Questions from a potential visitor

[1Curiousguy]

I've only been to NOLA once in the last 10 or 15 years and it was a birthday trip, so the timing was determined by that.

I would like to try to return this year, but it's not at all a certainty. Nevertheless I'd like to try to plan something.

On that trip, however, I did not get to visit a particular museum that I would like to see. On this visit going there would be a must. (And seeing a couple of special ladies will be a must, too).

Due to my employment, any time off between January and April isn't possible. So which other months would be good? I am assuming that there is a tourist season when things are especially crowded (and expensive) that I would like to avoid.

So when is the best time outside of that to visit?

And I will probably drive instead of fly this time, so do most of the hotels charge for parking?

Any and all advice will be welcome. The advice for my last visit was great, I am hoping that you folks will be just as helpful this time around.

Thanks for your advice and comments.

[DallasRain]

Hi my sweet htown hubby

whenever you visit,you will have fun! I remember the past visit...lol!

May is a great time as well as June/August & september

August is Satchmo fest which is alwasy a blast

there is also french quarter fest in spring which is awesome fun

use bookit.com and alot of places will wave the parking fee..........i recommend parking at the dog park off st charles area {freee street parking} and catching the trolly

[stavinChain]

August. It's hot as hell, but, other than Satchmo Fest weekend, there are very few tourists. Hotels are cheap (relatively speaking) and it's easy to get reservations at upscale restaurants.

[HungCurve]

DR is correct on all points. I can tell you that hotel parking will range in price per night, but always starts at $19/night anywhere downtown and in the Quarter. Most are $25-$29/night.
I know this because I used to be a valet downtown at a 4-star hotel.
If you can't find street parking you can always park in an open air lot. They are usually only a few dollars for the day, and there are plenty downtown. Might have to walk a few blocks for your car and there are no In/Out privileges but it's MUCH cheaper.

And taking the trolly is fun.

[1Curiousguy]

I would not have thought about off-site parking had you folks not mentioned it. Is it safe to leave my car at one of these spots over night?

I do understand about the in-and-out privileges. I haven't planned my activities yet. The museum (and the two ladies that I plan to visit with) are my primary focus but I don't know how much driving I would be doing. So I may not do much besides walk around most of the time.

Someone else mentioned the Satchmo festival to me, too. I had not heard of it before.

I may try for mid-September, but a lot depends upon my job.

I do appreciate your suggestions and ideas.

Can you tell me which is the best site for a guide on visiting New Orleans? I am sure that there are many, but can anyone recommend a specific one that is really helpful?

Thanks again all.

And Dallas I know you travel often, I'll make sure to check with you to be sure you'll be around to thrill me when I visit. No trip to NOLA would be complete without a visit to the Highway to Heaven (Dallas calls it the Highway to Hell, but every visit with her has been heavenly for me).

[DallasRain]

1cg---the gals here will luv ya if you decide to play!

look up Satchmo..its awesome fun! also great shopping on decauter and magazine..

they are putting in a "another Broken Egg" cafe by my house,so we can do a brunch!

also the best parking is the lots near the ww museum....cheaper & safer.

also i will be so happy to "tour" with you!

[1Curiousguy]

Dallas couldn't visit without taking the highway to heaven dear. I've contacted another young lady, as well. So we're off to a great start and I don't even know if/when I will be there. Guess I need to start getting some cardio in before I drive over there.

[HungCurve]

The lots you can park your car in are always safe. Some of them have guards, but all are safe to park in. But like the infamous Dallas says, the WWII museum has the cheapest around. I think like $7/day.

[1Curiousguy]

If that's the case, then my hotel needs to be near the WWII museum, too. I'll have to start researching that.

Thanks again to all who answered. I am looking forward to a great visit.