Author Topic: Out-of-town recs, version du N'awlins (Read 7559 times)

94CougarGrad · « **on:** July 19, 2009, 04:50:25 pm »

The hubby is being sent to New Orleans in mid-August for a conference and the boys and I are tagging along. Anyone have any recommendations/suggestions? We hear that you can do the French Quarter during the daytime with kids, but after happy hour isn't a good idea. It'll be the boys (11 and 8 ) and I looking for things to do during mid-morning and early afternoon, then Dad will be available after 2 or 3.

Thanks in advance.

chandler44 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 19, 2009, 05:29:48 pm »

You should definitely check out the aquarium, as it's nice and a good way to get out of the heat. The zoo's pretty nice as well, but hot as hell in the summer.

Take 'em to Cafe du Monde at least once for beignets for breakfast. Exploring Jackson Square is always nice, and you can take 'em to the French market for cheap souvenirs.

I've never done it, but I've heard the Steamboat is a pretty cool thing to do. You could also take them over to the Mardi Gras world where they have all the old Mardi Gras parade floats. It might be of interest to them.

I've not done the family-friendly New Orleans trip yet, so I'm sure there are those around here who will have far more advice than I. Now, if you want suggestions on meals and late-night debauchery, I can help you there

Ron Brand · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2009, 06:51:25 pm »

Mid-August will be horrifically hot and humid. The Aquarium is a good idea, as is Cafe Du Monde early in the morning or sometime at night, but try to find things to do and places to visit that are air conditioned because it is going to be brutal during the afternoon.

Andyzipp · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2009, 07:39:55 pm »

I was there two weeks ago. I will never, never ever complain about the humidity in Houston.

Having said that...Take them on a Vampire Tour. Especially if they're anti-Catholic.

BatGirl · « **Reply #4 on:** July 19, 2009, 09:07:33 pm »

spent summers in nola a lot growing up
i always loved going to the wax museum
http://www.neworleanswaxmuseum.com/

a) it was freezing cold
and
2. i was a geek

otterjb · « **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2009, 01:28:12 am »

Going there this weekend for a bachelor party. We're gonna gamble, drink and get lapdances but have no idea what to do late morning/afternoons.

Ideas?

homer · « **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2009, 01:31:56 am »

Quote from: otterjb on July 20, 2009, 01:28:12 am

Going there this weekend for a bachelor party. We're gonna gamble, drink and get lapdances but have no idea what to do late morning/afternoons.

Ideas?

Get a burger at Port O Call on Esplanade. http://portofcallnola.com/

otterjb · « **Reply #7 on:** July 20, 2009, 01:46:31 am »

Quote from: homer on July 20, 2009, 01:31:56 am

Get a burger at Port O Call on Esplanade. http://portofcallnola.com/

Not much beats a good burger, during or after a night of drinking. Will probably try that place out. thanks.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #8 on:** July 20, 2009, 08:01:29 am »

Quote from: otterjb on July 20, 2009, 01:28:12 am

Going there this weekend for a bachelor party. We're gonna gamble, drink and get lapdances but have no idea what to do late morning/afternoons.

Ideas?

I guess I'm confused. Why won't you be gambling, drinking and getting lapdances in the late morning/afternoons?

chandler44 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 20, 2009, 08:46:52 am »

We enjoy eating at Cafe Maspero on Decatur and the Acme Oysterhouse is really good as well.

Go to Pat O'Brien's, we always enjoy the piano bar (but that might not be rowdy enough for a Bachelor party...)

Good thing about Bourbon Street is there is no lack of bars and strip clubs. If you don't like where you're at, get your "geaux" cup and head to the next one.

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #10 on:** July 20, 2009, 09:06:11 am »

Quote from: otterjb on July 20, 2009, 01:46:31 am

Not much beats a good burger, during or after a night of drinking. Will probably try that place out. thanks.

Expect a wait. Always.

geezerdonk · « **Reply #11 on:** July 20, 2009, 09:10:55 am »

Sunday morning:
Mass at St. Louis Cathedral then jazz brunch at The Court of Two Sisters.

