One Day - What to Do?

My husband and I will be in New Orleans 4/25-4/30. He%26#39;s attending a conference, and I%26#39;m tagging along for fun. Since he doesn%26#39;t have to be anywhere until 4pm on Sunday, that%26#39;s our day to explore New Orleans together. Any recommendations? Are we better off exploring local attractions (and if so, which) or should we take advantage of Jazzfest and spend a few hours there? He%26#39;s been to New Orleans before. This will be my first time.

Thanks!

One Day - What to Do?

If you want to explore the local stuff, a jazz brunch at Muriels at Jackson Square is a nice time.

The river boat cruise is pleasant. We`ve done the Natchez before ans enjoyed it. A trip on the St. Charles streetcar is a nice way to tour the Garden District. Lots of lovely homes to look at, and a reasonable fare.($1.50, I believe. Cash only. Exact change.)

Jazzfest is fun, but it might be a bit much if you want to see anything else. Check out NOLA.com for the schedule.

Have a wonderful time!

One Day - What to Do?

Start out by taking in a JAzz brunch. I love Muriels in Jackson Square (not the touristy buffet style of %26#39;Court of Two Sisters%26#39;) And they%26#39;ve got great accompanyment.

Take a walk to enjoy Jazzfest (it only happens once a year!) hit up Cafe du Monde and maybe take the streetcar for a little spin around. My husband and I loved just sitting there on the streetcar watching the world go by.

but...if you%26#39;re looking for more active things to do, there%26#39;s the aquarium, the zoo, the WW2 museum (amazing! GO!), the pharmacy museum (prob. closed on a Sunday), one of the guided walking tours or a self-guided walking tour of the Garden District.

Have fun deciding, but i think the lure of Jazzfest will ultimately win out.

Warm Regards,

Kelly

Also, keep in mind that Jazzfest is pretty much a full day investment, with the ';good'; bands saved until the late afternoon/evening. With tickets at ~$50 per person and food and drink extra, I%26#39;d want to get the most bang for my buck and stay there the whole time.

Personally, I%26#39;d look at the music schedule and see if there are any bands you%26#39;d like to see before 4pm, and then decide.

Otherwise, if you%26#39;ve never been to New Orleans, there is so much more to see and do to get more New Orleans flavor.

Thanks so much for the wonderful suggestions. The jazz brunch sounds lovely.

We will be taking a Natchez Dinner Cruise and a attending a Bourbon Street Bash ... both planned by the conference.

WW2 Museum sounds like something my husband would really enjoy.

JazzFest seems like so much fun, but I have a feeling I%26#39;d be disappointed when it%26#39;s time for us to leave. The bands that I%26#39;d be interested in hearing are playing more towards the evening.

Luckily, I%26#39;ll have time on Monday and Tuesday to explore on my own while he%26#39;s in meetings. So much to see and do and eat, it%26#39;s kindof overwhelming. I do want to make the most of it!

Alternative jazz brunches other than Muriel%26#39;s would be at Arnaud%26#39;s or Mr. B%26#39;s. As suggested a streetcar ride up through the garden district, walk around Jackson Square, take a FQ mule/buggy ride, take a look at the French Market, quick cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe DuMonde.

My favorite jazz brunch is the one at Commander%26#39;s Palace. Fantastic ambience and service - truly can%26#39;t be beat! You could combine that with a Lafayette Cemetery/Garden District tour.

If I only had a few hours in New Orleans- here is what I%26#39;d do - since you are already doing Bourbon Street, I%26#39;d skip that part of the Quarter.

8 am Get up early and go to Cafe Du Monde - my kids like the one inside the riverwalk best as they sift their powder sugar :) Me, I like being at the original.

8:30-8:56 - start lining up at Jean Laffite National Preserve and get a spot on their FREE 9 a.m. walking tour! They only have 25 spots- so if you%26#39;re late, forget it!

11:30 am - Have the Jazz Brunch at Muriel%26#39;s. Note the table for the resident ghost :)

After brunch, walk it off admiring the beautiful unique artwork around Jackson Square - buy an original piece of artwork for around $50-200. Go into the cathedral and see the amazing paintings on the ceilings.

Walk over to the French Market for inexpensive souvenirs.

3:15 = stop at Franks for the best muffuletta,. Or if you don%26#39;t have time, next door at the Central Grocery. They both claim to have the original.

BTW- at restaurants.com you can get a gift certificate for Franks at a discount- $25 GC for $3!