We Still Need Help!

[tarheelmjfan]

Have you thought about staying on the Mississippi gulf coast and driving over to New Orleans for a day trip? The casino's and their hotels are slowly opening back up. It's only about a 40 minute drive over. The beaches are being cleaned but I wouldn't get into the water just yet unless you have on shoes. We need the tourism just as much if not more than New Orleans. You can also go sit on the beach at night and not worry about getting shot.

Thanks for the suggestion. We don't live far from the Gulf Coast, & prefer to not vacation on the beach often. Also, we have a DS(14) & a that travel with us, so the casinos are out. I do hope everything is back to normal soon, & people return by the bus load to give the casinos their money.

 

[Grand2me]

We need the tourism just as much if not more than New Orleans. You can also go sit on the beach at night and not worry about getting shot.

Now see...
Prior to the storm I would have taken offense to that but this is a different time . You are telling the truth. I haven't made it over to Biloxi yet but I have wanted to see the area for some time. I used to love those weekend trips with my husband to the beach and casinos(we only really went to IP or BR).

 

[vital]

Now see...
Prior to the storm I would have taken offense to that but this is a different time . You are telling the truth. I haven't made it over to Biloxi yet but I have wanted to see the area for some time. I used to love those weekend trips with my husband to the beach and casinos(we only really went to IP or BR).

I was afraid that it would offend someone. I don't mean it in disrespect. I love New Orleans also, but it's not the same as it was. That's why I suggested splitting time between the two areas. Both desperately need the tourism and I think ppl need to see the wide scope of destruction from this b****! You can see pics on TV but until you actually drive I-10 from The MS coast to New Orleans, you really can't grasp it. We drove the whole way down Highway 90 which is the road on the beach in MS until we had to get on I-10 due to the bridge being out. We then got back on 90 and drove along the beach until we had to get back on I-10. Then we drove over to New Orleans. I also feel Slidell is a forgotten victim of the storm. From Slidell through New Orleans East is total destruction. I used to travel this road weekly and was horrified at what I saw. We were there in January, almost 5 months later and it looked the same! Both areas need help still!

 

[Grand2me]

Cool out, vital . It's all good(lol). The funny thing is that the Highway 90 bridge was JUST finished then the storm knocked it out again. Slidell was just starting to find it's way and the storm just killed it. I was very surprised to hear that people are moving there. Go figure. We will be back that way in December because we are going to fly out of New Orleans to go to Disney. I want to drive over to MS then.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Please, keep us updated on the situation in NOLA, especially the French Qtr. We're really wanting to visit NO again, but will be patient & wait for the right time. We'll probably drive, so we can take our mini-pin with us. That will give us an opportunity to visit the Alabama & Mississippi coast as well.

 

[arminnie]

Please, keep us updated on the situation in NOLA, especially the French Qtr. We're really wanting to visit NO again, but will be patient & wait for the right time. We'll probably drive, so we can take our mini-pin with us. That will give us an opportunity to visit the Alabama & Mississippi coast as well.

I own a condo in New Orleans (that was not damaged). I've been to New Orleans about 8-9 times since Katrina. As long as I stay out of the really bad parts of town, I have felt safe. I've taken my 85 year old father on multiple trips.

The main thing that is different about the quarter is that lots of the shops are not open as many hours as they were before. Since many of these have what I call "tourist junque" it has been no big loss to me although it certainly has been a big loss for their owners.

 

[mamacatnv]

My best friend and I love New Orleans I have been with her once and she is getting ready to attend the VooDoo Music Festival in October with her hubby, due to my pending WDW trip I couldn't swing going with her.

This will be her 5th trip and just last night we were discussing some of the restaurants we visited and were wondering if they were still around. Maybe one of you can answer. .

Elizabeths - the best friend chicken and potato salad I have ever had
Camelia Grill - Great omlette and pecan waffles
Cresecent City Brewery
The Dungeon (Bar) not my fav, but the hall to the bathroom is cool with the book shelves.

The Canal Shops where the Saks was - is it still there, we didn't know. I thought yes, she thought no. Is the St. Charles car running?

We know New Orleans is still in such a sad state and it sickens us - good to remind us to pester our Congressman and Senators.

Prayers to all the residents current and relocated...........

 

[Muffin]

Elizabeths - the best friend chicken and potato salad I have ever had
Camelia Grill - Great omlette and pecan waffles
Cresecent City Brewery
The Dungeon (Bar) not my fav, but the hall to the bathroom is cool with the book shelves.

The Canal Shops where the Saks was - is it still there, we didn't know. I thought yes, she thought no. Is the St. Charles car running?

