Travel Q&A: Things to see and do in New Orleans
Q: We are planning a cruise from New Orleans to the western Caribbean in March. We would appreciate info on how much time to spend in New Orleans before the cruise, can't-miss sights in New Orleans and sights on the cruise. -- J.P. A: The more time you can spend in New Orleans, the better, to savor the city's legendary music, food and sights. Republic editor Stacy Sullivan, a New Orleans regular, has these suggestions. 1. Roam the French Quarter. Leave Bourbon Street and walk the quiet, residential blocks of the upper quarter. Stroll the gardens and chapels at the Old Ursuline Convent to learn how the city and the Catholic church are intertwined. Pop into Crescent City Books to peruse the stacks of secondhand volumes and listen to classical music. Bypass crowded Cafe du Monde and opt for Croissant d'Or patisserie, with its strong coffee and romantic courtyard. Details: stlouiscathedral.org/convent.html, crescentcitybooks.com. Croissant d'Or: 504-524-4663. 2. The city is home to so many new restaurants since Hurricane Katrina that the options can be overwhelming. A sure bet is to try one of chef John Besh's restaurants, whether it's the American Sector at the World War II museum or fun, Italian-inspired Domenica in the Roosevelt Hotel. At Cochon in the Warehouse District, chef Donald Link showcases all things Louisiana. And all things pork. Order the oyster and meat pie or fried boudin and prepare to be wowed. Details: chefjohnbesh.com, domenicarestaurant.com, cochonrestaurant.com. 3. The National World War II Museum offers the most comprehensive look at WWII of any museum in the country. Why New Orleans? Turns out that the amphibious boats we used during the D-Day invasion were built there. You'll be pulled into the stories of how the country rallied around the war effort and outraged by the displays covering treatment of prisoners of war. Details: nationalww2museum.org. 4. Since Katrina, Magazine Street has become packed full of everything from second-hand stores to upscale jewelry and home-design shops. A must-stop: Hazelnut, owned by "Mad Men" star and Louisiana native Bryan Batt. There are plenty of spots to eat and drink. If it's a nice day, grab a local Abita beer and a burger on the patio at the Bulldog pub. Details: hazelnutneworleans.com. 5. Any fan of the HBO series "Treme" will recognize the music clubs lining Frenchman Street, just outside the French Quarter in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood. Bands play reggae, jazz, R&B, zydeco, funk and more. The classy standby is Snug Harbor, where you might catch Ellis Marsalis and have a great steak. Across the street is the divey Spotted Cat, where local music is showcased nightly. Details: snugjazz.com, spottedcatmusicclub.com. 6. Take a Mississippi River steamboat cruise. Sure it's touristy, but you get a great overview of the harbor and see why it's one of the busiest in the world. It's also a good way to get your bearings when you first arrive. The skyline is great from here. Details: www.steamboatnatchez.com. Next Sunday: Things to see on the cruise. Leave A Comment
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