fun. We usually grabbed the 11:00 or noon shuttle and stayed the entire day until the final show. The food options at the festival were plenty, and quite good actually. We brought a backpack with us and took along a light sweater/jacket for later in the day, as well as hand sanitizer and a roll of toilet paper (the port-a-johns get slightly icky near the end of the day). The weather in October was gorgeous for us - I hope you have good luck as well.

I checked the Hotel St Marie for a 4 night stay starting October 25th, and they have availability, although no Queen/King unless you get a suite. Value rate is $139 per night 2 doubles with a balcony.

Nice hotel, lots of positive reviews on this site. I%26#39;ll be staying there that weekend.

Place d%26#39; Armes is also a great choice, but a bit more expensive. It also seems to have fewer options available than the St Marie.

There is the shuttle, but we%26#39;ve decided to use the Canal St Streetcar since it%26#39;s much cheaper. The shuttle is $15 per day or $40 per person for a pre purchased 3 day pass (one round trip per day limit), but the Streetcar is $1.25 per trip or $12 for a three day visitour pass, good for all NORTA buses and streetcars. See norta.com for more info.

pimple treatment

makeweeksofschoolgobyfaster

';don't miss'; places in New Orleans?

What are the “don’t miss” places in New Orleans? We are staying in the French Quarter area. Looking for popular restaurants, bars in the French Quarter and Bourbon St… Our age range is 27-29.

We’ll be there for voodoo fest so we probably will mostly be at Central Park. But I wanted a few ideas of good things to do when we’re not at the music festival.

Thanks!!!

';don't miss'; places in New Orleans?

Be sure to go to Pat O%26#39;Brien%26#39;s for a hurricane and singing along with the two piano players. Napoleon House is a good place for an inexpensive meal with great atmosphere.

';don't miss'; places in New Orleans?

Make sure to have a Po-Boy at Johnny%26#39;s Po-Boy on Toulouse off Decatur. If Bourbon St. seems too commercial, try Frenchmen St., where all the locals hang to hear live music.

This topic was discussed recently - I will try to locate the thread and post for you....

here is a good thread on restaurants:

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60864-i34-k135103…

and another one on things to do, etc.

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60864-i34-k138312…

Also try www.nomenu.com the site of New Oerleans food guru Tom Fitzmorris.

Voodoo Music Festival is at City Park, not Central....getting your cities confused a bit! :-)

I agree to look through past threads as this topic has been discussed at length.

CajunWave..even though the Voodoo festival isn%26#39;t in Central Park..that park sure has its share of strange happenings.

oops, yeah I am pretty clueless on New Orleans so my apologies for the park mix up!!! :-)

Hi Kac2 ~

You are gonna have sooooo much fun @ Voodoo %26amp; in New Orleans! :) Since you are staying in the FQ, I%26#39;ll pass on some of the places in the Quarter that we hit on our NOLA visits. Hopefully, the info will help you.

Lafitte%26#39;s Blacksmith Shop ~ 941 Bourbon Street (near Dumaine) ~ Great drinks, laid back atmosphere, lit by candles only

Coop%26#39;s Place ~ 1109 Decatur (near Ursuline) ~ Inexpensive, yet yummy food %26amp; drinks

Carousel Bar ~ 214 Royal (inside the Hotel Monteleone) ~ Elegant %26amp; unique rotating bar

Port of Call ~ 838 Esplanade (on corner @ Dauphine) ~ Delicious burgers with huge baked potatoes %26amp; good drinks

Preservation Hall ~ 726 St Peter (Between Bourbon %26amp; Royal) ~ For live music, of course! :)

Clover Grill ~ 900 Bourbon St (on corner @ Dumaine) ~ Cheap %26amp; good breakfast food %26amp; hubcap burgers

Johnny White%26#39;s Sports Bar ~ 720 Bourbon St (on corner @ Orleans) ~ Drinks! Famously stayed open in the face of Hurricane Katrina

Cafe Du Monde ~ 800 Decatur St (across from Jackson Square) ~ Beignets, milk %26amp; coffee ~ We go at night to enjoy the view of Jackson Square all lit up!

Central Grocery ~ 923 Decatur Street (near Dumaine) ~ Birthplace of the not to be missed Muffuletta sandwich.

Canal Street Ferry ~ Canal @ the Mississippi River ~ If you want to experience being on the mighty Mississippi without paying the price of the paddle wheel boat rides ~ The ferry is FREE! It goes from the FQ/CBD side of the river to the Algiers side %26amp; back again.

French Market ~ 1008 N Peters St (Near Decatur %26amp; the river) ~ Flea market that is great for souvenirs, jewelry, hot sauce, candy, produce and so on.

We like to wander in %26amp; out of all the art galleries, antique shops, etc that line Royal Street.

If you have time, Frenchman Street has lots of restaurants %26amp; clubs (such as Snug Harbor, DBA, Cafe Brasil). Located in the Faubourg Marigny, which is next to the French Quarter.

Sorry, I got a bit carried away with my list. :)

XO ~

Kandye

www.nola-blog.blogspot.com

weather

hi there! coming to new orleans this weekend and very excited. I was checking out the forecasts, and looks like chance for T-storms every day. I am assuming the hot humid weather always brings a chance of rain (like FL, bahamas, etc) and it won%26#39;t ruin our trip!?

Any thoughts?

weather

We we just there last week and had a great time!

Every day the forecast said chance of thunderstorms/rain.

We did not see a drop of rain the entire week.

It was sunny and beautiful (and hot ) every day.

Have fun!

weather

It%26#39;s not been as hot as several weeks ago, but the party will still go on no matter what.

if it rains, it likely won%26#39;t be for too long. just duck in somewhere and have a drink! It won%26#39;t ruin the weekend, no way!

umbrella%26#39;s and plastic poncho%26#39;s and a hurricane (drink-that is)..who cares if it rains.

Funny.... we get upset if it doesn%26#39;t rain when we are in NOLA. :) Wet streets are part of the atmosphere in my mind.

Always ~

Kandye

www.nola-blog.blogspot.com

Omni or Monteleone?

My partner and I are planning to head back to NOLA in Jan (we went there last year in Jan as well) and are trying to pick between two hotels - which would you recommend between the Omni and the Monteleone? We stayed at the Omni last year and had a great time, but we kept walking past Monteleone and it looked really nice.

Any comments would be very helpful - thanks! We can%26#39;t wait to visit again - what are great city!!