I'll try...
Elizabeth's - don't know
Camellia Grill has not reopened
Crescent City Brewhouse - don't know for sure, but I think it may be
Dungeon - open, they have actually started opening earlier than the usual midnight, they open at 10pm now

Canal Place mall is open, I don't know how many tenants are open. I do know that Saks is not open yet, but I believe it will open sometime this fall.

The St. Charles street car is not running yet. However, the Canal St. street car is.

 

[TheBeadPirate]

I'll try...
Elizabeth's - don't know
Crescent City Brewhouse - don't know for sure, but I think it may be

Canal Place mall is open, I don't know how many tenants are open. I do know that Saks is not open yet, but I believe it will open sometime this fall.

If it's the Elizabeth's in the Bywater It's open.
Crescent City Brewhouse is open.
Saks opening Nov 17, Kenneth Cole opening anytime. Most of everything that was there before the storm has reopened except Gucci- I don't think they're coming back.

Hiya all! My DH and I live in the French Quarter- no millions here so we rent- and are small business owners. We do custom embroidery and printing, mostly for local businesses and bar/restaurants. Since the storm Rick has gone back to the job he retired from 5 years ago (and hates!) to pay our bills for home and work. He travels M-F every week so that leaves me and "the pom" to fend for ourselves. I feel safe in the Quarter walking by myself. Even after dark I venture to the A&P and a few watering holes. I'm by no means brave, trust me. I just stay where it's well lit and there's people. And as I keep repeating to my 90yo grandmother (in Louisville, KY) the rash of shootings are NOT on my doorstep. (I try to put it in Louisville neighborhood terms and she still doesn't "get" it)

And some good news... Pat Obriens has now decided to be open on Mondays again. I believe that makes them 7 days a week now. yippee!

As far as retail business in the Quarter. It's almost nonexistent still. Everyone has cut their hours because they can't afford rent and staff. There's a business closing on Royal Street almost every week now. My FQ business womens network has almost evaporated. There are days when I see NO ONE in our shop. We keep repeating the mantra..."eventually things will get better"- I even hear it in my sleep now!

Southern Decadence was here over Labor Day and gave us a well needed shot in the arm, and now we are looking on to Halloween, hoping it will be at least a good weekend then.

Please come visit. Anywhere on the Gulf Coast. (I'll be in Biloxi next M & Tu at the Grand for a break). Talk to the locals. Have a drink, or a meal. Do something "Touristy". There's an effect New Orleans has on people, it's unexplainable.

 

[Ms Marigny]

I'll try...
Elizabeth's - don't know
Crescent City Brewhouse - don't know for sure, but I think it may be

Canal Place mall is open, I don't know how many tenants are open. I do know that Saks is not open yet, but I believe it will open sometime this fall.

If it's the Elizabeth's in the Bywater It's open.
Crescent City Brewhouse is open.
Saks opening Nov 17, Kenneth Cole opening anytime. Most of everything that was there before the storm has reopened except Gucci- I don't think they're coming back.

Hiya all! My DH and I live in the French Quarter- no millions here so we rent- and are small business owners. We do custom embroidery and printing, mostly for local businesses and bar/restaurants. Since the storm Rick has gone back to the job he retired from 5 years ago (and hates!) to pay our bills for home and work. He travels M-F every week so that leaves me and "the pom" to fend for ourselves. I feel safe in the Quarter walking by myself. Even after dark I venture to the A&P and a few watering holes. I'm by no means brave, trust me. I just stay where it's well lit and there's people. And as I keep repeating to my 90yo grandmother (in Louisville, KY) the rash of shootings are NOT on my doorstep. (I try to put it in Louisville neighborhood terms and she still doesn't "get" it)

And some good news... Pat Obriens has now decided to be open on Mondays again. I believe that makes them 7 days a week now. yippee!

As far as retail business in the Quarter. It's almost nonexistent still. Everyone has cut their hours because they can't afford rent and staff. There's a business closing on Royal Street almost every week now. My FQ business womens network has almost evaporated. There are days when I see NO ONE in our shop. We keep repeating the mantra..."eventually things will get better"- I even hear it in my sleep now!

Southern Decadence was here over Labor Day and gave us a well needed shot in the arm, and now we are looking on to Halloween, hoping it will be at least a good weekend then.

Please come visit. Anywhere on the Gulf Coast. (I'll be in Biloxi next M & Tu at the Grand for a break). Talk to the locals. Have a drink, or a meal. Do something "Touristy". There's an effect New Orleans has on people, it's unexplainable.

and thanks for the info! I love seeing other New Orleanians on here!

