Things to do In NEW ORLEANS

[valandemmy]

So we are leaving next week and are cruising from mobile, AL and driving down from KY, since I have always wanted to goto NO, I figured, we would go down a couple of days early and drive over and have a prevacation :D.

 

I have looked on the New orleans board, but it doesnt seem to get frequented very much, so I wanted to post on here

 

What should we do...what are some dont miss things...There will be myself, wife and 2 kids (daughter is 9, and son age 2 (almost 3))

 

I must do the WW2 museum, HUGE WW2 buff and this place looks great.

 

Other than that, Im lost.... Please HELP :D

[mjrich73]

The aquarium, Jackson Square, French Market, eat beignets at Cafe Du Monde!!!

[dillonsmimi]

Mother's for roast beef "trash" po-boy (DO have the gravy, if only in a bowl on the side).

It is within walking distance of the aquarium.

Maybe eat THEN walk, lolol!

 

mimi

[vcrus1102]

Definately agree with the above. Also go to ACME Oyster Bar for some exellent food. It's in the French Quarter right off of Bourbon St.

[ajhunt2]

Dinner at Pat O'Bryans is a must! The lemon vodka shrimp pasta is amazing!! Wouldn't reccommend walking down Burboun Street at night with the kids, but maybe during the day just to say you went?

 

Jackson Cathedral is beautiful too. Took tons of pictures there

 

There is a museum that has old Mardi Gras floats in it. Admission fee though so we didn't go. LOL. But if you walk down towards the museum/aquarium, ride the ferry across the river and the museum is over there. The ferry was free when we were there.

 

If you like beer try and Abita brand. Locally brewed and according to DH it's pretty good. They also make a root beer with real cane sugar that is great that the kids might like. But be careful as it is addicitve....

[Madame B]

The aquarium, Jackson Square, French Market, eat beignets at Cafe Du Monde!!!

 

Ditto to the above and ditto to try Abita flavored beers (pecan, strawberry, satsuma) and root beer (Oh my!)

 

Take the street car up and down St. Charles Avenue. The homes and trees there are beautiful.

Walk up and down Royal Street if you like upscale antiques and art galleries. Same for Magazine Street, but lower priced and funkier.

Stay at a hotel downtown and walk everywhere.

Splurge for lunch or dinner at Commander's Palace or any other fine local restaurant (KPaul's, Emeril's, a John Bess restaurant).

[tahoemw]

I agree with the responses; but if you do go to Acme, go early, especially with the kids cause it gets crowded during supper hours; try also the riverboat cruise and the praline candy shop; stop by a cvs or walgreens to pick up a travel booklet with maps inside. We also rode the trolley down through the boulevard which was nice. A lot of people suggest the Drury hotel cause they give good prices to leave your car during the cruise.

[beach410]

Swamp/plantation home tour, but not sure how the 2 year old will do on this. We took the trolley thru the garden district and passed by a zoo, I thought our kids would enjoy it, we never did make it there though, http://www.auduboninstitute.org/visit/zoo. The beignets are fantastic at Cafe Du Monde, We love New Orleans, have fun!

[firefly333]

Gulf ports depature board actually is pretty active, where this will probably be moved.

 

Acquarium is world class. If I had a extra day, thats on my bucket list.

[mali06]

I have been there twice but the best day was the one with my hubby off of the Sensation way back when. We shopped at the Mardi Gras Store right near the port, then walked to the French Quarter and meandered around. Had a Hurricane at (insert famous restaurant here), then the famous Jazz Brunch at The Court of Three Sisters (I booked this ahead online). Next walked to Jackson Square and did the horse and buggy tour around the French Quarter, then coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Finally, a slow walk back to the ship. It was the perfect day!

[midnightferret]

You could skip ACME and go to the shorter line at Felix's across the street. There are no guarantees except when you buy a toaster, but Felix's was always our choice in the FQ, and I was born in NOLA.

 

Also, the line for the Mother's Debris (and their other offerings) will most likely be around the block at peak times. Attempt to go at a non-peak time.

 

Also try Cafe Maspero on Decatur St. and Irene's on St. Philip St (in the French Quarter). Or, get a Muffaletta at Central Grocery on Decatur, and take it across to the Riverfront and munch while you watch the boats, barges, and cruise ships!

