Quote:
Originally Posted by DonTellMeShowMe
Flying into Houston fyi lol. Staying like 4 miles from the French Quarters. Only have a few days there so honestly not interested in the "touristy" things. If I could get some "insider" tips on the quick things to see that would be awesome. Also, my first SB so any tips there would be awesome too.
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It's my hometown so this might help you.
First off, you are going to NOLA at the craziest time of the year, Mardi Gras.
The only locals you will probably run into are the ones working at restaurants, etc. You are going to mainly run into tourists. So if someone is acting like an asshole it's probably someone from Baltimore or San Fran or someone in for Mardi Gras NOT someone from New Orleans. It's officially amateur night for the next two weeks and the place will be bombarded with people who have never partied in a city where you can carry your drinks from bar to bar, drink freely on the sidewalk, have a drive through Daiquri, etc. People in New Orleans are used to this shit and stay as far away from the French Quarter as possible during this time.
First thing is find a newspaper called Gambit. It's a local rag that talks about all the concerts going on, etc., places to eat. It's free and you can find it at places like Walgreen's, liquor stores, etc.
You can also check
http://www.pollstar.com/ for music listings.
Wherever you are going remember there are Mardi Gras parades every night up until Fat Tuesday so plan on being wherever you want to be EARLY or you will get stuck. Parades start around 1830 hrs and the streets will be blocked off before then.
The parades go on in the city AND in the suburbs. The locals go to the suburbs.
Do some internet research on these places to check out the menus and stuff.
Note: When on Bourbon St. or anywhere in the French Quarter keep you wallet in your front pocket just to be safe.
Some suggestions:
Places to Eat:
Manning's (Archie Manning's Place)
Emeril's
Commander's Palace
K-Paul's
Antoine's
Court of Two Sisters
Mother's (awesome po-boys)
NOLA
Port of Call
Gumbo House
Deanie's Seafood
Acme Oyster House (you will stand in line thanks to Man vs. Food)
Central Grocery (original Muffaletta closes at 5pm)
Cafe' Du Monde - (coffee & beignets open 24 hrs)
Gambling:
Harrah's Casino
Music:
House of Blues
Tippitina's
Up and Down Bourbon Street
Check Gambit and Pollstar
Sports:
Check and see if the Hornets are in town and playing. The venue is right next to the Super Dome.
Drinking:
Everywhere
Lucy's Retired Surfer's Bar (Drew Brees' and big NFL players hangout. Where Brees revealed for first time his pregame chant after the Super Bowl win)
Pat O'Briens
Any Daiquiri joint (Pina Colada 151)
Old Absinthe House
Tropical Isle (hand grenades)
really anywhere, just find a crowd you like, it varies because of the music
Stuff to see:
People watching
Mardi Gras parades
World War II Museum
Aquarium
French Market (corner of Decatur and Esplanade)
Take a voodoo tour (some crazy shit history)
St. Louis Cathedral
Take a river boat ride
Plantations on River Road
Audubon Park
The reality is you're like to be ****ed up beyond all recognition and will probably just stay in the quarter watching the madness and eating fast food. It happens.
Have fun, don't drink and drive and be courteous.
As long as your name is not Roger Goodell you will be fine.
Make sure you get a real po-boy. There not the same anywhere else.
Peace.