Safe Overnight Parking in FQ or Garden District

I am wondering about parking my car overnight in the French Quarter area or even in the Garden District. We may be staying in the FQ or GD on the way home from Gulf Shores and will have a fully loaded SUV, including some things attached to the roof rack.

If we stay at a hotel that charges for parking, does that mean that our things are safe and we won%26#39;t need to unload the whole SUV? I certainly don%26#39;t want to have to take everything into the hotel for one night, but I also don%26#39;t want to take a chance on having things stolen. Are we safe with valet parking?

We haven%26#39;t booked a hotel yet, although I%26#39;m thinking of the Iberville Suites. I%26#39;d appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on this--would hate to wake up to a nasty surprise. We%26#39;ve been to NO many times in the past but we used to travel in a car with a limited amount of luggage. The beach trip and our baby are adding to our load this time! Thanks!!

Safe Overnight Parking in FQ or Garden District

One would think that for $30 per day for hotel valet parking that a vehicle would be stored in a secure or guarded area. To be sure, I would call the hotels you are interested in and ask if parking is secure enough to leave your stuff in your vehicle or external storage. I believe the cheaper lots for parking may not be as secure. To be on the safe side, I would not leave anything of a high value in the vehicle. If it can be replaced at Wal-Mart, so be it.

Safe Overnight Parking in FQ or Garden District

My thoughts exactly--if I%26#39;m paying, I do want some guarantee of security. I will call the hotels I am looking into about that. Thanks!

If anyone else has any comments, please share.

Regardless of where you park your car, my advice is to take everything with you when you check into wherever you stay. It is a huge pain to unload a car, just to pack it back up again, but when a potential thief sees even small items in a car, my guess is that they would be tempted to break in and see if there%26#39;s more stashed out of sight.

If you choose to take a chance leaving some items in the car, I definitely would not take a chance self-parking the car. Even if you use a valet, the fine print on the ticket clearly states that you should remove your personal items and that the valet is not responsible for the items in the event of theft or even damage.

Our family usually takes a long road trip every summer...and when we check into a hotel (even for an overnight stay en route to our ultimate destination) the rule is that everything goes inside with us...even little pieces of trash! It is a huge pain, but I guess if there is an upside to this, it%26#39;s that your car doesn%26#39;t accumulate that ';funk'; from a long road trip (you know...the dirty clothing/slightly wet swimsuit/fast food ';aroma';.)

I remember as a little kid, we drove all the way to British Columbia. We walked around sightseeing, and we waited for dad to go get the car and pick us up. It took him way too long, and when he finally showed up...sure enough...someone had thrown a big brick through the side window and stolen a couple of well-hidden cameras (including all the pictures inside!)

We spent a few more (and definitely less enjoyable) hours in the city while we waited to get the window fixed!

I don%26#39;t care how much you pay, YOU are the one responsible for your belongings. I can%26#39;t imagine any place that would accept that responsibility.

My advice - if something is that important to you, don%26#39;t ever take any chances by leaving it in the car. No matter what.

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I%26#39;m well aware that we are responsible for our possessions. Our biggest issue on this trip will be that we%26#39;re coming back from a beach trip and will have beach chairs, umbrella, etc. on top of the SUV. I am sure it%26#39;s going to take some time for my husband to get it all up there, and I%26#39;d hate for him to have to do it again the same day. I know the back of the SUV will be loaded down with luggage, ice chests, etc. and it would be quite an undertaking to unpack it all for one night in a hotel room. I guess that%26#39;s what we get for no longer having a regular car trunk that could hide a few things. We%26#39;re still debating if we%26#39;ll stop for the night in NO or go a little further to Baton Rogue or Lafayette (the pull of NO is SO strong, however!). I%26#39;m sure this is a problem we%26#39;ll have to deal with no matter which city we go with. Thanks again!

Sorry Lee I didn%26#39;t mean to come off sounding harsh. I was just being general, nothing towards you. I can certainly understand the predicament you%26#39;re in under the circumstances. Hope it all works out ok.

No offense taken. I see your point--really. I am having one of those ';I want it all moments.'; I want my beach trip, I want a NO trip on the side, I want it all to be nice and easy for us, and obviously, there are a few issues to consider now that we have a different vehicle, a toddler, etc. We need an overnight stay in LA b/c we%26#39;ll be working in a family visit but I want to go to NO since it%26#39;s been a while since we%26#39;ve been that way. I may just need to re-think that a bit. Thanks again.

Lee4...after several years of travelling with kids to the beach, I%26#39;ve finally given up bringing along my own chairs and umbrella. Now I just bite the bullet and rent them from wherever we happen to be staying. I%26#39;ve been doing it that way for a number of years, and now I%26#39;m spoiled! (and now that the kids are older, I have to fight them for one of the two chairs ;-)

Good luck!

Caseyno: That%26#39;s not a bad idea and it certainly cuts down on packing! My husband and I bought 2 chairs and an umbrella down in GS several years ago--pretty cheap at Walmart down there. Now, we%26#39;ve got a baby, but I feel like we need to use the things we already have--so they are going with us. We may have to do it your way, though, if we decide to keep going to the beach with our son in the future. I%26#39;m amazed at how much stuff I am now bringing along every time we travel with our son. It%26#39;s crazy!

If you go to GS, where do you rent beach chairs, etc. from? We%26#39;re renting a house this year, so I don%26#39; expect chairs and umbrellas to be readily available as they are around hotels. Thanks!

I hear ya about ALL THAT STUFF! Been there, done that! It%26#39;s amazing that humans evolved to the point that we did, you know, without all the baby paraphenalia that we can%26#39;t seem to do without these days ;-)

If you%26#39;re renting a house, then you should probably bring your own. We usually rent a unit in one of the high-rise condos, and they always have the umbrellas and chairs lined up in a row. It%26#39;s too easy to just go and charge the extra $40-50 that it costs to have them ready and waiting!

Hope your trip is great!

Casey

Hotel Choice - Please!!!

Hello all! My boyfriend and I are planning a romantic getaway to New Orleans. This is the first time either of us will be traveling to NO and we are so excited. I am having such a difficult time making a decision on a hotel. I have narrowed it down, and would love some input.

We are trying to be as budget minded as possible. We are mid-thirties and would rather spend our money sightseeing and dining. We want to stay some place nice, but want some of the NO feel to our hotel, as well.

1) Chateau Sonesta - 85/night

2) Place d%26#39;Armes - 75/night View room

3) Cornstalk - 85/night Standard Room

4) Bourbon Orleans - 75/night

If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to give your advice.

Thanks in advance!!

Hotel Choice - Please!!!

Each has its charm...Chateau Sonesta has large rooms with high ceiling as it was a department store before..D.H. Holmes and has within the building Storyville and the Red Fish Grille. Its at Canal and Bourbon and Iberville at the beginning of the French Quarter. To me it seems to draw an older crowd.

Cornstalk I%26#39;ve never stayed at or known of anyone to have.

Bourbon Orleans has a great location and has typical FQ rooms and good service and pleasant staff. They used to have a nice lunch/brunch restaurant on premises.

Place D%26#39;armes is my favorite place in the quarter with its quaint courtyard and absolute best location. You can bring a drink into the courtyard and relax. In the morning they have a nice croissant/rolls with coffee/juice complimentary that you can have in their european style cafe%26#39; while looking out at St. Ann and the parade of %26#39;characters%26#39;.

Its a short walk to Jackson Square (1/2 block) and so very close to Muriels Restaurant and also Cafe Du%26#39;monde. The staff is excellent as well as the management. I%26#39;ve stayed there about 18-20 nights.

Hotel Choice - Please!!!

And you are only a few blocks from Irene%26#39;s Italian Restaurant when at the Place D%26#39;armes or Bourbon Orleans for a nice romantic italian meal.

Villa Convento. Not too many people know about this place. It%26#39;s in a quiet section of the FQ, right across the street from a great croissant place. Rates are very reasonable, very romantic and many rooms have private balconies.

The only one of those I have stayed at is Bourbon Orleans. It is a beautiful hotel with a great location. The Cornstalk is pretty from the outside but I don%26#39;t think it gets great reviews for the rooms. I haven%26#39;t stayed at Place d%26#39;Armes but it has a lot of loyal customers who love it. In my opinion, Chateau Sonesta would have the least desirable location of the places you have listed because it is closer to Canal Street than the others.

Other possibilities: A favorite of mine is the Hotel Provincial which is in the quiet part of the Quarter but only a few minutes away from all of the action.

And I see you are Fort Walton in your area description so I assume you will be driving...ask at these places about parking...the rates vary greatly...sometimes places will offer a special rate for parking as at times the Place D%26#39;armes does.

The Provincial is nice ...like a creole homestead and French doors and furniture but would be higher in cost than those you checked out and their parking rate is pretty high..but they might have a sizziling summer savings going on..

We decided to spend most of our recent trip to N.O. at the Place d%26#39; Armes (largely because of Cajunyanks recommendations) and were very happy we did.The other hotel (the Monteleone) we stayed at just didn%26#39;t have the same charm or character.You may want to check out our recent review of the Place d%26#39; Armes in the Tripadvisor hotel section for more information.

Based on some of the reviews of the Place D%26#39; Armes I would recommend that you stay in one of their courtyard rooms.

Hi Tchr...............stayed at the Cornstalk 2 nights after mardi gras one year. Beautiful building..........our room was very small but we weren%26#39;t hanging out in the room anyway. Sort of a museum/musty feel inside the hotel, though not in a bad way really. It was great to have breakfast on their balcony and listen to all of the carriage riders (and they all stop in front of the hotel) tell different stories about the fence! Place d%26#39;Armes for that price seems like a great deal too.......great location. I would stay away from the bigger hotels b/c the other two have wonderful character and great locations. Have fun and message me if you want to know more about the Cornstalk.................

