First Time New Orleans

Author: Debde
Date of Trip: November 2010

The family set off on a long weekend trip to New Orleans. Coming from NY-myself, husband and two sons-23 and 18 were off. I’m a huge Anne Rice fan and New Orleans Saints fan so went to experience all I could in 4 days.

First, plane ride from NY to New Orleans is quicker then I thought. Less time then flying to Florida as we have done for some cruises. When cruising-sailing out of New Orleans is a great option now for us. Arrived at our hotel within 10 minutes from the airport. I chose the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. Did so much internet research for this. Wanted a hotel on Bourbon Street and one that could supply us with one large room for all four of us. I like spending quality family time and one large room gets the job done for that. This was the only hotel that offered a room with two queen beds and sitting area. Perfect choice. Room suited us perfect. On the ground floor with double doors that opened up to the heated pool courtyard. Wonderful feature and helps if you have a smoker as the hotel is non-smoking.

Lobby is beautiful. Complimentary coffee in the AM in the restaurant area. Hotel sits on the corner of Bourbon and Orleans streets [hence the name] make a right out the main doors-and you can hear all the excitement coming from Bourbon Street. Make a left-you are on Royal Street with it’s art galleries and steps away from Jackson Square. Can not beat the location.

Night one-checked out Bourbon street. Crazy, fun, all you have read or heard about. Next day, got up, walked to the end of Royal street, crossed over Canal Street and jumped on the St. Charles Streetcar and went to tour the Garden district. Took in Lafayette cemetery and then walked the beautiful mansions. A wonderful and inexpensive day. At night-did a Vampire tour with Haunted History tours. We all loved it and learned much about the side of New Orleans many love to experience. Next day was game day. Off to the Superdome to see the New Orleans Saints play-and they won by the way. Who Dat!!! You can not help but look around the Dome and know what happened in there after Katrina and be amazed how that has been restored. I’m sure parts of the city have not yet returned but I admit, I did not see those sections.

Last and final day-toured Jackson Square, shopped, went to see the River boats and just sat back and admired a beautiful city. Food is everywhere so no need to talk about it. You will not go hungry in New Orleans!! Fine dining, greasy spoons, supermarkets, deli’s, food court in the mall-you are set no matter how you want to dine! Enjoy this wondeful city as we all did.!