OT: Trip to New Orleans

[UConnTrumbull]

Trying to plan a trip to New Orleans - no, not for an away game at Tulane. Any ideas of things to do and/or recommendations on places to stay would be great.

 

[husky99]

Went down for a wedding in my mid 20s. The pictures look like i had a blast. I think i lost 70% of the trip from blackout drinking.

 

[Deepster]

How old are you and will this be a boondoggle with buddies or a trip with the Mrs?

 

[UConnTrumbull]

How old are you and will this be a boondoggle with buddies or a trip with the Mrs?

24. With the (Future) Mrs and possibly her brother and his girlfriend

 

[Drame]

Trying to plan a trip to New Orleans - no, not for an away game at Tulane. Any ideas of things to do and/or recommendations on places to stay would be great.

Place for four. I did the airbnb and it was great. 20 min walk to the quarter, but you're in the Bywater. Another great neighborhood to check out. And cheaper than any hotel

Bywater Design Gem + Bikes - Houses for Rent in New Orleans

Right across the street from the house is the Country Club:
country club new orleans. Great pool and anything goes.
www.thecountryclubneworleans.com

Bacchanal Wine for a great restaurant and hang.
Bacchanal Wine - Bywater - New Orleans, LA.

Frenchman street obviously for music.

Tipitinas is a must

 

[Baltic]

Trying to plan a trip to New Orleans - no, not for an away game at Tulane. Any ideas of things to do and/or recommendations on places to stay would be great.

Where you stay is pretty much related to your budget and how close you want to be to the Burbon Street action. We stayed in the Garden District on St. Charles Ave. Convenient with the streetcar available. It isn't convenient for Burbon St. but certainly was quieter.

By all means one of the best attractions in New Orleans is the World War II museum. Plan for at least a half of day there, obviously this will be during the day so shouldn't interfere with your night time plans. Composed of 4 or 5 buildings, each concentrated on a theater of war with some great interactive activities and some very realistic displays. It was actually the highlight of my most recent trip.

 

[8893]

When are you going and for how many nights?

I've gone there around once a year on average since '95 and have answered this question so often for friends that I have saved an e-mail about it that I adapt accordingly. I'll PM you when I'm back at my work computer later this week.

 

[qdog87]

Trying to plan a trip to New Orleans - no, not for an away game at Tulane. Any ideas of things to do and/or recommendations on places to stay would be great.

There are plenty of things to do in New Orleans. All depends on what you are into. If you love good restaurants and Jazz then you will find an abundance of opportunity for both. Everyone will mention Bourbon Street, but after a few trips up and down you will realize it is somewhat overrated and a tourist trap.

If you want good Jazz then go to Frenchman Street. There are plenty of good jazz clubs (as well as most nights) there will also be Live jazz on the street so you don't even need to go into a club to enjoy yourself.

Food...There are so many options I cannot even try to list them all. I went to a restaurant called Deanies Seafood located at 841 Iberville Street (this is close to Bourbon Street) and the boiled crawfish was out of this world. I suggest ordering a couple of pounds per person. The dress code for Deanies was relaxed (Jeans, t-shirt, shorts etc).

My suggestion is to check with the natives or hotel concierge. They will suggest plenty of options for food and entertainment. Most of the people were really friendly.

 

[UConnfan4ever]

Place for four. I did the airbnb and it was great. 20 min walk to the quarter, but you're in the Bywater. Another great neighborhood to check out. And cheaper than any hotel

Bywater Design Gem + Bikes - Houses for Rent in New Orleans

Right across the street from the house is the Country Club:
country club new orleans. Great pool and anything goes.
www.thecountryclubneworleans.com

Bacchanal Wine for a great restaurant and hang.
Bacchanal Wine - Bywater - New Orleans, LA.

Frenchman street obviously for music.

Tipitinas is a must

Monday nights Helen Gillet plays at Bacchanal. Also in Bywater try Elizabeth's for breakfast.

 

[Waquoit]

Don't let anyone talk you out of hitting Bourbon Street. It's a blast, especially for a first-timer.

 

[uconn1999]

Here's an interesting list:
The 38 Essential New Orleans restaurants, October 2015.

So many places to eat.
Been many times, could answer questions.
First, you don't need a car. Taxi from the airport.

 

[intlzncster]

24. With the (Future) Mrs and possibly her brother and his girlfriend

Hmmm. Bummer. While you're right in the target age bracket, the second bit Kind of puts a damper on most of the fun stuff to do in New Oleans.

 

[intlzncster]

When are you going and for how many nights?