 

[TheBeadPirate]

Congressman Bobby Jindal was on WWL radio yesterday talking to Garland Robinette.

Louisiana lost 100 miles of coastland last year. There are 2 bills going into congressional conference soon. One in the House and one in the Senate. They both deal with Louisiana and the Gulf Coast getting a share of the oil royalties from the Gulf. We are the only oil producing region in the US that does not get these monies. This would not be another "tax" to make petroleum products more expensive. It would be allocating the existing money generated a different way.

He was saying the money would be earmarked for Wetland rebuilding and infrastucture. The wetlands project alone would give us more of a buffer if another hurricane should come upon us.

PLEASE contact your local congressperson and senator. Jindal and Mary Landrieu are already out trying to get the votes but they need help from their peers around the country.

 

[TheBeadPirate]

MS Marigny--- Thanks. I just found this thread. Glad I did. FIgured since the storm I have been a 1 woman tapping krewe (since we haven't gotten them back on Bourbon yet) for the city!

 

[annegal]

I'll try...
Elizabeth's - don't know
Crescent City Brewhouse - don't know for sure, but I think it may be

Canal Place mall is open, I don't know how many tenants are open. I do know that Saks is not open yet, but I believe it will open sometime this fall.

:

Someone I know was hired by one of the makeup counters at Saks-opening Nov 16. He's counting on thousands of $$ in sales to make commissions & thinks the tourists and conventioneers are back. Thanks for the eye opener.

 

[mamacatnv]

Thanks all for the info - my best friend is the most excited about Elizabeths (yummy) and the Dungeon Bar, the info on Pat O'Briens was an added bonus.

So sad to learn of the slowness of the recovery. I just called her and read her all your posts. - just a note - my best friend said it is too bad the hotels were so expensive or they would have stayed longer. Place De Arms(sp?) was $200 a night for the Halloween weekend with a 3 night minimum. She understands that it is a holiday weekend but was shocked at the hotel prices. We stayed at Place De Arms a couple of years ago for $79 a night when she was interviewing for a position at the MAC counter in Saks. Thankfully we decided that moving to New Orleans was not in her best interest, but we both fell in love with the City.

We have promised my son a trip for his 21st birthday - 4 years away but he is still excited.

Another question: We took a "Vampires, Myths & Legends" tour in the FQ while we were there, it was the tour company that met at the Pirates Alley Bar. Is the bar open and does that company (can't remember their names) still do tours?

Thanks for all the info and my prays and wishes for a speedier recovery.

 

[TheBeadPirate]

Pirates Alley Bar is open & they're advertising tours. Don't know if it's the same one as before or not. I'm heading to the bank this afternoon. I'll stop and ask for you.

Lori

 

[Ms Marigny]

Hey BeadPirate- I'm a "Lori" too!- except my mom threw an "e" on the end for a little extra flavor- (spelled "Lorie")...
Anyway, sorry, back to our regularly scheduled discussion....

 

[mamacatnv]

Pirates Alley Bar is open & they're advertising tours. Don't know if it's the same one as before or not. I'm heading to the bank this afternoon. I'll stop and ask for you.

Lori

Wow, Thanks - what is the name of your store? I will tell my girlfriend to stop in and say Hey................

 

[TheBeadPirate]

The Bead Pirate. It's on Orleans between Bourbon and Royal behind St Louis Cathedral. I'd be the one chained to the embroidery machine...Prolly humming yoho yoho like a complete nutcase!

 

[annegal]

Question....The Baton Rouge paper had an article yesterday that there were 13 shooting s this weekend , with 4 of those people dying-in New Orleans. Is this in "THe Projects", poor areas, where?

One lady was quoted that she won't let her kids walk home from school because of all the shootings.

Frankly-that scares the heck out of me & we were ones who would frequently do day trips to New Orleans and 'play tourist".

I have absolutely zero desire to do so any more.

 

[TheBeadPirate]

There were 7 shootings in Orleans parish (New Orleans) and 4 in Jefferson Parish (Kenner, airport area, across the river). Of the ones in Orleans none of them were in the French Quarter. The closest one to us was in the warehouse district (convention center area) and it has been labelled as a possible "hit". The police are looking at the people that knew the guy. The next closest to me was where the Treme meets up with Mid-city. My guess would be drug deal gone wrong, but that would be MHO.

These shootings aren't neccessarliy "the projects" but it's predominantly lower class, blue collar neighborhoods. Most of them are in or near Central City area of New Orleans.

Hope that helps. Also if you have the time try NOLA.com forums. There's a crime and safety forum, boubon street forum, etc. I know the crime one is alot of the police dept posting.

Lori