Anyone Else Not Like New Orleans?

[MIGrandma]

We just got home last night from a 3-week vacation, with New Orleans being our first stop. I enjoyed the hotel we stayed at, Le Richelieu, and we had the Paul McCartney suite (he spent a month there years ago) so that was awesome! The French Quarter is unique and I did enjoy walking around there, during the day. Bourbon Street was , a world all its own. We were there in the early evening and it was already getting rowdy, I can't even imagine what it's like when more people are drunk! And its too bad they don't have public restrooms. The street might smell better if they did.

It didn't help that I got sick on a Greek Salad at the Gazebo Cafe near the Farmer's Market. I don't like the taste of basil, and they sprinkled basil liberally all over the salad. I was hungry, so ate about half. Big mistake. Couldn't even eat dinner that night with the rest of our group at Le Bayou. I tried soup, but couldn't even eat that. Spent a rotten night, then basically caught up on sleep the next day. So, that didn't help, I'm sure.

Enjoyed walking around the Farmer's Market the third day, and I had a fruit cup while DH had a po boy sandwich. I was going to eat a few of his fries but again, they sprinkled basil all over them.

We had breakfast one morning at The Old Coffee Pot, that was nice but the bathroom was strange. Two toilets in the ladies room, but no door separating. And the sink, for both men's and ladies bathrooms, was outside in the hallway.

I enjoyed sitting at the Musical Legends Park, listening to some nice jazz, but our group wanted to move on so I was outvoted on staying. Never did get to listen to any zydeco music.

Lots of chaos and traffic while we were there, but they were getting ready for the Super Bowl the next weekend so it was understandable.

Everything is so expensive though. We had thought about a carriage ride but not at $90 for 30-minutes. We did take one of the bike taxis but even that was $30 for 12 blocks.

Enjoyed seeing it once, but really don't ever care to go back.

 

[EMom]

We went to NOLA once, but never again. Whatever charm the city is supposed to have was largely lost on me. The city reminds me of The Picture of Dorian Gray. At night, it is Dorian, but when the lights come on and you can see the reality, it's the picture. We enjoyed some of the trip, but not enough to ever return.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

I live about 90 minutes away from NO.

I think possibly, to have a good time in NO, you need to approach it the way a first timer needs to approach WDW - with lots of planning and lots and lots of questions to people who know the terrain.

I'm left wondering - did you do a walking tour of the French Quarter? Did you see the 1855 house? St. Louis Cathedral? Do the tour of St. Louis #1? The Presbytre? Did you go to the Aquarium? The Insectarium? The Museum at the US Mint? The WWII museum? Did you ride the riverboat? Why didn't you stop and just sit at Cafe du Monde for a while with beignets and cafe au lait? Did you check the crowd levels before you decided on that particular weekend and realize how many people would be there? Or read up on where the good public restrooms are? (Yes, there are some. You just have to know where they are - they're sort of tucked into the museums and national park stuff.) Did you check the map to find where Bourbon street was so you could make one pass to see the spectacle and then avoid it. (We take first timers through there once for a couple of blocks, and then we're done and do something that's really fun in the Quarter.)

I honestly didn't even recognize any of the restaurants you named - that doesn't mean other people won't, and I could have just missed them, but still, that gave me pause. I and all the other Southeast Louisiana folks would've happily steered you to the best eateries in the city. (These days I am in love with Couchon's for a good sit down meal and Boucherie, which a sandwich shop at the back of Couchon's, for a quick meal.)

I'm really sorry you had a bad time, but NO is a city that does take planning ahead to really enjoy - just like a Disney trip!

 

[bookgirl]

We just got home last night from a 3-week vacation, with New Orleans being our first stop. I enjoyed the hotel we stayed at, Le Richelieu, and we had the Paul McCartney suite (he spent a month there years ago) so that was awesome! The French Quarter is unique and I did enjoy walking around there, during the day. Bourbon Street was , a world all its own. We were there in the early evening and it was already getting rowdy, I can't even imagine what it's like when more people are drunk! And its too bad they don't have public restrooms. The street might smell better if they did.

