We're taking 7 church high school youth on a Katrinia clean up trip to Houma LA, on the way back home (to Iowa) we'd like to see New Orleans since it's an hour or so out of the way. We don't have a lot of time because we need to get home - what could we do for an hour or so around 10:30-11 am to just get a flavor for walking around. We'll be there next week.
thanks

bumping it up - this forum fills up pretty fast

If all you really have is a couple of hours, walk around the French Quarter, especially Jackson Square. Stop at Cafe du Monde, just off the Square, for coffee and beignets (NO's donuts) -kids could have something else to drink if they don't want coffee. Grab muffalatas (NO sandwiches)to go at the market just down from the Cafe and head back home.

thanks!

I was thinking the same thing. Jackson Square, Cafe du Monde, and muffaleta sandwiches Sounds like the perfect way to spend a couple hours.

At Jackson Square there are always street performers, artists, and palm readers around, so that is fun. You've got some classic New Orleans architecture in the surrounding buildings. The cathedral is right there, which is quite beautiful. If you guys wanted to, you could take a carriage ride - they have some pretty decent-sized carriages that hold probably 10 people each. There are some souvenier shops close by if the kids want to get something.

Agreed on Jackson Square! I would avoid Bourbon Street, due to the many adult entertainment clubs.

Just to clarify - since you're going to be there late morning, and if you go for the beignets, get the muffalatas to go so you can eat them later for lunch. You should be ready about the time you're crossing LA into MS (assume you're taking I 55) and the kids can have a delayed reminder of the brief visit to NO.

Agree, skip Bourbon St.

BTW - have safe trip. My DW is from NW Iowa, we visit often.

Well - thought I'd update everyone. We had a great experience in Houma, we painted houses and helped with a youth day camp for the kids in public housing.
Unfortunately we did not make it to New Orleans. We had trouble with the brakes with our rented van and the rental company balked at paying to get them fixed, finally agreed to send it to a cheaper mechanic, who promptly got in an accident with it because oh gee -the brakes didn't work! We were supposed to leave Friday am but we didn't get the van back until Sat afternoon and we wanted to be in Blythville AR that night so we had to get going.

In 2009 our church has a national youth gathering in New Orleans so we'll have a chance for a longer visit.

Thanks for the suggestions though!

j

That's too bad that you didn't make it to New Orleans - glad no one got hurt due to the brakes though.