Omni or Monteleone?

I haven%26#39;t stayed at either place, but if I were you I%26#39;d stay at the Monteleone. Part of the fun of going to New Orleans, in my opinion, is staying at different hotels. One year my husband and I went for seven nights and stayed five different places, just for the fun of experiencing as many places as possible. I%26#39;m sure that not everyone would like to do that because packing up and moving that often can be a nuisance, but it was fun to experience the different places.

Omni or Monteleone?

To me that%26#39;s not an easy decision but the good thing is you are getting a great hotel either way. I also like to stay at different hotels while I am down there so maybe you could split it up. Otherwise I would go with the Monteleone since you have already experienced the Omni. Plus Mr. B%26#39;s is right across the street.

thanks for the responses - we are leaning towards Monteleone but luckily we have a few months and this forum to help!

Have a wonderful Sunday all!

The Omni Royal Orleans is my single favorite hotel in New Orleans. Since you%26#39;ve already stayed there, however, you may want to try the Monteleone. It%26#39;s also a very nice hotel. They are very close so neither really has a ';location'; advantage.

Predictably, I will recommend the Monteleone, for the reasons stated above, and it%26#39;s my favorite. :)

I stayed at the Monteleone last year and was completely happy with the hotel. I have also found their rates quite reasonable. I booked the Monteleone again this year for Southern Decadence.

I have stayed at both the Omni Royal and Monteleone. Personally, I liked the Omni better as the standard room was bigger and the rooftop deck and pool area was bigger and IMO had a better view. That being said, I liked the Monteleone also and would stay there again. If you haven%26#39;t stayed at the Monteleone why not give it a try; I would get the jr. suite instead of the standard room.

Thank you to all for the posts - we are so excited to return to NOLA...I think we are going to book at Monteleone, does anyone have any experience booking through American Express?

Where to stay for 30th birthday?

I have chosen finally to head to New Orleans for my thirtieth birthday in October instead of Vegas- at least the money will go for good...

My husband and I wouldlike to eat, see the sights, relax, go to a spa and gamble a little-

Where should we stay? Wenormally stay in hyatt regencies or the Ritz, Westins and the like. I would really like th true New Orleans vibe experience and I LOVE a good balcony,,,,

Any reccomendations??

Thanks,

Lynne

Where to stay for 30th birthday?

The Royal Sonesta has balconies on Bourbon St. and right around the corner from the Ritz which has a fabulous spa. Just went this afternoon, newly remodeled and wonderful. Not too far from the casino either.

Where to stay for 30th birthday?

Second the Royal Sonesta. Great location and very nice hotel. Also, you made an excellent choice for your birthday!

What about the Windsor Court or the Ritz New Orleans- how do they compare??

Thanks-

Lynne

Never stayed at the Windsor but the Ritz is nice. If you usually go with the Ritz then you will be happy at this one I would think. I like the location of the Royal Sonesta better but its not that far away from the Ritz.

Hello Lynne ~

You mention wanting the ';true New Orleans vibe.'; In my opinion, The Biscuit Palace definitely fits that description. It is a guest house located on Dumaine, about 1/2 a block from Bourbon. You can be in the middle of the action in a moment, but the noise does not intrude into your room when you want some rest. :) Clayton, the owner, is a very gracious host. The building itself is historic and began its life as a Creole mansion. Of course, it also has a lovely courtyard %26amp; balconies.

( 504 ) 525-9949

www.biscuitpalace.com

Hope you have a fantastic birthday!!! :)

Vive la Nouvelle-Orleans ~

Kandye

www.nola-blog.blogspot.com

I have never stayed at the Windsor Court, but a travel book described it as the most British experience in New Orleans...not exactly the New Orleans vibe you are wanting, in my opinion. For a New Orleans vibe, you will most likely get that staying in an older hotel right in the French Quarter. Royal Sonesta is a beautiful hotel, Bourbon Orleans has a great location, wonderful history, and I think they just recently did a renovation on the rooms. Even one of the smaller French Quarter hotels like Hotel Provincial would give you the New Orleans vibe, Place D%26#39;Armes has probably the best location of all, right by Jackson Square, and it gets great reviews.

For a New Orleans %26#39;vibe%26#39;, I just think that there are many better hotels to choose from than the Ritz or Windsor Court.

true I may miss out on some of the vibe but i like club level accomodations, room service and great service alltogether if one of the local hotels offer all of that great, if not at least the Ritz has some standards Iknow about. any and all help is welcome...

I would also recommend the Royal Sonesta. However, I would suggest one of the rooms overlooking the pool or the courtyard garden. They%26#39;re lovely rooms with french doors and better than a balcony on Bourbon St., in my opinion. Yes, it%26#39;s nice and romantic to have a balcony on Bourbon St., but think about a situation in which you%26#39;re trying to get some sleep and everyone outside your window is still partying. I%26#39;m very picky about where I stay, and I%26#39;m already planning on staying at the Royal Sonesta next time we%26#39;re in New Orleans.

wyndham riverfront question

I have a room booked at the Wyndham riverfront and have read some reviews where people get ';freebies'; - breakfast, meals entertainment tickets etc, and that is for stays a little as 2 days...

I am staying 8 days and was hoping to cash in on some of the freebies as well - free breakfast would be Amazing if i could get that every day.

How do I cash in on these deals?

wyndham riverfront question

I don%26#39;t know if this is the answer to your question or not, but if you go to Wyndham%26#39;s website there%26#39;s a SPECIAL OFFERS link in the upper right hand corner. By clicking on that, then clicking on OUR BEST DEALS, I found quite a few offers.

Here%26#39;s the website to their BEST DEALS page:

http://tinyurl.com/yq9657

The New Orleans tourism site (www.neworleansonline.com) lists the Wyndham Riverfront as one of the hotels offering a 3rd night free if you book 2 nights.

I would also recommend going to the New Orleans tourism site to order the free visitor%26#39;s guide and sign up for the free monthly newsletter. Both include coupons and information on special offers, but I have no idea if the hotel would be included.

There are also some coupons for a few area attractions and restaurants that you can download from that site for free.

wyndham riverfront question

I am staying there now.

I went thru their website, after I read a post here, and got the promotion for free parking and breakfast for 2 free.

I HIGHLY suggest you sign up through their website (free) for the Wyndham Membership.

I got the following free, just by signing up:

-Room upgrade where available - Cool room with staircase (2 story!)