Hi,

I considered Chateau Sonesta when I planned my trip, but glad I did not choose that. Chateau Sonesta and (also Bourbon Orleans if I remember correctly) will most definitely have A LOT noice (disco music) from the bars next door. The music is load and clear in Bourbon Street, OK when you stroll along the street, but I definitely would not like to listen to it all night long in my room.

We stayed in JW Marriott which is diagonally across the Canal Street to Bourbon Street. The room was spacious, well appointed and had a view to the Mississippi over FQ. Very good hotel, excellent staff and a good quality for the price we paid, 119USD incl buffet breakfast. Nothing especially NOLA about the place though, but was very happy with the choice I made.

Thank you all for your help! We actually booked the Prince Conti today for $55 a night. The only room left at the Place D%26#39;Armes were interior rooms and we wanted to have a window, at the least.

I am so excited about our trip. Now that the hotel decision has been made, it is time to start planning the fun stuff!!!!

Thanks again!!

University of New Orleans

My son is going to grad school in NO, and I%26#39;m wanting information about the college...where is it located in relation to the French Quarter?

Is it in a safe area?

Any info will be appreciated. Thanks@

University of New Orleans

UNO is on the lakefront, several miles from the French Quarter. The ';lake'; neighborhoods are very nice and the ones closest to Lake Pontchartrain sustained little to no flooding in Katrina. The UNO campus was damaged to some extent but as largely been repaired.

It%26#39;s a very good university. It%26#39;s part of the LSU system and is known locally for being ';tougher'; than some of the regional universities. Your son made a good choice.

University of New Orleans

I second what CajunWave said. The area%26#39;s very nice, reasonably safe, and the school is excellent. I went there, and my daughter will be there in 2008.

Table Games Minimum Bet (Harrah's)

I know that the minimum bet for Craps and Black Jack change according to the traffic. What may I expect to find for a Tuesday thru Thursday?

Table Games Minimum Bet (Harrah's)

The earlier in the day, the lower the minimum. Most tables start at $10, but I have seen some $5 tables, too. As the traffic increases, so do the minimums. There are usually many tables empty during the morning hours. These are for Blackjack. I don%26#39;t know what the Craps minimums are.

Table Games Minimum Bet (Harrah's)

Thanks, ricajun. I%26#39;ll prepare for $10 minimum bets.

Anyone know what is for craps?

Where to Park for French Quarter visit

We are going to drive over to New Orleans for the day from Biloxi. Planning on a mule buggy tour, walking around the French Quarter and Bourbon Street.

My question is where is it safe to park our vehicle near these sites and also where would you suggest we have lunch?

Where to Park for French Quarter visit

There is a lot at Elysian Fields and Decatur St. which is just a few blocks from the FQ. I believe it is $8 per day. It is easier to drive on the downriver side of the FQ near Esplanade Ave as opposed to Canal St. and the CBD.

Lunch options I recommend are Johnny%26#39;s Po Boys, Napoleon House. If you like muffaletta%26#39;s, they are good at Central Grocery and Napoleon House. If you want a nice place, Mr. B%26#39;s Bistro for BBQ shrimp, Muriel%26#39;s or Bayona.

Where to Park for French Quarter visit

If you%26#39;ll be visiting on a weekday, you could park at the Canal Place shopping mall, which fronts on Canal Street and is adjacent to the Audubon Aquarium. There is covered parking, and the early bird parking rate is $8 if you%26#39;re in by 9 and out by 5.

Just a note that there%26#39;s nothing to see on Bourbon during the day. It%26#39;s pretty tacky, in fact. Spend your time on Royal instead!

Park on Decatur next door to the Canal Place Mall and walk up to where all th ehorse/buggy tours can be caught.

Theres an outdoor lot next to Jax Brewery and then in the further block toward S.Peters is another lot on Decatur..those would place you closer to the items you mentioned.

Thanks for the parking tips.

Any suggestions on what we should see/do for the afternoon? Mule buggy ride is all we%26#39;ve planned other than lunch.

I agree the Jax Brewery lot is easy to get in and out of - I work in the FQ and that%26#39;s where I park every day. I don%26#39;t have a choice, but I still think it%26#39;s most convenient. I second the recommendation for Napoleon House, it%26#39;s my favorite!

One of our favorite lunch spots is Acme Oyster House. And don%26#39;t forget Cafe du Monde. Go there for dessert and coffee after lunch, and you%26#39;ll be right across from where the carriage tours begin.

Parking between Canal and the brewery would probably be best for everything, just a couple of $ most than some places but less than other. The Aquarium would be nice, a visit to Mardi Gras World. Just walking the streets between Decatur and Bourbon from Canal to Jackson Square there is a lot to see, more than you could possibly enjoy in a day. There%26#39;s also the French Market.

What kind of lunch would you want to have?

We will be staying at the Country Inn and Suites. Is the mall parking lot or the one by the brewery close enoungh (or safe enough) to walk from there to the hotel?

eyeliner

my skin infection

Get Up & Go Fairfield Resorts Accomodations

We received a %26#39;Get Up %26amp; Go%26#39; vacation certificate for 3 days/2 nights from Fairfield Resorts. (which I read is now owned by Wyndham) One of the destination choices is New Orleans.

Does anyone know which hotel they put you up in if you make a reservation. I would call and ask, but you have to pay a $50 refundable fee to make a request so I thought I would throw it out here first to see if anyone is familiar.

We are mainly concerned about being near Harrah%26#39;s because we like to gamble, and of course we would like to see the French Quarter.

Any info you may have is appreciated. Thank you!

Get Up %26amp; Go Fairfield Resorts Accomodations

you can call 1-800-830-1794 and ask them. We buy these as travel incentives for our clients and they all seem to like them. they normally have 4 or 5 hotel choices for each destination. They will offer you a extra night if you are willing to go to a timeshare but it is not required.

Get Up %26amp; Go Fairfield Resorts Accomodations

Thank you tru2logan.

I will give them a call and ask. I%26#39;m glad to hear you possibly have 4 or 5 choices.

Thanks for the info!

The Avenue Plaza timeshare on St. Charles has a banner that mentions Wyndham. I%26#39;ll pay more attention when I drive by!

We did this a couple of years ago and the hotels included the Historic French Market Inn (don%26#39;t recommend it), the Holiday Inn French Quarter, and St James Place on Magazine St. I don%26#39;t remember the other choices.

new NO teacher needs short term hotel/BB

My son is a recent Notre Dame grad. who is in the teachNOLA program. He has a teacher training instutue beginning next week and he has no where to stay (this has all happened within the past week). He has a few leads for a summer sublet but does not want to commit until he gets to NOLA (he arrives 6/19 and ';institute'; begins on 6/21). He is interested in a hotel or B%26amp;B in the mid-city or uptown area (summer training is to be in this general vicinty). If you have any reasonable hotel or BB recommendations he/we would appreciate it!

Thanks,

Peg

new NO teacher needs short term hotel/BB

I haven%26#39;t stayed here but it has good reviews here on Trip Advisor.

Canal Street Guesthouse

1930 CANAL STREET

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70112

504 266-1930

http://bestguesthouse.com/

http://www.lanierbb.com/inns/bb18804.html

new NO teacher needs short term hotel/BB

Thanks so much...it looks like a good option for my son.

That guest house isn%26#39;t in a very good area. In fact, it%26#39;s a downright rough part of Canal Street in my opinion...very close to I-10. If your budget allows, I%26#39;d suggest the Block-Keller House or 1896 O%26#39;Malley House B%26amp;Bs near Canal and Carrollton, a much nicer area.

I%26#39;d call them both and tell them he%26#39;s teaching and needs a special rate. It%26#39;s summer and properties may wheel and deal!

I%26#39;d try to get a discounted rate at the places Cajunwave mentioned as you do not want to be that far up Canal Street.

ANd go to www.bbnola.com and look at their lists. Then compare the locations to a map.. Finally,since it is summer, definitely ';wheel and deal.'; These places have weekend guests, and still not full in the summer, and almost no one mid week. I%26#39;m sure they would love amonthg-long resident at less than half the nightly cost of short-term guests.

Girls Gone Mild #4: Mardi Gras, Garden District, & Vampires

This is a trip taken from Wisconsin to New Orleans. Day #1 in St. Louis, Day #2 in Canton, Mississippi, Day #3 on this forum and now day #4.

We had intended to worship at the St. Louis Cathedral but unfortunately we were still feeling the love from the cocktail tour the night before so we opted to sleep a bit later.

When we arose we had the hotel%26#39;s complimentary breakfast on our balcony. They served croissants, assorted pastries, juice and coffee. Not an elaborate spread but it was free and available plus we were able to over look the gorgeous courtyard so we made do.

Then we walked to the Algiers ferry to visit Mardi Gras World. The entire process took longer than I had expected. From walking, to waiting for the ferry, to waiting for the shuttle to take us to Mardi Gras World, the whole experience ate up about 3 hours and I%26#39;m not sure I thought it was worth that.

Upon arrival to Mardi Gras world we were shown to a theater area that had lots of costumes to try on. We did get some great photo opps here. Since we were the only two people there, we had to wait until another ferry load came over. Then they allowed us to see the movie about what Mardi Gras is. Since neither of us were too familiar with the custom, it was a great introduction. then we were given a piece of king cake.

The float storage area is huge. It was fun to see all of the creative ideas that krewe%26#39;s came up with and that Blain Studios interpreted. We were even allowed to board one of the floats and was interesting to see how everyone has to be roped in (so they don%26#39;t fall off).

