MFNYC

We (family of 4 - 13 yr old boy & 16 yr old girl) are vising NOLA for a long weekend over Easter. The forecast (as of today) is not looking good for Sat/Sun. Any suggestions for rainy day activities. Might things be closed on Easter Sunday?

Also, we are staying at the Alexa hotel. Are there any coffeeshop and/or inexpensive places for breakfast around there (not Starbucks)?

Thanks

mah1980

Don't worry about the forecast. Because of the Gulf the weather in New Orleans changes by the minute.

If it does rain, here are a few things you might want check out:
-Audubon Aquarium
-D-Day Museum (fantastic museum that was partially funded by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg)
-High tea at Windsor Court

babs001

One of my favorite places to eat breakfast/brunch is Petunia's. It's about 1/2 block off Bourbon St, sorry, can't remember name of street. I second the Aquarium suggestion. The Cabrillo (sp) is right on Jackson Square, and the Art Museum out by the City Park usually has a great exhibit. Also, Mulate's for Cajun food and entertainment (live music, everybody dances - great fun). If it DOES rain. don't wear your good shoes - you can be ankle deep in water in places. The city pumps water at a pretty good clip, but a heavy rain can be a problem.

CAPH52

I don't know whether it'll be open Easter Sunday, but I second Babs suggestion of the Cabildo (not sure of my spelling either). There's also a good Mardi Gras museum on the other side of the cathedral. Our kids, who were 15 and 11 at the time, really liked Preservation Hall. And they got a real kick out of taking the streetcar through the Garden District to have lunch at Camilla Grill. Don't miss coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde.

MFNYC

Thanks. Do the restaurants get crowded in the evening. We'll be probably eating a bit on the early side (6-6:30ish). We're arrived Wed. eve, and probably will just check in, dump our stuff and run out to eat. Any suggestions for a bite near the hotel (Royal St near Canal).

mah1980

Palace Cafe is a good place to eat on Canal. Owned by the Brennan family of Commander's Palace fame. I like it a lot for lunch too.

benj

Right now it looks ok for your stay. We are supposed to get rain Tuesday. They had said it would rain tomorrow but now it is pushed back. If you want a good site for weather then check the local tv site-
www.wwltv.com/weather/detailed.html
You will want to catch the Easter Parade in the French Quarter on Sunday morning. Saturday is the Crescent City Classic Race, I believe. It starts at Jackson Square.
An inexpensive (sort of) place for breakfast is La Madeline by Jackson Square. They have light stuff like croissants or heavier foods like omelets. My favorite is an eclair & strawberries romanoff- not the healthiest but hey, it's vacation! I always make a stop by Cafe DuMonde for my sugar fix of beignets. YUM!!

JeanH

Actually, the restaurant in the Astor/Alexa building isn't too bad. Bourbon House, maybe??

If all else fails for breakfast, there's a Krystal a block or two away on Bourbon.

MFNYC

Thanks much!

MFNYC

What is Crescent City Classic Race?

SAnParis

I always take a book & visit Royal Blend coffee & tea on Royal. They have snacks and whatnot. It is a great place to escape the madness of Bourbon St. & relax.

SAnParis

I also believe Cafe Beignet is fairly close to your hotel & offers a reasonably priced (& good) breakfast.

neworleanslady

Make sure you note the change in temps. We'll be in the 70's this week, up to low 80's by the weekend, but once we get the rain Saturday/Sunday AM, it will drop. High for Sunday is 69.

The Crescent City Classic is a 10k run from Jackson Square to City Park. Last year there were over 17,000 runners.

The Hornets play ball Saturday night at 7 and tickets are as little as $5 for adults. They may not be the best, but it's something to do if it's raining!

I definitely recommend the Aquarium and IMAX and also suggest the Children's Museum - I believe it is on Julia in the Warehouse District. My sister & I always have more fun than her young kids, so I would think 13-16 yrs olds would, too. I couldn't find anything on the website about it being closed for Easter. www.auduboninstitute.org

Don't worry about the 50% chance of rain. We waited for the rain Saturday at 40% and it turned out to be a beautiful day & didn't rain until after midnight!

babs001

We usually took our kids to Maspero's (right across the street from JAX brewery building). They have great sandwiches. Even if there is a line it usually moves pretty fast.

You asked if restaurants get busy. Yes, but remember that there are MANY to pick from.

dean56

I second the suggestion for Petunia's.
GREAT breakfast...it's on St. Louis in the Quarter. Look for the pink stucco facade! Ditto also on Camelia Grill...it's along the St. Charles streetcar route as it makes a turn heading north along Carrolton...known for their burgers and pecan pie. Riding on the streetcar through the Garden District is definitely worth the trip...not to be missed!