I'm off in a couple of weeks and need some info?

I'm staying in the French Quarter and no idea of where to go? And what to do out there, any thoughts more than welcome?

This is also my first visit State Side from the UK, any tips?

Cheers for any advice.

Matt555

 

The Big Easy is pretty compact, so it's not hard to find the right places to go.

As far as going outside of the downtown area, the "Garden District" is worth a look, as well as one of the Plantations out in the country.

 

New Orleans is a fun city with what may well be the best food in the USA. It is a very cool place but it has more than its share of crime and problems. It's an easy place to die if you go into the wrong area. Stay where there are plenty of people and don't go walking down side streets alone. You will have a blast, enjoy the wild city.

 

Stay in the "Tourist Trap" areas and you will be fine.
If you can find a place that makes it try the Softshell Christie.
Three fried softshell crab stacked on top of each other like pancakes, with a Crawfish sauce instead of syrup.
That way if you are assaulted and killed, you are ready to die.

 

There is a Playboy party at Harrah's Casino on Saturaday to release the new Playboy slot machines. There are going to be a bunch of playmates there entertaining guests. You can try to stop by but I think its RSVP only.

 

Thanks for the info people, I wonder if there's a Honda sceen down there???

I'll have to go and check out the USA Honda sites I think!

Cheers
Matt555

 

Have dinner on a 2nd floor balcony restaurant in the heart of the French Quarter. MAKE SURE YOU GET BALCONY SEATS, even if you have to wait an extra hour. It should be worth it. From there, you can enjoy some drinks while checking out the entertainment on the streets down below. Stay a while. You should get a pretty good idea of what goes on in that town. It was fun to watch the transvestite working at the strip club across the street trying to persuade everyone into the club!
I can't remember any of their names, but there are some GREAT bars in the French Quarter, too. There were some really cute waitresses selling those "test tube" shots last time I was there... But they don't just walk around and sell drinks... the do "stripper-esque" type things on top of the bar, on your table, etc. It's a pretty crazy atmosphere. The waitresses are as drunk as everyone else in the bar because you're allowed to buy them drinks!
Of course, there's Harrahs, the River Walk, etc.
Unless you're planning on leaving town, there's probably no need to rent a car if you're staying in the French Quarter. If you do end up driving, we drive on the right side of the road here in the states.

As far as the Honda scene, I remember seeing a lot of... ummm... "poorly" fixed up cars there. Nothing really done very well. I remember seeing an old beat up school bus with a really loud stereo system cruising the main strip! I think you're more likely to find old Cadillacs on 24k gold spoke rims than imports.

Have fun!

 

It sounds like I'm in for an eye opening experiance!!!

Jezz what have I let myself in for? Hehehe

Cheers
Matt555

 

As already stated, there is some great food there. I would recommend NOLA (place owned by Emeril, make reservations), Mike Anderson's (good food at the end of Bourbon St) and there is a little cafe behind the cathederal that makes the best gumbo I have ever tasted.

As far as night life, Bourbon St. is the obvious choice, but be prepared to be disgusted by the total lack of cleanliness in this portion of the city. It will smell like vomit and trash by about 2 am (but if you are blitzed, it doesn't really matter). Take the trolley to the end of the garden district, past Tulane and you will find a few of the bars that the college crowd frequents (last time I was there it was a bunch of drunk Jewish girls). If you want to hear some good jazz, try the Funky Butt; it is a few blocks off of Bourbon and requires walking down some dark streets; just walk fast.

Outside of the city, the plantation tour is really impressive. If you do a plantation tour, make sure you see Oak Alley, it is rather impressive.

Harrah's is fun, but definitely not the best casino in the world, not even the best in the gulf region, but it is better than average.

Strip clubs cater to all crowds but some provide a decent show. Beware of the lactating woman!! (unless you are into that )

Brian

 

I was there two weeks ago for surgery. I did get to run around a couple of days and made the hot spots. We stayed on St. Charles and used the Street car which ran right in front. We were told not to go out after dark and I did and I understand why. Shady people standing around on the street corners. After the surgery, we moved to lake front in a room that looked out to the Huge Gambling boat which was beautiful which is on the lake. Really clean and safe. I would say that all the food was good but the best was a place called CAMELIAS. You have got to make it there, it is on St. Charles Ave.