opinions on visiting NO

[caitycaity]

DH and i have already booked the trip and at this point it is not really cancelable, so we will be going to NO in November for our anniversary.

We were both really excited and did a bunch of research on the fodors boards, e tc.

However, recently we have had a few acquaintences, all of whom are from LA tell us that they are not sure if we should be going due to safety concerns, primarily.

Can anyone reassure me on this point? Are we being stupid by making a trip to NO? We're staying at a hotel a few blocks south of the superdome, btw. We are also city-savvy people and know how to be aware of our surroundings. This is part of what has me freaked out...even knowing that we are city and travel savvy-people our friends have told us not to go.

 

[FloraFauna]

We live in Kenner, about 15 miles west of New Orleans. Last week, we were in the French Quarter eating and enjoying the sights. I never felt unsafe.

I am not sure where your hotel is. There were areas to stay away from before the storm, just like every other big city.

 

[inspector63]

I went about a month ago and could not believe how many people were walking up and down the streets. This was a Saturday night and it sure looks like the Quarter and surronding areas were back to normal. We walked down Canal St. then all around St. Louis Cathederal. Was great. Can't wait to go back.

 

[Poppinsme]

Please come and have a good time. We are trying to get back to normal and I think the quarter is much better then pre K as far as crime. JMHO

 

[TigerKat]

Please come and have a good time. We are trying to get back to normal and I think the quarter is much better then pre K as far as crime. JMHO

ITA, crime situation is much better than pre-K!!

 

[beck0321]

It'll be fine. We've been to the French Quarter and out on Bourbon til all hours of the night/morning and it always been fine. My cousin lives off St. Charles, it's fine there too. Don't let sensational news and gossip discourage you from visiting. It's fine in the French Quarter and touristy areas. Some parts are still not fixed at all but it seems to be getting better every time we go our there (which is often). I hate when people I know say they won't be going there because of all the crime, and haven't been back since the storm. I'm confused I tell them we go all the time and it's fine.
Now, the West Bank, that's a different story all-together, but there should be no reason to venture out there, unless you want to see the devastation.

Eat some Deanie's for me please?!

ETA: Just an FYI: The green-line trollies aren't running yet for sure. Those go up and down St. Charles and South Carrollton to the French Quarter. I don't beleive the red-line is running either, but don't quote me on that. Last time we were out there they weren't, but that was late at night so they may be on some kind of schedule. If the red line IS running that's a cheap way to get around the French Quarter. Last weekend we were out on Bourbon Street and took a cab from there to St. Charles and it was $10 so that might be another option if you are going out drinking (I think that's a pretty cheap cab drive). Just be aware that some cab drivers are A-holes and won't take you if you are drunk - we found this out last weekend!!! WTH is that about though? I thought that was the whole reason for getting a cab in the first place?!?!?

 

[TheBeadPirate]

Hiya all! DH and I live in the French Quarter. A couple blocks from the Cathedral. We also have a couple small stores here. Since the storm Rick has gone back to his old job and travels a great deal leaving me here to keep watch. I am frequently out after dark and alone. I have never felt safer. Being city savvy is the key.

The crime in the Quarter lately has been directed at businesses- a rash of bar robberies where the register is taken. But I know they've caught one guy and the other they think is in Houston.

If anyone has any questions about down here please post or PM me. I'd be glad to answer!

 

[annegal]

Name of hotel ..and what street its on??

 

[Muffin]

Now, the West Bank, that's a different story all-together, but there should be no reason to venture out there, unless you want to see the devastation.

What are you talking about? The west bank was far from devastated by Katrina.

There are several reasons a tourist would visit the west bank.

Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World in Algiers is a really fun, family friendly attraction. Take the free ferry from the foot of Canal St. to Algiers Point and you get an awsome view of the city skyline from across the river at the same time.

There are several swamp tours offered in Crown Point and Lafitte, plus the village of Lafitte is an interesting destination in itself. The Barataria unit of the Jean Lafitte National Park is beautiful and has many miles of nature trails to explore and offers canoe tours. I don't know if they are doing them this year, but the full moon canoe tours are particularly nice.

The old sections of Algiers Point, Gretna and Westwego have many architectural treasures. Westwego (specifically Salaville) offers a performing arts center and a couple of small museums reflecting lifestyles of the prior centuries.

