Trip planning- New Orleans Thanksgiving weekend
 

I'm heading to New Orleans again next week with a friend and our girls for a long Thanksgiving weekend. I've been once or twice a year over the last 10 years, and have taken my girls (ages 9, 14, and 15) three times. My friend has been once, many years ago and her daughter (14) has never been. New Orleans is my “favorite place” and I love to continually branch out and explore new parts of the city. It seems like no matter how many things I cross off my list, there’s always more to add to it! Fantastic city, but I think I’m preaching to the choir here!

I've heard that it's a big tradition to spend Thanksgiving day out at the racetrack as it is opening day. Has anyone from here been? I'm hoping for a little insight for what to expect. I've scoured the net for pics and such. It looks like people will wear anything from normal jeans and tees to dressing up with hats. We were in town for Easter a few years ago and totally dressed up and had our Easter bonnets... loved it! We're busy putting our outfits and hats together and are really looking forward to our trip.

I've pretty much dropped the ball on finding a place to eat that day. All of the tables at the track have been booked. Does anyone know if they will be serving event type food? Nachos and whatnot? Or does anyone have suggestions as to where to go in the Quarter beforehand for something quick? We’re not needing the whole Tday spread. Something quick and easy will work just fine. As I mentioned in a previous thread, I’m undecided about transportation from the Quarter to the racetrack. I will have a car, and suppose I can drive, but am considering either taking the bus up Esplanade or the streetcar up Canal to City Park and walking to the Fairgrounds. We are perfectly fine with walking distances, I usually walk my feet clean off my legs when I’m in town. I just want to be sure that if we choose to walk from the City Park stop that we will be safe. I'm not overly paranoid, but realize that we need to be aware of where we are. In the 10 years of going, I have never had a bad experience.

I'm also not sure how much time to slot for staying at the races, or what else to do that afternoon to keep us busy? Also, can anyone confirm that there will be families at the track? I realize that many things will be closed. We're planning to go to Rock N Bowl Thursday night. Anyone ever been? I’ve already got our lane reserved. I'll be driving to Rock N Bowl, for sure.

We've got a lot planned for this short trip-

Get in early Wednesday afternoon. First stop on the way into town will be NOMA in City Park to take advantage of the free admission on Wednesdays. We'll also be taking in the Sculpture Gardens before heading to our hotel to freshen up before a quick dinner (haven’t decided where) and then a show at Preservation Hall.

Thursday will be the races and Rock N Bowl.

Friday we'll be riding the St Charles streetcar out to the Garden District. We'll be doing a birthday lunch at Commander's Palace for my daughter turning 14, then a tour of Lafayette Cemetery, then will be doing some shopping on Magazine Street. I saw that Celebration in the Oaks in City Park starts that night. I thought it would be fun to go be a part of the kick off to the holiday season. Anybody been? How much time should I allow for this? I would love to get some pics of the girls on the carousel. Will we have access to it this night, or should I plan to do this on Wednesday?

Saturday we'll make a quick stop in the French Market before hopping on the streetcar again to go to the end of the line for the Arts Market. Sounds like there's artists booths, food, and music. Again, has anyone been? Looks like this market is always the last Saturday of the month. I’m hoping to squeeze in a stop at Camellia’s Grill, as well.

We'll be heading home Sunday around noon. I was considering a Jazz Brunch, but will probably just make one last trip to Cafe du Monde and save that for next time... cause there's always a next time!

Anyway, thoughts and suggestions are welcome! I promise to post a trip report on upon our return.

Keep in mind that the Bayou Classic (football game between Grambling and Southern) is that weekend. It will be crowded.

hoteldelamonnaie.com

used to won a time share here awesom location

for track 1 block from quarter and river

at the foot of esplenade...

neworleansonline.com good info specials

Kpauls.com for the best blackened redfish in the multiverse.

I have never been to the racetrack on Thanksgiving Day but I know it is a longstanding tradition. I would think you could wear whatever you like: either very dressed up or jeans. I wouldn't worry at all about eating there; as you know, there's such awesome food to be had elsewhere. The vast majority of restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving Day; since you've been to the city so often, I suggest you call a few of your favorite places and ask. Or check nomenu.com, a local food critic's site, where he usually lists all the open places. But as I said, odds are that your favorite place is open that day and would be happy to accomodate you. The arts market at Palmer Park at the end of the Uptown streetcar line is really great, esp the ones in Nov and Dec b/c they stock up on stuff for holiday gifts. That will be a fun excursion, I think. The whole trip sounds wonderful -- have a great time and thanks for supporting our fabulous city!

