New Orleans?

[snarlingcoyote]

Since no one has mentioned them yet:

The Cabildo, St. Louis Cathedral, The Presbytere and the Ursuline Convent are great - you should totally try to catch these historic gems if you go. In Jackson Square, there is a state owned house museum, the 1850 House. The Friends of the Cabildo runs it and give the best tours of the French Quarter, starting at the 1850 House.

Save our Cemeteries gives great tours of St. Louis #1 (the oldest still existant cemetery in NOLA) and of Lafayette Cemetery #1, and the money goes to help preserve and protect the historic cemeteries.

The French Market is always fun. (I usually wind up with a couple of new outfits from an Indian vendor.) There's all sorts of things, including fresh baked breads and cheap knock-off purses and art and oh, you name it. It's just fun to meander .

Cafe du Monde is a must do as well. It's fun to pig out on beignets and cafe au laut and people watch!

I know the WWII museum has been mentioned, but if you do the museum and the 4D film, it will take you about a half a day, and it's really wonderful.

I've never done it, but there's a riverboat that goes up and down the river.

There are all sorts of great little shops, some touristy, some artsy-touristy to browse through.

The Aquarium of the Americas is on the the premier Aquariams in the US and it's right there on the river. The Insectarium is just a few blocks away on Canal. (Haven't been yet, but planning on it!) And you can take a boat to the Zoo if you don't have your car.

If you buy a book on New Orleans Architecture and read it before you go, you can meander through the residential part of the French Quarter, picking out all the different periods and styles of houses.

There's a pharmacy museum that is just too cool as well.

There is a LOT to do besides drink - this is one of the most historic and culturally diverse cities in North America! Neither DH nor I drink these days and we still manage to enjoy visiting New Orleans over and over and over again.

 

[wgwtgb]

The Steamboat Natchez has a great dinner cruise that DH and I went on and loved!! It was relatively inexpensive, and the food was great (coming from a bayou cajun girl)!!
Also, IDK if your DH has seen combat, but a friend of mine who has could not sit through the 4D showing at the WWII museum. I have never been, so I would be of no help as to what the experience is actually like, but he was not able to handle it. I'm sure you can check it out on their website. Just food for thought.

 

[SylviaL]

Thanks to the OP for starting this thread. We are headed to NOLA for spring break. We are traveling with my sister's family with children ranging from 5 to 14. I will make sure that we eat dinner early and if we're far, we'll just cab it back to our hotel to avoid the street action.

Lunalibre, thank you for the cash tip. I just checked a few places I know we want to go to (Cafe Dumonde and Johnny's Poboys) and they are cash only. We charge as much as we can and I don't like to carry a lot of cash. I will be sure to make sure to check where my ATMS (in network) are.

 

[eyor44]

I'll second all of these suggestions: WWII museum, aquarium, zoo and insectaterium. All are great. Definitly walk the French Quarter, Jackson Square and the Riverwalk. Sit and watch the boats go by. I have heard the ghost tours are great, but never done one. Here is the link to one of our most favorite places to eat when we are there. http://www.crescentcitybrewhouse.com/ The food is soooo awesome.

If you wish to venture away from the French Quarter, Metairie has a very nice shopping mall, Lakeside Mall. and you could drive across the Causeway, the longest bridge in the US. You'll end up in Mandeville/Convington. Looking for lunch there visit the Times Grill (great hamburgers) or Copelands. It is a toll bridge, but you only pay going into New Orleans.
Not sure of your dates, but if you are here during Jazz Fest, definitly go. It is an experience. If the Hornets (basketball) are in town, you will be near their arena.

If you have time and a car, drive over to the MS Gulf Coast one day. It's a nice drive. If you all are interested in space, visit the Visitor's Center at Stennis Space Center. http://www.ssc.nasa.gov/public/visitors/ Our favorite restuarant in Gulfport is Chimneys. http://www.chimneysrestaurant.com/ A bit pricey, but great food and atmosphere. For dessert, visit Cheeky Monkey Cake Company in D'Iberville. http://www.cheekymonkeycakes.com/ Both Chimneys and Cheeky Monkey are locally owned.