-Free internet, I am typing from it now

-Welcome beverage of my choice (beers, alcohol, water bottles, snacks or fresh fruit)

- free local long distance.

All for 99 bucks pre tax per night!

i have a flat screen wall panel LG TV upstairs in the master room, and another television (flat tube, not wall mount) downstairs.

So far very pleased.

is this a good investment

Harrah's

can anyone tell me what to expect for blackjack mins/maxs over Labor Day Wknd?

Thanks :)

Harrah's

As with any day, the earlier you go the lower the minimums. They increase as the crowds do and may change while you%26#39;re sitting at a table. Some tables start at $10.

Harrah's

just came back from there. at 10 p.m. on Sunday night, they were running $20 and some $25 minimums (blackjack).

my business sense tells me to not go back to a casino. waste of money. fun, once in a while, but just looking at the place you can tell the owners make a killing.

pimple treatment

Wyndam Bourbon Orleans or W French Quarter?

I havent stayed at either hotel, but it appears the W is a safer bet, w/ better service, but I also like the more auethentic feel of the Bourbon Orleans. The price is about the same, any thoughts ?

Wyndam Bourbon Orleans or W French Quarter?

Depends upon your other preferences. The W in the evening has incense and candles burning in the lobby and allows late night partying in the courtyard. For service..the second time staying there our shower leaked into the bedroom and a call produced nothing friday evening and saturday morning the desk manager was told and produced nothing and saturday evening finally a new shift desk manager got housekeeping to check it out. Major problem that could not be taken care of quickly and no other rooms available. Tough not to shower in the heat of summer. But then again others have had good experiences there.

I very much liked the Bourbon Orleans and its a great location but I haven%26#39;t stayed there post-Katrina but its a great old hotel.

Wyndam Bourbon Orleans or W French Quarter?

Noise and late night partying don%26#39;t bother me, but bad service does. Sounds like another toss up! I%26#39;m very into balconies, which both properties appear to have.

I don%26#39;t remember a balcony on the W but maybe I wasn%26#39;t looking for it. They have patio rooms that overlook the courtyard and pool. I only stayed at the W one night but I loved it. I thought the service was top notch. From the moment I came walking up until I left it was great. I got a nice orientation of the facilities as I was taken to my room. There are different scented incense sticks around so you may or may not like that. I didn%26#39;t mind. Elevator smiled nice thats for sure. The front desk person did disappear for a few minutes when I went to checkout but nothing to complain about. I think the courtyard there is one of the best places to hang out. They came and asked me if I wanted more ice for my bucket when I was enjoying a drink the courtyard with friends. I rank the W in my top 3 of the French Quarter.

I also like the Bourbon Orleans. I have had bad service there a couple of times but most of my experiences were good. It has a great location and lots of history. They do have some good balconies too.

If it were me, I would go with the W but the great thing is you won%26#39;t be choosing a bad hotel either way. Just my opinion of course.

Just curious, what are the other 2 of your top 3?

Royal Sonesta and Omni Royal

We have stayed at the Bourbon Orleans three times. The first being for our honeymoon almost 20 years ago ! We love it everytime we stay there. When the timing is right, we have been upgraded to a two story suite. We have been to NO many times (our favorite city!) and the only times we have not stayed there is because they were booked. We have also stayed at the Royal Omni Orleans and loved it as well. Although we have not been to NO since Katrina, we will be there in less than 2 weeks. We will only be there for one night post-cruise and decided to try something different this time. Staying at the Hotel St. Marie on the other side of Bourbon. Hope this helps and have a great time!

The Bourbon Orleans is one of my favorite places (my wife%26#39;s favorite) to stay in the Quarter.

I agree with choosing the Bourbon Orleans. I have been there at least 6-7 times oer 12 years. I haven%26#39;t been in the W, but just have seen reviews on here that it%26#39;s more of a party hotel, noisy courtyard, etc. But some like that. I like the old world charm of the BO,plus it is the most perfect central location!

As for various comments posted about service at different places, after 30 years of travelling, I have decided that the local hotel , or \the chain brand name, have little to do with the level of service. Just like your fellow employees you work with in a corporation, or the sales people in that ;arge dept stire, some employees are great, others are not. Make your request. If no response, be persistent, but polite. If still nothing, see the manager. Some employees are new, not trained, or just busy and inattentive.

Hotel Maison Dupuy

Is the hotel Maison Dupuy still a good hotel to stay at? We were there several years ago and it was pretty nice. It is right at the edge of the French Quarter, walking distance to everything. Thanks for any help.

Hotel Maison Dupuy

I still think it is great. I absolutely love its courtyard. I was just there a few weeks ago. Someone was having a wedding in the courtyard :)

Hotel Maison Dupuy

We stayed there for four nights last May and enjoyed our courtyard balcony king room a great deal. We took our drinks from the bar and enjoiyed the pool and hot tub. Short walk to Bourbon, we even walked to the Frenchmen area but cabbed back. The Bistro was just okay for breakfasts.

Oct visit

Hello everyone...My husband and I will be coming into NOLA Oct 13 for 3 days. We are staying at the Avenue Inn B%26amp;B. I hope we picked a good place to stay since I just happened upon it on the internet and it looked charming. I did, of course, check it out on Trip Advisor and it had good ratings. However, this is our first trip and I am wondering about hsitorical homes to visit/admire. We also want to visit the cemetaries (what is it that attracts folks to a cemetary?). Any help from the locals or those who have expreience would be greatly appreciated.

Oct visit

I wanted to bump you up on the postings..but try forum searches on cemetary tours. Save our Cemetaries Inc. does excellent cemetary tours. Keep in mind at the avenue inn you will be way up (4100 block) st charles and the streetcar does not yet run that far up...its still only to Lee Circle (around the 900 block). The rooms are large and very nice but if you have any problem with stairs this might not be the place. The homes that you can visit are generally in the FQ..such as Gallier House, Beauregard Keyes, 1850 House..try forum searches on the topics.

Oct visit

Thank you very much for your reply. Will it be expensive for us to take a cab into the other parts of the city?

I%26#39;ve been to NO twice and both times I have booked and paid for cemetary tours and both times I have not gone. I really will do my best to go on one next time, but there is just so much to do in NO.

Make sure you go to Jackson Square. Not only is it just a cool area, but you can take a buggy tour of the french quarter/garden district.

Maybe some other cabwise folks can chime in. We had a car when at the Avenue Inn. I%26#39;d estimate $15 to the FQ.

