New Orleans - NOLA - The Big EasyClick thumbnails for larger picture |
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 Jackson Sq. - St Louis Cath. |
 St. Louis Cath. Towers |
 St. Louis Cath. Ceiling |
 Art at Jackson Square |
 Jackson Statue, NOLA |
 Louisiana Courthouse |
 Decatur St. - Jackson Sq |
 French Quarter balconies |
 New Orleans streetcar |
 Walgreen's Canal St. |
 Preservation Hall |
 New Orleans Voodoo! |
 Brennan's at dusk |
 French Quarter bar sign |
 NOLA night music |
 Le Petit Soldier Shop |
 Bourbon Street bars |
 Antique store window |
 Royal St. store window |
 Window mannequins |
 Witching Hour house |
 French Market - boas |
 French Market - masks |
 French Qtr. gas lamp |
 Tie dye at Market |
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Dates we visited: March 2008 and January 2009.
Where we stayed : The Ritz Carlton New Orleans on Canal Street. Our Rating (1-5): 5+ A haven of comfort and style just on the edge of the French Quarter and easily walkable to the core. See NOLA for: Everything. Food, music (jazz!), history, architecture, streetcars, riverboats, and general good times. Our favorite sites and activities: Strolling the French Quarter, especially Royal Street and Jackson Square, The French Market. Best Free Fun: The amazing variety of corner musicians and street entertainers. Listening to the song of the Pie Lady. Our Favorite Meals: Acme Oyster House, The Gumbo Shop, Jazz Brunch at Commander's Palace. Getting around: The entire French Quarter is walkable. For other destinations, ride the streetcars (can you say fun?) Tips: If you are age 35 or above, you might tire quickly of the drunken revelry on Bourbon Street. It's fun, but due to the presence of many visitors college age and younger with no adult supervision and the growth of the post-Katrina "Girls Gone Wild" culture, the jazz legacy of Bourbon Street seems almost obscured. Don't be disheartened! That really only dominates a short stretch of Bourbon Street and mostly in the evening. The rest of the Quarter is still a lively but sane experience that people of all ages can enjoy. Be sure to see other neighborhoods like the Marigny and Garden District as well. Summarize New Orleans: There is just no other major city like it in the United States. Charming, ramshackle, jazzy, rowdy, naughty, hot as the sauce in your gumbo and most of all FUN! Would I return? Yes. Every year if I could, maybe even for Mardi Gras some year if I feel bold. |
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