I have lived here all my life. 45 minutes North of New Orleans and 50 minutes West of the Gulf Coast, my oldest lives in Mandeville and DH and I work at Stennis Space Center.

 

[NotUrsula]

NotUrsula, just because you walked around the FQ at night and were ok does not make it a recommended practice. Being from the surrounding area (and especially since Katrina) I would not walk anywhere after dark, even on the River Walk. There has been problems (even in daylight) that doesn't always make news except locally and we know to watch our moves even in the safe areas and we always leave before dark. Too much precaution? Maybe, but being from there, better safe than sorry! It's a beautiful and unique area and we love it.

I *am* from there. I'm no longer a resident, but my extended family still lives locally, and I visit often. I happen not to be visiting for Mardi Gras this year, which is why I forgot the date in my earlier post.

I wasn't recommending that the OP go walking at night for the fun of it.
There have always been problems and always will be, and crime levels wax and wane depending on how much money NOPD has at its disposal (I know that it is bad right now, but it isn't the first time; the early 80's were pretty awful, too, back during the oil bust.) However, simply being present in the Quarter after dark is not a guarantee of being mugged. If that were true the number of victims per month would be in the thousands instead of the hundreds, and none of the restaurants in the Quarter would still be business if no one ever came in for dinner. Thousands of New Orleanians work in the Quarter and don't get off work in winter until after dark; are you going to tell them to quit their jobs?

If you stay sober, walk in a group, stay in very well-lit and busy areas, move purposefully and watchfully, and don't flash valuables, then you have a better than average chance of being left alone. Is it absolutely safe? Of course not, it's New Orleans. However, criminals in the Quarter have always primarily targeted drunks and the wandering clueless; most nights there are so many of them that it simply isn't much worth the trouble of trying to roll someone who is likely to fight back. So, yes, don't be stupid, but don't imagine that Royal Street is a shooting gallery at 7 pm, either. The great majority of assaults happen in the wee hours, including early morning just after dawn. There are some earlier crimes of opportunity, true enough, but the danger is considerably lower at dinnertime than it is at closing time.

This is a good article that I would say is pretty accurate and has good recommendations: http://hesaidshesaidnola.com/2011/04/06/fear-and-prudence-safety-in-the-french-quarter/

If you want more information, I suggest http://www.nocrimeline.com/
or the NOPD's crime maps, at http://www.nola.gov/government/nopd/crime-maps/. According to the crime maps, which show 911 calls, there were around 400 911 calls for crimes in the Lower Quarter during the month of December, but a fair number of them involved drug busts and arrests for simple battery (which often means a bar fight or fight in the street when the street is Bourbon.)

I suspect that the condo that the OP has access to is in the quieter residential area of Bourbon, and if so I'll reiterate my earlier advice about getting back there after dark: take a cab. You can call United Cab, or you can find cabs at the major hotels. Be careful about driving your own car unless the owner also has a secure parking place for your vehicle that he can give you access to, car break-ins are very common in the residential areas of the Quarter, and vehicles with out-of-state plates are prime targets.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I'll agree I had no issues bringing my kids to FQ last month. The bad (well if you have kids; I suppose it's "good" to the partying crowd!) section of Bourbon St is a very small part of the FQ. We weren't there at night, so I can't comment on that, but we found plenty to do that I considered family friendly. We took a carriage ride, people watched (and listened to some awesome musicians) in Jackson Square, got our beignets, walked around looking at shops and then down along the river. My mom, aunt and DD11 did a cooking class at New Orleans School of Cooking that they raved about. (Apparently it also had alot of history included and my mom said would appeal to more than just foodies.)

