New Orleans Suggestions for a long weekend?

[hapa773]

I am heading down to New Orleans for a long weekend to chill w/ some friends. Any suggestions for any "can't miss" bars, restaurants, attractions, etc? Most of us are in our late 20's or pushing 30, so Bourbon Street's appeal isn't what it used to be (although we will be staying very close by). Our group will consist of a mix of guys and girls--mostly couples and a few single straglers. Any help would be appreciated!

[TheNoodleMan]

over under on how many posts before an inappropriate/offensive reply?

[Patrick del Poker Grande]

It's worth it to take a day and do a tour or two. There are some pretty cool plantations and swamp tours around. The cemeteries are cool, but I kind of felt a bit like I was trampling on someone's final resting place on the tour. Oak Alley Plantation is pretty cool - chicks dig it.

[Guyon]

I live round here, so I'll input.

First off, if you are coming this weekend, the Mardi Gras season is just kicking up. Catch a parade on St. Charles Ave, but be prepared to park and walk a good ways. The scenery is unique and the people will be friendly and raucous, and will oblige you with food and booze. WWLTV.com has the full parade schedule. Also, be careful not to get caught in a parade if you are trying to get somewhere, it will ruin your plans.

I'm broke, but a good place to dine is Commander's Palace. Good food is not hard to find.

Oak Alley rocks, but there are closer plantations near Destrehan (10 min from airport, 25 from downtown). Downside is the backdrop of refineries.

Personally, swamp tours are boring. I am biased, I grew up here. At least one cemetery is worth seeing.

French Quarter can be fun in the daytime. Walk down Royal St. instead of Bourbon and hit up Cafe du Monde on the levee near St. Louis cathedral.

Enjoy your weekend

[jbrent33]

Here is a post I made a while back with some of my favorite NO places. As an earlier poster said you are getting there right at the start of carnival season, so make sure you catch a parade.
Link

[Aukai]

The Marigny is a better spot at night than Bourbon is- less crowded, much better music in general, better overall vibe.

Grabbing a po'boy and some beers at Parasol's in the Irish Channel is always good if you get there.

Commander's is absolutely incredible, as you probably well know. As has been said, it's pretty hard to go wrong with food in New Orleans. If you want suggestions for meals for a particular budget just ask.

Parade season=lots of fun to be had. Enjoy.

[AceCR9]

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French Quarter can be fun in the daytime. Walk down Royal St. instead of Bourbon and hit up Cafe du Monde on the levee near St. Louis cathedral.


[/ QUOTE ]

[hapa773]

thanks to all that responded.

patrick: how long are the tours, typically?

guyon: thanks for the heads up on the parades. are any of the parade routes near the vicinity of dauphine/esplanade?

jbrent, et al: thanks for the suggestions.

[Guyon]

Dauphine & esplanade, no, however this route is only a few blocks from the intersection you speak of...esplanade is the large avenue that you can see in the upper right hand part of the graphic
Sunday 11th route

several of the parades that begin uptown end at canal, which is the left-most border of the french quarter, only about 12 blocks from esplanade

[TrueGrinder]

The food here is amazing: http://www.palacecafe.com/