New Orleans is so full of history! We enjoyed a tour of one of the cemeteries; my teenaged daughter loved the haunted history tour. We took a Greyline Katrina tour and were horrified at the damage that remained. Greyline also donates a portion of the tour fee for recovery. Take the free ferry across the river to Algiers~it is a charming little town with friendly residents. The Drydock had wonderful po' boy sandwiches and friendly service. The Alpine on Bourbon St had great food (last November, anyway!!)and reasonable prices......

Posted By Kimberly on November 12, 2007, 12:28 PM

Can't beat NOLA in the winter...we live there. Not into snowbirding in AZ. Never dull in New Orleans. Hard to go wrong with eating, but don't miss Napolean House on Chartres for muffeletas, also Mr. B's on Royal is open now. Bacco on Chartres probably still has 10-cent martinis at lunch during the week.

Posted By Janet on November 12, 2007, 12:46 PM

Gray Line runs an evening cocktail tour which walks you around the historic French Quarter bars and restaurants. It is a great way to familiarize yourself with the quarter and learn quite a bit of history at the same time. Just don't partake of the spirits at every stop. It is worth it to get a peak behind the scenes at Antoines alone. The Alpine is a bargain but it is on Chartres at Toulouse (not Bourbon). No visit to New Orleans is complete without a stop at the Maple Leaf for a beverage and some first class entertainment. I would also recommend a stroll down Magazine street to visit the varied shops and galleries.

Posted By Patrick on November 12, 2007, 12:54 PM

I strongly recommend the Gray Line "Katrina Tour." You will see just what happened, and all the hows and whys will be explained to you by a local expert. When I took it earlier this year, it cost $30. Many of the myths about the city and the flooding were punctured by the guide.

Yesterday's news reported that the St. Charles streetcar line has finally been reopened. A roundtrip ride on that line in one of those old cars is one of the best travel bargains anywhere!

For food, I am partial to mothers, on Poydras Street. Excellent Louisiana-style food. Be sre to get your po'boy sandwich "with debris." (They'll explain it to you!)

Posted By Richard Rosichan on November 12, 2007, 12:59 PM

We visited Destrehan Plantation in May 2006 and it was a great experience. The staff was very friendly. Since we were the only visitors at mid afternoon on a Tuesday, they let us have a picnic under one of the huge trees next to the main house. It was fantastic! Then we were escorted by a private guide on the tour. A very interesting place to learn some of our country's colorful history of the area.

Posted By Mike on November 12, 2007, 1:28 PM

First of all it is a wonderful city with terrific people. The walking tours are great and there are several to choose from; garden tours, cemetary, ghost, historical, etc... The park service offers a free one in the morning but show up early.

Restaurant choices are astounding. My favorites are Mother's (soft-shell poh-boy), Central Grocery (muffelatta), Remoulade (shrimp Remoulade), Emeril's (chocolate souffle and just about everything else - book a kitchen table), K-Paul's (rabbit), Cafe du Monde (beignet donuts - DON'T MISS), etc... It is hard to have a poor meal in any price range. There are so many to choose from. There is even a nice sushi restaurant in the Riverwalk food court. I was skeptical but it was fresh and well prepared.

Don't rent a car until you need it as parking in the quarter is expensive. Hotels often block your car in anyway.

My don't miss activities - a cemetary tour, history tour, lots of food, hurricanes, farmer's / flea market on Decatur, Cafe du Monde, Preservation Hall and talking to artists in the galleries. You will gravitate towards Bourbon Street at night. Stay in the french quarter and you can walk almost anywhere.

Have a great time!

