Anyone Else Not Like New Orleans?

[MIGrandma]

Originally Posted by 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!

I did do a lot of research (on the internet and from the tourism book of NO that I ordered months before our trip. I had an entire list of things to do that sounded interesting, and as I mentioned in my OP we did do a few of them (the French Market, walking the riverfront, Musical Legends Park, etc.) but with me losing one whole day because of being sick we weren't able to do everything I had hoped to. Yes, we went to the cathedral, it was beautiful. And we spent some time walking Jackson Square watching the artists, and sat on the steps of the courthouse (I think it was that building) listening to a jazz band.

DH went to Cafe du Monde for their beignets and coffee the morning that I was sick. I wouldn't have went, as I am intolerant of wheat and avoid it when traveling.

No, I didn't check the crowd levels because we knew a year in advance we would be going at that particular time as we had a cruise booked (Conquest out of NO).

I wouldn't have spent as much time on Bourbon Street had it been just DH and myself, but we were with other family members and as I said in my original post, I was outvoted. Not much I could do about that.

I had been so looking forward to the food but it seemed like just about everything was very spicy, and after being sick I didn't need that. And I do think I would have enjoyed the city more had I NOT gotten sick, but that spoiled one whole evening, night (miserable!) and the next day. At least we would have had more time to do more of the things I had on our list of ideas.

Originally Posted by 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.

Um, no, I didn't "bash" the city. In my OP I had several good comments about it, but I guess you overlooked those.

But yes, I actually did lose 3 pounds on our trip! We were gone a total of 3 weeks, spending time in New Orleans, a Caribbean cruise, Memphis and Nashville and I came home 3 pounds lighter than when we left, so that's a total of 17 pounds gone...more than half way to my goal of 30!!

Originally Posted by SnowWhite607

And how about next time instead of complaining, you just ask for your salad with no basil.

Oh and as far as the Katrina thing, so sorry if some of us got a bit snarky at times. Like, our houses floated away in case you missed it on the news. I am sure I wasnt the most gracious houseguest all the time but knowing that my house was destroyed, that I would have to go thru months of insurance red tape, years of home remodeling and not knowing if I would have a job when I went home or if I would ever be able to keep my 4 year old safe from things like this can kind of grate on a person's nerves.

I didn't realize basil would be on the salad when I ordered it, as it wasn't listed. I don't ever recall any restaurant liberally sprinkling the basil all over a Greek salad. And I'm not one to send back food, so as I said I ate half and had no idea it would make me sick.

Originally Posted by Scornelius

I think this thread should be titled "Anyone else not like basil", because that seems to be much more of an issue than the city itself.

Hardly.

Originally Posted by PrincessKsMom

Wow, so the OP expressed an opinion? Big deal. It's not for her. She's not telling everyone else to avoid it. Just wondering if others felt the way she did.

I went to Key West, FL and I didn't like it either. Granted, I was three months pregnant and just getting over morning sickness, but other than water sports and drinking, I really didn't think there was much left for me. My honest opinion, it felt like where everyone from Woodstock who never grew up out of the 60's went to spend their last days. The beach we stayed at was horrible -- stagnant, smelly water with nothing but seaweed and homeless people who sleep on the beach at night but know they have to leave first thing in the morning so the tourists can come to the beach. Didn't like it and wouldn't ever go back. But that's my opinion. Agree or disagree, I'm allowed to have an opinion.

Another poster said they didn't get the appeal of NYC. I LOVE NYC! I work in NYC. But I get that it's not for everyone. To each his own.

[lucas]

I was born and raised in New Orleans. Even though I don't live there now, I love going back. Best food, lots of traditions, and greatest people ever!

I'm sure if you picked apart any city, even your city in Michigan, you would find negative parts and things not to like.

[Mickey Fliers]

Originally Posted by FayeW

I am going to a conference in NOLA in Sept, and I decided to bring my husband with me and make a mini vacation out of it. He was there with the CDN military helping clean up after Katrina, and he is looking forward to seeing it now.

We are going two days ahead of the conference to do some touristy stuff. I would love to have some recommendations on what the locals consider "must do" and recommendations for restaurants.

We went last April (DH and I) and had a blast. Thoroughly enjoyed Three Muses for dinner and music. Very limited seating but fun and funky. Spent a rainy afternoon in WINO (Wine Institute of New Orleans) tasting great wines. Had a splendid dinner at Mr. B's Bistro...just divine. Really enjoyed the WWII Museum our walking tour of the Quarter and St. Louis #1. We did take the streetcar to the Garden District to try and see some architecture. We must have taken a wrong turn, as we just ended up walking back to our hotel (Roosevelt) and never felt like we were in a residential area. Oops.

[kaligal]

I've never been there. Maybe if I went, I'd change my mind. But New Orleans holds no appeal for me.

Drunks don't surprise, shock, impress or interest me. Don't like burnt or spicy food. Architecture is unappealing. Not a fan of jazz.

Never saw anything that made me want to visit the place.

