New Orleans

[bigd88]

Hi All,

I heading to New Orleans next weekend for a bach party. Non of us have ever been before. Can I get some suggestions on what to do while we are there? I know there is a ton do there, so I'm really looking forward to it.

Thanks in advance!

[JS42]

Alot to do in Nola. Just a weekend is a small window, but here are a few things to consider.

Bourbon St: A great time to be had there and think everyone should experience it atleast once in their lifes.

Frenchmen St: http://www.neworleanscvb.com/things-...nchmen-street/
This is where more of the locals hang out, as opposed to Bourbon St, which, over time, is more the tourist magnet. Alot of good, local blues bands play here.

Tours: http://www.cajunencounters.com/?gcli...FbOoPAodxzEAiw
I found this one to be an outstanding company. City tour is great, and if you never seen true swamp land, they own their own land and it's freaking awesome.

French Market: http://www.frenchmarket.org/
World famous and can find some cool souvenirs if you look around. Try to make sure it was made in Nola. Plus, the famous Cafe Du Monde is here.

GW Finns: http://gwfins.com/
Great restaurant. Ate there when I stayed at the Royal Sonesta, which was just around the corner. I had some of their Red Snapper and it was delicious. Their baked apple pie and vanilla ice cream is to die for. They don't make the apple pie until you order it. Awesome.

There is a ton of stuff to do here, and I'm sure other people will chime in. If you are staying in the French Quarter, parking is at a premium, so expect to pay a hefty, per day valet parking. I only stay in the French Quarter because I love it there, and you can basically walk to anywhere in the area. There are other nice hotels outside the FQ, but close by, where the parking fees are cheaper, or none at all. On average, parking fees are around $30 a day to stay in the FQ. To me, it's worth it, to some, no.

The Riverwalk area, which is adjacent to the FQ is pretty cool too. Lot's of shops too, plus Audubon Of The Americas, Harrahs etc..and cruises.

Nola is a pretty awesome city in my opinion, and been vacationing there the last 3 years. Plan on going back this year. Have a good time, and from one tourist to another, be safe and smart. Keep your wallet in your front pocket and enjoy yourself. I never had a problem visiting there. Alot of history in Nola. It is one of the oldest cities in America, and has it's own mystique. There isn't another place in the world like it.

Here is a more concise listing of things to do:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...Louisiana.html

[DallasRain]

magazine street also has some cool clubs/cafes...and is only a short cab ride from quarter

have fun!!

[JS42]

I agree, Magazine street is great too. If you want to do some upscale shopping in the FQ, Royal street is a good spot. It's just one block off of Bourbon St.

[Misawahawk]

Well Bourbon st is for amatuers. I'd go to http://snakeandjakes.com/. This is Jake and Snakes Christmas Club Lounge. Any thing your looking for is within a stones throw. This may be the seediest dive bar in the world.

[LoveWomen]

I Love NOLA, but...

The strip clubs on Bourbon Street are very underwhelming, mediocre talent, tourist prices and skanky atmosphere. Especially when the civilians walking on the street are way hotter and more entertaining.

Having said that, a really fun spot is the Cat's Meow Karaoke Bar at the corner of Bourbon and St Peter. Since every young person with a shred of musical talent in the south migrate to NOLA, that bar is filled with super performers, some wanting to be discovered, some singing in between jobs, etc. Not a typical Karaoke bar and not a typical NOLA tourist trap.

About 8 of 10 singers are pretty darn good, 1 of 10 are drunks from the crowd, but that last 1 of 10 is a Fantastic Performer, a real professional singer just blowing the doors off.

It's free, handy and entertaining. If it's not your taste, just move on to the next tired, old tourist bar.

[DallasRain]

you can always stroll down a little farther to the "entertainment" distict...Oz can be so fun!

[JS42]

You are probably right about the strip bars on Bourbon St, LoveWomen. I never went into them as I'm not really into strip clubs. Cats Meow is a pretty cool bar. I may be in the minority here, but I like Bourbon St alot. Yes, it's a tourist magnet, but for me, that's part of the fun. I like strolling along partying with other tourist, going in and out of different bars along the way, checking out the bands playing, and you can always find good deals on liquor if you pay attention. Alot of performers you can see strolling, and some of the "human statues" can be amusing. You can find anything you want on Bourbon, hobbywise, natural pick up etc...I love the Quarter because of the history and excitement the place brings. It's the "original city" of Nola, and alot of history and stories behind alot of those old buildings.

There is alot to do outside of the Quarter obviously, and I try to make sure I experience what all of Nola has to offer. My base is the Quarter though, and branch out from there. Like stated earlier, Nola brings it's own mystique to the table. And I find the history and how all the different people came together in this small patch of land fascinating. For me, it's my home away from home.

[DallasRain]

have fun====i will be there st paddys day

[LoveWomen]

Originally Posted by JS42

... I like strolling along partying with other tourist, going in and out of different bars along the way, checking out the bands playing, and you can always find good deals on liquor if you pay attention. Alot of performers you can see strolling, and some of the "human statues" can be amusing. You can find anything you want on Bourbon, hobbywise, natural pick up etc...

I agree completely, the other tourists and their free-spirited attitudes can be the real attraction.

Especially when the civilians walking on the street are way hotter and more entertaining.

Last time I was there, in broad daylight, there was a beautiful young woman naked to the waist, sitting on the sidewalk in a barstool receiving an air-brushed body painting on the most magnificent pair of tight, youthful, full, rounded and magnificent (did I say that already?) womanly breasts that I can ever recall seeing.

For the rest of the evening she could be seen strolling Bourbon Street confidently displaying her recently acquired artwork, drawing more attention than any of the 'professionals' in the strip clubs.

[DallasRain]

be sure and stroll one street over..Royal Street has some cool musicans and window dressings!

grab a bite at maspearo's

[JS42]

LoveWomen,

Dude, I totally agree there are some super hot women on Bourbon St. Nola is indeed a tourist city, so not only does hot women from all over the country vacation there, they come from all over the world. Serious eye candy to check out, and well, if your lucky...

I particularly don't like going by the strip club part of Bourbon. I don't mind the strippers (and yes, some look skanky) hanging out the door trying to get you in. It's the fucking guys that work there pestering the shit out of you to come in when you walk by. They are annoying as hell, and told a few to fuck off after repeatedly pestering me while I walk Bourbon St.

All in all though, there is a damn good time to be had in Nola. And Bourbon St is not for everyone, especially vacationing families with kids, but if you want to party and cut loose, it can be a blast.

[blk07lac]

If its your first time to Nola you have to spend one night hanging out in the quarter. Great food, great alcohol, loose women. What else does one require for a great night. I have been going to Nola since I was 17, and still love it as an ole man. So for first visit I suggest you start your trip with a large hurricane, and at least pop your head into every bar, club, or strip club on Bourbon.

I usually just put a few hundred and my ID in my front pocket when I venture out on Nola. Because as you are looking for loose women there are other professionals there looking for loose pockets. Also there are usually enough plain clothes LE around so I would not try shopping for anything on bourbon, if you know what I mean.

[blk07lac]

Hey I almost forgot don't go too far down Bourbon, all of Bourbon is not for everyone...

[JS42]

Originally Posted by blk07lac

Hey I almost forgot don't go too far down Bourbon, all of Bourbon is not for everyone...

Hahahaha! I know exactly what ya mean. Too damn funny.