It didn't help that I got sick on a Greek Salad at the Gazebo Cafe near the Farmer's Market. I don't like the taste of basil, and they sprinkled basil liberally all over the salad. I was hungry, so ate about half. Big mistake. Couldn't even eat dinner that night with the rest of our group at Le Bayou. I tried soup, but couldn't even eat that. Spent a rotten night, then basically caught up on sleep the next day. So, that didn't help, I'm sure.

Enjoyed walking around the Farmer's Market the third day, and I had a fruit cup while DH had a po boy sandwich. I was going to eat a few of his fries but again, they sprinkled basil all over them.

We had breakfast one morning at The Old Coffee Pot, that was nice but the bathroom was strange. Two toilets in the ladies room, but no door separating. And the sink, for both men's and ladies bathrooms, was outside in the hallway.

I enjoyed sitting at the Musical Legends Park, listening to some nice jazz, but our group wanted to move on so I was outvoted on staying. Never did get to listen to any zydeco music.

Lots of chaos and traffic while we were there, but they were getting ready for the Super Bowl the next weekend so it was understandable.

Everything is so expensive though. We had thought about a carriage ride but not at $90 for 30-minutes. We did take one of the bike taxis but even that was $30 for 12 blocks.

Enjoyed seeing it once, but really don't ever care to go back.

I spent a few days there last year. I didn't hate, I didn't love it so much that I want to go back (though I may be going back because of a tournament which is why I was there last year).

I actually did shell out around $200 for a 1 hour + priavate carriage ride. It was totally worth it. We drove around and got a wonderful guide to tell us the history, and we spent a lot of time in St. Louis 1 looking at the crypts and charecters. We loved that tour. Probably one of the best things we did there. Stayed in one of the big business hotels across from Harrah's (Harrah's free stay) and loved the trolley to access the farmers market and square, though we did walk down there as well. Did Cafe DuMonde, and the Steakhouse in Harrah's but did not do any of the foodie things or resturants. Also took the riverboat one afternoon and that was relaxing. I had fun and I'm glad I went.


If we go back I want to do the Catherdral and a swamp tour but if I never go back I won't regret it. I don't really like bar hopping so Bourbon Street is not my thing. I'm a picky eater and hate seafood so no foodie appeal for me and while I will do historic tours occasionally it really is not a huge draw. I think I prefer POFQ resort to tell the truth. But I agree it's a town where you really need to research and figure out what you want to do. There were ton's of opportunities if you found them. I found out about some after the fact.

 

[Pamlur]

My husband and I went to New Orleans on our honeymoon 30+ years ago, and fell in love (we were in our mid 30's so not starry eyed honeymooners); we went at least once a year, every year after that, until his health got too bad to walk. We traveled a lot, to many parts of the world, but New Orleans had captured our hearts; it is the most unique city. You do have to understand that the buildings in the French Quarter are under strict rules; they can only make minute changes because they are on the Historic Register. There are public restrooms, you just have to know where they are; unfortunately, some people don't care to take that time or are too drunk.

Bourbon Street is a place to wander once, in daylight, or to cross on the way somewhere else. Royal Street is a wealth of antique stores and art galleries; we spent many hours on that street. Jackson Square is a never-ending place for people watching, and the little streets leading off it have some wonderful hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

I'll stop now, but not before I once again say I love, love, LOVE New Orleans.

 

[fall08CP]

I could NEVER live there, but I really enjoyed my visit! We explored the surrounding areas, went out on a speed boat on the bayou, tubing, mud riding, visited a gator farm of a family friend (Zam's near Thibodaux, must see!) - not just the touristy stuff. I did my research, knew what to expect, and stayed with friends who are locals. There was a lot that surprised me/creeped me out though.

 

[nathalee81]

We just got home last night from a 3-week vacation, with New Orleans being our first stop. I enjoyed the hotel we stayed at, Le Richelieu, and we had the Paul McCartney suite (he spent a month there years ago) so that was awesome! The French Quarter is unique and I did enjoy walking around there, during the day. Bourbon Street was , a world all its own. We were there in the early evening and it was already getting rowdy, I can't even imagine what it's like when more people are drunk! And its too bad they don't have public restrooms. The street might smell better if they did.

