absuden

We are 2 Canadian professionals flying into Dallas Sept26-Oct10 with plans to see San Antonio and New Orleans also. Our goal for this trip is to experience the local sights and cuisine while relaxing and recharging.

Our means of travel between destinations is open and could include, car rental, air and/or train transportation. We are interested on hearing your experiences and suggestions, please.

Our interest areas and what we need additional information on are: local culture and food, places to see/visit, accommodation (could include B&Bs) and restaurants

Daniel_Williams

There's not much in the way of train options in that neck of the woods. While the Sunset Limited Amtrak train does run from San Antonio to New Orleans, it doesn't even run every day and leaves San Antonio in the wee hours of the morning arriving late at night in New Orleans. That train used to have a reputation of being almost insanely late (like 18 hours), although apparently it has improved its on-time performance to 73% on-time for the last calendar year.

I like San Antonio and New Orleans both. My favorite meals were in Adolfo's in the Faubourg Marigny and Gumbo Shop in the French Quarter of New Orleans. I recommend exploring these neighborhoods as well as the Garden District and Algiers. To get to the Garden District, taking the streetcar from the French Quarter is an iconic experience. Apparently, the terrific inn (Painted Lady Inn) where I stayed in San Antonio is closed, so I don't have much more to suggest.

absuden

Thanks Daniel your information and suggestions. You provided some good information for our consideration.

We too were surprised with the AMTRAK schedule between SanAn & NOLA but thought it may provide an opportunity to see the topography between points.

spirobulldog

I wouldn't mess with the train. I'm sure Tom will disagree with me.

tomfuller

Coming from Canada, fly to Chicago and then take the City of New Orleans train south through Memphis to New Orleans.
If you ever wanted to see Memphis, this would be the time to see Graceland if you're an Elvis fan.
The train leaves Chicago at 8PM every night and arrives in NOL mid afternoon (about 20 hours).
When you're done with New Orleans, fly to San Antonio.
It's your choice whether you even go to Dallas. I've been to both. San Antonio is the winner in my book.
If you really like the train, you can ride the Texas Eagle to Chicago. Otherwise just fly home from SAT or DFW.

absuden

Thanks Tom. Flights in and out of Dallas already booked.

We are tentatively thinking of spending 4-5 days in Dallas, San Antonio, Austin areas. Then fly to New Orleans for 3-4days, rent a car and drive back to Dallas over 4-5days.

Any suggestions about area/places to see with this itinerary is most welcome. Thanks in advance!

tomfuller

New Orleans- Jackson Square, cafe du monde for coffee and begniets, any good restaurant for jambalaya and or gumbo.
San Antonio- The Alamo and the Riverwalk. There are a few good restaurants with tables at waters edge along the Riverwalk.

Gretchen

I think you have ample time to just drive the entire round trip and enjoy the places between. Be sure to hit some Texas BBQ.