There are a couple small national park museums around the city. Their FQ visitor center offers free historical walking tours at 930. (They recommend you get there at 9. We missed it.) They also have a nice, small museum, on the history of the area. http://www.nps.gov/jela/french-quarter-site.htm

We also visited Mardi Gras World, which is where they make alot of the floats. It was a little pricy (there are coupons in the tourist books) but was a neat behind the scenes on how they put the MG parades together. They have free (and frequent) shuttles from Canal St (stops in front of the casino) and the FQ (not sure where that stops as we took the Canal St one.)

My dad, uncle, DH and DS15 went to WWII museum and loved it. They spent 4 hours there and felt they could have spent more but it was closing time. There is a shuttle, from Canal St, I think. They couldn't readily find it (not how hard they looked), so they walked. They said it was a longer hike than they expected.

 

[VirataMama4]

Thanks to the OP for posting and PP for giving some great suggestions for places to visit and things to do! We're moving to NO mid March and I've been struggling with being ok with it, worried there wouldn't be much for us to do, coming from DC... But this thread has made me kinda excited.

Would love to know of some great places to eat that's not all seafood... My oldest DD has an extreme fear of lobsters So we try to avoid them whenever possible.

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

OP again - just got an email from my nephew, and the condo is on Dauphine - the street address begins with a 6, so does that make it the 600 block? - so NOT on Bourbon St.! Is Dauphine OK?

Thanks!

We are soooooo excited!


Keep the opinions and advice coming, it's all been great.

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

The Steamboat Natchez has a great dinner cruise that DH and I went on and loved!! It was relatively inexpensive, and the food was great (coming from a bayou cajun girl)!!
Also, IDK if your DH has seen combat, but a friend of mine who has could not sit through the 4D showing at the WWII museum. I have never been, so I would be of no help as to what the experience is actually like, but he was not able to handle it. I'm sure you can check it out on their website. Just food for thought.

Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness - my husband was fortunate to not have to face combat during his time of service. I hope your friend heals over time, and please thank him for his service from our family.

 

[prncess674]

The condo is owned by my former BIL, who is an investor in the Bacchus float.

I have no idea what you are talking about. The Krewe of Bacchus is an entire parade and there is no such thing as an "investor" in a single float. I am assuming your BIL is a dues paying member of the organization and rides in the parade annually.

We live in the Atlanta area and will either be driving, flying, or Amtrak - whichever is cheaper. Although, I'm leaning toward the train if it's a close second. Anybody have advice or opinions/experiences?

I would avoid the train. The train station is not in a very nice area. The drive from ATL isn't that bad and if you plan on doing a swamp tour you will need a car. The swamp tours are about a 45 minute car/cab from the FQ .

As far as my son seeing something he shouldn't - while I consider us to be generally wholesome, we're not prudes. I'll prepare him for the possibility of nudity, but we won't seek it out. I appreciate the warning!

Assuming you aren't on the 5 block stretch of Bourbon that is the party district in the late evening your likelihood of seeing anything risque is pretty low. Now if you are super conservative and seeing women in tight shirts and holding a beer is your idea of risque then avoid the entire FQ altogether.

To those who asked - we won't be there during Mardi Gras. I believe that's later this month? We'll be there the middle of March.

Great time to visit. The weather is similar to ATL.

We would definitely enjoy the WWII museum because we're history buffs and my husband's dad is a WWII vet (another Marine ) and the swamp tour. I'd like to have my cards read, and see the cemetaries and perhaps some of the old mansions. Question - are there gardens to see/tour in the garden district?

I would plan on taking the streetcar (don't call it a trolley!) down St. Charles Ave and take in the sights of all the houses along the way. At the end you can get off and eat lunch at the Camellia Grill! Don't forget to order a freeze!

http://www.camelliagrill.net/home.htm

Thanks to the OP for posting and PP for giving some great suggestions for places to visit and things to do! We're moving to NO mid March and I've been struggling with being ok with it, worried there wouldn't be much for us to do, coming from DC... But this thread has made me kinda excited.

