Will be visiting NO for the first time over Labor Day weekend. Would appreciate any info re: weather, must-see sites, recommended restaurants, etc. Will be staying at Bienville House. Anybody stay there recently? How was it? Thanks.

Lisbeth, where / what is NO?

NEW ORLEANS OF COURSE!!

Well, duh!--thanks, I was racking my old brain and couldn't come up with anything other than northern Oregon--how embarassing :-B

Labor Day weekend is very hot, unfortunately. The weather doesn't really get cooler until later in the month. It's also the weekend of Southern Decadence, a large gay/lesbian event with thousands of revelers. The SD parade is fun (despite nutty religious protestors) but leave the kids at home for this one!

Labor Day is usually among the hottest weekends of the year. Plan on staying in the pool or indoors much of the day and doing more outdoor stuff at night.

Dan,

What exactly is "Southern Decadence"?
Never heard of it. Kind of took me off guard.

Here's the official web site. I've never been there myself for this event, but it looks interesting....

http://www.southerndecadence.net/

I've heard it described as "gay Mardi Gras" and it probably fits. LOTS of people on the streets around the gay clubs in various states of undress. Remember: it's hot! Shirts are definitely optional that weekend. There is a Southern Decadence parade with a lot of drag and outrageous costumes, too. I've only seen it once or twice. (We usually leave town that weekend!)

Have to honestly say I would have picked another weekend if I had known.
How bad/crazy does it get? (Knowing you leave the town for that weekend and all).

You don't need to pick another weekend because of the event. I think it's mainly near the Bourbon/St. Ann bars and clubs. If you choose not to watch the parade or don't run into suburban Christians carrying crosses in protest, etc., you may not even know anything is happening.

Thanks for your advice Dan. Unfortunately, our hotel reservations and air travel are nonrefundable, so we'll be going no matter what. I was just hoping for a nice weekend for my husband and I, as this may be the only chance we get to see N.O.

Lisbeth, I just mentioned the event as a "heads up" because the city can be crowded with visitors that weekend. There's no reason you can't have a good time with the hubby and, if you like, catch the parade while here. N.O. is a very fun city and you'll have a great time. Be sure to spend some time in the Garden District, too!

(I'm getting married on Saturday and my house is already full of houseguests. A whole week ahead! N.O. is the kind of town that draws people!

Has anyone recently stayed at Bienville House? Would appreciate any info.
Thanks.

Hey Dan - Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! My husband and I will be celebrating our 2 year anniversary on Sunday. We spent our honeymoon in New Orleans and will definitely be going back again in the future.

lisbeth, I just returned last night from New Orleans. As far as restaurants, you must try Lilette. It was wonderful in every way! Have fun!

Iregeo,

Thanks for the restaurant recommendation. I'll add it to my ever-growing list.

Bienville House is in a great French Quarter location right up the street from House of Blues. Decadence can get crazy but there's so much more outside the Quarter anyway. Make sure to have dinner one night at our favorite restaurant - Rene Bistrot - and ask for Donald (our regular waiter). Have fun!

We also just got back from a visit last week. Had a great deal on a suite at the Ritz, probably due to lack of tourists in the heat, had a grim dinner at Commander's Palace but a fantastic dinner at Stella! Went to a few fun bars; enjoyed the jazz museum at the old Mint; was with my two kids and did kid stuff too like a swamp tour and aquarium. My 6-year-old cried when we left. It was very hot and humid but I loved loved loved it!

The big drag queen parade occurs on Sunday afternoon on Royal Street and then carries on over to Bourbon. If you don't want to get swept away by huge crowds, just stay on the "river" side of the Quarter on Sunday afternoon. I don't think you'll regret being there this weekend; you can avoid the Southern Decadence thing if you wish, but it is a lot of fun to just watch the parade. Definitely leave the kids at home. By the way, Bienville House is a great place to stay. On the same street down at the corner is the Southern Candy Makers Shop. Don't be fooled by anyone else--these people make the best pralines in the world. Also, there's a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant called "Star" where the locals go. Great food, great prices. Enjoy NO--you'll love it.