OT: New Orleans Guide From a Local
Fellow mgoblog junkies,
As a resident of New Orleans since 2004, I figured it was my duty to prepare a list of things for you guys to do when you're down here if I didn't want y'all frequenting overpriced French Quarter bars and thinking our city is just one big, trashy strip club (although if that's what you want, I can point you to some excellent options). I've attached my handiwork as a google doc, feel free to ask any questions you might have. My wife is pregnant right now, so I'm not sure how much I'll be able to get out for the Sugar Bowl, but hopefully I run into some people and finally get to meet some of you who've been mercilessly neg banging me for the last few years. (Just kidding, kind of)
Go Blue!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AkensPxRQaismgkSe9jEBI0wcyxpYk8B7A_…
December 5th, 2011 at 11:04 PM ^
One daytime food not to miss is the muffuletta sandwich from Central Grocery, founded by a Sicilian immigrant.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Grocery
It's not a restaurant, but there are plenty of places nearby where you can sit and enjoy a great sandwich (a half sandwhich is huge, by the way). I've only been to New Orleans once, but when I was there, in the late afternoon the Catholic church in the French Quarter had a free concert, playing primarily music by German composers, in honor of the German settlers in New Orleans. New Orleans is even more multi-cultural than most people realize. There are carriage rides, parks, historical markers and signs all around. There is plenty to do in the daytime, but I'm sure someone who has done more than just visit once can tell more. I do wish I knew more about some of the historical sites before I visited. There is, of course, all the touristy kitsch in abundance as well.
December 6th, 2011 at 9:52 AM ^
There is a lot to do other than the dranking and skin scene (FYI: you can do the dranking and skin thing during the day too):
Insectarium - Pretty cool. Real easy to get to and in the "heart" of most of the stuff you will see.
City Park - The park is pretty cool (Celebration in the Oaks at night: http://celebrationintheoaks.com/cito10/ currently $7). Also, has a Sculpture Park and Art Museum. The street cars can take you right to this. BTW, $1.25 one way for a street car ride.
Audobon Zoo and Aquarium - It is worth the admission if you are into this kind of thing.
Eat - the food is always amazing, no matter the time of day.
I know someone else suggested taking a street car up St. Charles, something I would also suggest, but if you do get off around the 4000 block and walk over to Magazine Street (2 to 6 blocks away depending on where you are). Once you are on Magazine just walk back towards downtown. There is all kinds of shops and restaurants that you can spend a ton of time in. Magazine has a real young, energetic vibe. I am guessing fans of Ann Arbor will like Magazine.
December 5th, 2011 at 11:32 PM ^
Thanks very much, really appreciate the advice. Have only been in Nola once before and that was for a meeting, I had lunch and that was it.
Staying at the Roosevelt. So will my buddy and I be able to get a seat at Cooter Browns on Jan 2 for the games? Any other backup suggestions for game watching? We should get some Michigan fan get togethers going.
December 6th, 2011 at 9:56 AM ^
I would go to Cooter Browns. Take a St. Charles street car. It will basically take you right to Cooter Browns. $1.25 one way and something you won't see any where other than New Orleans.
December 6th, 2011 at 11:50 AM ^
The earlier you go to Cooter Brown's the more likely you will be to get a seat. If you get there in time for the early (11 am, remember we're on central time here) games, you should be fine and be able to get a good post. Enough TVs in the place to watch each game, but the SEC ones will usually have the largest contingent and thus preference for the bigger TVs. However, this is not a problem during bowl season since generally we're playing the SEC.
December 6th, 2011 at 12:01 AM ^
being a former NOLAean, I will gladly play MGoTourGuide/host for any interested. i converted a friend from UM on her 3-4 day trip and she's been hooked since.
i do mean this genuinely. happy to meet up and/or make an itinerary/schedule/must-hit list for anyone interested. i will be in NOLA from the 30th or so to catch up with "family" and friends... an overdue return to an adopted home.
cannot tell you how excited i am.
December 6th, 2011 at 1:46 AM ^
So it's kinda touristy, but Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter!! 3 beignets (french doughnuts, covered in powdered sugar) and cafe au lait. Awesome.