Questions about New Orleans
 

My husband and I and another couple in our very early thirties are coming to New Orleans in Oct. just wanting some basic information on what to do and where to stay. Not really wanting to spend a fortune while down there. Going to be there for 3 nights and want something exciting to do. Someone told me that Oct. is boring, is this true? I hope not.
Thank you for any information!!

I'm not sure what you're looking for, but New Orleans is NEVER boring - We visit at the end of September and although there are no celebrations, the city is always full and fun! Start checking now for hotel discounts and have one of the couples get a Bourbon Street balcony room (with the other couple maybe chipping in for the upcharge) so you can have a good place to land, re-group and people-watch. It doesn't take much money to have a good time - try a St. Charles streetcar ride, a steamboat ride on the Natchez (check New Orleans websites for discounts, many times you can get a 2-1), a Grayline city tour with a cemetary stop (AAA discount), stroll through the French Market, Jackson Square and of course Bourbon Street! Eat at Deja Vu (open 24 hours) and Petunia's for breakfast (their crepes are big enough for two to split) - both are found in the Quarter, and after a night on the town try a Lucky Dog. Any other questions, just let us know. Have fun and enjoy the city!

NOLA is NEVER boring when CColor is around. I think I still have the pictures to prove it! ((~))

What is your definition of exciting?

Isn't Halloween in October? Halloween in the FQ would be awesome. Nicer weather in October, too.
Hey. Wait a min! We'll be there this October! Let the gooood times roll!

We booked our room thru Hotwire and got the Westin Canal Place for $100/night. There are deals out there and you could probably do better.
Mahalo, ya'll! ((D))
Kal

Kal - pictures can be doctored, ya know!!!! Speaking of which, are you going to wear your favorite B. Ford hat when you visit this year?

You can definitely find fun stuff to do without spending a fortune in NO. Definitely stay in the FQ to be close to lots of stuff to do.

There are several walking tours - we went with the Historic New Orleans Walking Tour Co and were very pleased with our guide.

The St Charles Streetcar is great - we got on and off several times to wander through the Garden District.

You could take a plantation tour - we went with Spinato Tours to Laura and Oak Alley and it was really interesting. The tour took about 4-5 hours.

Just wandering around watching the people can entertain for hours.

There are several museums in the FQ - we really enjoyed the 1850 House which is an antibellum town house, furnished as it would have been in - you guessed it - the 1850s.

You can take the ferry from the end of Canal St to Alegiers - it's free to pedestrians.

The French Market is great for souveniers - same stuff they sell on Bourbon and Decatur Streets, just cheaper.

jalydaka, don't listen to your friends! October is one of the busiest months of the year in New Orleans. Between football games, conventions and the good weather, every weekend will be packed. Make reservations now!!!

Sounds to me like we wont have any trouble finding something to do.
What is the weather usually like in Oct. We are coming mid month.

We've been to New Orleans in mid October to early November. The weather was fine except that we had a heavy downpour the first day which lasted quite awhile.
IMO rain beats the summer heat there any day.

If anyone in your party is into cooking (and even if they are not) the New Orleans School of Cooking has daily classes (except Sundays) that are from $20-$25, 2-3 hours. They usually cook a 3 course meal, there is plenty of food and beer. The times we've been the chef is always personable and gives lots of advice on things to do/see in New Orleans. There is a website.

We also got a great hotel deal thru Hotwire-Sheraton on Canal for $59.00!Is that a deal or what? We're leaving Friday morning.
I found some great dining coupons you can print off web at neworleansonline.com. Many deals offer a buy an entree, get one free.
Hopefully, it will have cooled off a little buy the time ya'll go. We plan on spending the afternoons by the pool to beat the heat! Have a great time!

cc, I wore that hat out last year!

b'mom-Sheraton for $59??? SCOORRRRRRRRE!
Very nice hotel. Remind me to tell you about what Mrs Kal found in the dresser when we checked in during one stay. :-"

Ok Kal...let me have it.

Reader's Digest version:
Come thru the door...I'm looking at the beautiful view of the Mississippi/Long Bridge...Mrs K opens dresser. I hear a "rolling sound" and then a thump.
I turn around and see her holding a small, pink, battery operated....ahem...as they say in some catalogs "Facial massager". :-"
Thought it was left there by some real progressive Gideons. :-d

A red-faced manager came with a towel and removed it from the room.
Only in NOLA!

Just seen some hotels deals. Wondered if anyone could tell me anything about either hotel. Holiday Inn Express or Sheraton on Canal St. Keep in mind that we will be walking as much as possible to everywhere.
Thanks

Sheraton is in a good spot-go north 1 block and you can take Decatur straight over to Jackson Square. Also very close to streetcar stop-and you can go all over town on that!

The hotel itself is quite elaborate-a huge lobby with open lounge/bar area and super-sized big-screen tv.There's a Starbucks there too.You've got a business center, nice fitness center and a pool(I think on the 8th floor).Check-in was a breeze, the staff is very polite and helpful, ditto for consierge. Rooms have recently been updated-marble bath, nice toiletries, very plush bedding and plenty of pillows on our king-size bed.There was a stocked mini-bar(snack items & alcoholic bev)and a coffeepot. The restaurant looked really nice, but the menu was pricey.

We've stayed at many a chain hotel, and I have to say this was high-end quality all the way.You know, we've NEVER had a bad experience using Hotwire booking hotels.They have always exceeded our expectations.

Bourbon Street
French Quarter
French Market
St. Charles
Uptown
Horse Carriage Rides
New Orleans is never boring. October is a nice month to go b/c it's very cool and not humid.

Been researching the forum, and love the ideas brought forth by all the big NOLA fans on this board! About to make my first trip there, but don't want to "over tour." Would really like to have fun nightlife and soak up the atmosphere - while leaving a little time for shopping! :)
What would be YOUR Top Three suggestions for interesting day activity, and Top Three for nighttime fun?
Thanks in advance!

Kal? J Correa? Dan? BryarsMom?
Anybody got a top-three pick?

Ask and you shall receive!

While it's hard to tell what YOU would like, I'll tell you what I like and you can take it from there:

Nighttime: cocktails at 360 Bar at the Trade Mart, walking down Bourbon with a hurricane in hand, on my way to Frenchmen Street music clubs in the Faubourg Marigny, and maybe catching a jazz show at Donna's, Funky Butt, Preservation Hall or El Matador.

Day: French Quarter browsing can take a day or two, but be sure to check out Royal Street in particular. Take the ferry to Algiers Point and Mardi Gras World, and visit the D-Day and new Ogden Southern Art museums.

Top 3 for daytime:

1. Ride St. Charles streetcar through the Garden District - get a day pass so you can hop on and off wherever you want.

2. Walking tour - we did the cemetery/voodoo tour with Historic New Orleans Walking Tour Co and had a great time. Next time we will definitely take another walking tour.

3. Canal St ferry - it's free to pedestrians!

Top 3 for nighttime:

1. Bourbon Street - it's just a big 'ol party.

2. Frenchman Street - several places to drink and listen to music and much different than Bourbon St.

3. Preservation Hall.