Would love to know of some great places to eat that's not all seafood... My oldest DD has an extreme fear of lobsters So we try to avoid them whenever possible.

You won't find much lobster in NOLA. Lobster is mainly an east coast treat.

I live in DC now (moved after Katrina) and it is different from NOLA, but alike in many ways. I am assuming you don't live in downtown DC and probably in the suburbs. The FQ is a teeny tiny slice of the NOLA metro area, so more than likely you will be lliving in some suburb which will be much like your current suburb.

One item of note is the vast majority of middle class folks in NOLA send their kids to private or parochial schools and many schools are struggling. Be very thoughtful of schools when looking for housing.

 

[VirataMama4]

You won't find much lobster in NOLA. Lobster is mainly an east coast treat.

I live in DC now (moved after Katrina) and it is different from NOLA, but alike in many ways. I am assuming you don't live in downtown DC and probably in the suburbs. The FQ is a teeny tiny slice of the NOLA metro area, so more than likely you will be lliving in some suburb which will be much like your current suburb.

One item of note is the vast majority of middle class folks in NOLA send their kids to private or parochial schools and many schools are struggling. Be very thoughtful of schools when looking for housing.

Thanks! I guess I should have clarified the "fear of lobsters" includes anything that resembles lobsters, like crawdads, live shrimp etc.

Yes we live on Andrews AFB, MD and will be living in Belle Chasse, LA. I've heard the schools are some of the best in the state, not sure if that is saying much. We may do homeschooling, if we are not ok with the schools.

 

[prncess674]

Thanks! I guess I should have clarified the "fear of lobsters" includes anything that resembles lobsters, like crawdads, live shrimp etc.

Yes we live on Andrews AFB, MD and will be living in Belle Chasse, LA. I've heard the schools are some of the best in the state, not sure if that is saying much. We may do homeschooling, if we are not ok with the schools.

Belle Chasse is pretty far removed from downtown so you probably won't be anywhere near the FQ. Belle Chasse is what is considered "the West Bank" and unless you choose to drive into the city you will be in the suburbs with other typical families.

Seafood is plentiful in and around NOLA so completely avoiding it is going to be hard simply because so many people make their living by fishing and shrimping in the waters surrounding. Also note that NOLA has a large Catholic population that follow the "no meat on Fridays" even outside of lent, so many restaurants feauture seafood on Fridays.

 

[NotUrsula]

For the OP, Dauphine parallels Bourbon, one block north. The 600 block runs between Toulouse and St. Peter Sts. Some folks would say that Dauphine is the first block "back of the Quarter" on that side, but I'm not sure I'd agree; there are a fair number of businesses on Dauphine that far down. However, it is primarily residential, and the side that backs to the Burgundy courtyards will be very quiet (Burgundy *is* back of the Quarter for sure); the side that backs to the Bourbon courtyards somewhat less so. When walking you will want to stick to the streets to the river-side of Dauphine, north of there it can quickly get dicey on foot.

As to the business about the float investor, I assumed that you meant that he was a member of the krewe, maybe perhaps someone on the executive committee. (Anyone who rides on a float must put up cash for throws in order to do so, so that could sound like investing. Of course, if you really meant "investor" and your friend is actually Pip Brennan, then you don't need any help from us, LOL. He's probably the most connected man in the city.)

As to the WW2 Museum, the #11 Magazine St. bus that picks up in front of the Sheraton on Canal will take you right to the door. After your visit you can take that same bus on uptown to the Garden District if you choose, or you can walk two blocks uptown on Higgins and catch the St. Charles Streetcar at Lee Circle to go back to Canal. (Or you can walk three blocks toward the river on Higgins and go to Cochon Butcher if you want to taste some of the best sausage on earth!) Day passes for NORTA are $3 and include unlimited rides on the buses and streetcars.

