Trip Report March 15 - 19

First, thank you so much to everyone who has responded to questions on this forum - both my questions and the many others - the information provided was extremely useful, and much appreciated by me. It really helped me in planning our trip, which was awesome!

My husband, 15 year old dtr. and I drove from Mississauga, Ontario on March 14 to Nashville, and went to the Grand Ole Opry that evening. The next day we drove the rest of the way to New Orleans. We stayed at the Frenchmen Hotel, which we found to be perfect for us - somewhat different from the usual cookie-cutter hotel experience. The location was ideal, just out of the French Quarter, but close enough to access everything easily.

March 15 - had reservations at Palm Court for dinner. Had a great dinner and loved the musicians.

March 16 - walked through the French Quarter to get our bearings. Took a %26#39;mule and buggy%26#39; ride. The driver told many amusing stories about past residents and homes in N.O. - some of which I am sure are untrue - but, hey, its New Orleans, so maybe they can be believed.

Had lunch at the Market Cafe, while listening to a band playing. How very cool!

Had beignets at Cafe Beignet- good, but not as good as those at Cafe du Monde, which we later discovered.

Went on a Cemetary Tour with Historic New Orleans tours. Lots of interesting facts about N.O., jazz, voodoo, the cemetary.

Dinner at Snug Harbor. Food was mediocre, at best. However, the show afterwards, Charmaine Neville, more than made up for it. Chamaine was amazing - passionate about her city, dynamic and incredibly warm. Fabulous show! Next time, I%26#39;d skip the dinner, but definately go to the show.

March 17 - Took the Dr Wegner%26#39;s Honey Island Swamp tour - saw 2 alligators, turtle, snakes sunning themselves in the trees, lots of birds. The swamp was beautiful, and the weather was perfect - sunny and low 70%26#39;s.

Strolled through the French Quarter and shops in the afternoon. Saw some of the beginning of the St. Patrick%26#39;s Day parade. Street performers, musicians, etc. were everywhere.

Dinner at Magnolia Cafe - nice little diner. We chose it because we were looking for a quick meal. My daughter says the milkshake she had was the best she%26#39;s ever tasted.

Took the Ghost Tour with Historic New Orleans Tours. Again, lots of historical facts presented. My husband and I enjoyed it, but our 15 year old was looking for something a little spookier. Though, we do have %26#39;orbs%26#39; all over the pictures we took of the Lalaurie Home - that%26#39;s spooky enough for me!

Saw more of the St. Patrick%26#39;s day parade - got bead necklaces.

Bought tickets for the show at Preservation Hall, but by this time, my daughter was falling asleep, so we didn%26#39;t end up staying. Also, we found our %26#39;line in the sand%26#39; for jazz - really didn%26#39;t enjoy what we heard outside the hall.

March 18 - Spent some more time in the French Market, buying souveniers. Had beignets at Cafe du Monde - wow! Bought 1 Muffeletta at the Central Grocery and shared it between the 3 of us. That was plenty for lunch. It was delicious. Spent the afternoon in the pool at the hotel.

Had reservations for dinner at Mr. B.%26#39;s. We were looking for something traditionally southern, and they are a little (ok - a lot) more upscale, so we didn%26#39;t stay. Ended up at a Mexican place beside our hotel, which was terrific. Sat on the patio and had dinner. The evening was warm and clear, and the stars were out. It was lovely.

March 19 - Started back home. Spent the night in Memphis.

March 20 - Did the Graceland tour and walked along Beale St.

March 21 - Drove the rest of the way home.

Had a great trip! Would do it again in a heartbeat. Everyone we met was friendly and welcoming. No issues with taking a teenager. She loved it, too. She adores jazz. And where else to you get to see the sights and hear the sounds that you experience in New Orleans?

Thanks again to everyone for your help!

Trip Report March 15 - 19

Thanks for your trip report! Next time you should try Mr. B%26#39;s Bistro (a ';Brennan'; family restaurant) - it%26#39;s really good. But, if you%26#39;re looking for something a little more casual, Red Fish Grill and Bourbon House are two ';Brennan'; restaurants that fit the bill!

Trip Report March 15 - 19

Great report, txs. I%26#39;m going to NO for the 1st time in a couple of weeks, and you did a lot of what%26#39;s on my ';to do'; list.

Smart idea too to hit Memphis on the way. I wish I had thought about it ahead of time, and planned a side trip from NO. Ah well, next time. :)