Should I visit the Big Easy or save for another trip?
Jul 5th, 2002, 12:19 PM
#22
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If you've never been, I can't see passing up a chance to go to New Orleans. There is plenty to do besides eat and drink there. The shops are great, especially down Royal Street and Magazine. I found these beautiful Czech glass beads in one antique store that used to be thrown from the Mardi Gras floats. The Mardi Gras museum is fascinating too.
And, the jazz is not all dixieland, far from it. Some of the musicans in Jackson Square were amazing, and it's free. Also, the jazz museum located in the old Mint building was worth a trip and very interesting. And you can catch some great jazz acts in the clubs. At the Snug Harbor club we saw Delfeayo Marsalis, a younger brother of Branford and Wynton, perform with his quartet and it was some of the best classical jazz I've heard.
There are many tours you could take during the day to occupy yourself, loaded with history. Tour the Garden District, the cemetery, take a riverboat cruise, a horse drawn carriage ride. I don't think you'd have trouble occupying your days and you'll see a city that is uniquely different from all others in the US. Go!
And, the jazz is not all dixieland, far from it. Some of the musicans in Jackson Square were amazing, and it's free. Also, the jazz museum located in the old Mint building was worth a trip and very interesting. And you can catch some great jazz acts in the clubs. At the Snug Harbor club we saw Delfeayo Marsalis, a younger brother of Branford and Wynton, perform with his quartet and it was some of the best classical jazz I've heard.
There are many tours you could take during the day to occupy yourself, loaded with history. Tour the Garden District, the cemetery, take a riverboat cruise, a horse drawn carriage ride. I don't think you'd have trouble occupying your days and you'll see a city that is uniquely different from all others in the US. Go!
Jul 5th, 2002, 04:58 PM
#23
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As a person who lives here I am a bit biased but I would suggest coming. October is usually pretty decent weather & there are a number of things you can do alone. My 1st suggestion is to get some "tourist" info & review it. A decent website is www.nolalive.com. It has the New Orleans paper on it too. You aren't required to eat & drink yourself sick while you're here. People just seem to lose control when they smell the delicious cooking. Then they get hot & make the mistake of drinking alcohol to cool off. New Orleans can't help it that it tempts folks to overindulge!
There is great shopping all over. For unique estate type jewelry at a fair price check out Joan Good's in the 800 block of Royal Street. She has been there almost 30 years & is full of stories. Uptown is accessible by streetcar & bus & has lots of neat shops to browse. As for food, there is something for every budget. At Maspero's you can get a sandwich that will fill 2 people & still leave your wallet ok. That would be something nice to get & take to eat in your room while you relax. As for museums there are plenty. Try the Confederate Museum by Lee Circle, The Presbytere at Jackson Square & the Old Mint complex. There are art galleries scattered all through the French Quarter where you can browse. Also the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park is worth seeing.
Music? There are many places that don't do Dixieland. Remember most places cater to what folks want & they come expecting to hear the traditional stuff. But there is a bunch to choose from. The Praline Connection is a restaurant with good "soul food" & more modern blues/ jazz music. Mulates has cajun music & food & is a crazy place to people watch.
Since you have time I would send off for all the brochures & then post your questions here. You can only make a good decision if you have enough facts. Everyone here has their opinions but we're not you.
Good luck whatever you decide!
There is great shopping all over. For unique estate type jewelry at a fair price check out Joan Good's in the 800 block of Royal Street. She has been there almost 30 years & is full of stories. Uptown is accessible by streetcar & bus & has lots of neat shops to browse. As for food, there is something for every budget. At Maspero's you can get a sandwich that will fill 2 people & still leave your wallet ok. That would be something nice to get & take to eat in your room while you relax. As for museums there are plenty. Try the Confederate Museum by Lee Circle, The Presbytere at Jackson Square & the Old Mint complex. There are art galleries scattered all through the French Quarter where you can browse. Also the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park is worth seeing.
Music? There are many places that don't do Dixieland. Remember most places cater to what folks want & they come expecting to hear the traditional stuff. But there is a bunch to choose from. The Praline Connection is a restaurant with good "soul food" & more modern blues/ jazz music. Mulates has cajun music & food & is a crazy place to people watch.