I've gone there around once a year on average since '95 and have answered this question so often for friends that I have saved an e-mail about it that I adapt accordingly. I'll PM you when I'm back at my work computer later this week.

You should lay it out here for everybody to see. Pizza recos and all.

 

[intlzncster]

Lot's of amazing whole in the walls for great food. Had some amazing jambalaya and gumbo at a couple places that didn't even really have names. Locals just point you in the right direction. Same with muffaletas at this one particular deli. Ask about a good crawfish joint too.

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

Just went to NOLA. Stayed at the Country Inn and Suites on Magazine St. HIGHLY recommend it. 3 minute walk to the quarter but none of the noise. Don't waste your time with a plantation tour. Think Sturbridge Village but 110 degrees.

Pat OBreins is a laid back but fun place. Dueling pianos.

Crazy Lobster had the best jumbolaya that I tried and has a nice view of the river.

The girls will insist on bingnettes at Cafe DuMonde. It's very crowded and no AC.

Muffulettas will change your life.

Garden district, we spent less time in but is nice. Actually reminded me a bit of Hartford's West End. Tried to walk around Tulane but there was a light rain the night before and the sidewalks were under 3 inches of water (not kidding).

Ruby Slipper for breakfast.


Bourbon St ... Ummmm for some reason I thought would have like some kind of cultural element? Nooope it's a long smelly frat party.

 

[Deepster]

I've been a bunch.

McClure's Barbecue
This is a spot started by a guy I know on another message board. It started as a truck and has evolved into one of the hotter spots. Killer bbq.

Port of Call - New Orleans' Best Hamburger
Port of Call is a little bar/burger dive. Google it and read the reviews. It has always been a favorite of mine. Great local vibe.

Talk to a doorman about live music. Even something that's a cab ride like Tipitinas. See if Big Sams Funky Nation is around. Go see music off Bourbon St. Don't be afraid to explore and be smart about it. Get the cabbies number and call for a pickup when you're ready to go. I saw Big Sam last time I went. 2.00 high life's and he blew the roof off the joint.

Hotels? In the quarter I've had great stays at Bourbon Orleans and Hotel Monteleone.

Touristy spots? Cafe Du Monde for sure. Central Geocery for a muffuletta. Pat OBriens for a hurricane. And see a set at Preservation Hall.

 

[krinklecut]

Definitely check out the St. Roch cemetery. Go into the chapel, on the right there's a room where people for the past 100 years have left sacrifices for their recently deceased. Fake limbs, bandages, teeth, possessions, letters. It's chilling.

 

[intlzncster]

Definitely check out the St. Roch cemetery. Go into the chapel, on the right there's a room where people for the past 100 years have left sacrifices for their recently deceased. Fake limbs, bandages, teeth, possessions, letters. It's chilling.

Damn, that sounds awesome. I wish I'd known about that.

 

[DogMania]

I've heard that the WWII Museum is supposed to be spectacular. I have an upcoming business trip (RSA Archer Summit) there in October and am looking forward it with great anticipation. I've never been there.

 

[MilliniumPrince]

Don't let anyone talk you out of hitting Bourbon Street. It's a blast, especially for a first-timer.

^^ This. Pound for pound, Bourbon Street was more fun than the Vegas Strip to me....and that is saying A LOT! It isn't as long, but man it is a blast. I was there last October. I stayed at the Crown Astor on the corner of Canal and Bourbon. There are nicer places, but my room was great and the side exit is on Bourbon Street. Great live music along the entire strip. If you like Jazz, go to Preservation Hall, but get there early. If you like cheap strip joints (not my thing, but hey it is Bourbon Street) you will have several options, and they are rather vocal in attracting business. If you like seafood, you will think you have died and gone to heaven. There are a dozen well know tourist places and they are fine, but as someone mentioned above, as the locals for the real good food.

If you are found of kissing women whom you just met....your lady will kill you, but there will be plenty of options there too. If she is found of kissing strange women she just met...you two will have a blast (just kidding....not really).

The casino at Harrah's is cool, but Mohegan and Foxwoods are better. Take a tour of the Katrina Areas, it will humble you. Also, be prepared to see a staggering number of homeless people. Shocking for a city in the South.

 

[Husky68]

Live in NOLA near Audubon Park and if have day to just leisure and walk around could visit there and around. From anywhere around city can take cable car on St Charles west to Audubon park (that in itself is a must do) and get off just past Exposition Blvd which gets you to northern most part of park (right across from Tulane University and Loyola University). Walk in park south about 1/2 mile and get to Magazine street and go across and Audubon Zoo is right there. Is actually very nice Zoo to visit and walk around. After Zoo can then walk little west and south and go across railroad tracks and get to nice park on the river. If don't want to walk back to St. Charles for cable car can get bus back to city on Magazine.