Andyzipp · « **Reply #12 on:** July 20, 2009, 09:11:53 am »

I had a crazy dream that someone spicy showed his ass on a thread really similar to this one last night.

Too much mezcal, I guess.

homer · « **Reply #13 on:** July 20, 2009, 09:44:16 am »

Quote from: otterjb on July 20, 2009, 01:46:31 am

Not much beats a good burger, during or after a night of drinking. Will probably try that place out. thanks.

That place is a definite hangover buster.

Bench · « **Reply #14 on:** July 20, 2009, 10:23:32 am »

Quote from: homer on July 20, 2009, 01:31:56 am

Get a burger at Port O Call on Esplanade. http://portofcallnola.com/

And be sure to wash it down with a Monsoon in order to get back on the gambling/drinking/lap dancing train.

Astroholic · « **Reply #15 on:** July 21, 2009, 02:16:36 pm »

Quote from: otterjb on July 20, 2009, 01:28:12 am

Going there this weekend for a bachelor party. We're gonna gamble, drink and get lapdances but have no idea what to do late morning/afternoons.

Ideas?

Sleep.

DVauthrin · « **Reply #16 on:** July 21, 2009, 02:24:59 pm »

Quote from: Astroholic on July 21, 2009, 02:16:36 pm

Sleep.

overrated.

Astroholic · « **Reply #17 on:** July 21, 2009, 02:28:57 pm »

Quote from: DVauthrin on July 21, 2009, 02:24:59 pm

overrated.

I like the nightlife! Sleep in late morning/early afternoon, or late afternoon when it is hot.

DVauthrin · « **Reply #18 on:** July 21, 2009, 02:34:27 pm »

Quote from: Astroholic on July 21, 2009, 02:28:57 pm

I like the nightlife! Sleep in late morning/early afternoon, or late afternoon when it is hot.

As a night person, I agree with you 100%. Doesn't change the fact sleep is overrated.

JackAstro · « **Reply #19 on:** July 21, 2009, 02:43:13 pm »

Quote from: DVauthrin on July 21, 2009, 02:34:27 pm

As a night person, I agree with you 100%. Doesn't change the fact sleep is overrated.

I think sleep is fucking outstanding. I used to try to explain this to my son when he was about three... if all I was required to do in life is eat food that someone else prepared, sleep multiple times in a 24-hour period, take extended hot showers, and play, I sure as hell wouldn't complain about 3 of those 4 things like he did.

DVauthrin · « **Reply #20 on:** July 21, 2009, 02:47:40 pm »

Quote from: JackAstro on July 21, 2009, 02:43:13 pm

I think sleep is fucking outstanding. I used to try to explain this to my son when he was about three... if all I was required to do in life is eat food that someone else prepared, sleep multiple times in a 24-hour period, take extended hot showers, and play, I sure as hell wouldn't complain about 3 of those 4 things like he did.

Truthfully, the comment about sleep being overrated was a joke. If I could sleep, eat and watch TV/browse the interwebs all day long, it would be an ideal existence.

Astroholic · « **Reply #21 on:** July 21, 2009, 03:00:13 pm »

Quote from: DVauthrin on July 21, 2009, 02:47:40 pm

Truthfully, the comment about sleep being overrated was a joke. If I could sleep, eat and watch TV/browse the interwebs all day long, it would be an ideal existence.

In New Orleans it is overrated, but one's body can only go so long with out it. (unless you are an Alaskan Crab fisherman) The time for me to get it in NO is during the day.

astrojo · « **Reply #22 on:** July 22, 2009, 11:36:39 am »

Be sure to check out the live jazz - of course you can't go wrong at Preservation Hall or Snug Harbor, but my favorite is Fritzel's, and is convenient if you are already in the quarter.

astrojo · « **Reply #23 on:** July 22, 2009, 11:42:38 am »

Rock and Bowl (Mid City Lanes on Carrollton) is also a great place for zydeco music, dancing, and bowling, of course. See who is on the calendar when you will be in town - last time we were there we went to see Amanda Shaw (amazing!), Tab Benoit, and Dr. John made a surprise appearance. It was awesome!