By the time we got back to our hotel to retrieve the car to take us to the Garden District we were running late. We checked in for our reservation at Commander%26#39;s Palace and enjoyed a mimosa in the courtyard. After waiting about 45 minutes and realizing there were still quite a few people in front of us, we realized we would be late for our Garden District tour so we excused ourselves.

We ended up eating at . . . Subway. That%26#39;s right, we traveled all the way to New Orleans to eat at Subway. Ah well.

Then we met our tour Guide through Haunted History Tours for the Garden District Tour. I think the guy%26#39;s name was Midge or maybe Mitch? Never quite understood what he said. We were able to see some beautiful homes. We expected a bit more ';haunt'; in the tour but he was more of a ';history'; buff but it was still enjoyable. Especially seeing Anne Rice%26#39;s former residence. We were also disappointed that the Lafayette cemetary was closed on Sundays as that was part of the reason we booked this tour. The cost was $20 per person and this tour was about 2 hours long. I may or may not recommend this tour to others.

We had planned to take a tour with Lord Chaz this evening but unfortunately he did not return to New Orleans as planned. We were disappointed but figured we%26#39;d find something else to do. We drove back to the Place D%26#39;Armes to store our car, always very friendly car attendants there.

Then we were off walking in search of something more exciting to eat than Subway. And we found it at Arnaud%26#39;s Jazz Bistro, the culinary highlight of the trip.

We had wanted to try one of the three ';old guard'; restaurants and found ourselves here. Being a Northerner, most of the menus in New Orleans need ';interpretation';. So, feeling adventurous, I simply asked the waiter to bring me whatever he thought I would most enjoy. And friend, who is a meat and potatoes girl through and through got a filet mignon prepared plain.

For my first course, I was treated to crayfish, or is it crawfish? Anyway, I am presented with this small bowl of seafood with tails up and a tiny fork is placed next to me. So, not only do I not know what this is, but I have no idea how to eat it. So, sensing that I looked perplexed, our very cute assistant waiter Justin comes over and asks if we need help. To which I respond, ';I don%26#39;t know how to eat this.';

He gets wide eyed and asks, ';Are you serious?';

I nod. He then says, ';Ok, well can I have one?'; and I respond of course. So he picks it up with his fingers, places it in his mouth and pulls out the ';tail'; and says, ';you%26#39;ve just got to get dirty with it.'; At this point I should have leaned over the table to wipe the drool falling out of friend%26#39;s mouth :)

He then waits for each of us to try one. So, I pick one up and eat it as demonstrated to which he responds, ';there you go'; and then he looks to friend to do the same. Remember, friend and fish do not get along. If it isn%26#39;t a pig, chicken, or cow, it never goes in her mouth. But, there was Justin, smiling, wanting her to try it. So of course, she did. She tries to smile through the gag reflex and takes some water. He congratulates her and walks away. Then she starts the coughing and the ';I can%26#39;t believe I did that.';

Justin of course, tells our head waiter, who is a big friendly black man with a name I can neither say nor spell but he was fantastic. He then spent the evening lightly teasing us about being Northerners.

For the main course, I had some sort of fish from Lake Pontchartrain. I have no idea what it was but it was absolutely delicious. Friend%26#39;s filet was melting in her mouth and she had a side of some sort of cubed potatoes. When Justin came over to ask if we had any trouble eating these things I thought friend was going to melt right out of her seat.

There was a jazz band playing and it was just perfect. Not too loud that we couldn%26#39;t carry on a conversation, but loud enough to know we were somewhere very special.

For dessert, once again I had the waiter choose and he prepared a very special bananas foster tableside. It included more alcohol and also strawberries. It must have been quite special because several of the servers came over to observe. It was absolutely delicious. We ended the evening with photos and hugs. This was what I came to New Orleans for.

Now we would have been happy to just turn in for the evening but decided to take a quick stroll around Jackson Square first. It was fun to find artists displaying their wares, mimes, and of course tarot card readers.

Then we noticed the Vampire tour leader, Jonathan, sitting there all by himself, we couldn%26#39;t allow that. So we signed up for the tour again with Haunted History tours and we were the only ones that night. So we had a private tour of the Quarter. We absolutely loved this tour. It had a great way of balancing out the history with a little bit of vampire thrown in, we think taht was in no small part to a great tour guide.

The tour took a break at Lafitte%26#39;s and I tried some sort of ';Vodoo'; drink. It was a frozen purple thing. Ten minutes later, the air was warmer, I was giddier, and I could have easily been convinced that all the people walking the street were vampires. That%26#39;s the kicker with those sweet tasting drinks that I can%26#39;t tell there is alcohol until it%26#39;s too late.

We made it back to the Place D%26#39;armes and I was out for the count for the evening.

Girls Gone Mild #4: Mardi Gras, Garden District, %26amp; Vampires

That%26#39;s a great story.

Question about some celebrities

We%26#39;d just like to see where A. Jolie and Pitt live, is it common knowledge with the locals or can somebody provide the address here?

I understand that Trent Reznor doesn%26#39;t live in the Garden District anymore but we%26#39;d like to see his former mansion as well? A lot of good music came out of that place!

Thanks and hope this isn%26#39;t out of line :p

Question about some celebrities

It%26#39;s pretty common knowledge where Brad and Angelina live when in New Orleans. I would hate for someone to give out my exact address but I can tell you that it%26#39;s on Governor Nicholls Street between Decatur and Chartres! Every buggy driver and tour guide in town knows that, in fact! :-)

Question about some celebrities

Agree that address shouldnt be given out as New Orleans is known for giving celebrities their privacy which is why they like it. But since Trent moved to L.A. guess its not an issue. At one point Trent Resnor lived on Esplande. The house has been converted to 4 condos. Its across the street from Port o Call, near the Esplande Mart (old Circle K).

Nicholas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley had a house on Esplanade at Chartres during the 30 or so days they were married! Cage sold it not long after. And Delta Burke used to live in the 1000 block of Royal.

Our tour director for a walking tour of the French Quarter showed us Brangelina%26#39;s house. I think all tour service types will know where it is. But it did feel kinda funny standing across the street from it and wondering if they ever just sit on the balcony, watching tour groups come to stare at them.

Please don%26#39;t bother the celebrities! The Jolie-Pitt house is a beautiful house which anyone can point out to you, but please just look and then move along.

seriously, look and move along!

Give them their peace.

If you take the Garden District/Cemetary Tour you will see Trent Reznor%26#39;s old house along with Anne Rice%26#39;s old house.

delta burke doesn%26#39;t live in NO anymore? when%26#39;d she move?

It%26#39;s been a few years since Delta and Gerald McRaney lived here.

I still watch designing women...I%26#39;ll miss you delta!

Iberville Suites

Has anyone stayed at the Iberville Suites recently? My husband and I have reservations there next weekend. What is the parking situation?

Iberville Suites

Iberville Suites is a really well-kept secret. It%26#39;s actually part of the Ritz Carlton hotel, and is run by the same company, just gets a slightly lower brand of service. It%26#39;s a great location, and the deals there tend to be outstanding. Parking there is through the Ritz (meaning expensive). I%26#39;m not sure of much better options on that side of the quarter, I know there are a couple of garages on Rampart Street but I wouldn%26#39;t be comfortable with leaving my car in there for long periods of time. The hotel may be able to recommend some other parking options for you?

AJAX in .net

2 week stay in French Quarter

We are coming to Jazz Fest %26#39;08 and are intending to stay for approx. 15 days. Can anyone recommend somewhere in the French Quarter that would be suitable? We%26#39;re basically looking for somewhere cheap and clean to sleep :) We won%26#39;t have a car, so parking is no problem, but we%26#39;re hoping for somewhere that offers a cheaper rate for a longer stay. Any ideas?

2 week stay in French Quarter

I don%26#39;t think ';cheap'; will happen during Jazz Fest. Hotels are full both weekends at full rate.

2 week stay in French Quarter

Disregard the Jazz Fest remark... where would you recommend for a 2 weeks stay in the FQ at other times of the year?

For 2 weeks, I think you%26#39;d want a Bed and Breakfast or suite-type hotel to give you a little ';breathing room.'; I can%26#39;t imagine being stuck in a regular hotel room all that time!

For B%26amp;Bs, try www.bbnola.com.

Suite hotels can be found throughout the downtown New Orleans area.

Sorry I don%26#39;t have any specific recommendations but hopefully these are good places to start your research, SJade!

I have never looked but VRBO.com has done me well in many other loactions. I would check it out for New Orleans.

I would hesitate to recommend VRBO in New Orleans. Most properties listed are ILLEGAL RENTALS, not insured and not licensed by the City. There%26#39;s no getting around the very-clear law: unless licensed as a ';short-term'; rental (B%26amp;B, hotel, or timeshare), a property can%26#39;t be rented for less than 60 days in the FQ, 30 days elsewhere in Orleans Parish.

eyeliner

Cheap hotels to stay at for two nights in the French Quarter

Hello,

My family will be passing through New Orleans for two days before departing west to Texas. What are some cheap, but nice, hotels in the French Quarter with rooms of two queen beds? The price should be less than $100 a night.

Cheap hotels to stay at for two nights in the French Quarter

I have had good luck using Priceline.com getting 4 star hotels for $49. I got the Mariott at 555 Canal and the Doubletree by Harrah%26#39;s for $49. Room beds are not guaranteed but it should be easier to get 2 queen beds than a king.

Otherwise, try Le Richelieu Hotel in the French Quarter

1234 Chartres St

New Orleans, Louisiana 70116

United States

#16 of 150 hotels in New Orleans

Rooms: 86

Cheap hotels to stay at for two nights in the French Quarter

If you%26#39;re traveling during the summer, they%26#39;re just about ALL $100 or less!

I%26#39;ve stayed at the Hotel Villa Convento many times and love it. It%26#39;s in an interesting old building in a great area of the quarter.....2 blocks to bourbon st. and 4 blocks to the french market. check out their web site for prices but they are very reasonable. have fun!

