New Orleans
New Orleans has a certain spirit – a joie de vivre – that makes it truly unique. It’s so much more than Bourbon Street. Whether you come for the music, architecture, cuisine, shopping or attractions, there’s definitely something for everyone. Just ask the 2007 conference attendees!
Make the most of your trip to New Orleans by visiting www.neworleanscvb.com to request a Visitor’s Planning Guide. The guide offers information regarding restaurants, music, area attractions and tours, as well as area maps and coupons. Other websites worth visiting include www.neworleansonline.com, www.neworleans.com and www.experienceneworleans.com.
Shelley’s Picks
You know New Orleans is one of my favorite cities! It’s easy to find fun, affordable things to do – and places to eat -while you’re in town. Here are just a few of my favorites! (Scroll down to find my picks from 2007.)
1. Preservation Jazz Hall
(726 St. Peter St. / French Quarter / 504.522.2841 / www.preservationhall.com)
Opened in 1961 to preserve the New Orleans jazz style, this is the place to hear New Orleans jazz. Almost church-like in atmosphere, the first two rows are floor cushions followed by wooden benches. There’s a sign that says traditional requests $2, others $5, the Saints $10. You’ll want to be there when they play the Saints! Doors open at 8pm (music starts at 8:15); admission is $10 per person. All ages welcome!
2. St. Charles Streetcar
(www.norta.com)
From the Sheraton New Orleans, turn left on Canal Street; proceed one block to St. Charles Avenue; turn left. Hop on the historic St. Charles Streetcar. The route covers thirteen miles from Canal Street, through the Garden District, past Loyola and Tulane Universities and Audubon Park, then it takes a right-hand turn at Riverbend and continues up Carrollton Avenue. At $1.25, it’s a bargin! Started in 1835, the St. Charles Avenue Line is the oldest continually operating streetcar line in the world and a National Historic Landmark. Hint! Take the St. Charles Streetcar to the Camellia Grill (see number 3) for double the fun!
3. Camellia Grill
(626 S. Carrollton / Riverbend/ 504.866.95.73 / www.camelliagrill.net)
My father introduced me to the Camellia Grill during Jazz Fest. Earlier this year, I introduced it to my daughter Carly; she loves to take the St. Charles Streetcar (see number 2) to the Camellia Grill for a hamburger and chocolate freeze. It’s her new favorite place in New Orleans. From the outside, it looks like a plantation, but inside it’s all diner. Regulars come in for the chili omelets and the pecan waffles. The only seats are bar stools that wind their way around the counter – where you can watch all the action. Waiters, in their white jackets, are the entertainment here. They greet every customer with a fist bump and their light-hearted banter is just plain fun!
4. Johnny’s Po’ Boys
(511 St. Louis St. / French Quarter / 504.524.8129/ www.johnnyspoboy.com)
My son David and I love this place. They’ve been making po’ boys – and more – since 1959, so they know what they’re doing! We’re big fans of the shrimp po’ boys. During Jazz Fest, we always start the day at Johnny’s! Just a quick walk from the Sheraton New Orleans.
5. Canal Street Ferry
(Canal St. & the Mississippi River /http://friendsoftheferry.org/)
Also known as the Algiers Ferry, this free ride across the Mississippi offers up great city views from the river. The ferry drops you off in Algiers where you can turn around and hop right back on the ferry or - better yet - take a free shuttle to Mardi Gras World. In this gigantic warehouse you’ll see first-hand how floats are made and learn everything there is to know about Mardi Gras! Their inventory of past floats and costumes is - quite simply – amazing. A fun way to spend a couple of hours. Great for kids too.
6. Hurricanes at Pat O’Brien’s
(718 St. Peter St. / French Quarter / 504.525.4823/ www.patobriens.com)
You really can’t leave New Orleans without trying a Hurricane - in a signature glass – at Pat O’Brien’s. This rum drink (there’s a non-alcoholic version too) goes down easy, so be careful. Look for eSchool Solutions team members in the courtyard nightly; one of our favorite hangouts when we’re in town.
7. Crescent City Steaks
(1001 N. Broad St. / Mid-City / 504.821.3271/ www.crescentcitysteaks.com)
Since 1934, this family owned steak house has been serving up great steaks. Only a short cab ride from the Sheraton New Orleans – it’s a big favorite of the eSchool Solutions team! Stop in and if we’re there, we’ll buy you a drink!
Shelley’s Picks – 2007
1. Beignets at Café du Monde
(800 Decatur St. / French Quarter / 504.525.4544 / www.cafedumonde.com)
Fried dough with powdered sugar. Need I say more? My daughter Carly ate her weight in these yummy treats!
2. Tipitina’s
(Napoleon & Tchoupitoulas / Uptown / 504.895.8477 / www.tipitinas.com)
A New Orleans institution, this venue is great for die-hard music fans. Named for the song immortalized by Professor Longhair, Tipitina’s is a tad out of the way and nothing fancy (c’mon you know that’s the best kind of place), but definitely worth a cab ride (without the kids).
3. French Quarter Carriage Tour
(Jackson Square / French Quarter)
Kids love these cheesy tours, emphasis on cheesy. They’ll beg you for a carriage ride. Trust me. Maybe because “the horses are so cute” (actually, they’re mules), or maybe because they’re tired of walking. Whatever the reason, this is a fun way to see the Quarter, even for adults.
4. Debris po’ boys at Mother’s
(401 Poydras St. / Central Business District / 504.523.9656 / www.mothersrestaurant.net)
Okay, the debris (bits of beef that fall off when the meet is carved) po’ boy is really my husband’s favorite, but I love ‘em too! Mother’s has long lines, cheap food and zero atmosphere. Worth every bite!
5. Muffalettas at Central Grocery
(923 Decatur St. / French Quarter / 504.523.1620)
Grab a muffaletta, a bottle of Barq’s root beer, a bag of Zapp’s Cajun Crawtators and you’re all set! BEWARE: a whole muffaletta is a whole lotta food! They say half a sandwich is a good meal. A quarter sandwich? A filling snack. I say any size is tasty!
