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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Talk to me about New Orleans! (Updated with my review)
Never been.
How is it?
Tell me the good, the bad, the ugly!
I'm back- it was amazing! Review below! 
Message edited 11/28/2013 12:38:30 PM.
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Posted 10/16/13 5:27 PM  |
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JennP
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 3986 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
Just you and DH or DD too?
My recs would vary based on the answer.
I love NOLA but I have family there so I was fortunate to get taken around by a local. They took us to some really great restaurants that were clearly local - lots of unhealthy delicious fried food and CHEAP!
I haven't been there post Katrina but I believe the tourist areas were never hit that hard.
If you search under my name and new Orleans you'll see my standard recommendation post but it's old at this point.
We went for French Quarter Festival - lots of music and food booths that sell samples from restaurants. So much fun!
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| Posted 10/16/13 6:21 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
Actually it's a work trip- but we will have some downtime to see the sites, etc.
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| Posted 10/17/13 9:12 AM |
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halfbaked
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6937 total posts
Name:
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
Amazing. I just got back from a 30th birthday weekend. It was a group of 6 girls which was just perfect. There's plenty to see and do. I really just loved walking around the French Quarter and checking out the little shops. The whole French Market is fantastic- I got most of my gifts and souvenirs there. There's trolly rides, ghost tours, swamp tours, plantation/mansion tours. There's an aquarium right off the Mississippi. There's several steamboat tours. Unfortunately though, all those things are pretty lengthy. I think even the shortest tours are 2-3 hours. But there's even a lot of restaurants and coffee shops- and they all have live jazz music. You can check out Lafitte's- the oldest bar, complete with flat screen TVs and the cast of The Originals.  Whatever you do, I guarantee you won't be bored.
ETA: The tourist-y areas (and even the residential area where we stayed) were pretty much what I expected. They've recovered a lot from Katrina, though talking to the locals they'll tell you that they lost so much.
ETAA: We spent our nights on Bourbon Street which was fantastic, but crazy. Don't go there at night sober, it will just piss you off. lol!
Message edited 10/17/2013 9:43:04 AM.
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| Posted 10/17/13 9:38 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
Posted by halfbaked
Amazing. I just got back from a 30th birthday weekend. It was a group of 6 girls which was just perfect. There's plenty to see and do. I really just loved walking around the French Quarter and checking out the little shops. The whole French Market is fantastic- I got most of my gifts and souvenirs there. There's trolly rides, ghost tours, swamp tours, plantation/mansion tours. There's an aquarium right off the Mississippi. There's several steamboat tours. Unfortunately though, all those things are pretty lengthy. I think even the shortest tours are 2-3 hours. But there's even a lot of restaurants and coffee shops- and they all have live jazz music. You can check out Lafitte's- the oldest bar, complete with flat screen TVs and the cast of The Originals. Whatever you do, I guarantee you won't be bored.
ETA: The tourist-y areas (and even the residential area where we stayed) were pretty much what I expected. They've recovered a lot from Katrina, though talking to the locals they'll tell you that they lost so much.
ETAA: We spent our nights on Bourbon Street which was fantastic, but crazy. Don't go there at night sober, it will just piss you off. lol!
Thank you for this! I have heard it's a ton of fun and such a great vacation spot, but I really don't know anything about it at all.
I'm definitely looking forward to it.
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| Posted 10/17/13 9:58 AM |
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mommyof3girls
LIF Adult
Member since 5/12 2773 total posts
Name:
Sue
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
Any hotel recommendations??
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| Posted 10/17/13 10:36 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
Posted by mommyof3girls
Any hotel recommendations??
We are staying at the Windsor Court. Looks amazing.
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| Posted 10/17/13 11:10 AM |
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EandF
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 1674 total posts
Name:
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
I've been a few times. My college roommate is from the MS Gulf Coast so we did Spring Break there and she was also married there.