Posted By Kathleen Karsko on November 12, 2007, 1:29 PM

Lived in nola on chartres st. great city but be careful. take name cabs at nite, no matter where. tip cabbies well and dont argue with them. walk with care and awareness, particularly the fringes of the fr. quarter. avoid the faubaurg marigny altogether. avoid canal street. if streetcar is running on st. charles take it all the way to carrollton, get off, have a burger or omelet at camelia grill then get back on the street car back to canal st. stop and head back in to the quarter. do only in daytime. may be lines at the camelia so go 11am or 1pm. for hotels, stay at windsor court, ritz, or if you want to be in the quarter stay at the soniat house, bourbon orleans, hotel maison de ville or the provencial. if you are driving stay at le richelieu hotel as they have a guarded free parking lot dedicated to the hotel access through the rear of the hotel. safe. saves about 30 bucks a nite. soniat is hi but worth it for a nite or two. avoid hotels and inns on the margins of the quarter and esplanade. too risky. restaurants: gumbo shoppe, central grocery, napoleon house, cafe du monde(beignets and coffee only), masperos, K-pauls, mr. b's, brennans(eggs hussarde), irenes(nola italian). for the best hit stella, august(john beshe), commanders palace, cochun, pelican club, galatoires. see museums, take a french quarter courtyard tour. dont skimp on food, its cheap. dont skimp on lodging--it's cheap too compared to other big cities. for jazz go to snug harbor(cab), hilton hotel lounge, preservation hall if you like dixieland. get a copy of offbeat mag when you get in and review the music and clubs available. hope yall pass a good time, cher. dg

Posted By dan gremillion on November 12, 2007, 1:32 PM

I haven't been there since Katrina, but the D-Day Museum is an absolute must. It is an awesome museum and was spared much of the damage of Katrina. The ferry across to the Mardi Gras museum was a fun trip. I know they were damaged during the hurricane, so check to see if they are now operational. It's a great city to walk around in. We didn't use a rental car and were able to see everything. The St. Charles streetcar that was mentioned is also well worth the ride.

Posted By Gail Sotrines on November 12, 2007, 1:44 PM

Check neworleansonline.com for discounted "Papa Noel" hotel rates thru NY Eve as well as great ideas for meals, tours, etc. Ride a streetcar down St. Charles Avenue to the end of the line to see beautiful old homes and churches; stop at the Camellia Grill on Carrollton for lunch, then reboard the streetcar, visit the zoo in Audubon Park, and take the streetcar back to town. Have lunch one day at Mr. B's Bistro to get the same food as dinner but at a lower price. For a splurge, try Redfish BonTon at the BonTon Cafe on Magazine Street (expensive) or (for a MAJOR splurge) brunch at Commander's Palace or Brennan's. (Call IMMEDIATELY for ALL dining reservations.) Rent a car for one day and visit the N.O. Museum of Art; time your visit to see the museum exhibits and sculpture garden before dark, then ride through to see the Christmas lights (weekends 12/7-30, celebrationintheoaks.com). Return the car to avoid parking charges at your hotel; take cabs to other places. Visit the World War II museum for an outstanding view of history. And no N.O. visit would be complete without having coffee and beignets at the Cafe du Monde, near the riverfront.

Posted By Jeanette on November 12, 2007, 1:49 PM

If you love oysters, you have to visit the Acme Oyster House. The charbroiled oysters are the best I've ever had. I would go back just for them.

Posted By Jasck O on November 12, 2007, 2:32 PM

I visited New Orleans with a friend last year for New years Ever. it was a blast, but we definitely learned a few things:
-The Acme Oyster House is a great, great place.
-You definitely dont need a car if you're staying anywhere near the French Quarter. We were about a ten minute drive away, and it still made much more sense economically to stick to cabs and public transport, which is somewhat reliable.
-The weather is not as warm as you think it will be! Rain boots are key.
-For something fun to do on New Years Eve, its not at alll ike New York City where going to Times Square to see the ball drop automatically makes you a tourist. Hit up the main event in town around 11 pm, watch the pot of gumbo drop, and then hit the bars as far away from Bourbon Street as possible, or expect to pay a $20 cover and wait an hour for each drink. Instead, try going to a spot like DBA, which is a bit removed from that scene.

