What are some fun things to do on South Street?

What are some fun things to do in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana?

• Just a little history I have been there about 6 times already (my in-laws live there) and I am looking for something cultural/fun/new to do. I have been to the Aquarium in NO, bourban street, the french quarter, the mall at the pier/ the malls in Baton Rouge. I am looking for something new like maybe a mueseum or zoo. Also are there any great restaraunts that aren't chains that you can recommend, I like to try new things. thanks PS I will be going the beginning of June or July

• Answer:

  Things to do in New Orleans: For general info: www.frenchquarter.com New Orleans hosts many festivals and celebrations throughout the year: www.nola.com/festivals There are many tours offered and examples are: www.graylineneworleans.com www.hauntedhistorytours.com http://www.saveourcemeteries.org/tours/index.htm The Saint Charles Streetcar is the oldest continuously operating street railway in the world and is a "tourist attraction" in its own right. It is part of the public transit system, as are the Canal Street and Riverfront streetcar lines: www.norta.com There is always music, but the bands change: Go to www.bestofneworleans.com and click on Music then Listings or to www.offbeat.com and click on Listings, then Music. Music clubs often advertise "No Cover", meaning there is no charge for entering. However, clubs with "No Cover" often require that customers buy a beverage each for every "set" of music (which can be every 20 minutes) so KNOW THE PRICE before you sit down. Clubs do that because some people will sit in the club all evening drinking nothing (clubs only make money from the drinks they sell - not from the music). It is also a good idea to pay for each round of drinks (in clubs on Bourbon Street) as it is delivered so there can't be any confusion at the end of the evening. An incomplete guide to bars & clubs: http://www.10best.com/New_Orleans,LA/Nightlife/ www.neworleanscheapdrinks.com http://www.nola.com/bar-guide/ Some famous drinks are VERY potent compared with regular cocktails that have only 1 to 1 ½ ounces of alcohol. For example, a Hurricane is basically 3 or 4 ounces of rum in something like red Kool-Aid, and a Hand Grenade has at least 4 ½ ounces of Everclear + rum + vodka mixed with melon liquor. They don’t necessarily taste like an alcoholic beverage and it is easy to over-indulge. Wander around the French Quarter, enjoy the architecture, watch the street entertainers (do tip), and visit some of the historic buildings that have been turned into museums (go to www.frenchquarter.com and click on Historic Attractions). Cafe du Monde is in the French Quarter and you shouldn't miss having cafe au lait & beignets (www.cafedumonde.com). Another great coffee shop is the Croissant d'Or (at 617 Ursulines Street), which is open from 7:00am to 2:00pm and has food in addition to pastry. Visit the Bottom of the Cup tea Room for a reading: http://www.bottomofthecup.com/ The Palm Court restaurant is very nice, has moderate prices, and offers live jazz starting at 8:00pm: 1204 Decatur Street, (504) 525-0200. www.palmcourtjazzcafe.com Maximo's Italian Grill has great food and atmosphere: 1117 Decatur Street in the French Quarter, (504) 586-8883. www.maximosgrill.com Cafe Degas is a very French restaurant near City Park at 3127 Esplanade - which is not within walking distance of downtown (5 to 10 minutes by taxi). They are closed on Mondays & Tuesdays (504) 945-5635). www.cafedegas.com The Napoleon House restaurant is at 500 Chartres Street in the FQ, and has a menu of great local dishes: www.napoleonhouse.com Buffa’s is a neighborhood restaurant at 1001 Esplanade Avenue that is open 27/7 and has live entertainment: www.buffasrestaurant.com More restaurant suggestions: http://www.10best.com/New_Orleans,LA/Restaurants/ Preservation Hall has traditional live Jazz and doesn’t serve alcohol so all ages are welcome: www.preservationhall.com New Orleans has ballet, opera, a symphony orchestra, and theatre: www.nobadance.com www.neworleansopera.org www.lpomusic.com www.lepetittheatre.com There is a free ferry across the Mississippi at the "foot" of Canal Street. It is a short trip but like a harbor cruise w/o a guide: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/canal_street_ferry The Aquarium, Audubon Zoo, and the new Insectarium are world-class attractions (www.auduboninstitute.org) and you should see them if you can. The Zoo is several miles from downtown. You can drive to the Zoo (which has free parking) or take public transit from the French Quarter. Go to www.neworleansmuseums.com for info on museums. Harrah’s Casino is in the Central Business District: www.harrahs.com (age 21 required for entry) New Orleans City Park has a variety of attractions + free parking. (www.neworleanscitypark.com). Check http://www.nola.com/visitor/ for ideas about other things to do. I hope you have a great time!