PS: for VirataMama

Thanks! I guess I should have clarified the "fear of lobsters" includes anything that resembles lobsters, like crawdads, live shrimp etc.

You can be fairly sure that your child will get over that fear once she eats those things without realizing it, which will definitely happen. Restaurants do not display shrimp and crawfish live, and you are more likely to see live crawfish at gas stations rather than restaurants. However, whatever you do, do NOT ever call them "crawdads" in Louisiana -- that will get you laughed at for sure. Those juicy delicious little crustaceans are called "crawFISH", and your kids will learn that crawfish boils are the best parties ever, though most hosts will also boil a few hot dogs for kids who are squeamish about them. My own kids were pros at peeling their own by age 3, and they love to pick a big one and race them before they go into the pots.

 

[EPCOTatNight]

Thanks! I guess I should have clarified the "fear of lobsters" includes anything that resembles lobsters, like crawdads, live shrimp etc.

Yes we live on Andrews AFB, MD and will be living in Belle Chasse, LA. I've heard the schools are some of the best in the state, not sure if that is saying much. We may do homeschooling, if we are not ok with the schools.

My son goes to Belle Chasse Academy which is on the Navy Base in Belle Chasse. Will you be living on base? We currently live on Federal City in Algiers which was a Naval Base until September 2011.

 

[EPCOTatNight]

PS: For the record, many kids who attend Cathedral Academy routinely walk to school, and it is located half a block off of Bourbon on Dumaine. The Quarter isn't a completely hostile environment for children.

I went to SLC and walked to Canal Place everyday after school to wait for my mother who worked in an office on the 15th floor. I never had an issue. This was in the late 80's. It was fun. BUT, I was approached by a man that liked young boys one morning on my way to school. I was 12 or 13 at that time. With that being said, I do NOT take my 13 year old on Bourbon and my wife and I don't go either. It IS dangerous. I have never been robbed, but I'm not going to wait until it happens to be precautious. We used to frequent the quarter when we were in our late teens, but we were young and naive. We don't drink and see things a little differently now that we're in our 30's. I went in the FQ as a youth and it didn't negatively affect me. It gave me an early lesson on homosexuality, overt sexual behavior, alcoholism, and just weird stuff period. I think that the Quarter is dangerous, but the OP's son could actually gain a life lesson as a result of him visiting here. Stay safe OP and enjoy.

 

[NotUrsula]

I went to SLC and walked to Canal Place everyday after school to wait for my mother who worked in an office on the 15th floor. I never had an issue. This was in the late 80's. It was fun. BUT, I was approached by a man that liked young boys one morning on my way to school. I was 12 or 13 at that time. With that being said, I do NOT take my 13 year old on Bourbon and my wife and I don't go either. It IS dangerous. I have never been robbed, but I'm not going to wait until it happens to be precautious. We used to frequent the quarter when we were in our late teens, but we were young and naive. We don't drink and see things a little differently now that we're in our 30's. I went in the FQ as a youth and it didn't negatively affect me. It gave me an early lesson on homosexuality, overt sexual behavior, alcoholism, and just weird stuff period. I think that the Quarter is dangerous, but the OP's son could actually gain a life lesson as a result of him visiting here. Stay safe OP and enjoy.

I did not say that the Quarter isn't dangerous; but it isn't a war zone, either, which is what is implied when people warn tourists to leave the neighborhood before the sun goes down. Sure, visitors SHOULD take precautions, but precautions don't have to mean hurrying to skedaddle back to the Warehouse District or Metairie before the sun hits the yardarm.

FTR, I also didn't suggest walking on Bourbon (the article I linked did, but they meant if you needed to walk across the Quarter later at night, because there are more people out on Bourbon than any other street). I don't normally walk on Bourbon, either, if I can avoid it, and why would I want to, when Royal is so much more pleasant? I didn't even like Bourbon St. in college. Even if I take it into my head to go to Pat O's, I'm going to always approach it from the St. Peter side (and yes, it's kitschy and expensive, but I've got a soft spot for that piano bar, even though its not the same without Mr. Eddie.)