Posted By Annmarie on November 12, 2007, 2:42 PM

NOLA is the best!!! I lived there through college (Tulane) and after and just got married there in June. Wedding was at the Maison Dupuy - great hotel. Don't go walking through the Marigny - but it's perfectly safe to walk down Frenchman (Snug Harbor, DBA, Spotted Cat, Cafe Brasil - note Snug and DBA have the best bathrooms). Drink a Bloody Mary at Molly's on Decatur, Fried Chicken at Fiorellas, Burgers at Port of Call, Carousel Lounge at the Monteleone. I'd stay away from most of Bourbon - giant, tacky, tourist trap - with the following exceptions: Tropical Isle, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, Old Absinthe House, Johnny Whites (if you're up at 5 in the morning) and Pat O'Brian's. Cars are not necessary - they are expensive to park and the no-left turn rule will totally throw you off. Take a cab or the Street Car.

Posted By Alyson on November 12, 2007, 2:43 PM

Don't drive into the city. If you can find a place to park it is VERY expensive. Take the tours or the trolley. The riverboat dinner cruise is great and much fun. Bubba Gumps is highly overrated. There is much to see by just walking in area of the Riverwalk, Harrah's and the Riverboat.

Posted By Carolyn on November 12, 2007, 2:57 PM

Definitely rent a car one or 2 days and go see Laura, a Creole plantation, and Oak Alley plantation. Stop somewhere and try alligator, hushpuppies and boudin balls. We ate at B&C Seafood near Laura plantation. It was a dive, but it was certainly an adventure!

Commander's Palace is open again and the food is fantastic, but pricey. Lunch is a more economical option, but make reservatons. We also really enjoyed Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse and Court of Two Sisters.

As was mentioned before, it can be VERY cold, with the wind blowing off the river. Check the weather forcasts and be prepared.

Posted By Kepi on November 12, 2007, 3:00 PM

Rent a car for one day, and drive the river road "up" toward Baton Rouge (upstream) and back the other side. There are several lovely plantations along the river - some will be decked out for the holiday season - check with your hotel or call ahead. Though in places not legal, it's fun to drive along the top of the levee that flanks the river on both sides - find an entry spot without posted signs. Allow all day, and drink in the flat (some will say monotonous), rich bottom-land scenery.

Others have recommended several places to eat, but let me simply and highly recommend two classics: (1) Galatoire's (on Burbon St) captures N.O. at its classic finest, in both cuisine and atmosphere. There's no reservations downstairs, so everyone, from mayor to pauper, waits on the line - with the mobile carnival of Burbon street sliding past as you linger outside. Gentlemen, bring a dress jacket. (2) Acme Oyster House, a classic down-home venue, no dress code here. Do raw oysters at the bar, if you are at all so inclined, or settle into a table for an Oyster PoBoy (= hero, grinder, sub, ...) or some other seafood dish.

And do slow down a bit. Grab a local paper, sit on a riverwalk bench, read and watch life, and contemplate the river flowing by, draining all the land between the Rockies and Appalachians Enjoy!

Posted By st crawford on November 12, 2007, 3:04 PM

The best plantation tour we took was the Laura Plantation Tour. What made it different was that it is a "Creole Plantation". The guides (at the time - 10 years ago) were all part owners and were actively working to restore the house and gain back the original furniture and artifacts attached to the house. The name of the house is based on a young girls diaries which were discovered. This house had stories which brought laughter and tears and was so different from the other plantation homes it really stood out. There is a Web site for the plantation and I really encourage you to take a look.

When you return to town, go to the Napoleon House for drinks and a meal. Make sure to eat in the courtyard. Good food and drinks, and a fun experience (especially if the waiters are still snobby) Have a wonderful trip!

Posted By Jackie Butts on November 12, 2007, 3:05 PM

A few of us were in NOLA in May '07 for Jazz Fest, and stayed in a hotel near Harrah's. Our rental car remained at the hotel the entire time, which is good, because driving there seems like it would be a nightmare. We checked out one of the ghost tours Haunted History who also offers Plantation and Katrina tours. We didn't see any ghosts, but it was really entertaining and a good history lesson. We felt pretty safe walking around, even in the evening, as long as we stuck to the main streets. One of our highlights was jazz brunch at Muriel's near Jackson Square - granted, it's probably a kind of touristy place, but the food and coffee were incredible. The best part though, is the people in New Orleans - they were so gracious and friendly.

