New Orleans??

[sureshot375]

So the wife and I were looking at surprising the girls, age 14 and 11, with a little trip the week after Christmas.

We haven’t been able to travel much in a while with young boys, age 1 and 3.


Anyways the original plan was for my wife and I to take the girls and leave the boys with my wife’s parents. We forgot that my wife’s father is having shoulder surgery before Christmas so it probably wouldn’t be the best time to stick them with the boys.

The new plan is for wife and girls to head to New Orleans while I stay home and wrangle the boys.

I’m assuming it’s a safe enough place with a little common sense, staying in the touristy areas, watching where you go after dark?

Is it fine to stay in the French Quarter? I’m sure avoiding Bourbon Street at night is advisable.

Any recommendations regarding where to stay, where to eat, and things to do would be greatly appreciated. Any general advice would be welcome.

I haven’t been since before Katrina. Them going without me has me thinking things through a little more than usual.

 

[Tanks]

Well, a trip to New Orleans is not without eating at Brennan's.

Brennan's Restaurant : A New Orleans Tradition Since 1946 : French Quarter Restaurant

Brennan's Restaurant is a New Orleans restaurant tradition since 1946. Our innovative Creole menu borrows influences from French and Spanish ancestry with modern updates and distinct seasonal offerings. Old-world elegance inspired dining rooms, and personable, attentive service, create a unique...

www.brennansneworleans.com

Also, they could do a sightseeing tour at one of the plantations from the Civil War era.

 

[mdwest]

I’ll be in NOLA just a week before your family is there… one of my kids is graduating from LSU and we’re taking her to NOLA for a weekend celebration after she walks the stage…

The French Quarter is well worth visiting and 100% safe during the day.. there are several nice, historic hotels in the quarter that would be a neat experience for your girls…

late at night you’ve got all the common problem associated with people drinking too much… but otherwise the quarter can be a nice time… lots of weird eclectic shops, lots of live music, lots of busy bars and a few not so busy bars… I’d just stay a few blocks off bourbon street to avoid late night noise… although late December things should be pretty calm and tame by New Orleans standards..

Be advised some of what you’ll find in the quarter can be risqué and probably not appropriate for young girls (advertising for sex shows, etc that’s prominent, etc)… your wife will want to stay on the look out for that…

Jackson Square is a neat place to check out.. lots of street artists and more eclectic stuff all around…

Cafe Du Monde is a must one morning for breakfast or chicory coffee and beignets.. but expect long lines… and have cash.. the last time I was there they didn’t accept cards…

 

[wesheltonj]

Well, after dark Bourbon from Canal to the street that Jackson Square is on is the safest.

I like the Omni Royal Orleans one street over, but I don't know what you want to spend.

As for eating, it's not fancy, but I am a fan of Mother's over by the Casino.

Best Restaurant in New Orleans, LA | World's Best Baked Ham | Breakfast All Day | Mothers Restaurant

Since 1938, Mother’s Restaurant has been a gathering place for Marines. Visit our restaurant or browse through our menu and call us today at (504) 523-9656 for deliveries.

mothersrestaurant.net

More Upscale, Antoine's

Antoine's Restaurant | New Orleans' French Quarter Restaurant Since 1840

antoines.com

Arnaud's

Fine Dining New Orleans | Arnaud's Restaurant

Arnaud’s has defined New Orleans fine dining for the past 100 years and counting. Come experience Traditional New Orleans Cuisine you'll never forget.

www.arnaudsrestaurant.com

Not in the French Quarter, Commanders Palace

Commander's Palace

www.commanderspalace.com

 

[mdwest]

I admit I’m biased… I used to do some security work for Emeril Lagosse years ago…

But this is one of the best restaurants in the city..