Celebration in the Oaks used to be very crowded on opening day. At least it was Pre-Katrina. I do not know what the crowds are like now.

I'm not sure how many restaurants will actually be open. we will be there then too and I started calling around for reservations. Emerils, K-Pauls, and a bunch of other places were closed (or booked). finally got a reservation at Cafe Adelaide - you may want to be proactive on that one. what is the celebration in the Oaks?

Here's a link to restaurants open for Thanksgiving.

Mr. B's is fun. Enjoy your trip.

http://www.nomenu.com/joomla1/index....880&Itemid=211

Opening day at the Race Track is a favorite tradition for many New Orleans families. I would suggest you drive and not take public transportation, as it is a holiday and the bus/streetcar operate on a Sunday schedule (i.e. slow). A car is also safer and there is plenty of free parking at the fairgrounds. As of a few years ago, the fairgrounds was granted a license to operate as a casino (slot machines only). The food there is o.k. The Clubhouse use to serve a really good Reuben sandwich--not sure if it's still on the menu. As someone else replied, the Bayou Classic is Thanksgiving Weekend and downtown New Orleans will be VERY crowded and many streets will be blocked to vehicular traffic. I would suggest you avoid Canal Street and the French Quarter on Saturday. Please make sure to check with the concierge at your hotel.
Magazine Street shopping will be quite enjoyable as well as Celebration in the Oaks. The weather will to be warm this weekend, so you may not quite get the Christmas feel--that's why I'm headed to New York. Cafe Adelaide is wonderful. You mentioned K-Paull's was booked for Thanksgiving, try another day--the food is fantastic and the prices are very reasonable. Since you have a car, you may want to venture to Jacque-Imo's Cafe (8324 Oak Street)--the starter spinach salad topped with fried oyster and cornbread muffins are to die for or Boucherie, 8115 Jeanette Street (around the corner from Jacque-Imo's)--great food at very reasonable prices. RockNBowl is a hoot--it's in a new location which is much better.(few short blocks from old location). The Palmer Street market is a great place to find unique New Orleans themed items. It will be open Sat and Sun (Nov 26/27)--it's also not far from the two restaurants I mentioned. Sounds like you have a great trip planned. Have FUN and be SAFE.

we leave on Sat (around noon) and are staying in the Quarter. do you think we'll have a hard time getting to the airport? suggestions for fun place for a last breakfast?

Since game time is usually around 1PM, I would plan on leaving for the airport NLT 9:45AM. I am assuming you are returning the rental car and taking shuttle to terminal. I would suggest taking the back streets to get to the Interstate. Under NO circumstances should you take Canal Street to get to the Interstate. If you do, I can guarantee you will miss your flight. Please ask your concierge for the best route from your location, as many streets will be restricted to vehicular traffic. But you also must watch out for pedestrians--sometimes they have total disregard for the crossing signs.

My favorite breakfast place in the French Quarter is a cafe inside a small boutique hotel--Le Richelieu. They serve the best crepes. The wait staff is very friendly and timely (all older gentlemen). The official address is 1234 Chartres Street; however, the restaurant is easily accessible from the back of the hotel (near the corner of Decatur and Barracks Street). It is down the street from the French Market. The hotel also offers free parking; however, since this is a big game weekend, they may restrict parking to hotel guest. Since you are staying in the FQ, it may be easier to walk to the restaurant. I'm not sure how much "Fun" you will have here, but the food is good and reasonably priced. You may also want to consider Camellia Grill, which is also located on Chartres Street (540). Food is good and wait staff is very lively. I have only eaten at the landmark Uptown location on Carrollton Street; as the FQ location is fairly new. I'm sure the recipe is the same. Only caveat is this location will probably have a long wait time since many people know of its reputation. Le Richelieu is a hidden gem.

feel like I've hijacked this thread - sorry. we will be taking a taxi to the airport - and the flight (on Sat) actually leaves at 1 pm. would you still recommend the 9:45 departure? will we have difficulty getting a cab? thanks