Just discovered we're in for another road trip to New Orleans for the Thanksgiving and the holiday weekend. Could any of the local posters, John, Meg, or anyone who knows if anything special is going on over this time. We will be going with some people who have only been to NOLA one time previously. Please adise us of any unique or unusual things to do.

Unless I'm mistaken that's the weekend of the Bayou Classic. We were there several years ago during that time and NO was packed!! You might double-check, but if it is, I'd sure advise you to book a room now as it might be difficult to find one later. Same holds true of dinner reservations..plan on making them as soon as possible.

To the top, any other help? Thanks Susan, I checked convention calendar and that is the weekend of the Bayou Classic.

The downtown/CBD area is usually packed with game goers - mostly college students who cruise the streets and block traffic. Last year, the police did a better job of keeping the traffic moving and routed to certain areas, which greatly improved the mobility for tourists here for New Orleans and not just the game. That week-end would probably be a good time to walk in the Garden District and see the zoo. I'm not sure what the plantation schedules are over the holiday, but since you mentioned a road trip (meaning you'll have a car), this would be a great outing. Restaurants in New Orleans are generally pretty busy at holidays - between the visitors and people coming home for the holidays, restaurants do need to be booked in advance. Check our neworleans.com to see what's on the calendar. Hope you have a great trip.

We spent last Thanksgiving in NO. Get ready for the football game. About 200,000 people, largely college age. It was something to behold. Gridlock. We tried to rent a car to leave the city but could not find one in 25 calls. We arrived on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the city was delightful. Crowds arrived on Friday.

Aside from the Super bowl, this is the largest event in NO. Don't underestimate its effect on anyone trying to do anything in the city. Our hotel room which had been under $150 a night before Friday, jumped to $300 on Friday. That's something else you might consider.

It is the Bayou Classic, but the restaurants aren't too crowded because it is mostly a college crowd.
That said, I'd go to The Rib Room or Galatoire's. Those are my favorites. Cafe Marigny would be a good choice too, but they don't serve alcohol so you'd have to bring your own.