Posted By houstonv on November 12, 2007, 3:06 PM

My family is right there now . They have contacted Tours by ISabelle for a complete city tour and Cajun Encounters for the Plantation Tours.

Isabelle also offers a Deluxe Plantation tour for minimun 5 or 6 people.

Hope you enjoy it.

Posted By Rosa on November 12, 2007, 5:09 PM

Returned to New Orleans a year after Katrina and it was still a shadow of its' former glory but it's coming back for sure. No place like the Vieu Carre but always be careful down there. Swamps?? Go down Barataria Blvd to Church Point and ask about the swamp walking tour out there. Very interesting to walk in the middle of a swamp and running into a alligator or two. Best muffelatas? I love them at Johnny's at Tchoupitoulas and Amelia. Magazine St has some nice antique and specialty shops. Oysters at Cusimano's on Magazine was my favorite (may be closed for the season)and the NICE places like Galatoires, Antoines, Commanders Palace, Emeril's, Brennans, etc. NEED reservations and $$$. The Cafe du Monde for cafe au lait and a walk on the Moon Landing is a favorite and the fireworks display usually takes place down there. Sounds like the Grayline "Katrina" tour is pretty popular, the Garden District and St. Charles Ave homes are pretty special. Check out Lake Ponchatrain, take the 26 mile causeway across to Mandeville. Take a riverboat dinner/jazz package for a fun night. Go on a plantation tour. Take the streetcar, the bus and use your car if you really must, but remember, everything on the West Bank is East/West, and everything on the East Bank is North/South. Les bon temp roulet!!

Posted By Roy on November 12, 2007, 7:13 PM

Just there a couple of weeks ago. Excellent suggestions from others regarding food and tours. Rent a car only if you want to drive outside the city. Otherwise, trolley (although not completely open along St. Charles)or bus work well. If you are budget-conscious or just want to get the most for your money, get a one or multi-day transit pass and take the bus out St. Charles to where it turns onto Carrollton. Great restaurant for breakfast (Madelline's). Take the bus back stopping for your own self-guided tour of the Garden District -- restored century old homes plus a cemetary. Then take the Magazine St bus back through the warehouse district (museums, shops and restaurants) and stop at Mother's for late lunch.

Posted By Gayle Lorenc on November 12, 2007, 9:25 PM

Recommended -A Must in N.O.
1) Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter famous for coffe and beignet's .

2) St Louis Cathedral the oldest cathedral in U.S.
near Cafe du Monde across from Jackson Square in the French Quarter.

3) Paddlewheel Mississippi Cruise , a must , located at the end of Canal Street
and the Mississippi river.

4) A Louisiana Sugar Cane Family - St Joseph Plantation in Vacherie La.
about 50 miles North of New Orleans . Next door is Oak Alley the most photographed Plantation in the US, a must see for plantations.

Take a walk through time as you enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the many interesting people who have called St Joseph plantation "Home."

Many tours are guided by family members themselves.

Restored by volunteers consisting of family members and friends; the plantation is just one way a historic house has preserved a family heritage as well as plantation family history.

Guests experience the breezes through the house due to cross ventilation. However, during those long, hot, summer days, you will be able to enjoy your tour in air-conditioned comfort.

To complete your experience, St. Joseph Plantation gift shop offers visitors many one of a kind items including paintings and unique gifts crafted by talented family members.

A great place to stay in New Orleans is the Garden District Hotel close to Commander's Palace ( make reservations)
located on St. Charles Ave. where a street car will take you to Canal Street.
Enjoy !!