Since you have time I would send off for all the brochures & then post your questions here. You can only make a good decision if you have enough facts. Everyone here has their opinions but we're not you.
Good luck whatever you decide!
Jul 6th, 2002, 01:07 PM
#24
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I was in the exact same boat as you would be, but I chose to go. I'm guessing you'd be stayting near the convention center. I spent 3 wonderful days there wandering all around both the FQ and Garden District as well as museums in the Warehouse district. I used public trans. (streetcar and bus). I felt perfectly safe. During the day you don't need to worry. In the evening you can feel safe going to the Riverwalk or casino even after dark.
I saw the National D-Day Museum, Confederate Museum, and the New Orleans school of Glass Blowing. I spent almost an entire day browsing around the FQ, up and down Royal Street, the French Market, the Community Flea Market. Tours by Isabel offer great plantation and swamp tours and they pick up and drop off at your hotel.
As a matter of fact my husband and I both liked the city so much we went back the following year and are going again in September.
If you like history, antiques, museums and great food, it's a perfect bet. people are friendly, and you will find there are lots of other people just like you who are there with someone on a convention.
I saw the National D-Day Museum, Confederate Museum, and the New Orleans school of Glass Blowing. I spent almost an entire day browsing around the FQ, up and down Royal Street, the French Market, the Community Flea Market. Tours by Isabel offer great plantation and swamp tours and they pick up and drop off at your hotel.
As a matter of fact my husband and I both liked the city so much we went back the following year and are going again in September.
If you like history, antiques, museums and great food, it's a perfect bet. people are friendly, and you will find there are lots of other people just like you who are there with someone on a convention.
Jul 6th, 2002, 02:29 PM
#25
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If you like cities that are unlike any other in America. By all means GO!!!! I just got back from my 3rd time there. I can't put my finger on it, but the city acts like a magnet in pulling me there. I love the architecture for one thing. Esp in the French Quarter. Plus the city oozes with history as does the Mississippi River. I always have a good time there, and you don't have to spend alot of money in N.O. too, esp. to eat good...
Jul 8th, 2002, 07:31 AM
#26
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Thanks again, all. Just thought I'd let you know, I found a $130 RT fare, so I am going. I have a Thurs. afternoon, all day Fri. and Sat. there (leave dawn on Sun.). Will try to take some of your recommendations. Next question: Of all the good restaurants there, where would you go for a special evening (anniversary of sorts) -- nice atmosphere, fine cuisine but not nec. where you drop big bucks just to say you've been there?
Jul 8th, 2002, 11:31 AM
#28
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For your special dinner I suggest Commander's. I go there every year for our anniversary. The way you're pampered is so nice & the food is excellent. Reserve now to get the Garden Room & your meal will be one to remember. Every time I go I wish I was born rich because I could get used to being spoiled like that real quick.You won't pay any more there than some other "famous" places & the food & service is consistently excellent. Paul Prudhomme started there & so did a number of other famous chefs. We don't go there to brag that we did but when we do mention we went there people usually understand why. Check out their website for info.
Glad you're coming & hope you have a great adventure!
Glad you're coming & hope you have a great adventure!
Jul 8th, 2002, 01:03 PM
#29
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paul,
did you ever think that the french quater is that way because people like you come to my city and are unable to control themselves? you throw your trash in the street, urinate in alleys and when youve had too much you vomit in our gutters. then you go home and tell all your friends about how "filthy" new orleans is.
this isnt kansas you know
did you ever think that the french quater is that way because people like you come to my city and are unable to control themselves? you throw your trash in the street, urinate in alleys and when youve had too much you vomit in our gutters. then you go home and tell all your friends about how "filthy" new orleans is.
this isnt kansas you know
Jul 8th, 2002, 01:06 PM
#30
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Glad you decided to come to our great city! I second the recommendation for a special meal at Commanders. It is a great place... but if you can, go for lunch instead of dinner. Same wonderful food and service, half the price! I found a new favorite there... crab cakes. Not at all what I was expecting...not a breaded fried thing at all...lump crabmeat seasoned wonderfully! If you can't swing Commanders, I like Palace Cafe or any of the other Brennan's places. Enjoy your trip...October is a fantastic time of year here. Feel free to email me with questions.
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