I’m a jolly-go bluejacket from Galveston town, the fineliest polished young yeoman around. But there is no prize more greater to me than to sleep in my bed on Christmas Eve. So roll it on, Johnny, roll it on mean; but first let’s make anchor at New Orleans.
The Crescent City is a new one. It’s only a stop in the journey, but I’ll enjoy myself for the bit I’m there. What’s fun to do? Where’s the good gift shopping at? Staying in a couple hostels so I’ll probably be spending most of my time in the French Quarter… just a tad bit… probably. What’s safe to do? What’s not safe/idiotic (activities, places, parts of town, general travel-alone advice)? I’ve always wanted to check out those cemetaries they have, but I wouldn’t know anything about which one’s which which is ‘better’ or any of that. Need to buy a bunch of Christmas goodies to stow in my ditty bag when I get home tho -any cool shopping places?
My mom will be there with my nieces (her granddaughters) the same time you will. If you see a middle-aged Yankee woman with three girls, ages 14, 12, and 8, say “Hi.”
Don’t miss the French Market (just down the street from the French Quarter); pretty esoteric shopping to be found there. And don’t miss Cafe du Monde (right across the street from Jackson Square) for beigneits and cafe au lait.
You’ll want to spend most of your time in the French Quarter, really. That’s where all the action is. Definitely stop by Pat O’ Brian’s for a Hurricane or two. Stop by Lafitte’s Blacksmith shop for a sammich. Take in some jazz at Preservation Hall. St. Louis Cathedral is also worth a look. Also stop by Marie Laveau’s Voodoo shop for all of your voodoo needs.
If you want to see a cemetary, go to the one where Marie Laveau is buried. Her tomb is something of a shrine, and the cemetary itself is pretty archetypical of New Orleans cemetaries. She’s at St. Louis Cemetary #1: to get there, get on Basin Street on the north side of the French Quarter and ask for directions. It’s either east or west of the Quarter (not sure which). ONLY GO THERE IN DAYLIGHT. Further reading.
As for things to avoid: there are pickpockets and scammers working the Quarter (don’t fall for a little kid betting you that he can tell you where you got your shoes), and take whatever precautions you would usually take in an urban area. But if you stick to the Quarter you should be OK.
Esoteric you say? This would be my first Christmas since I joined the Navy, so I try to bring home somethingorother ‘different’ from my various travels, so the more ‘out there’ from Podunk the better.
Sure. If you want to miss 80% of the best dining in town. If you think the art galleries in the Warehouse District are a waste of time. If you don’t think you’d be charmed by the Fauborg Marigny. If you want to miss Christmas in the Oaks at City Park. If you have no interest in the New Orleans Museum of Arts. If you have no interest in the D-Day Museum. Ditto the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. If you don’t want to take a ride on the New Orleans Streetcars. If you don’t think the Audubon Zoo or Audubon Aquarium of the Americas would be fun. If you want to pass up the pretty houses in the Garden District. If you want to leave without even the chance of hearing 50% of the live music. If you want to miss the miles of funky shops and galleries on Magazine Street (cheaper & neater than most things in the FQ). If you’d rather not venture out and about and see what Katrina did to 80% of the city. If you don’t want to risk $5.00 at the quarter slots at Harrah’s. Not that the FQ isn’t fun, HeyHomie, but it’s not cornered the market on all the action in town.
As far as safety goes, don’t venture into poorly lit areas at night. Don’t ignore obvious signs that you’re entering a run down neighborhood. Don’t buy crack. Don’t piss off the police. Don’t accept rides from strangers. Don’t travel alone at night on foot unless (1) you know where you’re going, (2) know how to get there, and/or (3) are outside populated areas such as the French Quarter. Beware scams, such as bets on where you got your shoes (on your feet) and how many letters are in “your last name” (12).
Just about all of these places can be found through Google:
Mandina’s Restaurant
Angelo Brocato’s Gelateria
Magazine Street Shopping
Warehouse District Shopping
Garden District
Camellia Grill
Dick and Jenny’s Restaurant
The Funky Butt
Tipitina’s
The Gumbo Shop
Deanie’s Seafood
Central Grocery
My wife and I went to school in New Orleans (Tulane) but I hadn’t been back in years until a few weeks ago. New Orleans isn’t like other cities. You don’t have to plan much. Just wandering around the French Quarter can give you enough ideas for weeks of fun.
We went a few weeks ago and had a fabulous time. If you change your mind and want to stay in a hotel, I have a great inside scoop. We stayed at the Iberville Suites for about $90 a night and it was a fabulous deal. It is in the same building as the Ritz Carleton and shared the same service. It was posh especially for the price.
Ninety smackers? :eek: I’m traveling on an E-1’s salary. I suppose I have the disposable $$ for it, but that’s money I could spend buying souveniers at the cemetary. I plan on spending a night at the India House hostel, actually. On that note: anyone know if this place is any good? I hear mostly good, tempered with “keep in mind you’re not at the Ritz…”
That actually sounds pretty cool. I’ve basically been missing everything Christmastime this season, and won’t get home until late Christmas Eve (I had this one thing planned out…). So a Christmas festibration of some sort sounds heart-warming almost. What’s it like?
Sounds right up my alley. A buddy of mine has a hard-boiled detective uncle in Algiers who says the zoo is pretty good.
Havn’t heard anything about that particular hotel, sorry. TripAdvisor might have a review or two.
City Park is a very large green space that has some developed areas (tennis courts, playgrounds, kiddie amusement park, botanial garden) and the park decorates the live oaks and developed areas with lights. Depending on the night, there may be additional activities. Here’s a link with more info: http://www.celebrationintheoaks.com/
It’s a wonderful zoo. Compact, but with lots of animals and exhibits and it’s well maintained. Well worth the trip Uptown (take Magazine Street all the way up and shop as you go, if you like).