Posted By Richard November 12, 2007 on November 12, 2007, 11:38 PM

For coffee and beignets try Morning Call. For to die for charbroiled oysters try Dragos. For the best swamp boat ride, try Bayou Black Airboat Swamp Tours - Wayne is the best guide http://travel.yahoo.com/p-reviews-2984857-prod-travelguide-action-read-ratings_and_reviews-i

Posted By Karly on November 13, 2007, 9:45 AM

I also highly recommend a visit to Laura Plantation. Be sure to pair that tour with the Le Monde Creole walking tour of the French Quarter. Le Monde Creole traces the lives of Laura Locoul's family in the Quarter, so you get to see both sides of her story--city and country. The Le Monde Creole tour also visits St. Louis Cemetary #1, so you get the bonus of visiting one of the most famous cemetaries in New Orleans.

Posted By Krista on November 13, 2007, 9:47 AM

I'm astonished that Antoine's -- certainly a "classic," and in my family's view still the finest dining experience in the city -- has only been mentioned once in passing in this discussion. We enjoyed dinner there in May; it's still the peak of excellent food and superb service. Reservations are a must. I'm also surprised that Felix's Oyster Bar hasn't been mentioned for its succulent oysters and superb fresh seafood. We consumed dozens and dozens of fat, juicy Gulf Coast oysters weekly when we lived in the Quarter many years ago; they're still just as good.

Posted By Sharon on November 13, 2007, 10:38 AM

As a former resident and now visitor, I recommend a Voodoo Tour (booked through the Voodoo Museum). It's very fun and educational (and includes visiting a cemetary). I also recommend having a meal at the Gumbo Shoppe which is tasty but reasonably priced. You should also make sure to stop by the piano bar at Pat O's. It's a great experience. You should also go to the D-Day Museum as it is totally one of a kind and so interesting. Laissez bon temps roulez!

Posted By Brianne Riker on November 13, 2007, 3:34 PM

Don't need car; go to Jacques Imo's out by the Maple Leaf (my last meal wish - unless in Rome it would be pier luigi's); out past Tipitina's is Frankie and Johnny's then the aforementioned Acme.

Posted By phillip ramthun on November 13, 2007, 5:48 PM

1) D-day museum is now called the WWII museum. FANTASTIC! Just north/northwest of the convention center.

2) Muffelleta at Central Grocery across from the French Market. Everyone has their favorite- this is mine.

3) St. Louis Cemetery (#1)- When people think of above ground cemeteries, this is it. Need a car for this.

4) If the St Charles trolley is running, 3 suggestions: Commander's Palace (pricey but one of the best meals you will ever have), Cooter Brown's (dive bar where the streetcar makes a hard right: great beer selection and oysters) , and the Columns (best drinks).

5) Bon Ton Cafe (warehouse district) BEST crawfish etoufe and bread pudding. Call ahead to reserve the pudding as they often run out)

6) Music- Maple Leaf, Preservation Hall, Snug Harbor, Tipitina's, Howlin Wolf's.

7) Acme Oyster House is a must!

Posted By bamanascar on November 14, 2007, 10:20 AM

If you only have time for one plantation go to Oak Alley plantation. San Francisco plantation is unique. Nottaway Plantation is also very nice and has the absolute best food in its restaurant. Get the Shrimp Creole jambalaya plate with bread pudding that will melt in your mouth! Most plantations are about an hour from downtown New Orleans, with Nottaway about 15 minutes farther. Once you get on the interstate they're not hard to find - after all they are next to the Mississippi River! The airboat swamp tours are the most exciting but also more expensive. Be careful where you walk in the French Quarter - stay between Bourbon St. and the river.

Posted By Gwen on November 14, 2007, 2:10 PM

My sister and I were in NO at the end of August and really had a great time. We did rent a car, but unless you're going outside of the French Quarter you really don't need one... we walked pretty much everywhere. We did drive out to the Plantations, which are relatively close together.... We stayed at both the Monteleone and at Le Pavillion - both were great, but Le Pavillion isn't in the Quarter.... we had amazing food - the meal at NOLA was superb - we also ate at Brennan's, Herbsaint and the Commander's Palace which I thought was overrated. I thought the meals were expensive, but the food is incredible.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is a Cruise on the Mississippi - it was interesting call: 1-800-233-BOAT... as was a cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking.

