"The snap beans aren't salty" New Orleans by Tom_In_Madison

New Orleans Travel Guide: 4,165 reviews and 7,174 photos

Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral - New Orleans

New Orlean is back to normal, whatever 'normal' is for this city. Music, food, and humidity were in great supply when I was there in June.

Very few tourist spots are not open, most of the damage wasn't even in those areas. French Quarter and surrounding area is above sea level. Don't hesitate to visit possibly the most charming place in the country.

The snap beans aren't salty - New Orleans

Unlike pretty much all of the country east of the Mississippi River, Louisiana was under French rule, then Spanish rule, then French rule again--no English rule. Things are a bit different here because of that. Note the cemetaries with the deceased burried above ground--thank the Spanish for that. The houses on the blocks have their courtyards inside, again the Spanish. The French flavor, and the French street names are east of Canal St. When the US took over, they built on the other side of Canal St and the names have an English flavor, ie. St Charles Ave.

There is an abundance of music in the bars and streets, and usually free. If you appreciate the music, throw a few bucks in the tip bucket they have up front. For the better music, visit Frenchmen Street. Bourbon St has more of it, and the cover bands are everywhere. You can probably catch a brass band or jazz band on the sidewalks too, and they are much better than you would anticipate. I saw a brass band group of about 8 kids, probably around 8th-10th grade playing some amazing music on a sidewalk on Bourbon St.

Yes, a few bars are open 24 hours a day. Bourbon St (named after the House of Bourbon, the ruling party in France, not the drink) is what it is...like it or not, but at least one stroll down at night should be done--visit again or avoid it after that. There are some good restaurants there though, RedFish Grill to name one(try the chocolate bread pudding).

Pros and Cons

Pros:best food in the country, best music in the country, Spanish & French influence are unique
Cons:heat and humidity, some parts aren't all that safe, sales tax is a bit high

Last visit to New Orleans: Jun 2008
Intro Updated Jun 27, 2008
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Comments (11)

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MD2nd Mar 7, 2012 at 1:59 AM

Great restaurant tips! Didn't know William Faulkner lived too in New Orleans just like T.W. Love Faulkner, and his "Licht im August", oh, and I also do love highways. Yes-yes.
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Travmad Jun 3, 2011 at 10:22 AM

thanks for the tip Tom. I put that in my Ipod we will check it out. We leave tomorrow.
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madamx Oct 8, 2009 at 5:51 AM

What, no shopping tips????? ;o) Good to know about the cemetery ... still debating whether we will do this on our own or not. The guidebooks make it sound like you'll get mugged every 5 seconds.
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moiraistyx Feb 5, 2009 at 6:39 PM

As promised I came back to read your information. Richie and I have decided to come here this summer for our adult vacation. Really just an extended weekend. You pass any interesting voodoo stuff.
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rcsparty Dec 10, 2008 at 11:20 PM

I've escaped the snow...only because I'm in Paris for two weeks. Take care
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SteveOSF Dec 5, 2008 at 5:15 PM

Nice tips. I was in New Orleans in the early 1990s and would like to return sometime soon. I remember stumbling into some great music there...
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Katmosphere Aug 24, 2008 at 3:48 PM

I was just in New Orleans, also had a beignet or however the hell you spell it......yummmmm awwwww....cute gators, or are they crocks?
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poons Jun 29, 2008 at 11:44 AM

Looks like a great city Tom! Love the street scenes, and the music scene must be amazing. I've always wanted to try a 'shrimp' gumbo... someday :)
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DAO Jun 29, 2008 at 10:07 AM

That's a good looking snapper on your Swamp Tour. More good food tips too!
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Hexepatty Jun 28, 2008 at 7:47 AM

That place Colettes. I was there 2 months before Katrina. I booked a return air ticket to return I was so intrigued by Colettes. Sadly, the weekend I was to return -- Katrina came. God didn't want me going, I figured!