Off the top of my head because it's been a long time:
-Cafe du Monde for beignets and coffee. There is also a flea market within walking distance that's fun to walk through.
-Pat O'Briens for hurricanes. If it's nice out, grab a table in the back and drink away!
-Go to the Central Grocery, grab a muffuletta, and walk down to the water to enjoy the view and people watch.
-Bourbon Street is a must. Lots of bars and restaurants and it's just a fun street to walk down and really get a feel of the city, it's people, and culture.
-NOLA is known for it's food. I would look into some of Emeril Lagasse's places.
-I never went but the Garden District is supposed to be very nice with more upscale bars.
Also, just an FYI, be careful. I do not think this is a safe city so just be aware and street smart. I haven't been since pre-Katrina so don't know if the dynamics of the city have changed. But you can literally be a couple of blocks off Bourbon St and it's a totally different vibe.
It's a great city! Have fun!
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| Posted 10/17/13 4:34 PM |
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ANewDayHasCome
Love multiplies, not divides
Member since 11/12 14481 total posts
Name:
Me
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Talk to me about New Orleans!
We stayed at the ritz but Windsor court is the other great hotel. A long wknd is plenty. Take time to go to the plantations. Oak alley was my favorite and also saw Laura plantation.
Restaurants
Stella
Nola
Gw fins
August
Herbsaint (where jay z threw his Super Bowl party)
Must get a hurricane at pat o brians
Must get beignets at cafe dumonde
Walk magazine street
Bourbon street is trashy but still do it and listen to jazz
Message edited 10/20/2013 7:27:54 PM.
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| Posted 10/20/13 7:27 PM |
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luvbuffet
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 6470 total posts
Name:
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
I went last weekend for the first time. My bf surprised me for our 1 yr ani! We only went for a day and a half. I renamed NOLa the city of " when I get to it..." It's slowwwwwwww. Def not New York! Waited over two hours for fried chicken at Willie maes (skip it). Def walk around French quarter. Sooo many awesome antique shops and kitchen shops. They are huge on food so u will find unique cooking gadgets. And a lot of the antique shops have awesome vintage chanel pieces which impressed me.
Def go to cafe du monde (earlier in the day, the better. Like 8-9 am otherwise u will be waiting for over an hour. Soo worth it!
I had dinner at commanders palace and had the chefs tasting menu. I recommend it! Excellent dining experience from the moment we walked in. Service and food were both impeccable.
As far as bourbon street... Def walk by at night but watch out for ppl barfing. I personally have zero patience for life so I lasted 5 min on bourbon.
New Orleans is a city full of culture and history and you will have a blast!
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| Posted 10/20/13 9:28 PM |
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WhatNow
Say Cheese!
Member since 1/06 8033 total posts
Name:
A (formerly WhatNow?)
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
We went a few years before Katrina so I am sure many of my recommendations would be horrible outdates, so I am just going to say one thing and one thing only: THE FOOD!! We still talk about all the things we ate in New Orleans 11 years ago.
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| Posted 10/21/13 1:09 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
Thanks guys for all the feedback and suggestions!
Someone mentioned it not being a "safe" city- did you guys feel unsafe there?
Or just like any large city- NY, DC, etc- where you just have to be smart?
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| Posted 10/21/13 10:05 AM |
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halfbaked
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6937 total posts
Name:
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
Posted by EandF
Also, just an FYI, be careful. I do not think this is a safe city so just be aware and street smart. I haven't been since pre-Katrina so don't know if the dynamics of the city have changed. But you can literally be a couple of blocks off Bourbon St and it's a totally different vibe.
It's a great city! Have fun!
The tourist-y areas are fine. They were hit, but not nearly as badly as the 9th Ward.
As long as you're with a group, you'll be fine. I wouldn't recommend walking down dark, deserted blocks alone late at night, but I wouldn't recommend that ANYWHERE. We walked everywhere except for going back to the house late at night from Bourbon Street. That we took a cab for. But it was about a $5 cab ride.