It didn't help that I got sick on a Greek Salad at the Gazebo Cafe near the Farmer's Market. I don't like the taste of basil, and they sprinkled basil liberally all over the salad. I was hungry, so ate about half. Big mistake. Couldn't even eat dinner that night with the rest of our group at Le Bayou. I tried soup, but couldn't even eat that. Spent a rotten night, then basically caught up on sleep the next day. So, that didn't help, I'm sure.

Enjoyed walking around the Farmer's Market the third day, and I had a fruit cup while DH had a po boy sandwich. I was going to eat a few of his fries but again, they sprinkled basil all over them.

We had breakfast one morning at The Old Coffee Pot, that was nice but the bathroom was strange. Two toilets in the ladies room, but no door separating. And the sink, for both men's and ladies bathrooms, was outside in the hallway.

I enjoyed sitting at the Musical Legends Park, listening to some nice jazz, but our group wanted to move on so I was outvoted on staying. Never did get to listen to any zydeco music.

Lots of chaos and traffic while we were there, but they were getting ready for the Super Bowl the next weekend so it was understandable.

Everything is so expensive though. We had thought about a carriage ride but not at $90 for 30-minutes. We did take one of the bike taxis but even that was $30 for 12 blocks.

Enjoyed seeing it once, but really don't ever care to go back.

My husband and I have been to New Orleans a number of times and absolutely love it.

We are not big partiers or drinkers so we avoid the French Quarter at night, but go walking through the Quarter during the day.

We also stroll along the Garden District and always go to the Aquarium to visit their resident sea otters, Buck and Emma (I'm almost embarrassed to admit how much time we can spend in front of their exhibit).

I guess, to me and my husband, New Orleans is more than what it seems to be (a party place where you can drink 24-7). It is beautiful architecture, some really great history and (if you know where to eat) some great food!

I say, give New Orleans another chance. It really is a great city, you just have to know how to enjoy it!

 

[tajz90]

Eh! I don't see the appeal of New Orleans. I can't understand what draws people back with such frequency.

I also don't care for Las Vegas.

 

[JVL1018]

I went once, the May after Katrina, and I loved it. I went with 3 girlfriends, one of whom had grown up nearby NO so she showed us around.

NYC is the city where I just don't understand the appeal-it surprises me that people vacation there, LOL, so I understand where you're coming from.

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

I love New Orleans because when I've visited. I've gone with people who are from there. They know the best spots, restaurants, things to do, shops etc... My husband went to Tulane-- so he has the best breakfast and late night snack suggestions.. Also---so to the Garden district to see the incredible houses and architecture. LOVE IT. You want good zydeco and zydeco dancing... you've got to go to a little bar called Tipitina's... its not in downtown New Orleans either. WE did a bayou tour and saw alligators. Eat dinner at arnaud's and order the turtle soup. You've gotta know where to go and go with people who know and love the city.

 

[Planogirl]

I love New Orleans but I can see why it wouldn't be for everyone. I adore the food, the history and even the attitude. However I can see why the Bourbon Street party scene would turn some people off. Luckily that's only a tiny part of what New Orleans is actually all about because I'm way over that myself.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

I like New Orleans Square at Disneyland, but that is as close as I want to get.

We did have New Orleans come to us because of Katrina, and that was quite enough, thankyouverymuch.

 

[Planogirl]

I like New Orleans Square at Disneyland, but that is as close as I want to get.

We did have New Orleans come to us because of Katrina, and that was quite enough, thankyouverymuch.

I don't understand your comment. Were some New Orleans refugees troublemakers?

 

[donaldlovesdaisy]

I like New Orleans Square at Disneyland, but that is as close as I want to get.

We did have New Orleans come to us because of Katrina, and that was quite enough, thankyouverymuch.

I am going to say this is probably the rudest post I have ever seen here on so many levels. I love New Orleans which is my home town and can't imagine how someone who has never visited could have such a negative opinion on the area.

 

[NYEmomma]

I live about 90 minutes away from NO.

I think possibly, to have a good time in NO, you need to approach it the way a first timer needs to approach WDW - with lots of planning and lots and lots of questions to people who know the terrain.