I love the Villa Convento but their website has the following about no children under 10:

All rates are for one or two persons. A $10.00 per person charge is applicable for the third and fourth persons sharing one room.

We regret we do not accept children under the age of ten. No pets.

http://www.villaconvento.com/geninfo.php

Priceline does not guarantee room type or bed preference. Chances are that you%26#39;ll be able to contact the ';winning'; hotel and get a room with two beds, probably doubles, but it%26#39;s not guaranteed.

I booked my room at the Prince Conti hotel. They do not have 2 Queen beds, but they do have 2 double beds for $55.00 a night, plus $22 parking. It looks like a great hotel and in a wonderful location. What dates are you traveling? You might find it cheaper than that during the week.

www.princeconti.com

There are numerous hotels that would fit your guide lines. Try sidestep.com, bookit.com or if your are driving in there are discount coupons and same day walk in rates as low as $39 for a good hotel available at the welcome station just over the state line.

I%26#39;m having trouble finding a cheap hotel with nice reviews. I know that is to be expected, but what would be the best hotel for under $60-70 a night that%26#39;s good. All the hotels I%26#39;ve noted don%26#39;t have good reviews. And I always find that one review where I%26#39;m like ';no, I%26#39;m not staying there';.

And are there any with the specifications from before that also include parking?

Parking is really adding to all the costs for me.

I%26#39;ve looked at the Prince Conti, Hotel St. Marie, and the Place d Armes. I can get around $70 for each night at those hotels, but the parking is adding at least $20 per night. The Avenue Garden Hotel is only $50/night, and it has free parking. But I don%26#39;t know if it is good or not.

Cant Miss Restaurants

Which restaurants in the NO are must-do%26#39;s.. which are over-rated/under-rated.. first trip in two weeks - cant wauit

Cant Miss Restaurants

It%26#39;s kind of a broad question, reg3. 100 people will give you 100 opinions. What kind of food do you like? Upscale or casual? Dressy or not? Any area of the city or French Quarter only?

Cant Miss Restaurants

FQ mostly - my primary mode of transpo will be my 2 feet!!! I guess I want to truly experience what the NO has to offer and dont want to end up in some overrated tourist trap. I want to experience true New Orleans quisine. I already know that I will be hitting K-Pauls and Cafe Du Monde.. just trying to get a good overall feel of what the city offers.

I know itrs broad and vague but any reccommendations are appreciated. Casual to dressy is fine and I will probably splurge $-wise at least once.. so, any info there would also help

Brigtsen%26#39;s in uptown New Orleans. My absolute favorite. You will not be disappointed. Rated #4 here on Trip Advisor.

You must have reservations. Call now for reservations.

www.brigtsens.com

An old New Orleans classic, expensive with wonderful food, is Arnaud%26#39;s. Alot of history in this place.

I also very much liked Muriel%26#39;s, just off of Jackson Square.

K-Paul%26#39;s was terrific. Try the Gumbo Shop for a cheaper meal.

Deanie%26#39;s Seafood just reopened in the FQ and is great for an inexpensive meal. The seafood platter is huge! Four people can split it and you%26#39;ll still have food left over. It%26#39;s a big place, too, so you generally don%26#39;t have to wait for tables.

Irene%26#39;s Cuisine is good Sicilian-Creole but doesn%26#39;t take reservations so get there at 5:30 or be prepared to drink a glass or two of great wine while waiting.

Marigny Brasserie, Muriel%26#39;s and Mr. B%26#39;s are all good ';upscale casual'; restaurants.

You%26#39;ll love K-Paul%26#39;s. It%26#39;s great.

Thanks for the tips... also, how are these restaurants in terms of young children? I will be in a group that includes four adults and three children(ages 7, 3, and 19 months).

I guess it depends on the children but I%26#39;d stick to the really casual places like Deanie%26#39;s, Johnnys PoBoys, La Pizza Kitchen, etc. with 2 kids 3-and-under.

The kids actually are very well behaved and are used to goin gto restauarants so I dont think that will be a problem.. originally it was just the wife, baby and I but we have had some friends tag along(which include the other two kids).. I think that for th emost part, we will stick to casual but will probably hit one or two ';upscale'; establishments

Brigtsen%26#39;s does not have a kid%26#39;s menu but I have seen families there with small children at large tables.

My favorites are

Bayona for fine dining,

Bacco%26#39;s or Deanie%26#39;s for family casual

Cheap quick lunch Cafe Maspero

Few hours in NOLA

We are staying in Biloxi for two nights and want to go and see some of New Orleans, Is there a park and ride, or are there carparks downtown. (what is the hourly rate)

Is Bourbon street near the french quarter?

We only want to spend 3-4hrs there - what do you recommend to see?

Few hours in NOLA

Bourbon Street is the middle of the French Quarter going east to west. Take a walk around Jackson Square and try a mule and buggy ride ($12 per person) around the Quarter. Have some beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe Du%26#39;Monde at Jackson Square.

Take a look at the museum to the right of St Louis Cathedral facing from the riverside and you%26#39;ll will see exhibits and information about Mardi Gras. Grab some local seafood at Maspero%26#39;s on Decatur St. near Jackson Square or even a local experience..a mufflelatta at Napoleon House. Pat O%26#39;Briens courtyard or piano bar for a NO famous hurricane (nearly 5 shots of rum)..have just one.

Take a look at the French Market for it many vendor stalls selling local and not so local items...you just follow decatur st. east and n peters and the french market is on the right.

If you need directions check out the Lousiana Travel and Welcome center on st. Ann St. at Jackson Square. Laissez les bon temps rouler.

Few hours in NOLA

If you%26#39;re going to be in New Orleans only during daylight hours, skip Bourbon Street or at least put it rather low on your ';must do'; list. Focus on Royal Street and the riverfront attractions (Aquarium, French Market, Jackson Square, etc.) instead.

';Is Bourbon street near the french quarter?'; Sorry, had to laugh a little at that question.

There are lots of public lots along Decatur in great walking distance to Jackson Square and the sites others have mentioned.

If this is your first time to NOLA, I can understand the desire to see Bourbon Street - even if it%26#39;s just during the day. You will still hear music wafting out of nearly every doorway and see lots of sites and some interesting shops like Marie Laveau%26#39;s Voodoo Shop. Walk all the way down to Lafitte%26#39;s Blacksmith Shop and have a Hurricane there. Better than Pat O%26#39;s IMO.

You%26#39;re gonna wanna stay longer!! Have a great time and come back!

NOLA Special Occasion Trip Take THREE!

Aside from my ';just because'; trips to New Orleans, it%26#39;s also my choice destination for special occasions and another one has come up. :)

Engaged in NOLA ~ April 2005

Honeymooned in NOLA ~ October 2006

Now, I%26#39;m turning the big 3-0 and while my ';official'; celebration trip with my group of friends will be Jazzfest 2008, I%26#39;m planning on celebrating my actual July birthday in New Orleans as well!

It%26#39;ll be a short trip, flying in Sunday morning, and departing on a Tuesday evening. I%26#39;d love a little direction from those who have recently traveled to New Orleans, as this time I have a baby on board so my trip won%26#39;t be filled with hurricanes and Pimm%26#39;s Cups (don%26#39;t worry, I%26#39;ll get my fill next Spring!).

Hotel Choices:

Hotel St. Marie OR

Hotel Monteleone

We normally stay at Le Pav but want something different this time.

Tours:

Any tour recommendations for Sunday afternoon, Monday and Tuesday morning?

Tours I have done:

Haunted French Quarter

Airboat Adventures Swamp Tour (FANTASTIC)

Garden District Tour

Vampire Tour

Tours I%26#39;d like to do:

Graveyard

Tour of areas affected by the Hurricane

Plantation Tour

I%26#39;ll be working on my meals by reading reviews here and at Chowhound, but if you%26#39;ve had a particularly memorable meal lately I%26#39;d love to hear about it.

Thanks and I%26#39;ll be seeing you locals NEXT MONTH! :)

NOLA Special Occasion Trip Take THREE!

No one, eh?

Bummer.

Will post a trip report when I come back home nonetheless! :)

NOLA Special Occasion Trip Take THREE!

St. Marie is a fine quaint hotel in an excellent location. If you want a tour of the residential areas that Katrina hit..try www.toursbyisabelle.com or do a search here for Awad Hassan with Sahara Tours. I%26#39;d skip the Grayline tour. Isabelle has good plantation tours also. Its a smaller van and more personal.

For food..thursdays Osso Bucco at Irene%26#39;s (Italian), and other times I can%26#39;t resist the Grilled Redfish, seafood gumbo, and bread pudding at Muriels. A prime rib at Dickie Brennans.

In my opinion the best restaurant in New Orleans is Bayona. Great service and wonderful food.

http://www.bayona.com/fl

My favorite Plantation is Houmas House. You may want to rent a car and drive. It gives you more flexibility to go at your own pace and select a few you may want to see (2 seems plenty to me in one day). It will probably end up being cheaper as well. You can rent a car via enterprise for the day and they will pick you up and drop you off so you dont need to worry about parking it.

http://www.houmashouse.com

Thanks for the input!

I%26#39;ve got a tentative itinerary here, subject to change. :)

Satuday:

Arrive at 10:30

Lunch at Liuzza%26#39;s by the Track

Dinner @ Brigtsens (I%26#39;ve been trying to get back here for 2 years now!)

Sunday:

Coffee with the cats at Cafe Beignet

Brunch at Commanders

Low key dinner - Acme? Coops?

