A New Orleans Native Point of View

Let me be the first to welcome you to New Orleans. I am a native New Orleanian and like all New Orleanians we take great pride in New Orleans. Let me take a few minutes to tell you of some points of interest. Many of you will be staying downtown or in the French Quarter. Please be sure to venture outside the French Quarter and get to know New Orleans as the locals know it. One very easy way is to get on the streetcar. You MUST take a streetcar ride. It is not only a unique experience but you also get to see New Orleans as the locals do. Don't just ride get off and walk around. Let me tell you of a couple of places you might enjoy. First you need to understand there are two streetcar lines, the St. Charles Avenue and now the Canal Street lines. The St. Charles line brings you down St. Charles avenue through the Garden District. There are three areas I think you might stopping to see. Coming from downtown the first is Audubon Park, named after John James Audubon known for his painting of wildlife. This park is a beauty. While there be sure to go through the Audubon Zoo. (No, I am not getting paid to say this.)

Get back on the streetcar and continue away from downtown. The next point of interest is Riverbend. It is called Riverbend because... you guessed it... the Mississippi River makes a turn at this point. It is also this turn which gave New Orleans it's nickname, The Crescent City. There are a few restaurants and shops in this area it might be a good place to stop for lunch. After lunch get back on and continue in the same direction. This will take you down Carrollton avenue. Actually Carrollton used to be a the town of Carrollton. This area is commonly known as Uptown. If you like old Americana check out Oak street. If you have never had a SNOWBALL you have to go to Plum Street Snowball stand. Plum street is a short walk from Oak street. Just ask anyone how to get there. If you have time you can continue away from downtown but there is not too much more down Carrollton. But of course I have been here all my life. You might enjoy the old homes and oaks that line the avenue.

Next you need to take the Canal streetcar. Now you are getting into my neighborhood. Take the streetcar going away from downtown. The ride down Canal is not to impressive but don't worry it will get better. When you get to N. Carrollton things start to pick up. As the streetcar turns from Canal there is a great ice cream shop called Bracoto's. My wife and I eat there way too often. They also have Italian ice as well.

Now get back on the streetcar but first wipe the ice cream from your mouth. The New Orleans museum of art and the end of the line is your next stop. Now you are really in my neck of the woods. Faubourg St. John also known as Esplanade Ridge. From here you have a few choices. The museum, or rent a little electric car. You can see the signs just to the left of the entrance to the park. The car rental is a little pricie but might be worth it. With the car you can see much more of the neighborhood and also see more of the park. An absolute must is Parkview Bakery. Actually it isn't a bakery, it is a sandwich shop. Calling this place a sandwich shop is like calling a 747 a plane. This place serves the world famous New Orleans PoBoy. The address is at 532 Hagan street.Cross bayou St, John take am immediate right. The bayou will be on your right. Go to Orleans avenue and take a left, Hagan is the next street, take a right and there you are. This is another MUST.

I think I have just spent two days of your vacation. Look. The French Quarter is great and you must experience it, but don't leave New Orleans without looking into her eyes and seeing her soul. Get out and see the New Orleans the natives live.

Hey don't forget to take a Steamboat crusie. NATCHEZ Steamboat Cruise.

If you don't see any New Orlens hotels you like on this site try NewOrleansHotelSource.com. I have the hotels organized differently. Might be easier to find what you are looking for.

Enjoy your stay. If you have any questions send me an email. craigk@NewOrleansDiscounts.com