 

[North of Mouse]

Well, being from the NO area (not the city proper) I definitely would warn anyone I know to not even stay around the FQ after dark. We go back every year and still leave before dark. There are some very shady characters hanging around the River Walk even in the daytime. Not saying I watch my back constantly, but I do stay very aware and only park our vehicle in the paid parking lots by JAX and the River Walk Mall. There are enough interesting things right in that area (Cafe du Monde - my favorite fix) that I seldom venture more than a block off the river. The main exception was the WW2 museum, but they have good paid parking there or you can walk from the other parking area (but it is quite a little jaunt). I would encourage anyone to visit down in FQ because it is one of the most unique places in the states that I know of - just love the architecture and the beautiful courtyards that you can glimpse behind the locked gates The St. Charles streetcar is a great safe tour and you can also take one to the Audubon Zoo (which is very pretty).

 

[kpw77]

I live in New Orleans. While I can understand where one of the other posters stated some concerns about the Bourbon Street area, I think you would be ok. While there is a level of temptation, there is also a higher level of history, culture and not too mention GOOD EATS!

- Riverfront that a poster referred to: Mississppi River - It's the center of the New Orleans Port. Here you will find shopping, eateries and historic venues. It is also is the home of our Aquarium, Steam boats, Riverview and more. (Walking - approx. 10mins)

-Flea Market: Also located near the riverfront. Don't let the name fool you. The Flea Market is filled with local vendors some of which have hand created items or just simply sell New Orleans souv. It is definately worth the walk-through even if you don't buy anything. (HINT) - Usually you can bargain the prices and while it is less staffed during the week, you can beat the crowds of the weekend.

Not trying to start anything, but don't believe ALL of what you see or hear on the news or word of mouth regarding New Orleans. It is not an actual portrayal of the city. Don't get me wrong, the city does have some improvement needs, but what city in America is doesn't? I have a wife, daughter and other family members and I would not want them to be in harms way, so that's my 2cents and I really hope you and your family enjoy your trip! If you have any other questions, feel free to drop me a line!

KpW

Here are some resources that I view myself when I am just looking for something to do. I found this on a site neworleansonline . com.