Ghost Tour

Monday:

Breakfast at Cammelia Grill

Katrina Tour at 11:00 (Tours by Isabelle)

Dinner @ K-Pauls

Tuesday:

Breakfast at The Coffee Pot

Cemetery Tour at 10:00 am

Grab muff%26#39;s at Central Grocery

Off to airport.

I think I%26#39;ll save my Plantation Tour for the next trip since I%26#39;m doing the Katrina Tour this trip. That will be the last tour on my list! :)

Thanks again for the help and suggestions, they are much appreciated.

Will you be touring St. Louis No. 1 for your cemetary tour? It%26#39;s a good tour for certain. I also enjoyed the tour of LaFayette No. 1 that is done in combination with a Garden District Tour. The company was Historic New Orleans Walking Tours, I think. Your itenerary sounds pretty awesome. Happy 30! Let us hear how the baby does at some of these restaurants!!

blue hair

Cruising on the Mississippi

My wife and I are planning a week-long cruise on either the lower or upper Mississippi this October. American Queen appears as our first choice. I have a few questions.

1) What age group primarily frequents this type of cruise? We are seniors.

2) Is the lower or upper more interesting?

3) Some people say it is boring; some that is fascinating.

Anybody got any tips?

Cruising on the Mississippi

My in-laws took the Delta Queen several years ago. In their early 70s, they felt ';young'; on the ship. They did enjoy it, however, although the pace may be a bit slow for some.

Cruising on the Mississippi

Maybe that%26#39;s where the ';boring'; aspect comes in. Thanks for your quick response. I%26#39;ve got to explore this even further.

a few questions before we come down

I posted before about what to do in a few hours in New Orleans, I read so much, thank you, now we have decided to spend the night and enjoy more things. I got books from my local library, and read about how the crime is bad after Katrina. How bad is the crime. We will be traveling as a family, we will be in the French Quarter during the day, and I advised my 16 yr old that we should have one of those fanny packs around our waists instead of purses. That book kind of turned me off a little. Also where is a good place to park as we will have our luggage(nothing valuable), beach chairs in there while we explore the city. We are staying at the Hampton Inn in LaPlace. Then all we have to do is jump on I-55 the next morning for Memphis. One more question- I have read about restaurants- I have my heart set on the Napolean House, the books say it is not recommended for kids. I have an 11 yr old and 16 year old. How about Pat O%26#39;Brians? Is it real smoky? Ok for kids? Thanks so much- you all are real helpful when it comes to us people who have never been there.

a few questions before we come down

Serious or violent crime is relatively low in the French Quarter. Shouldn%26#39;t impact you just like it doesn%26#39;t impact 99.9% of all visitors.

You can park directly on the riverfront at multiple lots. If you prefer a garage, Canal Place (Canal at the river) is a good option.

Napoleon House will be fine for the kids provided they are allowed in. I don%26#39;t remember seeing kids there and I don%26#39;t know if the license is for a bar (no kids) or restaurant (kids ok). Perhaps someone else can chime in here. (I don%26#39;t eat there very often but it%26#39;s a cool place).

a few questions before we come down

If you plan on spending most of your time in the Quarter you might want to just stay down there. Rates are very cheap during the summer and it will give you more time. It%26#39;s not hard to get back on the interstate either and get up to 55.

Pat O%26#39;s isn%26#39;t smoky in the courtyard obviously. I don%26#39;t remember it being an issue in the piano bar.

As for crime, I don%26#39;t know about the area where your hotel is but the Quarter and the surrounding area by the river are fine. I personally hate the media so remember to take it with a grain of salt most times as they sensationalize the heck out of everything and report on half truths. The crime, as in every city, is centralized in the bad non tourist areas. You still want to be aware of your surroundings at all times and don%26#39;t make yourself a victim. Just head to Napoleon House, drink a Pimm%26#39;s Cup, eat a Muffuletta and enjoy.

And send me a D%26#39;arcy%26#39;s Buffalo Chicken Horseshoe when you get a chance! ;-)

Hi ilbeachgoer,

The Quarter normally isn%26#39;t too bad for crime. I%26#39;ve walked around there by myself and with friends many times and felt very safe.

Be aware of your surroundings just as you would be in any city.

If anyone walks up to you and tries to bet you $20 they know where you got your shoes from or anything like that keep walking.

I don%26#39;t think you need a fanny pack unless you really want to wear one. I prefer purses that will strap diagonally across your body when traveling...however I%26#39;ve been in NOLA many times using my

every day purses. But if it makes you feel safer I%26#39;d check out purses

with a strap that you can wear across the body.

Have a great trip! You%26#39;ll love New Orleans.

Would kids be allowed in Pat O%26#39;s?

To Timmy485- I see you know our secret. D%26#39;arcy%26#39;s is the best, but I perfer the tenderloin shoe. Thanks for New Orleans tips.

If you%26#39;re staying in LaPlace and head out of town around lunchtime, do yourself a favor and have lunch at Middendorf%26#39;s. It%26#39;s at the Manchac exit off of I-55 (about 15 minutes at most from LaPlace).

It%26#39;s a family place that%26#39;s been around for eons, great seafood, very casual. It%26#39;s our favorite seafood restaurant.

Ah, forgot to post that Middendorf%26#39;s is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

ilBeachgoer- I%26#39;m from Springfield and have clogged my arteries with many a horseshoe. I miss them.

I%26#39;m not sure kids can go into Pat O%26#39;s. I remember them checking ID%26#39;s at the door and no one bringing kids

Kids can get into Pat O%26#39;s restaurant; they even have a kids%26#39; menu. They aren%26#39;t allowed into the bar area, though.

eyeliner

Vacation Rental in FQ

I%26#39;m coming to New Orleans for a week in July, and I%26#39;m considering renting a condo in the french quarter in order to get a little more of the local feel. Does anyone have any experience with this? Where would be the best place to park, and how much do you think it would cost? I%26#39;ve been to New Orleans many times, but I usually stay away from the tourist stuff in the french quarter, other than the obligatory Pat O%26#39;Brien%26#39;s. I usually stay downtown and split my time between the french quarter and Uptown. I still plan to hit up my usual places in Uptown (Casamentos, F%26amp;M patio bar, Tipitina%26#39;s), but I%26#39;ll be spending more time in the FQ. Where are some good locals%26#39; hangouts in the FQ other than Lafitte%26#39;s Blacksmith Shop? Where are some inexpensive places to eat? Has Mandina%26#39;s on Canal reopened yet? Also, what are some good deals on drinks/restaurants around town?

Vacation Rental in FQ

';Vacation rentals'; are illegal in New Orleans for less than 30 days in the city, or less than 60 days in the French Quarter. Don%26#39;t do it!

Vacation Rental in FQ

I agree with CW. The illegal rentals don%26#39;t pay taxes or have the proper insurance, etc.

Hotels and B and Bs will be cheap in July. I suggest you look at the listings here on Trip Advisor for hotels and BBs and work down from the top rated places.

Where would be the best place to park, and how much do you think it would cost? There is a parking lot at Decatur St. and Elysian Fields for $8 per day.

Where are some good locals%26#39; hangouts in the FQ other than Lafitte%26#39;s Blacksmith Shop? The lower part of Decatur St. seems to have a lot of bars with locals. Some of these bars are kinda scary.

Where are some inexpensive places to eat?

tripadvisor.com/Travel-g60864-s504/New-Orlea鈥?/a>

Has Mandina%26#39;s on Canal reopened yet? Yes.

Also, what are some good deals on drinks/restaurants around town? There may be some coupons out there for some restaurants but I am not sure how to get them.

As others have said, so-called ';vacation rentals'; in condos or apartments are not legal. This is necessary to preserve the residential character of the historic neighborhoods and keep them from turning into huge swaths of property devoted to transient rentals.

There are dozens of legal B%26amp;Bs where you can get more of the ';local feel,'; though the majority of them are not IN the French Quarter since they were outlawed there many years ago at the same time the City a moratorium on hotel construction in the Quarter. The City requires B%26amp;B owners to live in their B%26amp;B, so you can be assured of personal service from the owner.

A great resource for New Orleans B%26amp;Bs is www.bbnola.com. The properties listed there are all members of the Professional Innkeeper%26#39;s Association of New Orleans, which requires all of it%26#39;s members to be licensed by the City. And remember, just because something calls itself a ';B%26amp;B'; or ';Guest House'; or ';Vacation Rental,'; doesn%26#39;t mean it is legal or licensed.

Well, we decided to go deep sea fishing off Grand Isle, so we are starting off at the Astor Crowne Plaza. Mid week we%26#39;re going to Grand Isle. When we get back, we%26#39;re staying at the Windsor Court. I got a full suite for $169. I just couldn%26#39;t pass up a deal like that. Anyone know of a good place to eat dinner between New Orleans and Grand Isle or down in Grand Isle?

How did you get a suite at Windsor Court for such an awesome price??? I just checked their website and even the ';regular'; hotel roms were not that low. I%26#39;d appreciate the information b/c I%26#39;m looking for something for a night in July. Thank you!

I got it off their website. Maybe you%26#39;re going on a busier night.

Thanks. I%26#39;ll check the website again; maybe I missed a special or something. Or maybe my night is busy, although I can%26#39;t imagine why. It%26#39;s a Sunday in the middle of July. I keep hearing there are great hotel deals to be found down there in the summer, but I%26#39;m not having any luck at this point.

Bienville House? Any Thoughts?

Apologize if this posting is a repeat, did not get confirmatiion from tripadvisor so doing it again.

Husband and I are booked for 4 nights 6/28...... Read reviews seemed nice. Paying about $80 per night. Location, cleanliness and price were our requisites.... Is this hotel good or should we spend more money (about $120 per night at Monteleone, one of the Sonestas, or another choice)? Really appreciate any of your thoughts. Thanks for your help.

Bienville House? Any Thoughts?