 

[intlzncster]

Live in NOLA near Audubon Park and if have day to just leisure and walk around could visit there and around. From anywhere around city can take cable car on St Charles west to Audubon park (that in itself is a must do) and get off just past Exposition Blvd which gets you to northern most part of park (right across from Tulane University and Loyola University). Walk in park south about 1/2 mile and get to Magazine street and go across and Audubon Zoo is right there. Is actually very nice Zoo to visit and walk around. After Zoo can then walk little west and south and go across railroad tracks and get to nice park on the river. If don't want to walk back to St. Charles for cable car can get bus back to city on Magazine.

What in the hell were you doing with that first sentence?

 

[Chin Diesel]

All good choices so far depending on budget and interest. Bottom line is that with a little research and a little preplanning you can get all the food and all the music variety you can want for an entire week. Depending on your interests during the day there are several interesting things to do. None wrong, none right. Just different.

 

[UconnFanNVa]

All good choices so far depending on budget and interest. Bottom line is that with a little research and a little preplanning you can get all the food and all the music variety you can want for an entire week. Depending on your interests during the day there are several interesting things to do. None wrong, none right. Just different.

Pretty much this. I stayed at a hilton a few blocks away from bourbon street. We planned a few things but ended up winging it most of the time.

def go to Cafe Du monde for some beignets

I cant tell you where, but po boys in Nola are on a different level. i ate one every day i was there and didnt get tired of them.

I did an alligator tour. They picked us up from the hotel and took us to the swamp. Very memorable experience. We got a tour guide that ordered a huge pickle bucket filled with crayfish (he stopped in the middle of the tour to go and get them). When he came back he showed us how to eat them and told us to enjoy and pass it around (best i've ever had, he explained we wouldnt get anything like that in new orleans). Had a good time.

went to this place The Three Muses – muse [myuz] -n : a source of inspiration; a guiding genius and had some great appatizers and drinks while listening to an awesome jazz set, coulda stayed in there all night.

Also ate at Cochon Restaurant | New Orleans Dining | Cajun Southern Cooking walked away very satisfied.

Pralines were new to me, couldnt get enough of them.

Lots of art on the streets and odd 1 of stores

Plenty of boozes all over the place.

Found that we flocked to bourbon street our first night. Second night we did it again, and then after that we spent so much time out during the day exploring everything else there was to do and see that we were pretty much down with bourbon street. If you have never walked it though its worth seeing. lots of drinking and music, strip clubs, and you'll see some tettas.

From where we were everything was super walkable. and with something going on litterally at every turn, you dont even mind walking and seeing what will present itself on the next block.

I think we were there for 4 or 5 days? had a ball and would love to go back.

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

Pretty much this. I stayed at a hilton a few blocks away from bourbon street. We planned a few things but ended up winging it most of the time.

def go to Cafe Du monde for some beignets

I cant tell you where, but po boys in Nola are on a different level. i ate one every day i was there and didnt get tired of them.

I did an alligator tour. They picked us up from the hotel and took us to the swamp. Very memorable experience. We got a tour guide that ordered a huge pickle bucket filled with crayfish (he stopped in the middle of the tour to go and get them). When he came back he showed us how to eat them and told us to enjoy and pass it around (best i've ever had, he explained we wouldnt get anything like that in new orleans). Had a good time.

went to this place The Three Muses – muse [myuz] -n : a source of inspiration; a guiding genius and had some great appatizers and drinks while listening to an awesome jazz set, coulda stayed in there all night.

Also ate at Cochon Restaurant | New Orleans Dining | Cajun Southern Cooking walked away very satisfied.

Pralines were new to me, couldnt get enough of them.

Lots of art on the streets and odd 1 of stores

Plenty of boozes all over the place.

Found that we flocked to bourbon street our first night. Second night we did it again, and then after that we spent so much time out during the day exploring everything else there was to do and see that we were pretty much down with bourbon street. If you have never walked it though its worth seeing. lots of drinking and music, strip clubs, and you'll see some tettas.

From where we were everything was super walkable. and with something going on litterally at every turn, you dont even mind walking and seeing what will present itself on the next block.

I think we were there for 4 or 5 days? had a ball and would love to go back.

We did a combo plantation/swamp. Swamp was a lot of fun plantation sucked.