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #24 on:** July 22, 2009, 01:03:53 pm »

Quote from: geezerdonk on July 20, 2009, 09:10:55 am

Sunday morning:
Mass at St. Louis Cathedral then jazz brunch at The Court of Two Sisters.

That mass is for whimpy tourists. Check out the Tridentine Latin Mass at Old St. Patrick's on Camp Street, which ain't far away.

Bench · « **Reply #25 on:** July 22, 2009, 01:11:51 pm »

Be sure to talk to as many of the nice locals as you can. They're so knowledgeable! I can't figure it out, but this one guy knew just about everything about my shoes.

astrojo · « **Reply #26 on:** July 22, 2009, 01:13:39 pm »

Quote from: Bench on July 22, 2009, 01:11:51 pm

Be sure to talk to as many of the nice locals as you can. They're so knowledgeable! I can't figure it out, but this one guy knew just about everything about my shoes.

yes, he can tell you where you "got them shoes".

Guinness · « **Reply #27 on:** July 22, 2009, 01:15:29 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on July 22, 2009, 01:03:53 pm

That mass is for whimpy tourists. Check out the Tridentine Latin Mass at Old St. Patrick's on Camp Street, which ain't far away.

Yeah but does it count?

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #28 on:** July 22, 2009, 01:40:45 pm »

Quote from: Guinness on July 22, 2009, 01:15:29 pm

Yeah but does it count?

Sure it do. They've had permission for that mass forever.

Guinness · « **Reply #29 on:** July 22, 2009, 01:42:31 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on July 22, 2009, 01:40:45 pm

Sure it do. They've had permission for that mass forever.

Well cool, that must be pretty neat.

Andyzipp · « **Reply #30 on:** July 22, 2009, 01:45:16 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on July 22, 2009, 01:03:53 pm

That mass is for whimpy tourists. Check out the Tridentine Latin Mass at Old St. Patrick's on Camp Street, which ain't far away.

Is that the place with the Vampires in the attic?

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #31 on:** July 22, 2009, 01:47:42 pm »

Quote from: Guinness on July 22, 2009, 01:42:31 pm

Well cool, that must be pretty neat.

It was my regular mass when I lived and worked in the city. It's like walking into a time warp. You're whisked back to pre-Vatican II. It's a beautiful mass and only lasts 45-55 minutes, and the long only is when the choir sings the mass (once a month). After the third sunday of each month, they do benediction in the old style, which shouldn't be missed either. Tantum ergo and O Salutaris Hostia sung in their glory. I miss it just writing about it. I know people who travel 2-3 hours each way every sunday to go to that mass and to have women wearing veils, etc.

geezerdonk · « **Reply #32 on:** July 22, 2009, 03:42:05 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on July 22, 2009, 01:47:42 pm

It's a beautiful mass

You're right. I haven't been to one in years. After the colloquial Mass was instituted, I remember overhearing Monsignor say "I'll be damned if I'm going to turn my back on God." Of course he did eventually. Betty Cantu sure changed everything.

94CougarGrad · « **Reply #33 on:** July 24, 2009, 10:00:32 pm »

Quote from: Andyzipp on July 19, 2009, 07:39:55 pm

I was there two weeks ago. I will never, never ever complain about the humidity in Houston.

Having said that...Take them on a Vampire Tour. Especially if they're anti-Catholic.

We're not anti-Catholic, but a Vampire Tour sounds interesting. Hubby wants to hit one of the cemetery tours.

This will be a totally different New Orleans experience for me. I last went to the French Quarter when I was young, single, in college, and quite drunk.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #34 on:** July 25, 2009, 01:17:55 pm »

Quote from: 94CougarGrad on July 24, 2009, 10:00:32 pm

We're not anti-Catholic, but a Vampire Tour sounds interesting. Hubby wants to hit one of the cemetery tours.

This will be a totally different New Orleans experience for me. I last went to the French Quarter when I was young, single, in college, and quite drunk.

The Louisiana Museum is worth seeing if you're into history, as well as the Historic New Orleans Collection.