There are Garden District walking tours and similar tours if you want to see some of the historical homes - this is outside of the FQ of course. If you Google ';Garden District Walking Tours'; you will find lots of information about various historical home tours.

Everyone is so helpful. I love using Trip Advisor as a tool before we vacation. I have received many great tips as a result of spending a little time on this site.

Avenue Inn

Has anyone stayed in this B%26amp;B? How is the location? We are mainly wanting to tour on foot and look at the architecture of the homes. Might want to have a little night life one night.

Avenue Inn

I think you will be in a good location if what you want to do is to tour the Garden District on foot and see the beautiful homes. You will be quite a distance from the French Quarter for night life, although you can easily get a cab.

I always prefer to stay in the French Quarter where all of the action is. The Garden District is very pretty, but it is much more of a residential area. The French Quarter is where the action is, and also has wonderful architecture, although it is different than the Garden District architecture.

Avenue Inn

If I%26#39;m reading the website correctly, this inn is past the Garden District and is between Louisiana and Napoleon. There%26#39;s a popular restaurant called Superior Grill nearby. Marginal Tex-Mex food but great cocktails!

Ask your B%26amp;B hosts about walking in the area. I%26#39;d guess it%26#39;s fine.

I%26#39;d agree with the $15-20 estimate for cabs to the Quarter. The St. Charles Ave bus is another cheaper (although much slower) option.

fish

Vampire Tours

Would anyone like to offer their best suggestions for vampire tours? We took one years ago that was excellent (and very scary) but don%26#39;t remember the name!!!

Vampire Tours

I would go with Haunted history tour i%26#39;ve heard really good things about them.

Vampire Tours

We also like Haunted History tours, but I don%26#39;t think I%26#39;d say that they were scary....although the tour guide did take us to a bar for a drink and the bar had some scary characters in it!

try a lookup on Lord Chaz

ditto jlr!!

Best Western St Charles, location...

We will be travelling with our two young daughters at Christmas and were wondering if The Best Western St Charles is in a safe location for families? Is it in the Garden District? Are there eateries within walking distance? Thanks in advance.

Best Western St Charles, location...

Its not quite in whats considered the Garden District. It is way up St. Charles and the streetcar only runs to the 900 block. The French Quarter is very safe and the hub for tours and just walking around and the rates in December are very reasonable . Many hotels have the %26#39;papa noel%26#39; rates. You can avoid Bourbon Street very easily and in the FQ you would be close to all kinds of restaurants whereas way up St. Charles there isn%26#39;t a lot of choice.

Best Western St Charles, location...

I have to agree - I%26#39;d probably stay in the FQ even with two young kids. The rates in December should be pretty reasonable and the FQ is so pretty at Christmastime.

Thanks guys, we%26#39;ll definitely look into staying closer to the FQ then.

You might want to give Country inn and Suites a look. I wrote a review of it under the hotel section. I was there in june with 4 teens by myself. It is 3 blocks from FQ, but walkable to everywhere and it was new and safe. Great breakfast in morning too and the rates were the cheapest I had found, even though it is fairly new. I liked it and my kids did too.

Please find another hotel as soon as possible. I stayed there in July 07 for the Essence Festival. I would not recommend the hotel at all especially if you are not a smoker because smoke will hit you right in the face as you enter or the gas smell. If you are going on vacation sometimes you have to go for quality and the Best Western St. Charles is not the place. If you going on a tight budget then you have to make the best and get what you paid for. My suggestion, please shop around. Try the Sheraton on Canal Street, Drury Inn, the hotel across the street (can%26#39;t think of the name) is a very nice hotel. You also have staybridge suites, Residence Inn Convention Center, Double tree. Please not the Best Western - you will see for yourself if you choose to stay.

If you want Garden district, my hubby and I stayed at Hampton Inn St Charles for my 40th BD 3 years ago.We liked going on the streetcar to FQ.The hotel is up and running but I hear the streetcars do not go that far yet. It was a nice place.

pimple treatment

Wine Bars in New Orleans near Loews Hotel

Can anyone recommend a nice wine bar, perhaps serving tapas or light snacks, that we can walk to from the Loews Hotel?

Thanks in advance.

Wine Bars in New Orleans near Loews Hotel

There used to be a Wine Loft in that area, but I understand it hasn%26#39;t reopened since Katrina.

Wine Bars in New Orleans near Loews Hotel

It%26#39;s not a wine bar, but check out ';RIo Mar';, a seafood/tapas place just a few blocks away. Great tapas menu.

JJNOLA, that sounds perfect....thanks!

Lucky for you, the Swizzle Stick in your hotel is a fun bar, and they serve some of the very good restaurant%26#39;s food there as well.

Also, the Wine Institute of New Orleans is located just two blocks from your hotel, on Tchopitoulas Street (pronouncesd chop-i-too-las). They serve a wide varieties of wines by the glass.

La Cote, located in the Renaissance Hotel, a couple more blocks down Tchopitoulas, has a lovely upscale bar, and they serve good food from the restaurant as well.

Also on Tchopitoulas, a couple more blocks down, is Tommy%26#39;s Wine Bar, next door to the restaurant of the same name. His food is very good (he had been with Irene%26#39;s), and the wine bar serves many varieties of wine, and lots of good small portions from the bar.

I second the Wine Institute of New Orleans (WINO) at 610 Tchoupitoulas. I had never been in a computerized wine bar before where you buy a card for whatever amount you choose and stick it in a slot next to one of dozens of bottles under pressurized nitrogen gas, and select a third, half or full glass of the chosen bottle. I guess there are a fewe on the West Coast but I%26#39;d not been in them. You can also get pesto, cheese, bread and learn about wine from the experienced staff. I liked the name WINO and the place, and the system. If you really enjoy a glass, they will sell the bottle to go at reasonable prices.

Internet wireless

Do you have the capability of burning discs on your computer for business services at the Ramada Inn in Houma?

Internet wireless

possibly if your computer has a burner.

Curious...How long of a walk from..

How long would a leisurely stroll from Bourbon and Canal to Bourbon and Esplande take?? Just trying to get a lay of the land. I know everyone strolls at a different pace, and not accounting for stopping, etc, how far (long) is it?

Thanks,

barb

Curious...How long of a walk from..

I can easily walk it in 2 beers. Seriously, it%26#39;s an easy, leisurely 20-30 minute stroll. Keep in mind that the vibe changes when you get to St. Ann street, which is ground zero for the gay bars and hangouts. STill perfectly safe, but be advised that some may see things that offend them (even if the previous stretch of Bourbon didn%26#39;t.