Posted By Nancy W on November 14, 2007, 2:47 PM

Was in New Orleans in October. C'est magnifique.

Irene's was around the corner and I had never eaten escargot. It was wonderful.

Being a person from rural America, I was awed by the vast selection of culinary opportunities, so much so, that I am going back in May of 2008 to see more of what may have been over looked.

A rental car isn't needed as everyone mentioned. We were cautioned not to leave the Vieux Carre after dark.

Posted By William on November 15, 2007, 3:26 PM

I was fortunate enough to travel to New Orleans twice this year. The restaurants others mention are very nice, but also very expensive. If you are looking for some great local food and of course the music, I highly recommend Mulates. It is located at 201 Julia Street (about 4 blocks south of Harrah's Casino along Convention Center Blvd.) Another restaurant with great food and reasonable prices is The Gumbo Shop located at 630 Saint Peter Street (1/2 block from Jackson Square off Chartres Street). And of course for breakfast you must stop in a Cafe du Monde at 800 Decatur Street for the best (and inexpensive) beignets and coffe.

Of course you must walk the French Quarter and Bourbon Street (including a stop at Pat O'Brien's for a Hurricane). But I would also recommend taking the Hurricane Katrina tour offered by Grey Line Tours (they are located just off Decatur Street on the right side by Toulouse Street). The tour really gives you an insight into what they are dealing with. And finally, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and IMAX theater are very nice. Located at 1 Canal Street it is easy to walk to. Actually, everything I mentioned we were able to walk to from our hotel. We stayed at the Ambassador Hotel on Tchoupitoulas Street just a few blocks from Canal Street and one block from Harrah's Casino. It is a good location and price for the area, we booked on hotels.com both times.

I hope some of my advice helps and I hope you have a great trip. Make sure to stop in a mask store and take lots of goofy pictures of eachother.

Posted By Lois on November 18, 2007, 11:13 PM

I hadn't been to NOLA since May of 2005, but having grown up in Mississippi and studied in Mobile it was always our weekend Mecca. Was pleasantly surprised to find that much of the tourist's Nawlins is intact and running and the day I arrived, I followed the St.Charles Streetcar down on it's test run before opening again for business the next day. What a great omen! The Streetcar has always had romantic associations for me and seems such a civilized way to travel -- absolutely don't miss it because the architecture you pass is organic to the city and the gradens will lift your heart. Eat at the Camellia Grill at the very end and then leisurely return downtown, passing Tulane as you go and the Audubon. Slow down and enjoy this slowest of American cities.

Posted By Jean Carmichael on November 20, 2007, 9:18 AM

No one has mentioned Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World across the river from Algiers. Just take the free ferry across and there will be a car from there to pick you up. Costumes and floats are on display and are made by Kerr. Don't know what Katrina did to them, but it was a most interesting tour.

Posted By S. Thames on November 20, 2007, 11:43 PM

I visit to the French Quarters is not complete unless you have some extraordinary Gumbo. For the best Gumbo in town visit The Gumbo Shop, located at 630 Saint Peter St., the go for coffee and dessert to Cafe DuMonde. We love going to New Orleans just for the day to have lunch.

Sheila & Allan Asper, Miami Beach, FL

Posted By Sheila & Allan Asper on November 21, 2007, 8:47 AM

For swamp tours, nothing beats Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours. Its about 20 minutes from downtown. Just make sure that the gators are not hibernating which they do in winter.

Posted By Ray Houghton on November 26, 2007, 12:52 PM

along with the others, I recommend the acme oyster house. check out the wall over the bar where the most number of oysters eaten record is chronicled. Also, for something completely different, i once took a boat tour of the back bayou, which I still remember to this day. Also the dueling pianos at a famous bar in the french quarter is to die for, if it is still there.

Posted By Frank Marticelli on November 26, 2007, 3:58 PM

We are contemplating our first visit Jan. 2-6. due to the football game on the 7th, would you advise coming a different time?