1. Take in the sights and sounds of Jackson Square, a good spot to take a rest, too.
2. Gallery hop in the Arts District along Julia Street on the first Saturday night of each month.
3. Join the parades during Carnival Season and Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
4. Stroll Royal and Chartres streets and window shop the arts, antiques and boutiques.
5. Enjoy French Quarter Festival every April, the South’s largest free music festival.
6. Watch the ships pass on the Mississippi River from Woldenberg Riverfront Park and listen for the Steamboat Natchez’s calliope.
7. Visit the Historic New Orleans Collection and the Williams Research Center.
8. Swing dance every Sunday in the summer at the National World War II Museum.
9. Ride the Canal Street Ferry to Algiers Point and see the New Orleans skyline.
10. Let the kids run around in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden in City Park.
11. Volunteer at one of the many organizations helping to rebuild New Orleans’ residences.
12. Celebrate the life and music of jazz legend Louis Armstrong during Satchmo SummerFest.
13. Experience a cooking demonstration at the Crescent City Farmers Market.
14. Jam out at the free Wednesday afternoon concerts in Lafayette Square during the spring and fall months.
15. Dance down Frenchmen Street at night, many clubs don’t have a cover charge.
16. Watch the fireworks on the Mississippi River every New Year’s Eve and Fourth of July.
17. Enjoy free oysters and music every Friday at Le Bon Temps Roule music club.
18. Attend one of the many festivals that the Jazz and Heritage Foundation hosts throughout the year, like the BBQ and Blues Festival or Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival.
19. Browse the shops and stalls throughout the French Market.
20. Saint Louis Cathedral Tour Saint Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square.
21. Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art free on Wednesdays.
22. Enjoy a free concert of opera arias and musical show tunes by Bon Operatit! on the second Wednesday of each month at the Inn on Bourbon.
23. Venture into our "Cities of the Dead" for a self-guided day tour of a unique cemetery, especially St. Louis Cemetery #1, the closest one to the French Quarter.
24. Bring your book on the Garden District and take a self-guided walking tour.
25. Find a Saturday Art Market and check out the local art scene.
26. Listen to live music near the Joan of Arc Statue on Decatur Street.
27. Go upstairs at Arnaud's for a tour of their Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum.
28. Ask Antoine's for a tour of their 160-year-old restaurant.
29.Watch artists demonstrate glassblowing at Rosetree Glass Studio, Studio Inferno, or Glassworks.
30. Sit under 100 year old Oak trees in
Audubon Park and/or City Park.
31. Cafe du Monde See beignets made through the kitchen window at Café du Monde in Dutch Alley.
32. Sample a praline at a sweet shop.
33. Take a free self-guided audio tour of downtown and the French Quarter with the National Park Service at 419 Decatur Street.
34. Try on masks and boas in French Quarter shops.
35. People watch on Bourbon Street.
36. Take a picture with Fats Domino, Pete Fountain, or Al Hirt at Music Legends Park on Bourbon Street.
37. Tour the Global Green house in the Lower Ninth Ward.
38. Get a view of Jackson Square from
Washington Artillery Park.
39. Spanish Plaza Make a wish in the fountain at Spanish Plaza in front of the Riverwalk Shopping Center.
40. Watch looming at Louisiana Loom Works on Chartres Street.
41. Check out the Fulton Street Mall near Harrah’s Hotel and Casino.
42. Catch a concert at Wednesdays on the Point during the summer months taking place in Old Historic Algiers just a quick ferry ride across the Mississippi from the French Quarter.
43. Window shop on Magazine Street.
44. See the swans from the Peristyle in City Park.
45. Tailgate outside the Superdome at a Saints football game or join the party before a Hornets basketball game.
46. Walk the nature trail at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve’s Barataria Unit.
47. Watch the sailboats race on Lake Pontchartrain from the Lakefront Park or watch the sunset from Lakeshore Drive.
48. See the Battle of New Orleans reenactment at the Chalmette Battlefield unit of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.
49. Pay homage at the National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos.
50. Catch the holiday spirit with Cathedral concerts, cooking demonstrations and more during Christmas New Orleans Style, the entire month of December.

 

[North of Mouse]

Actually, if you look more closely most of the stuff in the open air French Market is cheap things made in other countries, not NOLA crafts! There may be a few, but we didn't see them and we were just down there visiting in Hammond. The best thing to me about NO is it's uniqueness and the "food" - Oh, my - would sure love some boiled crawfish 'bout now Can understand the PP sentiments about the city, but there used to be lots of places we'd go there, but will no longer go, we feel more comfortable sticking around the FQ, and that's all we need to get our "fix".

 

[luvsJack]

Actually, if you look more closely most of the stuff in the open air French Market is cheap things made in other countries, not NOLA crafts! There may be a few, but we didn't see them and we were just down there visiting in Hammond. The best thing to me about NO is it's uniqueness and the "food" - Oh, my - would sure love some boiled crawfish 'bout now Can understand the PP sentiments about the city, but there used to be lots of places we'd go there, but will no longer go, we feel more comfortable sticking around the FQ, and that's all we need to get our "fix".

Dh bought me a necklace and earring set at the french market. It was handmade as was all the jewlery on display. Still have it and love the set.

DS has a drama faces/mask set on his wall that was handmade and bought at the french market. And my niece and her husband have bought many paintings and other artwork from there--beautiful things that are representive of NOLA.

I do agree about the food!