Just wondering what the "must sees" and "must buys" might be in NOLA. Pralines I will get. And since I have two teens with me, they can pick out masks to take home.

Can you tell me any particularly wonderful shops, and where? The French Market is on our list. Thanks.

You'll find shops scattered all through the FQ, and there are many on Decatur and Chartres streets. There are some more upscale shops of all kinds in the old Jax brewery building that are fun to look around in. And the River Walk area has all kinds of shops as well as a great food court. Good luck.

First, if you see something you want at the French Market, get it then. There are some condiments that are available all over but they had a much greater selection. We walk Royale Street numerous times yet never seemed to see it all. Your teens might like a New Orleans Road Trip tee shirt. There are some shops of all price ranges and sizes, some are very narrow. On our last trek we found a jewelry shop in what looked like an alley. The man used large stones and made very modern settings at a reasonable price. Sorry I can't remember the name. The back of the shop opened onto a small courtyard and there were more things in a second little shop that only had a door onto the courtyard (I think). The New Orleans School of Cooking was one of our highlights. It's a very entertaining demonstration that you get to eat. I overheard someone say her husband had stayed back at the hotel to watch tv and thought he missed a fun time. The chef, a former pro football player, was a great story teller and funny. It's also fun to share a table with other tourists and compare notes during lunch about what they see and do. We also enjoyed a Grayline tour to a plantation and the Ghost Tour at night.

There are quite a few praline stores in the FQ. Some say Aunt Sally's is one of the best.

We like the French Market as the best place to buy things. Mardi Gras masks are good. The little dolls are neat too, as well as the alligator heads!

If you need any gifts for female friends then check out the Hove Parfum shop. It was there when I was a kid in the 60s. My favorite gift was a tiny painted perfume bottle from there. Another great place for jewelry is Joan Good's in the 800 block of Royal St. She has estate jewelry & other neat pieces- a real hole in the wall but fun. She is a character & has been there since the late 60s too.

You can't beat the Market for cheap gifts.I love the t-shirts that have the crazy veggie related sayings on them (wearable vegetable). They have a stll in the flea market end.

Have fun!

Much of the Art & galleries reside on Royal St. (generally speaking).

Thanks all. I think we will find many treasures on our trip. Thanks for your advice...