Hi all,

I'm thinking about going to New Orleans to celebrate my 50th. birthday. Leave S.F. 11/11 or 12 and return 11/15. Short trip. Air fares seem to be really high, any tips? Has anyone taken the red eye and survived?

Best restaurants I see are all over this site so will peruse and narrow down. Any sight seeing suggestions?

Frontier has flights from $163 rdtrp. Can't beat that.

Well, maybe Southwest can -- but you'd probably have to make stops in Dallas and Houston before you get to New Orleans.

G'storm,
We've done red-eyes to Chicago, DC and NYC and survived but New Orleans?!?!?!?

One tip...don't get sober!

Does it have to be in NOLA?
Jet Blue from Oakland to NYC still had a pretty low fare last time I looked.

Tandoori Girl,

Thanks for the tips but I haven't seen those rates available. I'll keep on checkin'!

Kal,

Never been...gotta go. What better place for some foodies that just want to enjoy the southern hospitality?

New 'Awlins is where I spent my 50th birthday, also.......I think....

ANYWAY, watch for the costs to go down, the city is definitely worth the trip - maybe you can check the prices even after purchasing the ticket, and if they do lower get the difference in a voucher or sometimes even a refund.

As for sightseeing; French Market, St. Charles streetcar, a city tour with cemetary stop, Jackson Square, a steamboat ride, 1/2 day swamp tour, cooking classes and of course - Bourbon Street!

Have fun wherever you decide to land!

Ccolor,

Thanks for the tips. Made the decision last night to book the room and will wait and see about the flights and prices. Southwest had $199 RT with good times.

Sound like Petunias and Cafe Du Monde for breakfast are THE spots. I see much ado about Commanders Palace. How pricey is it? Also is it worth a trip to one of Emeril's restaurants and if so, which one? Po' Boys, beignets and muffalettas, oh my!

More info on swamp time anyone? And any other hot spots to see.

Thanks all!

Good for you - I can practically guarantee a good time for your b'day!

We've been to Emeril's NOLA and were not at all impressed, but I have friends that had great meals. (I know, I'm no help there.)

As for swamp tours - unless you're really into it, only a half day is needed. You see one heron, gator or nutria you've seen them all and there's so much to do in New Orleans that it's hard to leave the city for a whole day.

Any more questions, please feel free to ask.

Great. I would love to hear more recommendations. We will arrive at 2:15 p.m. Friday and depart at 12:30 on Monday. How much can we squeeze in?
I think we'll pass on the swamp but love cajun music. Any ventures for cajun culture etc?

Hey you foodies out there! How about some good advice on what and where is good in November