Need some information about New Orleans

[nissangirl74]

Greg and I are wanting to take a vacation to New Orleans. We will be taking Saraya with us. None of us have ever been, so any input from those who live nearby or have visited would be great. Since Saraya is 17, there will be no bar-hopping but that's fine with me. Plenty of other cool stuff to do. We would be going in the middle of March. I'd like to stay for a week. The cheapest flights in and out are on Saturdays. Southwest wins, hands down. Flights on other days are significantly more expensive, but so are rooms in a hotel. Yes, we want to do the touristy stuff: the French quarter, the Audubon Zoo / Gardens / Complex, Jackson Square, Mansion tours, some live Jazz music would be great, Art museums, free outdoor concerts at the House of Blues, the St. Patrick's Day Parade, local shops, great food. Stuff we can't see in Phoenix. We're good travelers, not a lot of fuss or hard to please.

What I would like help on is:

- where to stay? I'm open to most anything as long as it's safe. I don't need a 5 start hotel but I don't want a 1 star in a back alley with a suspicious chain lock either.

- Should we rent a car? I've seen a few other options: cabs, streetcars, Uber. Some sites say that trying to drive / park in NOLA is a nightmare.

- things to do / places to go that I haven't listed. No daredevil s*** that requires me conquering my fear of heights though. I'm 41 y/o; it isn't gonna happen.

- things / places to avoid

- anything else I haven't thought of

Thanks!

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Driving isn't that bad as long as you stay away from the french quarter. Might want to check and make sure there's no gay pride nude parades or anything going on while you're down there.

I THINK you can take some boat tours as well, both on the river, and through some of the smaller waterways in the area.

If you fly into Memphis, I could give you the Honda. Sucks for whoever gets the back seat though.

[nissangirl74]

If you fly into Memphis, I could give you the Honda. Sucks for whoever gets the back seat though.

Think I'll skip the extra 400 mile drive. Thank you though.

[szh]

This is going to sound weird, but the Metarie Cemetary is actually a cool place to wander through. Lots of above ground crypts (too much water for underground burial) and elaborate statues and headstones and stuff.

The Zoo is definitely worth it too. Unless it is a hot day, in which case, dress very lightly and loosely, use sun block and carry lots of water.

Taking a ride on one of the paddle wheelers is a lot of fun too, for a relaxing afternoon trip up and down the Mississippi a short distance. You can also take the ride to the Zoo on one of them.

The one-hour (well ... 50 minutes) jazz concert at the Preservation Hall is an interesting experience - make the reservations and pay the extra for a seat, or else you will stand and that ain't fun. This show is a "close to the band" jazz show that is well worth it, if you are into jazz. Web site: http://preservationhall.com/hall/

Be warned that the Preservation Hall is a bit expensive for a 1 hour show ... you are paying for the historic renovation that is being done there.

Z

[Jesda]

Well, heck, this is one of only a couple major US cities I've never been to.

Houston too.

I think I hate humidity and swamps.

[szh]

Try to eat here once too: http://www.courtoftwosisters.com/ ... their food is excellent.

Some days, the Brunch at Brennan's would be another unique experience: http://www.brennansneworleans.com/menu/... not inexpensive though, and you must make reservations (gets booked!)

Z

[szh]

Be careful if you are out late at night (past 11pm) in the French Quarter. Pick-pockets (watch your wallet and purse!), and it ain't safe to wander down quiet alleys, plus too many adult places on some streets, although staying on the main ones (where the jazz and music is open and playing) is fine.

Parking is a nightmare (and expensive at the hotels), and you can almost get anywhere on foot anyway. So, I recommend taking Uber to your hotel and just walking around wherever you need to.

Z

[szh]

Finally, if you have most of a day available, one of the fun touristy things I have done is take a tour of the old plantation homes along the Mississippi on the "Great River Road".

Start early and try to plan to go up one bank and come down the other side, stopping at some of places (can't do all in one day). You could drive if you want to be on your own and not be on a schedule with a bus company - and it is cheaper to do that. There are fees to go inside, so be prepared for that cost.

If you do this side trip, do NOT miss "Oak Alley" - it is a beautiful place to visit!

Z

[nissangirl74]

Thanks Z, this is awesome and exactly what I need.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

If you fly into Memphis, I could give you the Honda. Sucks for whoever gets the back seat though.

Think I'll skip the extra 400 mile drive. Thank you though.

If you guys decide you don't need to spend the whole week there, but still do a Saturday to Saturday trip, you're more than welcome to crash at my place too. Check out the shop and the truck, etc. Tour the Nissan factory in Canton.

[AZhitman]

I like that idea.

It's a 3-hour drive from NO to the town I grew up in.

[frapjap]

I'll chime in here tonight.
Was away at a mountain all weekend and couldn't tell you guys much outside of lodging and the no real need for a car.

Talk to you soon!