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.

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