This weekend, there is a Heritage Festival in downtown Gretna which showcases some of the best local musicians and also some national acts. There are many food booths offering local seafood and other dishes, plus a German beergarden.

If you're a gambler, Boomtown casino is a lot of fun.

Those are just a couple of reason why someone would want to venture to the west bank.

 

[caitycaity]

we weren't really planning on visiting the west bank. we'll only be there a few days and i have never been there before, so i am sure we will find enough to amuse ourselves in and around the fq.

i'd rather not post the name of our hotel, but it is a hotel a few blocks south of the superdome.

thanks everyone - you have made me feel better. as i said before, we are not in danger of canceling (we would lose a lot of our money) but we were just getting nervous after hearing some of our friends' opinions.

 

[Ms Marigny]

I'm in the middle of it all too- literally, because I live in Mid City, which is right in the middle of New Orleans...
Anyway, I agree that the crime is no worse than before, and I live in a devastated and somewhat deserted area. The French Quarter and Garden District is probably safer than before. I went strolling through the Quarter when I was huge and pregnant and had no worries (I wasn't hitting Bourbon Street, haha, I had a craving for beignets and cafe au lait...).
Come on down and have a good time!

 

[Muffin]

we weren't really planning on visiting the west bank. we'll only be there a few days and i have never been there before, so i am sure we will find enough to amuse ourselves in and around the fq.

caity,
I understand that not every tourist who comes to NO has the time (or even the desire) to visit the west bank. I know that there is plenty enough to do and see in the city itself without side trips to outlying areas.

I'm sorry to hijack your thread, but it reallly bothers me to see the amount of inaccurate information posted on the web, not just here but at many other sites as well, since Hurricane Katrina. Even if you don't use this information, maybe someone else will see it and it may be helpful to them.

The tourism industry in New Orleans, its surrounding areas and the whole southern part of the state needs all the good press it can get.

 

[caitycaity]

I'm sorry to hijack your thread

nah, no worries.

 

[annegal]

WE always stay at The Hilton-which is several blocks southest of the Superdome-Besure and visit the Riverwalk-a huge mall along the river ,connected to it. Also, take the ferry right there(just ride as a passenger) across to The Mardi gras world-it really is a "must see" if you've never seen Mardi Gras!!

The Superdome is on Poydras and Poydras "dead ends " at the River & The Hilton...and right before there's "Mother's" a super famous "hole in the wall" po-boy place

 

[lulu71]

hey Muffin, I was walking around Algiers Point just today with the baby in the stroller, grabbed some lunch, had a good time!

Caity, have a great time in NOLA, I think you are going to love it!!! You shouldn't have any worries, just stay out of my neighborhood (Lakeview) - it's still a mess!

 

[DopeyRN]

I live in Kenner too. My son is head of security at the Riverwalk (a mall right next to the Hilton). It has been VERY safe there. Come, enjoy, stay in the tourist areas...you'll be fine!

 

[zoesmama]

I live in Algiers Point and can't believe someone would say that the Westbank was devastated during Katrina. In fact, we were the first part of New Orleans where you were allowed back about a month after the hurricane if you could prove residency there.

Thanks to the previous posters who cleared up that inaccuracy.

I love lunch at Mardi Gras World....best deal around for $7. And the tour is a must do for any visitor. I think it is fifteen dollars a person and the free shuttle picks you up at the ferry landing on the Algiers side.

 

[Sinderelli]

I live in Kenner, also. The main thing to remember is to stick to the tourist areas if you are not familiar with New Orleans. I've lived here all my life and still don't know my way around! It's easy to take a turn in a not so desirable area, so be smart. BTW, if anyone tells you they "bet they know where you got your shoes", RUN!!

 

[Marie17]

Sinderelli - We've fallen for that line before! Over by the moonwalk by the Cafe du Monde - couldn't believe it and we're originally from New Orleans.

 

[FloraFauna]

I live in Kenner, also. The main thing to remember is to stick to the tourist areas if you are not familiar with New Orleans. I've lived here all my life and still don't know my way around! It's easy to take a turn in a not so desirable area, so be smart. BTW, if anyone tells you they "bet they know where you got your shoes", RUN!!

What does this mean??