I'm left wondering - did you do a walking tour of the French Quarter? Did you see the 1855 house? St. Louis Cathedral? Do the tour of St. Louis #1? The Presbytre? Did you go to the Aquarium? The Insectarium? The Museum at the US Mint? The WWII museum? Did you ride the riverboat? Why didn't you stop and just sit at Cafe du Monde for a while with beignets and cafe au lait? Did you check the crowd levels before you decided on that particular weekend and realize how many people would be there? Or read up on where the good public restrooms are? (Yes, there are some. You just have to know where they are - they're sort of tucked into the museums and national park stuff.) Did you check the map to find where Bourbon street was so you could make one pass to see the spectacle and then avoid it. (We take first timers through there once for a couple of blocks, and then we're done and do something that's really fun in the Quarter.)

I honestly didn't even recognize any of the restaurants you named - that doesn't mean other people won't, and I could have just missed them, but still, that gave me pause. I and all the other Southeast Louisiana folks would've happily steered you to the best eateries in the city. (These days I am in love with Couchon's for a good sit down meal and Boucherie, which a sandwich shop at the back of Couchon's, for a quick meal.)

I'm really sorry you had a bad time, but NO is a city that does take planning ahead to really enjoy - just like a Disney trip!

All the things you mentioned are must see's/do's for us. I am a planner by nature so just about every vacation we go on is planned, in detail, for months in advance... it's part of the enjoyment of vacation for me. I researched for quite a while to make sure that we saw, ate & did things that would be interesting to us. And we have loved every minute of New Orleans the times that we have been down there.

I can, however, see how one would not be impressed if you just kind of wander around aimlessly without any concrete plans or what you plan on seeing & doing.

It sounds to me like OP missed most of the highlights of New Orleans.

 

[Janepod]

I am going to say this is probably the rudest post I have ever seen here on so many levels. I love New Orleans which is my home town and can't imagine how someone who has never visited could have such a negative opinion on the area.

No kidding. Especially when talking about Katrina refugees. Nice.

 

[ilovejack02]

So you posted on here to bash Nola because you don't like basil , one odd bathroom and you found the carriage rides pricey ?

On the bright side of things , you prob lost a few lbs while visiting our great state.

 

[Granny square]

I am going to say this is probably the rudest post I have ever seen here on so many levels. I love New Orleans which is my home town and can't imagine how someone who has never visited could have such a negative opinion on the area.

I don't know. Isn't it sort of like people saying they never need to go to brazil because they have seen enough Brazilian behavior from the btg's?

NOT MY POINT OF VIEW, AND I LIKE NEW ORLEANS BUNCHES!!

But, I was in Houston a lot around the time if Katrina, dealing with some Red Cross stuff. Even from the people trying to help, much of what I heard was not good about people scamming systems, playing agencies against one another and harassing locals also in need of services. That doesn't mean everyone from there is like that, just like all brazillians don't crash lines and chant.

 

[donaldlovesdaisy]

I don't know. Isn't it sort of like people saying they never need to go to brazil because they have seen enough Brazilian behavior from the btg's?

NOT MY POINT OF VIEW, AND I LIKE NEW ORLEANS BUNCHES!!

But, I was in Houston a lot around the time if Katrina, dealing with some Red Cross stuff. Even from the people trying to help, much of what I heard was not good about people scamming systems, playing agencies against one another and harassing locals also in need of services. That doesn't mean everyone from there is like that, just like all brazillians don't crash lines and chant.

I agree some did not behave in a manner that reflects the city well but many of those behaviors you listed IMOP have become so prevalent in our country. it bothers me to think that someone would think that it is just people from New Orleans who would behave that way.

 

[Kellydelly]

I am from Michigan too . My inlaws happen to live just outside of New Orleans, so I have visited there a few times. Personally I LOVE it! But two days would be enough time for me to: get some beignets at Cafe du Monde, walk through the market, visit the French Quarter, drink an adult beverage while strolling the streets , eat a delicious meal at Pat O'Brien's, walk the riverfront and check out the mall there, go for a trolley ride, and just soak in the fantastic history of the place ! Oh, and I love me some crawfish !!! We did try out a restaurant during our last visit that I had seen on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives (Joey Ks) but it wasn't so great. I can see how it wouldn't be a place everyone would enjoy, but I think you kind of need to know you would like most of what it has to offer before you venture there.