Near the Hotel Monteleone (New Orleans: hotels, wedding, live)

[busydesk]

I will be in New Orleans in June and have a few questions...staying at the Monteleone and will not have a car...
Are the renovations to the Carousel Bar completed yet, and what is the general feeling about the changes...?
We have a jazz lover in our group...any recommendations for a good jazz ( or blues) venue within walking distance?
Would love to visit a good art shop nearby that specializes in local artists...any recommendations?
What would be the best attractions or locations to take 20-somethings for a taste of true New Orleans culture...the historical elements and educational things as opposed to the touristy stuff
I don't know the new name of it, but I'd like to go to what used to be The Fairmont; I heard that there was significant damage there but that it was being renovated....what is the new name and is it within walking diatance of the Monteleone?
Last question.... eons ago I went to a really fun Dixieland Band performance at one of the FQ hotels, and I think it may have been at the Monteleone but am not sure. Would love to go to a simislar performance if such a thing is still available...does anywhere have a Dixieland band playing these days?

[rburnett]

-The renovations are finished. They made the bar area much larger and now have live music in there a few nights a week.

-Snug Harbor on Frenchmen is the best place to go for contempo and some trad jazz. In fact, most of the good live music will be on Frenchmen. Check the WWOZ livewire to see who will be playing and where: Livewire Music Event Calendar | WWOZ New Orleans 90.7 FM.

-Lots and lots of art galleries on Royal St.

-What was the Fairmont is now the Roosevelt, same place different name. They finished the renovations a few years ago. Its two blocks away at Barrone and Canal.

-Check out Preservation Hall. They host a lot of trad/dixieland type bands

[busydesk]

Thanks for the reply. So then, does the Roosevelt's bar have great Sazerac's? That used to be "the" place for them waaay back when, I believe.
Also, where is the best place to do research about events, and things to do in the FQ? There are so many websites and I really am looking for less touristy and more ....what's the best phrase?....interesting/educational/"local"...

[rburnett]

Well, it is called The Sazerac Bar, but I've never had one there, so I can't really comment. I've never had a bad Sazerac though.

Although the Quarter has a wealth of historical/educational places, if you really want "local", then you need to venture out to the Marigny/Bywater, Mid-City or Uptown. Head to some good restaurants and bars, they are all over the place. Walk Magazine St, Feret St. and Oak St. Check out the architecture along St. Charles or Prytania. Take the St. Charles streetcar uptown to Carrollton. Take the Canal streetcar to the cemetaries or City Park. Here are some good places to start for local info:
www.gambit.com
www.intheknowla.com
www.nola.com

[busydesk]

Thanks- these are helpful. One last question....Did the Camellia Grill survive? If so, is it the same as old?

[rburnett]

Yes and yes

[busydesk]

GREAT. Thanks for your helpful responses

[BradfromNO]

I found it funny you might be looking for art close by your hotel.
Your hotel is as close to the art galleries of NO as it can legally be.

+2 on WWOZ.....their webpage provides a running calendar, The radio
station is available on the net, (although you are a night too late to hear
my favorite show, Records From The Crypt on Wed night...) The only real
Traditional Jazz to be had now is at Preservation Hall, get there quick, no AC
and it's starting to get almost too hot for me already. Plenty of music to choose
from by just walking down Bourbon St., and if you get al the way to the end and
haven't found it yet, then it is Definitely on Frenchmen St. And forget a Sazerac,
you ought to try the giant mixed drink at Port of Call on Esplanade!! Might make
you forget your NAME. But if it's not quantity you are looking for, you'll also be fine
wherever you go. I'll say it again, take the Pat O'Brien's Glass' advice..."HAVE FUN!"

[tinalimey]

You could also try Julia St for art galleries.

Camelia Grill is hit and miss. Personally I like the one in the FQ better than the one on Carrollton, but the Carrollton one is more convenient for me.

Oak Street is terrific. I love the Maple Leaf and Jacques'imos on Oak. Also the Cow Bell has some good burgers.

Port O Call - my favourite is a Neptune's Monsoon, they also have them at Snug Harbor on Frenchmen but they're just called Monsoons there. Both places have great burgers and baked potatoes!

[busydesk]

Thanks you guys...great help.
Mostly I'm concerned to find fun on a budget for the twenty-somethings...I know the bars and all are fun, but we ARE there for a wedding...it would be nice if they can 'survive' long enough to attend!