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Five NOLA No Nos

October 1 2017 | News

 

As New Orleans approaches its 300th birthday in 2018, she continues to charm and amaze. Since its founding, this city has attracted people of all ages and interests from all around the world. When you tell your friends you’re planning a trip to New Orleans, you’ll get all kinds of opinions on what to do here. We thought we’d do you a favor and tell you what NOT to do.

1. No Staying in the Burbs

If you’re worried that the French Quarter is too touristy and that you’d do better to stay elsewhere, you’re about to make a huge mistake. The French Quarter is first and foremost a residential neighborhood and there’s nothing like calling it home for a few days. We suggest you choose a historic, boutique hotel a few steps from the action and really treat yourself to an authentic New Orleans experience. You can do wrong by choosing from the French Quarter Collection of Hotels.

2. No Dieting

Many New Orleans restaurants offer healthy options, but this is the foodie capital of the world – give yourself permission to indulge a little! Butter is a major food group here (we were settled by France after all). If you catch yourself wondering how many calories there are in a hurricane, stop yourself, and consider instead how much fun there is in there.  Give your points calculator a vacation. Try the barbecued shrimp, the fried softshell crabs, and the chargrilled oysters. Don’t share your beignets. Order the bread pudding or the crème brûlée. You won’t regret it. Check out the New Orleans Restaurant Guide for ideas.

3. No Rushing Home for Monday Morning

New Orleans is a blast on the weekends, but vacations during the week have their benefits as well. Not only are the hotel rates better midweek, but it’s easier to get restaurant reservations, the clubs are still hopping and you’ll be able to have these storied streets to yourself at times. You can see more of the French Quarter when the sidewalks aren’t so crowded with people. These are the times that are truly magical.

4. No Rental Cars

New Orleans is a small enough city that you really don’t need a car to get around. Streetcars, busses, pedicabs, taxis, ferries and ridesharing services – even carriages – can get you where you want to go. Plus, shuttles to the airport are convenient and inexpensive. Why pay for gas and parking? Learn about NOLA transportation here.

5. No Stopping with Bourbon Street

Bourbon may be the most famous street in New Orleans, but it’s not the only street. If you’re looking for authentic jazz and blues, Frenchmen Street is where it’s at. If you want to see some mind-blowing mansions, hop the green St. Charles Streetcar and go exploring the “Jewel of America’s Grand Avenues.” And if shopping is your thing, do not miss Magazine Street. We also always tell our friends to take a red streetcar to City Park. The ancient live oak trees and picturesque stone bridges are truly spectacular. The Treme, the Marigny, the Garden District…New Orleans is a city of neighborhoods. Get to know them all here.


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