Hello,
This is Premature, but we are planning a trip to NO for our 25th anniversary in april, 2003. I discovered the time we are going there will be the French Quarter Festival. No wonder I had trouble finding a room. I finally got one at the Holiday Inn, French Quarter, I hope and pray it's ok. Do any of you know if this is a close enough place to see things? Can you tell I have never been to NO before.

also, I have a very severe shellfish allergy. So, are there good places you can get cheap meals like ribs, burgers, hot dogs, etc? I am also hoping they have little coffee shops as they won't have a coffee maker in our room.

I'm so excited about this trip. I booked it for 6 days. I love to shop, but I really would like to know, also, is there a Casino nearby?

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I found out a lot of good ideas for our Vegas trip from this site. I know you all will give me good ideas for this trip.

It's always a good idea to plan ahead for New Orleans. You have plenty of time to contact the visitors bureau, which will answer all your questions in great detail. There's a huge Harrah's (sp?) casino which is right in the business district, and a chain of coffee shops, Cafe Du Monde are also located all over the city.

Lora, I've asked some questions on the forum about NO recently, too. Try typing in New Orleans in the text search at the top of the page to see all messages which contain the words (if you haven't done that already). We're leaving in a few days, and I'm really anticipating the trip. We are planning to be at Harrah's also, but it sounds like a pretty tight casino. "Let the good times roll."

I've stayed in that hotel, while I didn't think it was the best hotel I have stayed in it was by far not the worst. Its right of Royal Avenue if I remember correct which puts you in the heart of the quarter. As for your burger request, there is a little local bar on the edge of the quarter called "Port of Call" great burgers, and while its not a short walk (about 10-15 mins) its through a residential part of the quarter, which is very pretty.

I forgot about your casino question... Harrahs will be almost across the street.

We are also planning our 2003 trip, so you are not too premature. Especially for a festival weekend. I'm so looking forward to our first French Quarter Fest. It will be my 5th trip to the city and dh's 4th. That is, if we don't squeeze another quick trip in this fall. I hope you both love New Orleans as much as we do.

I'm not familiar with that hotel, but if it's in the French Quarter, you'll be in the right place. The Quarter is not too large and everything is within a reasonable walking distance .... or else just a trolley or street car ride away. However, may I stress to you the importance of COMFORTABLE SHOES.

About the shellfish allergy, I would be sure to mention that when ordering at the restaurants to make sure there's no hidden surprises in your creole sauce.

Cafe Du Monde is a must. But there are other coffee shops all around. Cafe Beignet is another one. I think there's a CC's, too.

I agree with the Port of Call suggestion. WoW! A close second, in my opinion is Clover Grill. Clover Grill is on the "quiet" end of Bourbon, around St. Phillip or so. It's 24 hours and full of New Orleans color! I've also heard that Poppy's Grill has a good burger, but I haven't tried it. Owned by the same people as Clover Grill.

You can get a hot dog on the street from a Lucky Dog vendor if you have a mind to. I never have, but I'm not much on mystery meat.

Try Dickie Brennan's for steaks! You'll love it. There's another steakhouse called The Embers on Bourbon. We had a good meal there, but I've heard mixed reviews from others.

Cheap shopping at the French Market. Antiques on Royal and Chartres. Reasonable antiques on Magazine Street in the Garden District.

Do you have access to the AOL travel message board? Talk about a wealth of information on New Orleans.

BTW. Happy Anniversary. New Orleans is a romantic town.

I also have a severe shellfish allergy and found the restaurants in NO to be very accommodating - willing to substitute ingredients or alter preparations. Just let your server know about your allergy - I think it is a pretty common allergy so they are prepared for it. I like Mother's for sandwiches.

Have you thought about renewing your marriage vows? There is an adorable little chapel on Burgundy St (near Conti) called the French Quarter Wedding Chapel. Their website is www.frenchquuarter weddingchapel.com -- tell Rev. Talavera that I said hello!!!