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New Orleans is one of the most fun cities to visit. Whether
you go for Jazz Fest, Mardi Gras, New Year's Eve, or just a
random weekend in September, you are sure to have a good time.
Here are some of our insights on the Crescent City:
New Orleans Hotels:
Many people visiting New Orleans
look for one of the big-name hotels to stay in because they
feel more comfortable with a name they know. Let's make
this clear: staying at a Hilton or Radisson in New Orleans is
a big mistake! You will miss out on much of the charm
that New Orleans offers. You will be much better off finding
one of the smaller boutique hotels. They almost always
have better service, are architecturally beautiful, and they
tend to be located in better spots. Some examples of my
favorites include the Maison Dupuy, Hotel St. Marie, and the
Dauphine Orleans, but you should do some research and find one
that fits with your specific interests.
New Orleans Restaurants:
Just like with Hotels,
it's easy to pick restaurants you have heard of before. In
New Orleans, the most popular names are the Brennan's restaurants
and Commander's Palace. In the past few years, Emeril's
has become more popular as well. All of those options
are great, and I even recommend Brennan's Red Fish Grill if
you are looking for a more casual meal. However, if you
really want fabulous food in New Orleans, try some or all of
the following: Bayona, Peristyle, Arnaud's, and the New Orleans
Grill. You won't be disappointed with any of those choices. They're a little on the pricey side, but well worth it.
For more casual (and less-expensive) dining, try the Gumbo
Pot, Red Fish Grill, or Mother's PoBoys (our favorite lunch
stop). Also, don't forget to try Cafe Du Monde's beignets
and coffee with chicory for breakfast or a late night snack.
New Orleans Entertainment:
There are thousands
of options to choose from here, depending on what you are looking
for. Of course, the House of Blues is a favorite, as is
moving from club to club down Bourbon Street. Our favorite
is the "Preservation Hall" Jazz room. There's
no bar, no seats, and no air conditioning or heat, but if you
want jazz music, this is the place to go. Even folks who
don't consider themselves jazz fans will have a great time.
Doors open at 8pm nightly. Also, make sure you try
a "hurricane" at Pat O'Brien's!
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