Bienville House is fine. Its not far from Jackson Square and a short cab ride from Harrahs Casino. The rooms were very nice and even though we had a room overlooking the street it was still very quiet. And thats a good rate also.

Bienville House? Any Thoughts?

we stayed there and liked it. Hotel Monteleone is also nice, but much larger. It depends on which you prefer. I didn%26#39;t think their rooms were that much nicer.

Thank you both for your input. Looking forward to our visit.

Security in your lovely city?

Hi. To all the natives, I love your city! I%26#39;m planning on moving to NOLA for at least a couple of years in mid-summer (2007). I%26#39;ve been contacting landlords in the Midcity area, and they%26#39;ve all so far been warning me (without any prompting from me) about crime, drugs, even gang wars?! You can understand why I%26#39;m nervous now. To those of you who know the region, what%26#39;s your take on safety in the Midcity region? Also, any advice on the best (scrupulous) realty companies for finding an apartment? Thanks all. Again, I love your city.

Security in your lovely city?

Where in Mid City are you looking? I don%26#39;t think that area is any worse than Uptown or the Marigny, crimewise, but it probably DOES matter which part of the neighborhood you eventually decide on. Mid City has some gorgeous areas and some that are not-so-hot.

I would try to get as close to City Park as possible. Nice area.

A realtor named Tommy Crane (add .com to his name for the website!) is a Mid City specialist and has a relatively large company.

Where can i find a zebra comforter

is it wise to get bus from airport to country inn and suites

Hello everybody. I am wondering if it is wise to take the bus from the airport to country inn and suites. I know it is about 6 blocks from the hotel but was wondering if it was safe???Thank you.

is it wise to get bus from airport to country inn and suites

I have always arrived in New Orleans by car, not plane, but I%26#39;m pretty sure that the airport is in Kenner, which is miles from the Country Inn and Suites, not six blocks....I could be wrong, hopefully one of the locals will be able to give you some advice.

is it wise to get bus from airport to country inn and suites

I think Raul%26#39;s referring to the distance from the bus stop downtown to the Country Inn. I%26#39;d say it%26#39;s feasible but unless you%26#39;re on an extremely tight budget, I%26#39;d spend the money for a cab (two or more people) or airport shuttle (one person).

Cabs from the airport to New Orleans are a flat rate of $28. Its quick and door to door. In my opinion that is the way to go.

Good publicity needed desperatley

Just returned yesterday from 15 nights in the US. Six of them being in New Orleans (wil do a post when I get over my jet lag- we also drove 1,600 miles) Anyway I cannot believe how little the rest of the USA knows about the condition N.O. is in. We were is Alabama and several people were asking if it was ok to visit and thats only a 3-4 hour drive away. We also spent time in St. Augustine (north east Florida ) Most peeple we spoke to think it is destroyed - anyway my point being, if people who live not far away think it is still devastated probably most of the rest of the US do. Its about time it got some GOOD coverage on National TV. People need to know its alive and kicking and SAFE

Good publicity needed desperatley

The #1 rule of news producers; Bad news gets better ratings. Good news is boring.

Good publicity needed desperatley

people can be so ignorant. Do they honestly think people would still live there if it really is as bad as people think it is?

On another note, how did you like St Augustine? My high school bf went to Embry Riddle in Daytona and we went to St Augustine one weekend and I thought it was so beautiful. Definitely on my list as one of the most beautiful cities I%26#39;ve been to (behind NO and Savannah, respectively).

The local convention and tourism folks are spending lots of money on advertising but it will take years to undo the imagery of Katrina, I%26#39;m afraid. The best thing New Orleans has going for her are folks like you, paulinen, who%26#39;ve actually BEEN here and can attest to anyone who%26#39;ll listen that the city is ALIVE and kicking!

:-) Thanks!

paulinen, you are so right! Please realize that by driving 1600 miles and travelling to several different cities, you have seen more of this country than perhaps many of our fellow Americans. What a shame.

The country is suffering from ';Katrina fatigue';...we are yesterday%26#39;s news, the media can only show so much shocking footage and follow-up with a few heart-warming stories about the recovery, and then people start changing the channels to see the latest about Paris, Lindsey, or Britney.

The upside to all of this is that living here allows us the opportunity to participate in the day-to-day rebuilding of our homes, schools, and businesses. It is an emotional rollercoaster, often frustrating, but also rewarding. I have to believe that my kids, despite seeing the homes of their family and friends destroyed, are learning life lessons that only this experience could teach them. They have learned about living upstairs while the bottom floor of their home is being repaired (they actually complained about returning downstairs when we had a working kitchen...it was nice rolling out of bed, grabbing breakfast and watching TV all in a space of ten steps!), they have attended schools other than their own, and welcomed students from other schools when their own reopened. They realize that ';stuff'; can be replaced, but people cannot. They sense that they are part of an historic undertaking, but will not fully comprehend it until they are older.

However, this is a ';travel forum'; so my ultimate response is that YES, New Orleans is a great place to visit! The food and attractions are open, as good or better than before, and it is safe!

I have been to New Orleans twice since Katrina and will be coming again in December. Most of my acquaintances can%26#39;t imagine why as they think New Orleans was destroyed. I agree 100 percent, what New Orleans needs is good tv coverage, not internet coverage. Internet coverage is great for people who are searching for the information but people who think that New Orleans is destroyed are not going to be searching out info on the net about a place that they believe is destroyed. New Orleans needs a major television advertising campaign, commercials that come right into our living rooms every night, like the Geico commercials, or the Verizon commericals, etc...showing Bourbon Street alive and kicking, and the Garden District in all its beauty, etc. Television commercials can reach millions of people who are not actively searching for information and it might plant an idea in their mind that wow, maybe New Orleans is still a great place to visit.

It is a sad thing when people just a few hours from New Orleans don%26#39;t know that New Orleans is ready for visitors, as one poster mentioned. I had a similar thing happen on my last visit. I was waiting in the lobby of the Royal Sonesta Hotel while my husband went to get our car and I struck up a conversation with a woman who was waiting while her husband registered for their room. She looked kind of dazed, she said she was so surprised, her husband was sent to New Orleans on business, and she hadn%26#39;t realized that New Orleans was %26#39;open%26#39;. She was amazed to see hotels, shops, restaurants, etc, open. This woman was from Lafayetta, Louisiana, just a few hours away. If fellow Louisianians don%26#39;t know that New Orleans is recovering, how can the rest of the world be expected to know?

Recently I read that Mayor Nagin turned down $25 million grant from the government saying that New Orleans didn%26#39;t need it (I don%26#39;t remember the specifics). In my opinion, that $25 million could have gone a long way in developing a television campaign encouraging people to come and visit this beautiful city that so desperately needs tourists.

For those of us who ALREADY know and love New Orleans, we will make the effort to visit post-Katrina, but for those who have never been there and haven%26#39;t already fallen in love with this wonderful place, without some incentive to get them to visit, they think it is a city %26#39;gone with the wind%26#39;.

Tanya,

I think St. Augustine is a beautiful city we had a great time. I also have been to Savannah %26amp; Charleston, but I am sure you will agree as lovely as they are New Orleans is something very special and you cannot explaint to people, they have to go to understand.

Does anyone have any pictures they can post? We will be down there in July (13th) and we will post our pictures, along with a report.

www.tripadvisor.com/MemberProfile…

Look under contributions and then photos. I have posted some photos.

good pictures, you learn something new every day. I did not know you could do that. Thanks

Swamp and Mansion Tour ?

I will have only one day available in New-Orleans in my meeting schedule, and I thought I%26#39;d treat myself to a few hours of ';Gone with the Wind'; sightseeing.

I read that there are tours that offer just that. I thank you in advance for any recommendation you may have.

Swamp and Mansion Tour ?

You may enjoy tours of the Garden District. The large plantation homes like Tara in GWTW are well out of the city and may be tough to do with your limited time!

Swamp and Mansion Tour ?

Correct me if I%26#39;m wrong, but I was reading in Frommer%26#39;s 2007 there is a house in the garden district that was modeled after Tara from GWTW. I didn%26#39;t get a chance to go find it, but maybe you could get some guidebooks.

Also, if you%26#39;re a big fan of GWTW, the first time I was there I bought a GWTW purse from the french market...I actually brought it back out last week and you wouldn%26#39;t believe how many compliments I get!

Thank you!

Paris17---%26gt;

I found my guidebook about the house that was built to replicate Tara. The address is 5705 St. Charles Ave.

The listing says, ';A replica built from the plans of the movie set of Gone with the wind, Tara seems almost dwarfed here by far more sumptuous homes'; But I%26#39;m sure it%26#39;s still worth checking out

The house is owned privately and not on any tour and please don%26#39;t walk around their private yard taking pictures of their house. You may take pictures from the sidewalk...a better shot is from across the street for the full house unless you have a special lens.

check out this website http://www.louisianaswamp.com/.

that%26#39;ll hook you up with everything you%26#39;re looking for including the Oak Valley plantation tour.

Id recommend the 6 person fan boat swamp tour . . .

eyeliner

4 friends short weekend trip...want casual places to eat

Been to NO severaltimes with family (kids). This time we%26#39;re coming for a 3 day weekend trip with a couple of friends. Planning on staying in FQ. Want to enjoy the nightlife (any suggestions) and some casual dining. Nothing fancy. Just coming to let our hair down and have a weekend away from the kids and work. Help us please!!

4 friends short weekend trip...want casual places to eat

Paulie, What are your preferences for nightlife? (Clubs, piano bars, pubs, etc.) Also by casual did you mean something not too expensive? Just trying to clarify so I can give you some good recommendations.