Emeril's in New Orleans | The Lagasse Flagship

Opened in 1990, Emeril’s is Chef Emeril Lagasse’s acclaimed flagship restaurant located in the Warehouse District of New Orleans. Helmed by Chef E.J. Lagasse, the menu is built on a refined and elegant approach to Louisiana cooking, rooted in Chef Emeril’s signature bold flavors.

emerilsrestaurant.com

Commanders Palace (where Emeril was the executive chef early in his career) and Brennens are stellar as well

 

[thriller]

Gallitores is always great so is pesche and

So the wife and I were looking at surprising the girls, age 14 and 11, with a little trip the week after Christmas.

We haven’t been able to travel much in a while with young boys, age 1 and 3.


Anyways the original plan was for my wife and I to take the girls and leave the boys with my wife’s parents. We forgot that my wife’s father is having shoulder surgery before Christmas so it probably wouldn’t be the best time to stick them with the boys.

The new plan is for wife and girls to head to New Orleans while I stay home and wrangle the boys.

I’m assuming it’s a safe enough place with a little common sense, staying in the touristy areas, watching where you go after dark?

Is it fine to stay in the French Quarter? I’m sure avoiding Bourbon Street at night is advisable.

Any recommendations regarding where to stay, where to eat, and things to do would be greatly appreciated. Any general advice would be welcome.

I haven’t been since before Katrina. Them going without me has me thinking things through a little more than usual.

I would stay off bourbon street personally as women traveling alone. Lots of drugs and shady stuff going on down there at night. With common sense most of the city is fine.

3 weeks ago right at sunset I saw a guy that was breaking down a pound of weed on the street in front of everyone 0 f’s given

 

[Russ16]

The ritz is a very nice hotel and well located.

My favorite restaurant.

Jacques Imo's Cafe | Real New Orleans Food

Jacques-Imo's Cafe is one of the hottest tickets in New Orleans for anyone looking for "real Nawlin' food." Find us uptown at 8324 Oak Street.

jacques-imos.com

Not sure if your wife and girls will like it but the WWII museum is a must see.

 

[mdwest]

The ritz is a very nice hotel and well located.

My favorite restaurant.

Jacques Imo's Cafe | Real New Orleans Food

Jacques-Imo's Cafe is one of the hottest tickets in New Orleans for anyone looking for "real Nawlin' food." Find us uptown at 8324 Oak Street.

jacques-imos.com

Not sure if your wife and girls will like it but the WWII museum is a must see.

Forgot to mention that earlier….

I 100% concur… the WW2 museum is one of the best museums in the US… it is exceptionally well executed..

 

[Tintin]

Been there a couple times. Always had a great time.

One of my best experiences is the most leisurely, tastiest brunches of my life at

https://www.courtoftwosisters.com/

Just be prepared to be in food coma for the rest of the day.

I bought the bride their cookbook - we should utilise that much more than we do.

Have also rented a car and visted Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and surrounds and some of the amazing plantation homes - can't recall which ones - but they were all impressive.

I'm with the others on the WW2 museum - well worth a visit.

Last time I was there (prob 8 or 9 years ago) I had an excellent stay The Roosevelt.

 

[Mekaniks]

Airboat alligator trip in the bayou ... The kids will love it for sure, and the gator conservation is awesome.

Airboat Tours New Orleans | Airboat Tours | Fanboat Tours - Ragin Cajun Airboat Tours

Ride New Orleans #1 Airboat Tour and get up close with the alligators.! See the wildlife in the swamps and bayous of Louisiana and create memories for all the family.

ragincajunairboattours.com

 

[Hillbilly Marine]

Don't know if your girls are into history. If so hit the national WW 2 museum. I can't remember what street it is on but easy walking distance from bourbon st

 

[DaddyFlip]

Goodness! I agree with @mdwest recommendations; everything else, especially the restaurant ideas, is for the 60+ crowd, not mom and the girls.

