Will be in NOLA on Ash Wednesday-tips, things to do? (New Orleans: hotel, restaurant)

[.400]

Hey guys,

Kinda new here. I'm going to be in New Orleans this Wed on Ash Wednesday. What will it be like the day after Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras? Staying at the Royal St. Charles hotel for 2 nights.

Def. going to take a ferry (and spend some quality time in Algiers) and go to the Hornets-Pistons game.

I'm 19, traveling with another person though. What other things would you recommend? Any museums in the area? I love architecture.

Also, what are some good cafes to eat at? Not a restaurant I have to sit down at, I've heard there are some really good cafes in New Orleans. I'm French myself. There is a famous one in the FQ, but I can't recall the name at this time.

Thanks! Looking forward to seeing your city.

[domino]

Museums - D-Day Museum, Historic New Orleans Collection, 1850's house, NOMA, Aquarium, Zoo, Audubon Insectarium, Beauregard-Keyes house

Architecture - French Quarter, Garden District, Uptown, Mid-City, Esplanade Avenue, Algiers Point

Eat - other than the obvious, po-boy from Johnny's Po-Boys, muffaletta from Central Grocery (grab and go)

[emee34]

Originally Posted by .400

Hey guys,

Kinda new here. I'm going to be in New Orleans this Wed on Ash Wednesday. What will it be like the day after Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras? Staying at the Royal St. Charles hotel for 2 nights.

Def. going to take a ferry (and spend some quality time in Algiers) and go to the Hornets-Pistons game.

I'm 19, traveling with another person though. What other things would you recommend? Any museums in the area? I love architecture.

Also, what are some good cafes to eat at? Not a restaurant I have to sit down at, I've heard there are some really good cafes in New Orleans. I'm French myself. There is a famous one in the FQ, but I can't recall the name at this time.

Thanks! Looking forward to seeing your city.

Maybe you're thinking of Cafe Du Monde? For beignets and coffee, its Mecca.

Try meandering along Magazine St; there are lots of great shops and places to eat. You can take the streetcar. And this may sound strange, but if you like architecture you might like a cemetery tour. The tombs are all above ground and many are very ornate pieces of architecture in their own right.

Welcome to NOLA, and have a great time!

[.400]

Yes! Cafe Du Monde is what I was thinking of. Cemeteries don't sound strange at all, I've heard of the ones in New Orleans. Might have to do that if I have the time.

Leave tomorrow, hope its a fun and safe trip.

[caryberry]

When out-of-towners used to visit for carnival, I would always encourage them to stay a few days after Fat Tuesday to explore. The locals are either sleeping it off or coming back from holiday (to avoid the tourists and Mardi Gras.) Ride the street cars - ride the buses...just ride and look. And eat

[.400]

Hotel prices were just too expensive to come during Mardi Gras, although I wanted to. Bringing my laptop with-thanks again for the tips, will browse this board extensively later for some more.

[Bluesbabe]

I like the Mardi Gras Museum at the Presbyterie (this may not be spelled right) next to St. Louis Cathedral. It is a VERY indepth museum and show and explains everything about Mardi Gras, including Mardi Gras in the rest of Louisiana (which is different).

Peek inside St. Louis Cathedral for awesome steal-your-breath architectural-mural beauty.

If voodoo intriques you there is a creepy but very good voodoom museum on Dumaine.