4 friends short weekend trip...want casual places to eat

For casual dining, the newly-reopened Deanie%26#39;s Seafood will probably be a good choice. The speciality of the house is fried seafood but you can get it grilled, charbroiled, etc. as well. It%26#39;s delicious.

Nightlife is a broad category but the piano bar at Pat O%26#39;s is a safe bet for just about everyone!

You can have dinner at Acme Oyster House for casual. Ultra casual used to be the SteakPit but I don%26#39;t know if thats even around still..its been years. In the Marigny section there are numerous clubs with all kinds of jazz and blues etc...or the usual mix of good music on Bourbon Street. I like the Funky Pirate with Big Al and the back piano room of Lafittes.

I would do a search on here for past postings if you haven%26#39;t already....lots of good ideas. I%26#39;ve really enjoyed Coop%26#39;s Place on Decatur St., it%26#39;s located down near the french market by the intersection w/ Ursuline St. Have fun!

I second Coop%26#39;s Place and Acme Oyster House! Another great place that isn%26#39;t expensive is Desire Oyster Bar. It%26#39;s located in the royal sonesta but the doors open onto Bourbon st and it%26#39;s great for people watching. We ate dinner there (Two people) for under $30.

Casual dining suggestions: Napoleon House, Mona Lisa, Coop%26#39;s, El Gato Negro %26amp; Port of Call. Enjoy!

Hi Pauliewalnuts:

Why not make your way Uptown and dine at one of the many wonderful eateries in the university area: Jacque-Imo%26#39;s on Oak St. or Dante%26#39;s Kitchen on Dante (best brunch in N.O. this side of Commander%26#39;s Palace and fairly inexpensive as well), Dic and Jenny%26#39;s on Tchoupitoulas, or for a really down-home New Orleans dining experience, check out the shabbily charming Frankie and Johnny%26#39;s for po-boys and crawfish (corner of Tchoupitoulas and Arabella)? For a laid back southwestern feel with terrific margaritas and mojitos, try Superior Grill right on St. Charles. While I wouldn%26#39;t characterize any of the above restaurants as ';cheap (save maybe Frankie and Johhny%26#39;s),'; they are certainly not pricey either and all are quite casual. While your uptown, check out Dos Jefes cigar and martini bar or Monkey Hill Bar, both very cool places with a decidedly adult and non-touristy vibe.

Have fun in New Orleans and do venture out of the French Quarter!

the acme oyster house is a fine place to eat. full menu and not so much an oyster bar, but they have that too. some of the best gumbo we found during our visit. for snazzier dinning try k pauls, it%26#39;s a heaven unto itself. for the best po boy in town in my opinion find domileses in the garden district. great lunch and the coldest beer imaginable. enjoy your visit, and stay cool.

I agree that Acme and Coop%26#39;s are good downtown dining spots. Also in the downtown area are Mother%26#39;s and Mulate%26#39;s (on Julia near the convention center), both of which have their own brand of New Orleans charm.

Thanks everyone. I had thought about Coops,Dianes,Acme and Mothers. Is Central Grocery still great for sandwiches? We%26#39;re staying at Hotel St Marie. Would like to venture out for nightlife then work our way back toward the hotel. We are into jazz, people watching and like to dance,also. Thank you all for the information.

48 Hrs to go

i have a feeling i will be doing nothing but eating, drinking and walkign while there.. and you know what.. [rockstar voice]IM SUPER STOKED DUDE![/rockstar voice]

Thank you all for your tips and guidance.. I absolutely cannot wait..

48 Hrs to go

Rest and diet when you get home...laissez les bon temps rouler!!!

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Trip report 4th June to 10th

June 3rd flew from England Via chicago (should have learnt my lesson last year) to Orlando. By the time we got to a hotel (delayed in chicago) it was 12.30 pm (5.30am to us) and we had been travelling for 21hrs. We slept until 4.30 am U.S. time( 4 hrs sleep due to jet lag) and then set of for N.O. at 5 am it took us a further 12 hours driving (with stops for breakfast, lunch and toillet). I tell you this because it stopped us doing a lot of things we wanted to do and visit due to the fact we were worn out - I know our fault. Anyhow.

Monday arrived at Place D,armes around 4.30 pm in torrential rain, went to bought and Umbrella and rain stopped (ha ha). Wanted quick casual meal so went to Coops. I had great Jambalaya %26amp; Dave had good fried Chicken (both under $10 each). Was a bit worried as the FQ was quiet. Went to Donnas Bar to see George French and Miss Germaine Bazzle (bar soon filled up) was worth $10 cover had a great night. What made it special for me and what i think sums up N.O. was on drums was a 17 year Joe Dyson- he has just amazing and someone to watch out for. Free red bean and rice with BBQ chicken as well. Only lasted until 1. am and had to go sleep.

Tuesday. 7 am had coffee on our balcony whilst listening to the chimes from St. Louis Cathedral. Had a walk around Jackson Square 7.30 am - hadn,t really noticed how beautifull it was before maybe because it was so quiet i could appreciate it. Clover grille for breakfast, had such a good laugh with the staff in there we ended up going back for a hamburger for lunch (also we didnt want to walk far). Walked around the FQ for a couple of hours until the heat and tiredness got to us and we went back and sat in hotel couryard (in shade) Oliviers Creole Restaurant (far end of Decatur towards canal) I had soft shell crab, with 2 cheese risotto %26amp; crawfish cream sauce (yum yum). Very good service and good prices. Went to Spotted cat on Frenchman saw the All stars (and a few local characters )

Wednesday. Up early again (usual walk around Jackson Square) went to Croissant D%26#39;or and had wonderfull blueberry filled croissants and Cafe au lait for ridiculous low price of $6 for both of us (Dave went up for more). Did a 2 hr St. Louis Cemetry tour (our quide was a retired park ranger) sadly only 3 people on tour (great for us it was like having a private tour) worth every cent of $15. Lunch at Cafe Masperos (decatur) hugh roast beef sandwich with gravy and fries for $6. Decided to go on a cruise down Mississippi (already been warned there wasnt anything to see) need time to relax (I got sunburnt and had to go by 2 t shirts with sleeves for the next 2 days). It was damn hot (for us british). Had dinner at Adolfos on Frenchman - very cheap italian (recommended to us). Spotted cat again to see VA VA Voom tiredness getting to us we can only last until about 1am.

Thursday- Up around 8 am (maybe if i lay in i could last longer of a night but i cant). Clover grille again (needed biscuit and gravy fix). Shopping for presents for friends back to hotel to get changed and went to visit Cathedral and Cabildo. Lunch at Charter House cafe - superb catfish with crawfish cream sauce pasta (noticed by now I can remember every thing I ate). Afternoon walking tour around FQ. Boy all the travelling to NO and the heat is really getting to us now. Carriage ride around FQ. Dinner at Muriels - superb meal - Dave had set 3 course meal I had crab cakes then the Duck. Highly recommend this restaurant (if worried about cost have set menu ). All set to go see Kermit Ruffins at Vaughans and I started feeling unwell (decided a taxi trip away from FQ was not good idea if I needed to get back to hotel quick) Went to Fritzels European Jazz Club on Bourbon (paid 50% more for our drinks ) but had a good time.

Friday - my lazy husband had a hangover so I went to Clover Grille on my own for breakfast (not something I would do anywhere else but felt very safe and the staff and regulars knew me). Dave eventually surfaced and we went down to the 1st Seafood Festival at the old Mint. Had a great day listening to music and filling my face with crab cakes crawfish sausage poboys etc (food again) Had my afternoon walk around Jackson Square as I said the park is quite beautiful. Dinner at Irenes (we got there at 6.45) only waited about 25 mins to be seated - shortly after the line was hugh (but that is normal) Meal was very good as usual (i cant remember what I ate )

Back up Frenchman Street to see the Jazz Vipers at Spotted Cat (do you think we like it here?).

Saturday Breakfast at Clover Grille again ( Dave woke me up at 9am i am getting tired now). Did somemore shopping and then down to French Market at lunchtime for Creole Tomato Festival - more good free music and lots of food booths ( now I am complaining that I put on 7 lbs in 15 days). Cant remember where we had lunch. Afternoon streetcar ride up to City park and then walked aroud FQ some more. Some of the street performers are very good and entertaining (go give them a good tip and remember some of them still dont have homes). Dinner at Alpine (around corner from Place D,armes it was recommended) Wished we had gone eleswhere on our last night , food was quite cheap but nothing special. Headed up to Frenchman Street, which by the way is buzzing with all sorts of bars (more open then when we visited last April) went to Blue Nile about 9.15 to see Kermit Ruffins but it was not open yet so we went to the Spotted Cat while it opened and we ended up staying there - by 11.30 (i know the night is just begining) we were finally exhausted.

We didnt want to leave N.O. but had spoilt it for ourselves by wearing ourselves out travelling before we got there.Next time DIRECT flight. I didnt get to the Garden District or Wednesday at the square and so many other places I wanted to visit. It may not be everyones idea of a good holiday but we has a fantastic time.

To anyone who is thinking of going the FQ is a beautiful place. Go eat some great food and listen to some amazing talent . The People of New Orleans are so grateful for your visit and they need your tourist dollars.

There is some thing very special about New Orleans, to someone who has never been there you cannot explain it. Once you have been you are hooked. As i have seen mentioned in previous posts the FQ is now very clean as well.

To All the people in New Orleans, from the hotel staff, restaurant staff, musicians and the nice locals who stop and talk to you (and anybody else i have left out) I thank you for a wonderful holiday and some good old southern hospitality and charm. I am hooked and will definately return.

Trip report 4th June to 10th

Paulinen,

Great trip report. I am like you in that when I find something I like in NO, I go back several times. You just can%26#39;t beat Frenchmen St. Thanks for visiting NO.