Posted By Sue on November 26, 2007, 6:46 PM

As a New Orleans native, I would like to welcome you to our great city. You are coming at a very busy time with New Year's Eve and the Sugar Bowl. For the last post - you will catch a brief lull, but it will still be busy - since it is the BCS Championship game.

A few recommendations - the best bargain will be Cafe du Monde right on Jackson Square- for less than $4 you will have a great cup of coffee (cafe au lait) and wonderful beignets. It is also a great place to people watch. Many people have recommended Commander's Palace, but I would like to recommend their sister restaurant Cafe Adelaide in the Loews Hotel (right across Poydras St. from Harrah's). They have a website (like many restaurants) to check out the menu - it has the classic N.O. feel, but more reasonable prices. I love Galatoire's and feel that it, too, is more reasonably priced than the other N.O. old line restaurants.

If the streetcar (not trolley!) line has resumed its full route (it has not happened yet, but they are ahead of schedule & it should be soon) I would try Camellia Grill for a cheap lunch. The "show" by the waiters is worth the trip. The streetcar is only $1.25 or $1.50 - so it, too, is a bargain.

You can also take the Canal St. streetcar to Mandina's. They have an extensive menu with many N.O. favorites, great fried seafood and onion rings.

When I travel, I enjoy the "tours" from the hotel, but I have not been on any for our area, of course. I do recommend the WWII museum and the Aquarium. For anyone with small children, I also recommend the Audubon Zoo and the Children's Museum. The closest plantation is Destrehan Plantation - only about a 30 minute drive. The others are further - at least 1-2 hours each way. A walk along the river from the Riverwalk to the French Market is wonderful - weather permitting.

I would recommend staying in the French Quarter or nearby. As with all large cities, not just here, use common sense when it comes to safety. The hotel's concierge or front desk staff can advise you.

Enjoy!

Posted By Lynda on November 26, 2007, 9:56 PM

I'd recommend Bayona on Rue Dauphine for great food. Somewhat pricy, but a wonderful menu. Chef Susan Spicer is one of the top women chefs in New Orleans.

Posted By Kasson on November 26, 2007, 10:28 PM

Great suggestions. I would add that I also enjoyed the Audobon Zoo - especially the Bayou - we took the St. Charles out to the zoo and then returned to the French Quarter by boat.

I am in the group who prefer Felix's Oyster House (Acme and Felix are almost directly across from each other). I've always enjoyed better oysters at the bar in Felix's.

I don't enjoy the flavor of coffee (or coffee with chicory), but Cafe du Monde also has good hot chocolate to go with the beignets.

Posted By Maggie on November 28, 2007, 7:59 PM

I just read Amy Chen's request for suggestions on New Orleans around New Years (BT, June 2008; Trip COach) and wanted to offer suggestions from a native Louisianian. For great "Cajun Cuusine", try eating at The Bon Ton Cafe on Magazine St. in the French Quarter (www.thebontoncafe.com). You will get local fresh seafood dishes that are the favorites of many local residents. The Crabmeat Au Gratin is out of this world, as is the Crawfish Bisque. Another great place to eat is Brennans in the French Qtr. (417 Royal St.; www.brennansneworleans.com). While every dish is excellant, you MUST try their Bananas Foster for dessert. Prepared besides your table with flaming rum sauce, this is a "dessert experience" you will never forget. The last place I recommend you visit while there is Jackson Square where you will experience street performers, local artists, and a quaint little B&B named Hotel St. Pierre (911 Burgundy St.;www.hotelstpierre.com). Good luck!

Posted By Robert A. on May 31, 2008, 10:55 PM

Earlier I posted my suggestions on NO but I forgot to mention one other place to go out to for awesome nightlife. Try getting into the House of Blues at least one night while in NO. Also, if you like Karaoke, you will absolutely love The Cats Meow on Bourbon Street. You don't even have to sing! It's just hilarious to watch all of the others try to do it.

Good luck.

RA

Posted By Robert A. on May 31, 2008, 11:03 PM