Craig Lord

Visiting New Orleans in Mid January . We are interested in all the must see attractions. Also places to eat . etc. What will the weather be at this time of year?
Craig Lord

Joan

Don't overlook all the "free" walking tours. We took a couple of them like one was to the cemetery and we found that we were walking along side of another tour that the tourist had paid a considerable fee which compared to our donation. There is a visitors bureau downtown which should be helpful. Toujacks (sp) restaurant is wonderful! We were told to be careful of the neighborhoods we were in - just crossing the wrong street could put you in immediate danger. Unless you are rich, don't waste your time stopping at Brennan's. Our breakfast for two several years ago was $90!

Donna

My husband and I visited New Orleans last month. Boy was it hot! Sunday brunch at Court of Two Sisters was wonderful a great way to try all kinds of New Orleans cuisine. It was 21$ per person but well worth it. Be sure to try a muffaletta? sandwich at one of the grocery stores on Decatur Street. We took a carriage ride at night but it wasnt very informative. We really enjoyed the Mardi Gras world I got some great pictures there. we also did a swamp tour that was really a lot of fun and educational too. Have fun we sure did.

jim butler

For a great taste of local music, try the Mid-City Bowling Lanes for the best zydeco music in town and Tipatina's for all sorts of other great local and national music. Tips is where the Neville Brother's often played in the past.

For food, my best suggestion is the Praline Connection for soul food, Mother's for po-boys and good examples of New Orleans cooking, and Bayona for a wonderful new New Orleans food experience.

sharon

Saw someone mention Court of the Two Sisters.
My parents used to take me there 40 years ago when they would go to Mardi Gras. (family was in a crewe). Haven't been in the last couple of years but New Orleans really doesn't change. Things to do: take the streetcar to the garden district (a street car named Desire perhaps), do visit the cemetaries: they highlight the unique culture and if you get lucky you can see the celebration that goes along with a burial), Cafe du Monde either very early or very late in the day, Preservation Hall for real jazz, Absinthe bar. Will recommend two ancient restaurants: Galatoires, a very old, very traditional restaurant with beautifully prepared food in a french manner, and the Commander's Palace in the garden district which is so New Orleans and genteel, and wonderful. A must miss is all the vulgarity on Bourbon Street IMHO.

jim butler

Best zydeco music is at Mid-City Bowling Lanes, where you can bowl and listen to great live zydeco. Best place to hear any other music in New Orleans in Tipitina's, where the Neville brothers have frequently played. Very good soul food at the Praline Connection, which also makes pralines. Mother's on Poydras Street has good versions of traditional cajun food.

Pat

Don't miss the Cajun dancing at Mulate's. It's a treat
whether you participate or just watch. Decent food
too. Looking for a really special meal-go to Bella
Luna-expensive but well worth it. We love Alpine
restaurant on Chartres near the cathedral for a
casual meal. Loved Galatoire's and Broussard's for
traditional, elegant New Orleans experience.
Weather at Christmas last year was very pleasant.
70-75 during the day. The Hilton also has a very
nice restaurant on the river called Kabby's. And you
have to ride the Flamingo riverboat for a beautiful
view of the river and skyline.
It's a great place!! Have fun!

BC

Take the trolley through Garden District homes to Audobon Park. Great scenery and great zoo. Other places include flea market and adjacent shops; Margaritaville saloon for great margaritas. Fun trip is one of the paddle wheelers river cruise with
meal. Bourbon street late night is a must just to see the people. Finish off with coffee and beignets at Cafe Dumonde. Been to N.O. seven times and still want to go back. Always a fun time.

BC

Eileen

I lived in New Orleans for three years while in school, & I love the place. Definitely don't miss Tipitinas, on Tchoupitoulas street, for good live music. You can see it in the movie "The Big Easy" with Dennis Quaid. Also a good late night local bar is F&M patio bar, which is nearby. Both of these places are a short cab ride west of the quarter. For an early brunch, I highly recommend taking the streetcar to the corner of St. Charles Ave. & Carrollton & eating at The Camellia Grill. They have the greatest pecan waffles & orange freezes. Very old New Orleans type atmosphere, & you will get to see some of the most beautiful old southern homes along the way. I would not recommend taking the streetcar at night though. It's a bit dangerous then. The French Quarter is where most the tourists hang out, and worth hanging out in, as long as you stay on the beaten path. Napolean House has the world's best Bloody Mary's. For the most potent drinks, try a Hurricane at Pat O'Briens, or A Grenade at the original Tropical Isle on Toulouse St. For nearby restaurants, I also like Galatoire's on Bourbon. (No credit cards, no reservations). The Gumbo Shop is also good-less expensive, and right down the street from Pat O's. Go see the above ground cemetary in the Garden District- try to arrange a tour so you can hear the very interesting history behind them. Temperatures in January can be very mild, as someone above advised. However, I have also experienced very bitter temperatures during that time.(not freezing, but bone chilling due to the extreme humidity). I would bring a jacket just in case.Hope you have a great time!

rjordan

The above all good, plus: explore Magazine Street if you are interested in antiques/interesting shops/auctions/etc. While there, a neighborhood place is Joey K's, home of the world's best onion rings! Watching/doing cajun dancing absolutely is a must! We were there end of January a few years ago, some rain, mild temps....who can say? It beats the upper midwest that's for sure! Enjoy!