 

Go to St. Charles (When you're in the French Quarter, that's Bourbon, but cross Canal street toward uptown and you're there.) Get on the green Streetcar going away from the Quarter. Go all the way down to the Riverbend. Then get out at Audubon park, and go to the Audubon Zoo. LOTS of stuff there for the kiddos.

 

Alternately, the Aquarium sells a combo ticket: you get Aquarium + boat ride + Zoo. That's a whole day and usually fun for everyone. Might be a bit long for a toddler, though? Also, be sure and look in the Riverwalk outdoor area, where the people come down the stairs off the ferry, because sometimes there is a brochure cart there with coupons, etc. Also, at the St. Charles Streetcar stop or on the median in Canal Street, there are usually people in uniform called "Public Safety Rangers." They are great for recommendations and help, as well as directions, free maps and brochures, and even escorts if necessary. Their number is (504) 415-1730.

[Cruisin Christi]

Can anyone tell me how late Acme or Felix's is open? DH and I eat late dinners, say 9 or 10...will they be open that late?

[nawlinscruiser22]

Visit the WWII Museum or the Audubon Insectarium/Aquarium/Zoo (the WWII Museum and the Insectarium are awesome btw!); take a buggy ride through the quarter; eat beignets at Cafe Du Monde; kill a few birds with one stone and take the street car down St. Charles to Camellia Grill; browse the antique shops; sample pralines at Aunt Sally's; take a riverboat cruise or a swamp tour; attend a cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking; try a haunted walking tour...

 

Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy "my" city:D

[nawlinscruiser22]

Also try Cafe Maspero on Decatur St. and Irene's on St. Philip St (in the French Quarter). Or, get a Muffaletta at Central Grocery on Decatur, and take it across to the Riverfront and munch while you watch the boats, barges, and cruise ships!

.

 

I second Cafe Maspero! It's inexpensive and tasty New Orleans fare, just remember they are cash only.

 

I agree the muffaletta's from Central Grocery are delicious but I am not sure the OP's kids would approve.

[sparkscruiser]

OP, great thread! I really would like to see N.O. and I am trying to convice my DH we need to cruise from there. He was there many years ago and does not have a desire to go back..... but I am working on him! To all the posters, thanks for all the great information.

[jsjjkelly]

We used to live in New Orleans, and at that time my kids were little (under 4). Besides the Riverwalk (a nice mall type place), and the Aquarium/Zoo, they weren't all into walking around to see the sights. I guess it all depends on how many days you plan to be there. They'd be fine for a day, maybe even 2. I think 3 days downtown with a little one may be too much.

 

We like things "out" of downtown. We like to go to Global Wildlife Center in Robert, LA (about an hour north of the city). It's a pretty cool place where you get to hand feed TONS of animals (even giraffes).

 

Shawn

[mzloolue]

While wandering about you might want to try a Hubig's pie.

 

http://www.hubigs.com/pg-2-1-home.aspx

 

Definitely not the same as Hostess.

[Heirloom]

Three things not to miss:

 

1. " French market" flea market.

 

2. Eat at the BEST restaurant in the US : Commander's Palace. If you are going to be in city on a Sunday......call 2 weeks in advance for reservations for Sunday Brunch there at a specific time. You will never forget it.

 

3. Visit Preservation Hall for enjoyment of the most REAL AMERICAN jazz musicians in our country. Old, experienced and talented Jazz musicians in a down-to-earth setting. Inexpensive and memorable !

[nytonowhere]

There are alot of things you should do but if you have time grab a drink at the Hotel Monteleone bar, the neatest bar ive ever been too, and also a really beautiful hotel it is on Royal St. Of course get some beignets at Cafe du Monde.

[dillonsmimi]

Pre Katrina NOLA was our frequent weekend destination.

The Quarter was always a bit dank and sometimes smelly (esp on warm humid nites) but we always felt safe.

Was there pre cruise in January and took a stroll to Acme and I was getting an unsafe vibe.

There were many, many buildings that need to be torn down, as the bricks and such are falling into the streets.

Wondered about asbestos exposure

Lots of homeless looking people standing around, the streets were dirtier and the sick tummy odor was pretty bad.

Strolled down Royal and the shops were locked up tight and it wasn't even 5 pm yet!

There were bright spots on out rambling walk, but the bad outweighed the good.

My heart goes out for this former Grand Lady on the Mississippi.

 

mimi

 

* Was so happy to see the Lucky Dog guys, I had to have one (being a big fan of street food), and it was just as remembered.

Best dog in the south!