I don't hate New Orleans. Just have no interest in going there. And maybe if I have to go there one day, I'll end up liking it! I just wouldn't go unless I had to.

[Hillbeans]

I went there with my BF for a long weekend January 17th and we had a great time! We went to the WWII Museum, Riverwalk, French Market, Bourbon Street, Harrahs, Brennan's, Ralphs on the Park...we can't wait to return.

We did walk down a few questionable streets late at night and ran into a few seedy characters, but for the most part, even the panhandlers were polite.

[MaryAnnDVC]

I went to NO twice, once when I was 19, with a friend who lived across Lake Pontchartrain, so we only spent a day there (we did do Cafe Du Monde, I remember that!), and then when I was 34 and 3 months pregnant, I went to a convention, so I didn't have a lot of time to see the city. Saw some questionable behavior both times, day and night. But I would love to go back! Would love to see the history, architecture, cemeteries, jazz performances. My DH majored in music for a couple of years and was very much into jazz way back when...I've been saying for years we should go. Hhhmm...

Now Las Vegas...BTDT, no desire to go back. But hey, some people love it.

Love NYC and Boston.

[a1tinkfans]

Yeah you are NOT alone
While I enjoyed the Easter parade and the hotel was quite nice...the immediate area near Tulane was also beautiful BUT
the dh and ds disliked it very much...it smelled was sticky and gross all over the street, many shady areas and Uh, people...., and the food we ate in Boubon Street was overpriced and Under tasty ... and frankly, not our style at all (tho we LOVED the museum and the trolley car ride) ...sorry NOLA, just not a repeat vacation...been there done that ...for sure....
to each his/her own...some of my friends LOVE it....so who knows....

[sm4987]

Originally Posted by 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.

ITA!

[ilovejack02]

Originally Posted by MIGrandma

Um, no, I didn't "bash" the city. In my OP I had several good comments about it, but I guess you overlooked those.

But yes, I actually did lose 3 pounds on our trip! We were gone a total of 3 weeks, spending time in New Orleans, a Caribbean cruise, Memphis and Nashville and I came home 3 pounds lighter than when we left, so that's a total of 17 pounds gone...more than half way to my goal of 30!!

You started a thread to gather folks together to discuss all the reasons you all don't like Nola . I would say that is bashing . You could have easily posted about Who doesn't like basil , or Who doesn't like to vacation with other folks because you end up doing things you don't want to do .

Congrats on your weight loss : )

[DeaverTex]

I went twice as a kid, with my parents. (Two-day trips, and I still don't know why they went to NO with a 10/12 year old kid!!) Obviously, nothing there for me then.

Went again about 15 years ago with Mrs. Tex, in conjunction with a nursing conference. We ate at a couple of the "must-do" places, which were way overpriced and way too focused on seafood -- we're both so very NOT seafood fans. So, the food was good, too expensive, but very little variety. Great bread pudding, though.

As a whole, the French Quarter smelled like a plugged public toilet. Bourbon Street reminded us both of the seedier parts of Munich, but without the charm and good beer. Just not our kind of place at all. We don't club, and we don't care for jazz, so there wasn't much for us.

In general, while I can see that NO would appeal to some people, it just wasn't for us. We won't be going back unless there's another nursing conference.

[ilovejack02]

Originally Posted by kaligal

I've never been there. Maybe if I went, I'd change my mind. But New Orleans holds no appeal for me.

Drunks don't surprise, shock, impress or interest me. Don't like burnt or spicy food. Architecture is unappealing. Not a fan of jazz.

Never saw anything that made me want to visit the place.

I don't hate New Orleans. Just have no interest in going there. And maybe if I have to go there one day, I'll end up liking it! I just wouldn't go unless I had to.

: ) I promise the town is not filled with drunks ... so much more than Bourbon street. I am not even a fan of that area.

Funny thing , we don't like burnt food either, thank goodness for all the amazing chefs here that take pride in their work and don't try to feed us burnt food Can't help you on the spicy .... we like things well seasoned ,but not something that over powers the awesome flavors of our area. I don't want to sweat and cry while eating either, and really have never had that experince in any restaurant nor do I cook that way . Some folks just cant handle even the slightest seasoning , so in that case, the food here won't appeal to everyone .

[jodifla]

DH and I LOVE New Orleans! Great food, great music, interesting people, incredible history and architecture!

[LBIJim]

DW and I went about 20 years ago for a few days. We had fun, it was interesting enough, but overall we weren't very impressed and had no desire to ever return. It's like "been there, done that."

I can see the appeal of the place for many. We had our fill.

Jim

[ILUVALASKA]

The focus on alcohol consumption and rowdiness has ruined New Orleans and Las Vegas for me.

[JessicaR]

Originally Posted by jodifla

DH and I LOVE New Orleans! Great food, great music, interesting people, incredible history and architecture!

Same here, for all the same reasons. Some of the best meals I have ever had were in NO.

My husband and I found it very quaint and romantic. Love Royal Street!