What are some must see places / things to do in around New Orleans for a weekend trip? (Kenner: live)

[Newbe10]

After scoping out the New Orleans area for the first time this past weekend (I drove around the city and other areas around it, such as Slidell, Hammond, and Kenner) I decided that a full-blown weekend trip there would be in order.

I' am a big outdoorsy type of guy and I really liked the natural scenery in and aorund the city (i.e. Lake Ponchartrain, the natural swamps / bayous and the gulf coastline).

As for the city itself, I would, of course, like to see the French Quarter but would also like suggestions on other parts of Downtown or anywhere else in the city in terms of historical places, live entertainment, and great food. New Orleans has always been a place that I have wanted to visit, so I really want to enjoy the city to the fullest. I liked how the city seemed to be full of life, even at 2:00 a.m. (which is when I drove through the city proper; everywhere else was earlier). I' am coming to the Big Easy a few weekends from now and can't wait!

Thanks to anyone who provides suggestions!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Jean lafitte NAt'l Park is across the river. There are ranger-led tours through the swamps on raised walkways. You can go by yourslef but the ranger will point out things you might miss - like a sneaky alligator or a turtle blending in with the vegetation.

Ride the streetcar up to Audubon Park, walk through it and then take the riverboat back down to Canal St. (or the reverse direction). Sit on the porch of The Columns and have a cocktail (on St. Charles, on streetcar route).

Take a riverboat down to the Chalmette Battlefield, tour the site and the antebellum house, then take the boat back to Canal St.

[hey teach]

Consider seeing the World War II Museum. It is excellent. Take in some music at Preservation Hall. Ride the St Charles Trolley through the Garden District. Get out and walk some if the weather is nice. Walk around the Tulane campus, it is usually pretty in the spring. Walk along the river and watch the ships come in and out. Visit the French Market.

[Newbe10]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah

Jean lafitte NAt'l Park is across the river. There are ranger-led tours through the swamps on raised walkways. You can go by yourslef but the ranger will point out things you might miss - like a sneaky alligator or a turtle blending in with the vegetation.

Ride the streetcar up to Audubon Park, walk through it and then take the riverboat back down to Canal St. (or the reverse direction). Sit on the porch of The Columns and have a cocktail (on St. Charles, on streetcar route).

Take a riverboat down to the Chalmette Battlefield, tour the site and the antebellum house, then take the boat back to Canal St.

Yeah, the swamp tours are a definite must! Also, I will most definitely ride the streetcars while I' am there and if the boat rides are reasonbly priced, I will do a couple of them as well.

As for historic sites, and buidlings, I know of the few that obvioulsy everyone knows about (i.e. the French Quarter and the very old Above Ground Cemeteries), but I know that there are more historic sites in the city than that, so suggestions from anyone on any of them would greatly be appreciated! History is something that is one of my top interest and I always like to visit historical districts or sites in any city.

Last but not least, I gotta experience some of the local cuisine. I would like to try out at least three different restaurants while in New Orleans, so suggestions on them will be appreciated and considered as well. From what I have seen, there is so many of them that I don't even know where to begin! lol. I have had cajun and creole style food before, but it wasn't really what you would call REAL New Orleans style cajun/creole.