Brace yourself for blaring rock music, T-shirt shops and rowdy teens interspersed with great music and a few architectural and cultural gems. Avoid falling for the tricksters who will bet you that they know where you got your shoes (you%26#39;ve got them on Bourbon Street). Just smile at the hucksters and move on. Enjoy!

Curious...How long of a walk from..

So, would you say that the end of Bourbon St. closer to Canal is where most of the jazz club, restaurants, etc are?

I would say that there are probably more jazz clubs/restaurants closer to Canal than Esplanade, but, there are bars/clubs/restaurants all along Bourbon Street. If you only stay in one area, you might miss some fun places. Also, be sure to check out Frenchmen Street which is a hot spot for jazz.

I have a pretty good map of the French Quarter, and for the life of me, I do not see Frenchmen St. Is it not in the FQ, or am I just an idiot??!!

barb

Frenchmen St. is right outside the French Quarter in the Faubourg Marigny. http://marignytheatre.org/images/map1.jpg. Be sure to walk down some of the other streets in the French Quarter, too.

Barb111,

I second the Frenchman St. suggestion. This would greatly enhance your visit.

The best way to get to Frenchman is to walk down Chartres toward Esplanade. Cross Esplanade and Chartres will take you right to Frenchman St.

This is where you%26#39;ll find wonderful Jazz Clubs and live music. Very festive without the frat party atmosphere.

Great, is this quite aways from Esplande? Would a cab be recommended back at night to the hotel?

barb

Frenchmen Street is very close to Esplanade. What hotel are you staying at?

Thanks. We are staying at Chateau Lemoyne closer to Canal.

barb

Barb, if you%26#39;ll look at the map of the Marigny at the link supplied by Soulcat, you%26#39;ll see that Frenchmen St. intersects Esplanade between Chartres and Decatur, then goes away from Esplanade on a diagonal. If you%26#39;ll walk down Dauphine (the street where your hotel is located) towards Esplanade, then cross Esplande, you%26#39;ll reach Frenchmen St. in about 4 blocks, right at Wahsington Park. Turn right and you%26#39;ll begin seeing clubs and restaurants almost immediately. We make this walk just about every time we come to New Orleans, and we feel safe walking it night and day. Since you%26#39;re a ';newbie,'; I suggest that you use Chartres or Royal to return at night, simply because there%26#39;s likely to be more foot traffic on those streets.

By the way, Port of Call is located at the corner of Dauphine and Esplanade. The burgers are gigantic and delicious. Unknown to most, their steaks are also very good.

howtomovethingswithyourmind

Would you bring 5 month old twins to NO?

My husband has a week long business trip in NO. His company would pay for me to accompany him with our twin infants. I have been to NO before and had a fabulous time, but life is very different now that I am a mommy.

We would be staying at the Loews hotel near the French Quarter. I hate to sound completely unaware, but is it safe walking the streets. Any advice accepted. I understand some will say go, and some will say stay home.

Thanks

PS. I would not be coming as a tourist, just accompanying my husband so that he could help with the babes in the evening and overnight -- otherwise it is mommy on duty 24/7 literally...24 hours a day for 7 days.

PPS. Our trip would be middle of July.

Would you bring 5 month old twins to NO?

tough call snorkely! any chance of a grandmother or some family coming down as well to help out/explore the city a bit themselves/give you and your husband an hour or two at night to get out for some dinners?????

Would you bring 5 month old twins to NO?

Okay, I can respond to this with a little bit of experience. My wife %26amp; I have been to New orleans several times in the past few years. We just had our first child 7 months ago. I am returning to New Orleans in July as well for a conference. We thought about it but decided that my wife would be staying home and not coming. The main factors were the flight (bringing a baby on a flight from Ohio doesn%26#39;t sound like fun) and the fact that it will be VERY hot. July in New Orleans in hot beyond belief. Luckily Ally(our daughter) goes to daycare so my wife will only be on mommy duty alone on the mornings and evenings. Everyone%26#39;s different though-I don%26#39;t know if you are flying or driving to the city.

I have never had a problem walking the streets, however I always try to make sure I am aware of my surroundings. If you are with you husband in the evening, you should be fine. During the day usually is not the problem. Also you are really close to the Riverwalk mall which could be good during the day with the little ones. I probably would not try to go into the Quarter during the day with the twins only because it will be very hot and they could get very testy. Would not want to do that alone. But in the early evening with the husband should be okay. You do have the aquarium that they might enjoy since they can see all of the sea creatures. (especially since it is airconditioned). Hope this helps. If you just want to get away, I would definitely go.

Hope this helps

Hi snorkely!

It seems that you have almost have 2 separate issues...one, deciding whether to travel with twins, and if so, then second, should it be to NO when your husband is occupied during the day?

Tough call! Are you flying or driving? I would imagine that you%26#39;d need a vacation (alone) simply after flying with twins ;-) Driving might make the decision easier, because then you%26#39;d have a way to haul all the ';stuff'; that babies seem to need these days!

As far as what to do with infants in July, my personal experience based upon living here (my 5-year-old has a January birthday, so he was 6 months old in July) is that the more you can do in either a swimming pool or in air-conditioned facilities, the better! It is really hot here in July, even the best-natured children get cranky in the sticky heat. (especially if their ';routines'; are disrupted by travel).

Do you have a high-school or college-age friend or family member who might travel with you (to help out)? It might be a good opportunity for them to see a little bit of the city, and give you a break, along with letting you and your husband step out for a couple of hours in the evening.

We%26#39;re ';older'; parents, so unlike so many of our friends here, we don%26#39;t have a huge extended family to take care of our kids. I am on my own A LOT, so I think that I have a pretty high threshold as far as taking care of my kids, alone, for extended periods of time. I don%26#39;t know that I would try to do it here, in a hotel, in July.

This is a lot of great advice. To answer a few questions...

- Unfortunately, there is no one who could accompany us.

- The flying/driving debate is still up in the air. If we fly we would buy 3 seats to allow for more luggage to be checked and more room on the plane. If we drive it is about 14 hours, so that is a whole different can of worms.

- I realize I would spend most of my day in the hotel room, with maybe one small outing by myself with the babes. When we are out strolling around, you can imagine twins tend to attract attention, and there are no quick getaways with a double stroller.