ETA: I never felt unsafe there. I was with a group of 5 other girls.
Message edited 10/21/2013 10:12:00 AM.
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| Posted 10/21/13 10:10 AM |
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AKD
LIF Adult
Member since 1/12 2637 total posts
Name:
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
LOVE New Orleans! We went about two years ago and had a blast.
Bourbon street is awesome. So much fun.
Acme Oysters (I think that's the name) was so good. We got the chargrilled oysters. AMAZING.
Cafe Monde (the popular one) - for beignets. So good. It looked packed but the line goes fairly fast. So delicious for breakfast.
We also ended up getting a day pass on the trolley and visited different areas, that was great.
Overall great place, great food and really wonderful nice people.
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| Posted 10/25/13 7:10 PM |
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Otherme
Square head cutie pants
Member since 3/06 6899 total posts
Name:
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
Posted by NervousNell
Thanks guys for all the feedback and suggestions!
Someone mentioned it not being a "safe" city- did you guys feel unsafe there?
Or just like any large city- NY, DC, etc- where you just have to be smart?
If you're walking along Bourbon St - there is one spot where its literally like you cross the street and go from bustling touristy area, to dark scary quiet streets. And you can tell, its probably not safe to walk alone.
NO can be sketchy in some parts, but
if you stay in the well lit areas and with another person you'll be fine. As long as you're aware of your surroundings and smart, you will be ok
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| Posted 10/30/13 5:28 PM |
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halfbaked
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6937 total posts
Name:
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
Posted by Otherme
Posted by NervousNell
Thanks guys for all the feedback and suggestions!
Someone mentioned it not being a "safe" city- did you guys feel unsafe there?
Or just like any large city- NY, DC, etc- where you just have to be smart?
If you're walking along Bourbon St - there is one spot where its literally like you cross the street and go from bustling touristy area, to dark scary quiet streets. And you can tell, its probably not safe to walk alone.
Definitely! But you see it getting seedier as you go along. There are less bars, less people, more strip clubs with women clad in nothing but underwear beckoning you from the doorways- yes this is a real thing!
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| Posted 10/31/13 9:53 AM |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
Posted by NervousNell
Thanks guys for all the feedback and suggestions!
Someone mentioned it not being a "safe" city- did you guys feel unsafe there?
Or just like any large city- NY, DC, etc- where you just have to be smart?
This is one of the unsafest cities I have ever been in. DO not venture off even in a group.
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| Posted 11/4/13 4:55 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
Posted by alli3131
Posted by NervousNell
Thanks guys for all the feedback and suggestions!
Someone mentioned it not being a "safe" city- did you guys feel unsafe there?
Or just like any large city- NY, DC, etc- where you just have to be smart?
This is one of the unsafest cities I have ever been in. DO not venture off even in a group.
When you say venture off- you mean out of the crowded, touristy areas?
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| Posted 11/5/13 4:24 PM |
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JennP
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 3986 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by alli3131
Posted by NervousNell
Thanks guys for all the feedback and suggestions!
Someone mentioned it not being a "safe" city- did you guys feel unsafe there?
Or just like any large city- NY, DC, etc- where you just have to be smart?
This is one of the unsafest cities I have ever been in. DO not venture off even in a group.
When you say venture off- you mean out of the crowded, touristy areas?
I'm not the quoted poster but I would say yes, especially at night.
I remember it was late at night and we ventured a block or two off of Bourbon street (away from the river) and looked for a cab because we could see it was getting shady. The cab driver pulled up and - I kid you not - the second we were both in he locked the doors and said "I got here just in time...it's dangerous 'round these parts."
Like other posters said, the changes among neighborhoods are more drastic and abrupt than usual.
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| Posted 11/5/13 4:35 PM |
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bikramaddict
mommy-to-be
Member since 8/06 4376 total posts
Name:
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
NOLA is awesome!!! You must must must go to Acme Oyster House and get the grilled oysters. Even if you hate oysters (I do) you'll love these. And get the bread pudding. There's a line there ALL the time so just be prepared. It's totally worth it though.
