Hi All,
the "4" girls want a long weekend away from husbands, kids, work, life....we are in our 30s, want great food, drink, shopping, boutiques, maybe a spa service or two, walking, talking, relaxing. never been to N.O. and thinking about it, along with Scottsdale, Chicago, DC, Nashville.. Any thoughts on the state of N.O. right now? Southwest and W hotels are running a special. I'd love to support the rebuilding of the city, while at the same time pleasing the "girls" for the weekend.

Sugggestions? Thoughts? Ideas?

Thank you!

I think NO is a great idea....can't beat the great food and drink, fabulous music, rich history to explore, and lots of fun shopping in the French Quarter. Don't personally know about spa services...but I'm sure they are around.

Oh yeah! New Orleans is the place to go - especially now that spring is in the air. There is still so much to see and do - visit the city and have a wonderful time!!

Absolutely New Orleans, especially since you've never been and definitely stay in the French Quarter.

For a special spa, check out Bella Donna on Magazine Street. www.belladonnadayspa.com. It was voted best day spa for the past three years. I've been since Katrina and it's still wonderful. There are also lots of fun shops and local restaurants near by. When you call, ask about providing lunch with wine which would be fun and relaxing.

Just chiming in to say go for it.

I was there a few months back and things were really coming along in the FQ and GD. The outlying neighborhoods are still at the beginning of a long road to recovery, but the areas you will be interested in are good.

It is a good time to visit New Orleans. The Jazz Fest and French Quarter Festivals are coming soon. Many big names will be performing to help out the city. The French Quarter is less crowded than usual. Most of the areas tourist go to don't have as much damage as the rest of the city.

But, I would recommend taking an hour or two just to drive around the city. It is unbelievable how widespread the damage from Katrina is. I have lived here all of my life (50 years) and it is still hard to believe. I live in a subburb of New Orleans where we had about a foot of water in our house, but we are doing well and have been enjoying going to the Quarter on weekends.

Great food, drinks, and relaxing on the Mississippi River. I wouldn't live anyplace else!

Hope you come and have a good time!