Do you think we would have any issues walking alone during the day?

I have lived in Chicago for 10 years and I just imagine us as an easy target - - I know that is sad, but my mommy brain is on worst case scenario.

All this being said, I welcome the challenge on some level. Life with twins can be very isolating and my memories of NO are very fond. Ahhh...so much to consider.

As much as it pains me to say it, I%26#39;d probably sit this one out with the kids and let the husband make the trip solo.

First, the logistics of transportation to and from the city will be complicated whether you fly or drive. There%26#39;s just lots of stuff involved with babies, especially two of them. Then you%26#39;ll be trapped in the hotel during the day doing the same things you could do at home, which is familiar and has everything you need at your fingertips.

While it%26#39;s a tough call and I can appreciate the fact that Dad can help after work if you do make the trip, I%26#39;d say it%26#39;s fairly obvious to me that for a few months at least, New Orleans (or any trip) can wait.

I would feel perfectly comfortable walking alone during the day in the area near Lowe%26#39;s and the surrounding areas that you might visit. Evenings in July, it gets dark around 8:00 or a little later, and if you%26#39;re from Chicago, then you and your husband will know to take the same precautions that you would in any large city while walking at night.

However, know that you will be in the Central Business District, with a short walk to the Quarter and most tourist attractions. That being said, you%26#39;ll be pushing the twins in a stroller over city streets/sidewalks, and particularly in the Quarter, through some very narrow passages. It can be done, and I gather from reading your posts that you are up for the challenge!

Hope you are able to work things out, and that you enjoy your visit!

Casey

It seems like your only questions are your safety in NO. You should feel comfortable with the twins during the day. As I said earlier just be aware of your surroundings. Also there are many airconditioned things to do with the twins close to your hotel. If your only concern is safety, you should not worry.

As hard as it is to vote against coming to New Orleans, I would recommend staying home. It will be very difficult with two (I really cannot imagine it since one infant was so demanding for us) and they will not remember a thing. It would not be worth the stress for me....a vacation is for rest and enjoyment and that will come later when they are a bit older.

I might be the first person that can give you the best advice from real world experience. My wife and I have 4 1/2 year old twin boys. In the summer of 2003 my company had a business meting at the convention center in New Orleans. It lasted 4 days. My wife decided it would be a great idea to bring the boys along.

BAD IDEA! She did not have fun, the kids did not have fun and I was so busy, I was unable to help. I have found, through several missteps, that handling twins by yourself would be much easier in your home. They are familiar with the environment, you have controlled the access to the environment, and you have access to everything you need.

My suggestion would be to see if you have family or friends that might keep the twins for two days. Then you could fly down and spend ADULT time with your husband and catch up on your sleep while he is in meetins. Just a thought!

Non Cajun food, on the healthy side, in New Orleans

I will be in New Orleans for 4 days next week on business. I have been there before and am not a fan of the food. I prefer no sauces, no rouxs, no butter in my food and am looking for healthier options.

We are at the Loews and will not have a car.

Any recommendations for sushi, asian in general, fresh fish prepared simply, Italian or similar are much appreciated.

Non Cajun food, on the healthy side, in New Orleans

I can%26#39;t personally recommend any of these, but I found these on N.O. Menu - the rating system is that of the site%26#39;s owner, critic Tom Fitzmorris.

Maybe someone else can comment on some of these:

5*-Among the best restaurants in the New Orleans area.

4*--Excellent and ambitious.

3* - Good enough to go out of your way to try.

2*--Recommended.

1*--Acceptable.

No symbol--Not reviewed.

3* - Rock %26#39;n%26#39; Sake. 823 Fulton. 581-7253. Japanese. Sushi Bar.

Hipstix. 870 Tchoupitoulas. 581-2858. Asian.

Grand Isle. 575 Convention Center Blvd. 520-8530. Seafood.

1* - Ernst Cafe. 600 S Peters. 525-8544. Seafood. Neighborhood Cafe.

2* - Deanie%26#39;s. 1016 Annunciation. 250-4460. Breakfast. Neighborhood Cafe.

4* - 7 On Fulton. 700 Fulton. 681-1034. Contemporary American.

4* - Windsor Court Grill Room. 300 Gravier. 522-1994. Eclectic.

2* - Singha Thai. 413 Carondelet. 581-2205. Thai.

3* - Eleven 79. 1179 Annunciation. 569-0001. Contemporary Creole-Italian.

4* - Tommy%26#39;s. 746 Tchoupitoulas. 581-1103. Creole Italian.

Panasia. 500 St. Charles Ave. 299-8004. Thai.

Obee%26#39;s. 920 Gravier. 589-0077. Sandwiches. Soups. Salads.

3* - Horinoya. 920 Poydras. 561-8914. Japanese.

3* - Drago%26#39;s. 2 Poydras (Hilton Hotel). 584-3911. Seafood.

Apple Seed Shoppe. 201 St. Charles Ave. 529-3442 . Vegetarian.

Non Cajun food, on the healthy side, in New Orleans

USE YOUR WAITER! He/she can always suggest options or tell you wish dishes can be prepared without sauces, butter, etc. I have vegetarian friends and they have absolutely no problems getting great food nearly everywhere they go in New Orleans.

Thanks for the specific recommendations.

I really prefer to dine at restaurants that are interesting to me as opposed to asking a waiter to adapt Cajun or French dishes to my personal taste. Vietnamese cuisine, good Italian, etc. give me lots of options as opposed to ordering fish without sauce, etc. I enjoy fresh herbs and spices and fusion cuisine especially.

Gambit just posted the Best Of New Orleans readers%26#39; poll results. bestofneworleans.com/dispatch/2007-08-28/cov… Recommendations for all your categories (except the simply prepared fish) are listed. Asking the waiter for the fish served without sauce should be no problem: however, I am curious as to how one does Italian food without sauce.

Soulcat, it is the rich, butter and cream based sauces that I find totally unappealing.

And Italian food is far more than pasta, though I love pasta and choose sauces made with tomatoes and basil rather than creams and butter. A nice dish of cioppino, a plate of clams and mussels, all these are wonderful IMO.

Fusion would be my top choice for New Orleans as that type of cuisine relies on fresh herbs and light flavors as opposed to rouxs and sauces.

Thanks for the info and I will check out the reviews.

