Do NOT stay on Chef Hwy!!!!! We found out the hard way that is where the sleazy business is conducted.

If you get the change go to Cafe Roma in Gretna (just over the I-10 bridge and on Wall Blvd) and to Deaney's in Bucktown, along the south side of the lake. I am guessing both are still in business.

It is a great city, except for the fear of water, I loved living there.

Janie

Thank you, Janie!

I appreciate the tips.

I was there in dec and stayed at the Hampton Inn on Carondelt st and was very happy w/it.It wasnt super expensive and was very nice and clean.Also had a good continental breakfast.You can go to neworleans.com and get lots of great info online,including booking hotel rooms.

Shelley

I've fount tripadvisor.com to be very helpful when visiting a city I've never been to before. You don't have to join to read the posts and there are usually plenty. Have fun!

we are planning a driving trip there in the next few springs, we are about 8 hrs drive away in orlando. i want to see spring camellias & gardens in the LA area as well as possibly include mardi gras. my dh is only interested in the food and insectarium...~ liz

Here is a link that might be useful: audubon insectarium

I like the Dauphine Orleans Hotel.
Smallish, staff is friendly and helpful and it is within walking distance to those things you'll want to see/do.

When I was there, they had an expanded continental breakfast, which was great.

Check out their website for more information.

Have fun!

You must go the the French Quarter..lots of quaint shops. Another high spot is their Botancial Garden, Amazing!! Ride the horse and buggy around the square. In this same area is a beautiful catheral you can tour...walking tours are available, peer into the courtyards, beautiful gardens.
Bourbon street in the daytime is fine, at night I would be leary unless you are in a crowd. There are several restaurants, most have their menu with prices posted outside. Never be afraid to walk in one and ask to see a menu before you are seated.... Have fun...

There is a range of resturant selections in the French Quarter, on Burbon St, and just off Burbon St.

Be sure to take walk or drive on residential streets in the French Quarter to see antebellum houses. Most are 2 and 3 story houses on smallish lots. The architecture is beautiful.

Strike up conversations with the locals. Maybe they will tell you about local customs, for example, 1) a Civil War statute of a Confederate hero mounted on a horse - the horse's rear end point north; and 2) burial practices. There is big bruial problem in New Orleans becasue of the high water table.

And oh, the Battle of New Orleans lead by Andrew Jackson was totally unnecessary. That battle was fought after the war had been declared over and the treaty signed. Trouble was, slow communications. The treaty was negotiated in Europe and it took some time (by sailing ship) for the word to reach the front.

And while you are there, find out exactly was is "Mock Turtle Soup", that is, find out the meat ingredient of true mock turtle soup. It is a dish that was concocted by the chefs while New Orleans was under seige and food supplies were short.

Watch out for the coffee. Many business establishments have 2 coffee pots: One is regular coffee and the other one contains chicory, a bitter brew.

I lived there many years ago and I am sure things have changed a lot since then, but I hear that St. Charles Avenue (Where I lived) is still beautiful and well kept. There are many bed and breakfasts in the area and you might enjoy staying there instead of a hotel. It's right on the streetcar line and is convenient for sightseeing. Have a wonderful time and interact with some of the locals. Don't miss the French Quarter! I wish I could join you! Bettye/AZ

Oh, New Orleans is so wonderful! Go to the Botanical Gardens; visit Jackson Square and get your fortune told and watch the artists at work; walk the Garden District and see the lovely homes; go to the Cafe du Monde for bagnets and coffee (and chicory adds taste, not bitterness!); rent a car and drive the River Road and visit some of the plantations; and EAT! New Orleans has the most wonderful cuisine, and it seems everyone cooks, and cooks well--it is hard to get a bad meal in New Orleans unless you go to a chain restaurant.
Try some of the small hotels in the French Quarter--the prices are very reasonable, the charm is astounding, and the service is excellent. Contact the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce for a list of hotels and their rates.

Thanks, everyone! Reading about all the neat things to see and do is making me even more excited (and wishing DH and I would have planned one more day together, after the conference).

I appreciate everyone's suggestions.

Hugs,
SadieSadie

This is an interesting thread. DS and I were just talking this week about a road trip to New Orleans in the next year or so.

I love the wonderful Sunday brunch at The Court of the Two Sisters in the French Quarter. Try to get a table in the garden patio. Do get some beignets at the Cafe du Monde; makes a nice last stop befoe bedtime, but any time they are good. You can also buy boxed beignet mix to take home.

Commanders Palace for turtle soup!
The aquarium, if it is still there!
A muffeletta across from Cafe du Monde, It's right on the corner, and you can go in from either side. Sit at the bar, order a cold beer and a muffeletta!

And yes, brunch at The Court of Two Sisters.