New Orleans - Do We Need A Car?

[elsabear]

I have just earned the free companion pass on SWA. Since my new college student and my 8th graders spring break don't match up we were thinking of going to NO, just my 8th grader and I. My husband is worried about the safety. Can u recommend a good hotel in a safe area that is less than 200. a night for the 3rd week in march? Am I crazy to try this with just the two of us?

I have stayed at the at the Holiday Inn - French Quarter Chateau Leymoyne - not sure what discounts you might be eligible for. We actually liked it better than the Intercontinental which is supposed to be fancier. There is also a Staybridge Suites in French Quarter area.

I agree with the other posters that a car is more of a hassle than it is worth. Another option is to get transfers from Airport Limousine and get a town car ride to your hotel. I don't remember the exact cost but it wasn't as much as I expected it to be. We have used them twice and had excellent service. someone is waiting for you when you get off the plane, helps you get your bags from the baggage area right to the car. Might not seem like much but let me tell you, the first time I used them our flight had been delayed and it took us almost 13 hours to get from PA to NOLA - after all of that it sure was nice to have the help and not to have to schlep everything and wait in line for the taxi. The drivers we had were all wonderful and personable.

 

[Muddy Rivers]

Such great tips! Thanks everyone!!

 

[Pigeon]

We took our kids there when I had a conference in July. Hot, OMG, was it hot. We had an amazing time and my kids still say it was their favorite vacation, over WDW even. To add to the tips you've gotten we loved Olivier's Restaurant, 204 Decatur St.

The Insectarium and the Aquarium were great. The Audubon park is lovely. The Zoo was just sad, the enclosures are too small for many of the animals and they exhibit classic stress behavior. We didn't get to the Garden District except to take a trolley through but it looked lovely.

 

[mjallemand]

I don't really have much to say or contribute that hasn't already been contributed, but as a local NOLAian, I hope you have a good time.

The Zoo was just sad, the enclosures are too small for many of the animals and they exhibit classic stress behavior. We didn't get to the Garden District except to take a trolley through but it looked lovely.

Yeah, I haven't been to the zoo in nearly a decade but I recall it being rather shabby last time I've been, which is a shame, because I remember quite clearly in the 90s that it was very nice.

And yes, do not miss the Insectarium.

 

[mjallemand]

Oh! Also, Riccabono's Panola Street Cafe my girlfriend and I's favorite breakfast spot.

 

[RabbitFood]

We just visited NOLA for a weekend on our way back from WDW! We stayed at the Courtyard Iberville Suites--very nice and great location. In the past we've stayed at the Place des Armes right on Jackson Square and had a very interesting ghost encounter, if you're looking for a unique visit. Check out a vampire tour by Lord Chaz.
The restaurant recommendations have been spot on. If the line for Acme is too long, we've also enjoyed the oyster house right across the street.
Also agree that no car is needed.
Be sure to check out the street performers around Jackson Square.
Laissez bon temps rouler!

 

[sparklysparky]

Crowds are bad this weekend. It's essence fest. AVOID unless u want to deal with essence fest.

Couldn't agree more. We live here and usually leave for the 4th of July weekend. It's my birthday so it's great timing. Unless you're coming specifically for Essence, do not come that weekend.

 

[Muddy Rivers]

Great suggestions! Thank you everyone!!!

 

[Muddy Rivers]

Just saw that we will be there for the French Quarter Festival. Is there anything specific we should not miss?

 

[NewRVLady]

The FOOD!!!
Go in the Jackson Square-lots there
Muriel's Crawfish crepes are there
Then walk the levee-across street- on the river-LOTS of food there!
it is like small plates-tastings

There is usually art/paintings all down Pirate's alley next to the Cathedral

 

[Muddy Rivers]

Oh great! Sounds like I will be doing a lot of eating! Everything sounds delicious.

 

[a742246]

Just saw that we will be there for the French Quarter Festival. Is there anything specific we should not miss?

You are in for a great treat with the French Quarter fest! It is one of the best music festivals in the country and its all free.
Check this site out http://fqfi.org/frenchquarter/schedule/stage

Try and see Irma Thomas, Amanda Shaw, Kermit Ruffians, and Tuba Skinny just to name a few!

Wish I was going, I went last year, and I will be going next year.

 

[a742246]

Another good site
http://fqfi.org/frenchquarter/fests/special_events

The free dance lessons from the nola jitterbugs could be fun if you are into that!

This could be fun for your nights....
http://www.fleurdelindy.com/?page_id=2

 

[Muddy Rivers]

We are staying at the Sheraton on Canal Street. I didn't realize the French Quarter Fest was so big. We just chose the dates at random. Thank you for the information! It sure sounds great!!!

 

[a742246]

Sheraton is a nice location for the FQfest. What is great about the FQ fest is the different music stages they have. You will see old time Jazz, blues, Cajun, Zydeco, International, Soul, as well as alot of street musicians maybe you might get to see Grandpa Elliot.

Tips: Comfortable shoes, maybe a hat, and bring a lot a one dollar bills for tips for the street musicians.

What days are you going? How many in your party are going?

 

[momtosam]

To those who have been to New Orleans:
We are going for a few days in early April (not Easter Week).

What is the best way to get to the Sheraton near the French Quarter from the airport?

Do we need a car for 4 days?

What are the sights and the restaurants that we shouldn't miss (and those we should avoid)?

DIS people are the best! We always get such great information from you guys.

Sorry, couldn't read the whole thread but definitely don't need a car. Use a taxi for hotel.

 

[a742246]

Here is the music schedule for FQ fest:
http://fqfi.org/frenchquarter/schedule/stage

 

[Muddy Rivers]

Thank you so very much! I am printing out the schedule now. That was very nice of you.

 

[a742246]

Thank you!
You are going to have a fabulous time, I wish I was going.

There are so many great people that you probably never heard of if you get a chance see:

Thursday Big Al Carlson NO Blues Legend
Friday Irma Thomas Soul Queen of NO
Saturday Amanda Shaw * Young female master fiddler with a lot of energy * my choice.
Sunday Tuba Skinny Best NO Traditional Jazz Band

 

[emma'smom]

In addition to all the great FQ suggestions, we took a few bus tours from the FQ that were reasonably priced and we saw a lot. One was a Hurricane Katrina tour---which was also a city tour. It took us to a number of areas in the city and gave us a unique perspective. We've also done the basic city tour and it was interesting as well. It gave us a chance to see areas outside of the FQ and Garden District.

We also took a Plantation Tour which took us out of the city to see two different plantations. That was interesting to see the sites along the way as well.