From your hotel (which happens to be right next to my office building), you will be able to walk to: (ask your hotel for a small map of the area - these places are just a few blocks away, and even at night, you should be perfectly safe)

Rockin%26#39; Sake: pretty good sushi

Tommy%26#39;s: Very good Italian, though you say you prefer no sauces, and the food is generally served with at least a marinara, though I am sure you can get the sauce on the side.

Rio Mar: Specializes in seafood, some of which is cooked very plainly.

Herbsaint: This is one of the premier lunch spots - they are also open for dinner. The atmosphere is lovely. They always have a light fish option, and there are many healthful items on the menu.

There is a thai restaurant nearby, but I do not recommend it.

You can take a ten minute cab ride to Cafe Rani which specializes in all sorts of salads, soups and very healthful chicken dishes. Also by cab is Sake Cafe, another sushi restaurant, though I find the quality of fish at Rockin%26#39; Sake to be higher.

I hope this helps.

Good coffee/beignets?

Is there a place for a quick breakfast with really good coffee and beignets?

Thanks,

barb

Good coffee/beignets?

Cafe du Monde

Good coffee/beignets?

Thanks for such a quick response!

barb

Have you ever been to Cafe du Monde?

I have never been to NO and am very excited. I actually found Cafe Beignet%26#39;s website and noticed that it is VERY close to our hotel and will probably go there. I may visit Cafe du Monde while down near the riverwalk. It seems far to walk for breakfast!!!

barb

Cafe Beignet has some menu items besides beignets. Cafe DuMonde does not but I still prefer it as it%26#39;s the ';original.';

If you are in New Orleans, Cafe du Monde is an absolute must. Worth the walk!!!

There is only ONE place to get beignets and coffee - Cafe du Monde!

If I ever return to RI, I%26#39;ll ask you where to get Stuffies and Beer. You are a local so I figure you know where to go. Trust the locals and go to Cafe du Monde.

URI, Class of %26#39;74, MSOE

Barb,

There are two kinds of Beignets, Cafe du Monde Beignets and imitation Cafe du Monde Beignets. Cafe du Monde has been serving Beignets since 1862. If you want the real deal, go to Cafe du Monde and order Beignets and Cafe Ole. Check out www.cafedumonde.com.

Personally, I consider Cafe du Monde to be the heart of New Orleans as it sits right across from Jackson Square. It is truly one of my favorite places in the world to sit in the morning with a steaming hot plate of beignets and a cup of chicory coffee while listening to a lone saxophone player playing a slow rendition of Louis Armstrong%26#39;s What a Wonderful World as horse drawn carriages clip-clop by. It is at this moment that all worries have escaped my existence and I really think to myself...what a wonderful world...

OK, OK,....Cafe du Monde it is!!!! LOL LOL!! I have been alot of places, and imitation anything is not good,

barb

URI, class of 82!!

You have made the right choice. By the way here%26#39;s something to remember, its rumored that if you bring Cafe du Monde beignets to St. Peter that your entrance to through the Pearly Gates is guaranteed!

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French quarter B&B/ hotel near Omni

My three sisters and I are looking for the perfect hotel in the French Quarter. We%26#39;re thinking of two rooms (one of my sisters is a big snorer!) and would like something historic and maybe a pool. It needs to be pretty close to the Omni Royal on Royal and St Louis due to a meeting one of us has there. Nothing too loud or extravagantly priced. I%26#39;ve been looking at the St Louis Hotel, Historic French Market Inn and Bienville Hotel. I%26#39;ve found mixed reviews on all. Any thoughts would be helpful because I%26#39;m at a loss after MUCH research.

French quarter B%26amp;B/ hotel near Omni

I%26#39;d take a look at the Hotel St. Marie.

Of the three you mentioned, I%26#39;d recommend the Bienville House. The other two get more negative reviews than positive ones, it seems.

I don%26#39;t know of any B%26amp;Bs in that part of the French Quarter. Most of them are in Faubourg Marigny, a few blocks from the Omni.

French quarter B%26amp;B/ hotel near Omni

I also would rec. the St. Marie at 827 Toulouse and totally avoid the St. Louis and Historic French Market Inn. Now the Bienville House was very nice when we were there this spring but given the choice I%26#39;d check out the St. Marie.

What is the best sports bar in town?

I am looking for a good sports bar to watch some NFL games on Sunday. I would be staying close to Bourbon Street.

What is the best sports bar in town?

I like Kabby%26#39;s. 20 or so plasma TVs and a nice vibe on game days. Get there early if the Saints are on TV. Kabby%26#39;s is in the Hilton on Poydras, very close to the river. You might also try Hytops sports bar in the Hyatt, also on Poydras nearer to the SuperDome.

Kabby%26#39;s is walkable if you are staying near the Canal end of the Quarter.

鈥ol.com/neworleans/鈥-105706718

hosting

Dress Code at Jacques-Imos?

Due to all of your excellent suggestions, my husband and I are definitely going to eat at Jacques-Imos when we are in NOLA this weekend. Does anyone know what appropriate attire would be at this restaurant? My husband is allergic to formal clothes and wants to know if he can get away with shorts and a nice shirt :)

Dress Code at Jacques-Imos?

You can get away with just about anything at Jacques Imo%26#39;s. As I recall, I%26#39;ve been in jeans and a tee shirt every time we%26#39;ve gone there. The chef will probably be wearing shorts when he comes out into the dining room.

Dress Code at Jacques-Imos?

Shorts will fit right in at this place...it is kind of neighborhoody and the chef wear shorts in the dining room when he visits.

Food Finds in New Orleans

The Food Network%26#39;s FOOD FINDS program for New Orleans was pre-Katrina. Besides muffalettas and beignets, what are other ';food finds'; that a first timer to NOLA must try?

Food Finds in New Orleans

Char Broiled Oysters at Drago%26#39;s, BBQ Shrimp at Mr B%26#39;s Bistro, Crawfish- Goat Cheese Crepes at Muriel%26#39;s,

Oysters 3 Ways at Redfish Grill, Raw Oysters at Acme,

Gumbo at the Gumbo Shop, Fried Oyster, Fried Shrimp Combo Po-Boy at Oceana, Bananas Foster at Brennan%26#39;s, Bread Pudding at Arnaud%26#39;s, Jambalaya at Coop%26#39;s, Hurricane at Pat O%26#39;Briens, Pimm%26#39;s Cup at the Napoleon House...Enjoy!!

Food Finds in New Orleans

Thanks for these tasteful tips!

