Things to do in New Orleans?

[babyface]

Hey all,

I'm going to be in New Orleans for Mardi Gras and was wondering if people could offer some suggestions on things to do. For example: "must-see" attractions, restaurant recommendations, places to explore. Suggested activities need not be of a sexual nature -- although those are certainly welcome, as well!

Thanks in advance,

babyface

 

[aslan]

Book a hotel that u can cook yourself

Fresh shrimp are only $2.50 a pound. Try the cray fish and Cat fish fillet.

Go back and forth the loooooooooooong bridge a few times, its awesome.

 

[rolo514]

Nawlins

Was in Nawlins over x mas-much quieter than during Mardi Gras-although bourbon street still reeked of beer and piss..
We stayed at the W hotel in the French Quarter very hip place Somethings I would reccomend even if some are a bit Touristy:
1.Café Latte and Beignettes at Cafe du Monde
2.Marie Laeveau-(Voodoo founders) tomb & Cemetary-take a ghost or cemetary tour they are abit hoakey but fun.
3.The Garden district-Incredible homes and gardens-grab a Historic homes map and walk it your self-dont forget Anne Rice's home. Have lunch at the Commanders palace
4.The food is great although Emeril Lagasse restauarants are over rated-try GW fins, Bayonna,Autumn, Bacco(right beside the W) or Zoe Bistro at the other W hotel-local favs are Po.boys(fried seafood on baguettes) & Muflettas
5.In the French Quarter Walk, walk , walk-peek in alleys where you can and get a glimpse of the hidden courtyards-just awesome..
6.Riverboat cruise.
7.Live Music its everywhere, Jazz, blues , rock
-Most of the Adult fun is right on Bourbon-you cant miss it.
Have fun-watch your wallet.
Rolo

 

[Rezdog]

excellent advise Rolo. Was there September 2001. Did the cemetary tour (where parts of Easy Rider were filmed), jazz and blues clubs, Harrahs Casino. Stayed in a bed and breakfast and saved some coin going that route. Plus I drove down and that was cool. But F***ing long haul I'll tell ya. I'd go back in a flash.

Rez

 

[homonger]

Re: Nawlins

Was in Nawlins over x mas-much quieter than during Mardi Gras-although bourbon street still reeked of beer and piss..

I was in the Big Easy a few years ago during the summer and Bourbon Street is one of the nastiest streets I have ever walked on. I wanted to burn my shoes after being there, it is just so filthy.

I don't have a lot of recollections but I remember spending a fair amount of time at Harrah's. It is a short walk from the French Quarter. I remember the sc's are expensive and pretty much ripoffs. And I remember that the bead thing totally works. Girls are more than happy to flash you their boobs for some beads.

 

[Rezdog]

I recall down on bourbon Street they have an SC under the name Hustler. Musta been Larry Flynt's idea...

 

[twisted troll]

I've been there twice and I remember walking by a strip joint with she-males. A guy at the front was luring in customers yelling "Boys will be girls!" Most of the strip joints there were nasty.

 

[L'Chaim]

Having lived in New Orleans (aka The Big Easy aka The Crescent City aka The Birthplace of Jazz aka The Home of The Go Cup aka The City That Care Forgot, etc.) from 1978 to 1983 I had the opportunity to check out many of the sites. I haven't been back since the early 90's so some of these places may not be around any more.

There are several touristy type places worth checking out and most can be found in the French Quarter. Some of my favorite FQ restaurants were K-Paul's Kitchen (owned and run by famous Cajun chef Paul Prudhomme), Felix's Oyster House (try the gumbo and the Oyster's Bienville), Brennan's (brunch at Brennan's is a tad expensive but a must for a first time tourist - start by having a Milk Punch or Ramos Gin Fizz while hanging out in the courtyard). After eating, head over to Pat O'Brian's for a Hurricane Punch. If it's late, late at night, try The Dungeon (it's where the locals who work the FQ clubs go after they get off).

IMO, the best clubs and restaurants are found in the Uptown/Garden District/University area (easily reachable by taking a streetcar from the French Quarter). My favorite was always Tyler's Beer Garden on Magazine Street. I'm sure the prices have gone up but when I used to hang out there raw oysters were 10 cents each, crabs were 50 cents, a plate of crawfish or BBQ shrimp was $2 and a pitcher of Dixie beer was $2.50. Great local jazz musicians at night also.

Tipitina's on Napoleon Ave. is a great place for live music. The Camillia Grill located at the riverbend (where St. Charles turns into South Carrollton) is a must for breakfast. If you really want to get jiggy with the locals try Nick's Bar on Tulane Ave. (caution: not a great part of town).

Mardi Gras is not the best time to be in N.O. (in fact it's probably the worst time) but if you like to eat, drink and listen to great music I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time.

 

[MuffinMuncher]

N'awlins

I agree, I lived in Mobile AL (home of the original Mardi Gras) for a couple years, and New Orleans is simply insane at this time of year. Overpriced, overcrowded and after two days of the madness, unless you have a hotel balcony overlooking Bourbon Street, even the nicest tits arent worth all the drunks and vomit.

At some point you have to go to the Cat's Meow for karaoke and hurricanes. Great place to pick up women.

If possible, find a nice quiet hotel away from the action and simply sample the insanity in small doses. The rest of the time try to see the city, sample the cuisine, absorb the culture (not the same french influence you find in Quebec) and talk to the locals.

 

[Cool Dude]

Remember two things. You can't always tell the players without a program babyface. There's alot of gender-benders down in The Big Easy. And don't piss off the cops. Have a great time.

 

[Paul Waters]

For a real taste of cajun cooking the way the Nawlins residents expect, you can't do better than Coops on Decatur.

Inexpensive, too.

 

[xarir]

Laissez les bons temps rouler ...

If you have time, rent a car and drive around to the old plantations. A lot of them give tours; afterwards you can sit out on the veranda sipping mint juleps just like the old days.

If you can, plan ahead and visit the Tabasco factory out at Avery Island. I believe you have to book in advance for this.

Ditto on everything else that's posted in this thread.

 

[babyface]

Thanks, guys! Appreciate all the suggestions. I'll write a little travel report when I get back...

Peace,

babyface

 

[wazzup]

If its not too late

I went to Mardi Gras two years ago. The best advice someone ever gave me was to bring a pair of sneakers to wear on Bourbon street and trash the damn things at the end of the night!