During the day, anything along Decatur Street will keep everyone occupied (Jackson Square and the street artists along with the galleries surrounding the square, the French Market, many good knick-knack shops, Café du Monde, several good casual restaurants including Frank's, Central Grocery, Café Maspero-stays open late with good variety if you need it). Frank's has great food but be ready for the wait staff to fight and argue amongst themselves- it's a family affair and it's hilarious. The Gumbo Shop on St. Peter a half block from Jackson square is good for all ages and very tasty- it's been great forever; I highly recommend the shrimp creole if you like that . Royal Street has all the galleries, antique shops, gift shops, jewelry, etc.; they could spend a whole day enjoying Royal and not be accosted by anyone. I agree with the Omni Royal as a good place to stay. Two other places to stay in the quarter that are historic, nice and safe are the Dauphine Orleans and the Monteleone. If you can get in, a show at Preservation Hall with the old guys playing jazz and blues is a good time for all.

If I had to pick one or two of the previous restaurant recommendations, Brennan's has great steaks and Court of Two Sisters has great atmosphere that young girls might appreciate; I'm just not sure of the menu.

 

[Moe324]

Check out Mardi gras world. It was really cool. Seeing the floats and how they make them. The aquarium is nice also. If your kids like zoos the zoo is also nice there. As mentioned the ww2 museum is amazing.

 

[Andrew NOLA]

Zoo is very nice, the aquarium is very nice, World War II museum is one of the best in the United States, ghost tours are fun, uptown tours are fun cemetery tours are fun tons of history - look up gray line tours

The chocolate bread pudding soufflé at redfish Grill has gotta be one of the best desserts in the world

Commanders Palace is not just a meal. It’s an experience - worth every penny and I would not call it extraordinarily expensive

Brunch at Brennan‘s. Make sure that you get the bananas Foster, they invented it.

Ride the street cars - cheap annd fun and goes up and down St Charles Ave. Full of beautiful homes.

Mardi Gras world is fun. Totally worth doing.

Ride the ferry at the foot of Canal Street across the river and back

Fried chicken at Jacques imos

Millions of fun things to do that involve no risk

 

[Choupique]

The WW2 museum is amazing.

New Orleans has its fair share of bums and criminals. Nothing good happens after midnight just like most cities. If your wife and girls have a modicum of street sense they'll be fine.

 

[dchum]

Galatoire's is the best of the big 3… I said it lol

As you can see good restaurants are in every corner. The best damn city.

The zoo is really special.

Ride the Street car all the way uptown and eat at THE camellia grill. A staple for Tulane kids and locals. (Do not call it a trolly- you will be corrected ) it’s a street car! Ha

You get to see the beautiful old homes in the garden district and a bit of Tulane university

TBH french quarter at night is a bit dodgey for some types not used to “big” city’s and I think you should find a way to go. That is up to yall as a family and your girls tolerance haha.

I would go for family trips as a child and we even spent Christmas there a few times - it’s plenty safe. But as others have mentioned. It can be rowdy.

@Andrew NOLA obviously has great advice!!

The street car ride uptown and the beautiful homes is so peaceful. Makes me miss Nola

Truly a ying and yang thing going on between bourbon and then uptown. Love it

 

[SaintPanzer]

I've spent a lot of time in NOLA. Lots of time in Martigny, and on the West (Best) Bank. Too much time on Dauphine Street. My last promotion was in Jackson Square, so, yeah, I have my biases.

All the above is what I would have said. Mother's is a good call, but expect lines.

Quick Mexican? El Gato Negro, right across from the French Market. Sad to say, Margaritaville is closed.

WWII Museum. Yes.

11 & 14 year olds? Yes to Mardi Gras World. The Zoo is worthwhile, as is Audubon Park.

The Quarter is the Quarter. Better in daylight for the kids, but not Bourbon Street. It's touristy, but French Market.

Again, touristy... but with kids, a mule carriage ride is worthwhile, especially with a driver that's willing to talk history.

St. Louis Cathedral. But you were going to Jackson Square anyway.

 

[sureshot375]

Thanks guys !! Keep the info coming. I knew I could count on AH for solid intel.

Mrs. Sureshot375 is really excited.