Char Broiled Oysters at Drago%26#39;s, BBQ Shrimp at Mr B%26#39;s Bistro, Crawfish- Goat Cheese Crepes at Muriel%26#39;s,

Oysters 3 Ways at Redfish Grill, Raw Oysters at Acme,

Gumbo at the Gumbo Shop, Fried Oyster, Fried Shrimp Combo Po-Boy at Oceana, Bananas Foster at Brennan%26#39;s, Bread Pudding at Arnaud%26#39;s, Jambalaya at Coop%26#39;s, Hurricane at Pat O%26#39;Briens, Pimm%26#39;s Cup at the Napoleon House...Enjoy!!

I agree with all these tips except the Redfish Grill. I would add cafe brulot at Arnaud%26#39;s, souffle potatoes at either Arnaud%26#39;s or Galatoire%26#39;s.

Turtle soup and bread pudding souffle%26#39; at Commander%26#39;s Palace. Hurricanes at Lafitte%26#39;s Blacksmith Shop. A sazerac from Tujaques, Napoleon House or the Library Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton.

BBQ shrimp at Mr. B%26#39;s or Pascale%26#39;s Manale.

Baked oysters from Antoine%26#39;s.

Beef and debris from K-Paul%26#39;s (or anything else from there)

Southern Candies on Decatur street by French Market.

Airport Shuttle Service

I didn%26#39;t want to hijacked the thread on Airport transportation.

I read a few months back that the shuttle service is not so good since K, the wait time at the airport can be long. Has it gotten better in the last few months? What were your wait times?

Be there 9/6

Thanks

Vicki

Airport Shuttle Service

The shuttles leave very regularly however with they wanting to fill the vans and get the luggage in sometimes it can drag on a bit not to mention the multiple stops.

Airport Shuttle Service

I chose not to take them for my most recent visit, (even though I was solo and taking a cab on my own was kind of pricey). They were at least very open on their website when I put in my arrival time...a 3:20 arrival time meant waiting for a 4:15 shuttle and they estimated I would get to my hotel in the CBD at 5:15. Way too much time to spend to save a few dollars imo.

I go to NOLA 2 times a year, or three., for 12 years. Always took the shuttle, before. Since K., the waits, condition of the vehicles, etc., did it a coujple of times and then swore off. I%26#39;ll pay the double price for a cab. And if there are two of you, it comes out almost even!

Keep in mind that it was last year that I visited NO for a convention; however, the shuttle was the worst, and only bad, experience of the trip. While I had a reservation for a set time, the place was disorganized and I had to wait well over an hour to even board a shuttle van. They seem uninterested in honoring reservations and were simply lining people up whether they had a reservation or were a walk-up. Fortunately, they were very prompt on the return.

I%26#39;ll be in NO in December and have already decided to cab it. I%26#39;m all for saving money, but it%26#39;s just not worth the money, especially when they double charge you for the trip and only removed the double charge once I filed a claim with my credit card company.

From 2006-2007 I have traveled to NO 7 times. One time I made the mistake of taking a taxi-all the other times I took the shuttle. I had no complaints-if I stand around and wait I talk to the people around me including talking to the locals on where to go, whats going in NO and more importantly where to eat.

The wait was not that long though-15 minutes though the return trip was a pain since I would get to the airport early. But I%26#39;m from NYC and drove my car all of 851 miles last year the rest of the time I was walking, taking the bus or subway so waiting does not bother me.

Mona

Back from New Orleans!

thanks to all for the advice prior to our trip! we had such a great time visiting over Labor Day even although I don%26#39;t think the weather could have gotten any more humid!!

Here%26#39;s what we did in a nutshell. Hopefully this helps someone else out. We are a married couple in our late 20s from Pittsburgh. This was my 2nd trip and my husbands 1st.

We stayed at the Royal Sonesta on Bourbon. It is a beautiful hotel and I%26#39;d definitely stay there again. We hung out at the pool one day - very crowded but still fun. We definitely donated way too much money to harrah%26#39;s but had a good time. It%26#39;s a very nice casino.

We at at Mr. B%26#39;s: BBQ shrimp was amazing and the service was great. best meal i have had in a long time. We had breakfast one morning at the Coffee Pot on a recommendation and it was outstanding. i was basically licking my plate after the lost bread and i am not a big breakfast person!

Pat O%26#39;Brien%26#39;s was fun of course, lots of Hurricanes and singing at the piano bar. Learned some Saints songs too. ;)

We did the Haunted Tour as well. It was interesting - i was thinking we%26#39;d be able to actually go inside the haunted buildings and get ';spooked'; for some reason--- but we didn%26#39;t. Still a cool way to see the quarter.

We checked at the decadence parade. definitely some good people watching! we also checked out the riverwalk - that was ok.

And in between all that we milled around the quarter and partied A LOT! Everyone we spoke to was so NICE and eager to give suggestions of where to eat/what do to. We met so many friendly and fun ppl from NOLA. What a great city - we will be back. Thanks!

Back from New Orleans!

Thanks for the trip report! You%26#39;ve confirmed two places I will definitely hit when I%26#39;m there in October: Mr. B%26#39;s and the Coffee Pot.

Would you recommend the Haunted Tour? If so, what time does that one start?

-Lori

Back from New Orleans!

what sort of room did you have at the royal sonesta? I stayed there in March and I loved the pool at night with all the lights, very beautiful.

I think my friend and I are going in October and I definitely want to check out Mr. B%26#39;s.

[Oh, and since you%26#39;re from Pittsburgh,

I can%26#39;t resist---%26gt; Go Browns! :-) ]

we stayed on the 6th floor at the Royal Sonesta. It didn%26#39;t overlook anything special. It was nicely appointed, large, clean room.

YES - those two restaurants were fabulous. We had to wait in line for about 30 mins at the coffee pot. We originally wanted to go to Petunia%26#39;s for breakfast but the line was even longer.

As for the haunted tour - like i said, it was a cool way to see the quarter and the ghost stories were interesting, along with the history. our guide was good. it%26#39;s not something i would rush to do again when i return.

Glad you liked the Coffee Pot-you eat there early and all you need after lunchtime is some coffee and beignets. The only ghost tour that goes into a building is Ghost Expeditions which will come back to New Orleans in November.

Hello Balbacm ~

Thank you for sharing your trip with us! Your descriptions are great. Made me feel like I was there. :)

Glad you had such a wonderful time in NOLA!

Cordially ~

Kandye

Oooooklahoma

www.nola-blog.blogspot.com

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