Porc

Trip report 4th June to 10th

How hot was it? Despite the heat, did people till wear dressier clothing to dinner? I coulnt imagine wearing pants and long sleeves to dinner when it%26#39;s so hot and humid outside.

Was the sun really strong? Advise keeping the SPF handy?

planning a trip soon, so info would be helpful--

thanks :)

Nice report paulinen..you definitely have more energy than I do....Too bad about the Alpine...average gumbo, good BBQ shrimp, but the rest is subpar...gone downhill a bit over the years. Even Pere Maspero would have been better and even better to people watch for something close by to Jackson Square. Please return soon...we are better people and hosts with vistors like you.

Hi F12,

Definately take a sunscreen, I would say about factor 10, the rays are very strong. It was probably only about 88-90, it was the humidity that drained us, but in fairness we were already tired from the journey. Yes you can dress up for dinner. I took dress and pants with dressy tops and also some casual for when I went to places like coops and donnas. Its entirely up to you.

Recommend a hotel near Le Petit Theatre?

Hope to catch %26#39;Sugar Babies%26#39; before it closes July 8th. Could anyone recommend a reasonably priced, nice hotel near the theatre. The theatre%26#39;s located at 616 Saint Peter St. Thank You!

Recommend a hotel near Le Petit Theatre?

Place D%26#39;armes is located on St. Ann just the other side of the block across the cathedral from Le Petit theatre...just a big building away and you%26#39;ll be near Muriels..a good restaurant and cafe du monde.

Recommend a hotel near Le Petit Theatre?

The Omni Royal Orleans is 2 blocks away and several other hotels are also nearby. Just about any FQ hotel is within 10-15 minutes by foot!

The Bourbon Orleans is around the other corner, directly behind the cathedral, which is next to the theater. Just today they sent out mail with their ';sizzlin%26#39; summer%26#39; rates. $79 a night. It%26#39;s a Wyndham property. Sign up for their ';Wyndham Preferred'; membership card for free upgrades, welcome amenities, etc. My usual and favorite place.

quarter hotel

I am planning trip to NO 2nd wk July. Want to stay in quarter somewhere near Pat Obrians or Jackson Sq/ Would like to stay at Place d Arms but no smoking %26amp; we smoke. Want to be able to walk to Frenchmen St area fr hotel in quarter. Royal Sonesta has great rates 80/nt but think a little far for Frmen Any suggestion

quarter hotel

Royal Sonesta is a little farther but it%26#39;s not too bad especially with all the walking you will prbably do anyway. It%26#39;s a great hotel and that is a good rate for them. If you want to be closer to Jackson Square then the Bourbon Orleans is a good option. It%26#39;s a nice hotel and right near where you want to be. The Omni is nice too and not too far from the Square.

quarter hotel

How about Hotel Provincial? Great service! We love the location. It%26#39;s not too far from either Jackson Square or Frenchmen Street. Parking is available on site. And it%26#39;s very near one of our favorite restaurants - Irene%26#39;s.

Enjoy!

I%26#39;m a little curious as to why the original poster thinks the Royal Sonesta is a little far from Frenchmen (it%26#39;s about 10 blocks) but I guess each person%26#39;s ';far'; is relative. Personally, I think anything in the French Quarter or Faubourg Marigny is relatively close to anything else. These neighborhoods aren%26#39;t large.

Anywho, I%26#39;d also second the Provincial as it%26#39;s between Jackson Square and Esplanade. Ditto for Le Richelieu, the Soniat House (higher rates) or the Chateau.

And Le Richelieu has free parking and a short walk to Coops.

I have just returned from Place D,armes. My husband smokes (i have quit) Get a courtyard room with a balcony and you can smoke on the balcony. The location of Place darmes cannot be beat. Lots o people smoking in the courtyard.

As I just posted on another thread, the Bourbon Orleans has a ';sizzlinsummer'; rate of $79. It has smoking floors, and is right behind the cathedral -- steps from Plac D%26#39;Armes, and has windows as well!

I recommend them so much they should pay me.

Eating Oysters in June?

Does the ';R'; months adage apply to only raw oysters? Or is it best to stay away from cooked ones too? I%26#39;ve heard that it is not just a matter of food safety, but also quality. I%26#39;m interested in what the locals and the NO regulars think. I don%26#39;t want to make a mistake with all of the wonderful food available.

I%26#39;ll me arriving in less than a week!!! I am so excited.

Eating Oysters in June?

As for the safety of the oysters in the warm ';R'; months, this is a total wives tale. There are no safety issues involving eating oysters in ';R'; months, other than the standard warnings against eating raw oysters if you have certain conditions that weaken your immunity system.

The quality and tastiness of oysters can vary by season. In general, when the oysters mood turns to reproduction, they will not be as flavorful and meaty. This is more noticeable in the late Summer. Oysters in this condition will shrink more when cooked, too.

I had oysters the other day, and they were great!

Eating Oysters in June?

Thanks NOLA B%26amp;B

Raw or cooked...?

I think the ';R Months'; concept went out with the advent of refrigeration.

NOLA B%26amp;B is right. Eat away!

The char broiled oysters at the Acme Oyster House on Iberville are wonderful as are the char broiled oysters at Drago%26#39;s which now has a second location at the Hilton Riverside.

Should not be an issue at all. The restaurants would not be serving them if it were an issue. You might want to try The Bank Cafe,

2001 Burgundy St. Its a very neat upscale building with high cielings. Its mainly a local spot being its just outside the French Quarter (3 blocks from Esplande). But great food and wine and known for their oyster bar.

http://www.thebankcafe.com/

The Bank was a good restaurant but, unfortunately, is now closed and the building is for sale.

Sorry to hear the news about The Bank. :(

Yum

I%26#39;m so exited about the food in NO that thinking about any aspect of the trip makes me hungry. : )

Thanks

I totally understand that many folks love raw oysters and other types of raw seafood. Everyone should understand, however, the potential danger in consuming uncooked seafood. I say ';potential'; because unless your immune system has been compromised by one or more chronic illnesses or by certain drugs, there%26#39;s very little risk. If, on the other hand, you have one of these illnesses and you don%26#39;t know it, then the danger is very real.

Here%26#39;s a link to an article on Vibrio Vulnificus, which is the organism that causes the problems. If not diagnosed properly within 36 to 48 hours after infection, the patients generally die. A very good friend or ours lost a finger to Vibrio just 24 hours after being infected while cleaning shrimp. He was very lucky because an ER physician made the correct diagnosis and was able to arrest the infection with massive doses of antibiotics. The father of another friend of ours died less than 72 hours after being infected by the fin of a fish that he had caught. Both of these individuals were diabetics. Ralph Begnaud, the Cajun comedian (The Red Tanny Shoe Tour) died within a few days of eating raw oysters. I believe he suffered from cirrhosis of the liver.

I don%26#39;t mean to alarm anyone and I%26#39;m not on a crusade to stop people from eating raw seafood. I do believe that those who do so should aware of the potential danger, however slight that danger may be.

Here%26#39;s the link:

hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/hgic3663.htm

eyeliner

St. Charles Avenue streetcars delayed again

The St. Charles line won%26#39;t be fully back in service in spring 2008.

RTA hopes to have the line working from Canal to Napoleon (which would cover the Garden District, at least) by late fall.

St. Charles Avenue streetcars delayed again

what the heck...I%26#39;m coming back March %26#39;08 and it better be back up, that was my favorite part of my trip my first time there...pay like $1.50 and get to see all the mansions and universities...better late than never I guess!

St. Charles Avenue streetcars delayed again

Hi CajunWave -

Randomly, I was looking for info about riding the St. Charles Ave streetcars...and I ran across this post!

:-)

We%26#39;ll be there this weekend, and would like to ride...where can I go on it, given the limited route, and where can I get on/off? Is there a website to get info?

Thanks,

Stephanie

Now it goes only to Lee Circle. Too bad, it would have been more scenic than the ride on Canal Street to City Park.

Smiley, I%26#39;d forget the St. Charles line if you just want to ride the streetcars. Try the Canal Street line to City Park instead. It%26#39;s currently using the historic St. Charles cars and it%26#39;s a nice ride.

Most of the uptown St. Charles line is still run by bus. :-(

Hi All - thanks for your responses.

My main deal isn%26#39;t the activity of riding the streetcars, I%26#39;d like to see more of the city than just the FQ (I%26#39;ll be with other 6 adults and 1 active 7-year old). So we were looking for a ';not-me-driving'; way to see some other parts of NO.

I%26#39;d welcome any suggestions for seeing more parts of the city ! We%26#39;ll be going on this Saturday. I think that the child would like to ride the streetcar for the experience, while the adults will like seeing different parts of the city.

Thank you!

The mule and buggy tour groups have tours of the Garden District in their big carriages but by pre arranged reservation only. Its expensive on an individual basis but quite unique and less costly for a large group renting the whole buggy.

We took the street car out to City Park and walked through the Sculpture Garden, there is a children%26#39;s area called Toyland or some such, the botanical gardens are worth a walk trhough, we toured the grounds than attended a Thursday night concert with dinner at Ralph%26#39;s after then a cab ride back to the FQ, great fun.

During the day we rode the St. Charles bus to the Garden District and did the walking tour plus Lafeyette Cemetary, on the way back we stopped by the WWII museum for 2 hours but could have spent more time there.

After our Garden District/Lafayette Cemetery walking tour we got on the city bus and rode for quite a distance past the colleges and Audobon park just to see the sights and we got off crossed the street and took the St. Charles bus back hopped off at Cannon%26#39;s Restaurant had lunch, hopped back on the bus and took it back to Canal Street. It was a great way to site see. Actually when we first got on the bus we realized we were not headed back to Canal Street but just enjoyed the ride to the end and the bus driver told us to just cross the street and wait for the St. Charles bus to go back.

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