For breakfast, head to Mother's. It's a little bit outside the French Quarter and delicious. Again, expect a line.
There's a drink that comes in a long green cup. It's not a hurricane but I can't remember its name. Try it!!
What NOT to do: Skip the swamp tour. It's just dumb and a waste of time IMO. The steamboat tour is so-so.
Walking around the French Quarter is an experience all in itself. What I find amazing is what a mess it gets at night from people drinking and then the next day it's so clean you'd never know anything happened.
Talk a walk to Jackson Square too.
Everyone raves about Cafe Du Monde's beignets. I wasn't so impressed. I think Dunkin Donuts is better. lol.
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| Posted 11/15/13 9:33 AM |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
Posted by bikramaddict
NOLA is awesome!!! You must must must go to Acme Oyster House and get the grilled oysters. Even if you hate oysters (I do) you'll love these. And get the bread pudding. There's a line there ALL the time so just be prepared. It's totally worth it though.
For breakfast, head to Mother's. It's a little bit outside the French Quarter and delicious. Again, expect a line.
There's a drink that comes in a long green cup. It's not a hurricane but I can't remember its name. Try it!!
What NOT to do: Skip the swamp tour. It's just dumb and a waste of time IMO. The steamboat tour is so-so.
Walking around the French Quarter is an experience all in itself. What I find amazing is what a mess it gets at night from people drinking and then the next day it's so clean you'd never know anything happened.
Talk a walk to Jackson Square too.
Everyone raves about Cafe Du Monde's beignets. I wasn't so impressed. I think Dunkin Donuts is better. lol.
The green cup drink might be the hand grenade.
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| Posted 11/15/13 9:55 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans!
I just got back to so I wanted to update with my review.
LOVED it.
It is such an awesome city!
We took clients to Stella for dinner one night- CRAZY! What a meal! Probably the best meal and service I'd ever have- including in NYC
We also tried NOLA- excellent as well.
The food in general - GOOD LORD!
I think I gained 10 lbs in 3 days!
Not one bad meal anywhere.
We had a good bit of downtime so we got to see the city, do a tour, etc.
So much history and culture.
Loved the music on the streets in the French Quarter.
I didn't realize how many amazing art galleries they have their either. That was unexpected.
I never felt unsafe there either. Saw a lot of police presence all over and we just used common sense like in any city... but I didn't feel it was any more unsafe than say NY or DC. One night our cab driver dropped us off on Frenchman Street for some live music and told us- you can walk for 2 blocks in either direction- no problem... but after that, YOU DON'T WALK!
We followed his advice and were fine!
Overall it was amazing! If you haven't gone- you must! But be prepared for you pants to not fit on the way home!
Message edited 11/28/2013 12:37:55 PM.
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| Posted 11/28/13 12:37 PM |
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ANewDayHasCome
Love multiplies, not divides
Member since 11/12 14481 total posts
Name:
Me
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Talk to me about New Orleans! (Updated with my review)
Yay!!! And you took my dinner recommendations as well. Woo hoo
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| Posted 11/28/13 3:36 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans! (Updated with my review)
Posted by ANewDayHasCome
Yay!!! And you took my dinner recommendations as well. Woo hoo
Yes! Actually I did Stella based on your recommendation! It was ridiculous- best meal we had. So, thank you!!!
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| Posted 11/28/13 7:31 PM |
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ANewDayHasCome
Love multiplies, not divides
Member since 11/12 14481 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Talk to me about New Orleans! (Updated with my review)
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by ANewDayHasCome
Yay!!! And you took my dinner recommendations as well. Woo hoo
Yes! Actually I did Stella based on your recommendation! It was ridiculous- best meal we had. So, thank you!!!
Phew. Well then thank Gd you liked it. Haha.
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| Posted 11/29/13 2:19 PM |
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