New Orleans Favorite Tips by acemj

Architecture Architecture Review

Favorite thing: Walking through the French Quarter of New Orleans, one of the most distinctive characteristics you'll notice is the wrought-iron balconies that give the area a certain flair and sophistication that makes it a picturesque location. Since 1940, this area, also known as Vieux Carre', has been under a preservation mandate, which means that you won't see any highrise buildings advertising billboards or streetlights, and makes the area more enjoyable for visitors.

Fondest memory: Exploring some of the less trampled streets of the French Quarter is a rewarding experience for any New Orleans visitor. There's more to it than just the wildness of Bourbon Street.

Mississippi River Mississippi Review

Favorite thing: The Mississippi River is still an important part of New Orleans' life and its economy. The water is a bit brown in color because of the silt it carries as it passes into the Mississippi Delta. Take a look at a map and you'll see the dramatic curves that the river makes as it meanders through New Orleans.
In fact the sharp curve just downriver from the Jackson Square is so sharp that boats must be very cautious when rounding its bend. It also is the origin of one of New Orleans' many nickanames, the Crescent City. This photo shows the Crescent City Connection Bridges that link the East and West Banks of New Orleans.

Skyline from Riverwalk Riverwalk Area Review

Fondest memory: I took this picture from the Riverwalk, a modern shopping mall located on the banks of the Mississippi River just upriver from the French Quarter. It shows the more modern side of the city, the Central Business District or CBD as its referred to, as well as the Riverfront streetcar which costs only $1.25 per ride.

You can still check in with VT! Drinks Review

Favorite thing: Royal Blend Coffee & Tea House has internet access upstairs. It's located at 621 Royal Street in the French Quarter. It costs $3 for 15 minutes, $5 for 30 minutes and $8 for an hour. Knowing you VTers, you should inquire about bulk rates. They offer packages in which you can buy more time at better rates.

Fondest memory: Royal Blend is located inside a nice courtyard and the coffee is good. I noticed 2 or 3 other internet cafes throughout the Quarter, so never fear, you'll always be connected to VT while in town.

Typical Scene French Quarter Review

Favorite thing: The French Quarter is the heart and soul (though perhaps a tarnished soul) of New Orleans. The buildings date from the late 1600s and are characterized by shady, hidden courtyards and plant-covered, wrought-iron balconies.

Fondest memory: If you get a chance, go up to a balcony in the Quarter and relax awhile with a drink. It's one of the best vantage points for enjoying the sights and sounds.

Necropolis of New Orleans Cemeteries Review

Favorite thing: The cemeteries in New Orleans are referred to as "the cities of the dead" because of the above ground tombs. They are built this way because the city is actually below river level and the ground is too wet to bury the dead.

Fondest memory: The most popular cemetery is probably St. Louis Cemetery #1 because of the people who are buried there. Some of The Big Easy's most influential citizens are buried here, most in ornate and beautifully constructed tombs. Perhaps the most famous inhabitant is the famous Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau. I skipped #1 and instead visited St. Louis Cemetery #3, which is pictured here. It's located on Esplanade Avenue outside the French Quarter just outside City Park. There are four main cemeteries in the city that are worth visiting: St. Louis #1-3 and Lafayette Cemetery in the Garden District. It is suggested that you visit the cemeteries during the day and with a tour group because of some safey concerns, but St. Louis #3 and Lafayette are fine to visit alone during the day.

Street performers Music Review

Favorite thing: Another highlight of my trip was the music. From the House of Blues to Preservation Hall to many of the bars on Bourbon Street, you'll hear the sounds blaring out onto the street as you walk by. Most of the performers here are extremely talented. What's more amazing is that even the street performers who are playing for your pocketchange are incredibly gifted musicians.

Fondest memory: You'll hear some of the best Jazz in the world in New Orleans, but you'll also hear great R & B, Rock-N-Roll, Blues, Cajun Music and Zydeco.