New Orleans - Fun Things to do
Aquarium of the Americas
1 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA. 70130 504-861-2537
Description: More than 7,000 fish and other marine life are housed at this aquarium located right on the Mississippi River. There is a large collection of jellyfish and sharks, and you can also watch sea otters. Upon entering the large foyer, you will notice a tank holding a multitude of marine life. Start on the top floor in the rainforest exhibit and then walk down a spiral ramp that intersects the doughnut-shaped tank. Don't forget to view the sea lion pool outside the aquarium, or the Marine Mammal Pavilion that houses fascinating and friendly bottle nose dolphins. Laid out perfectly, this museum actually lets you touch living creatures such as starfish and snails.
Audubon Park
6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118 504-581-4629
Description: Uptown . Adjacent to the Audubon Zoo, the 340 acre-park. One of Audubon Parks best treats is it's pleasant view of the Mississippi River. Visitors to the park can enjoy picnic areas, riding stables and a two-mile jogging path that trails along lagoon areas. There is also a first rate zoo, new golf course, tennis courts, and a number of hiking and biking trails.
Audubon Zoo
6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, La 70118 504-861-2537
Description: UPTOWN. Audubon Park is in the permanent home of almost 2,000 animals and is rated as one of the best zoos in the US. The zoo offers a wide array of exhibits, including the endangered species carousel, the Jaguar Jungle, the White Tigers (who are brothers and each weighs 380 pounds), Komodo Dragon, Gorillas and the Monkey Hill along with many other exhibits. The newest exhibit is the discovery walk where you can interact with the animals. Offers fun shown with Elephant and Sea Lions as well. STREETCAR: St. Charles line, stop 36, and then take the free shuttle to the zoo.
Harrah's Casino
New Orleans, La
Description: Hungry for excitement? You gotta get to Harrah's New Orleans. Newely opened is the "Improv Comedy Show". Play all night and eat til dawn at the fabulous late night buffet. It's the city's best all-you-can-eat-breakfast buffet, for just $7.99 after 2a.m! From prime rib to Lucky Dogs, the many noteworthy restaurants will tempt your palate.
Jackson Square
New Orleans, La
Description: French Quarter. Often called the Heart of New Orleans, Jackson Square is full of energy and activity. Facing the Mississippi River and directly across from the Saint Louis Cathedral. In the shadows of Andrew Jackson statue, erected for his heroism during the Battle of New Orleans, you will find street artists painting during the day and jazz musicians by night. The gardens are great for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. This is the site of the French Quarter Festival in April, where local restaurants set up stands and dish delicious cuisine.
Preservation Hall - Jazz Club
726 St. Peter Street, New Orleans, La 70116 504-522-2841
Description: FRENCH QUARTER. The lines are long but the music is great! Preservation Hall is a historic New Orleans Tradition. The jazz musicians who take the stage nightly are well into their 70's but when they "jazz" - you'll see why this landmark is a must. The decor is basic and consists of benches and cushions. There is NO food or drink allowed in the hall and crowds are usually standing room only. Set times are 35 monutes with 10 minute breaks in betwee. The misic begins at 8:30 p.m.
St. Louis Cathedral
615 Pere Antoine Alley, Jackson Square, New Orleans, LA 70116 504-525-9585
Description: FRENCH QUARTER. Established in 1794, this is the oldest active cathedral in the US. Towering over Jackson Square, it is an important historical and religious symbol for this predominantly Catholic city. In 1964, the cathedral was given the status on minor basilica, one of only 15 in the US. Tours are offered and depart from the gift shop regulary
New Orleans - Things to do - Festivals
French Quarter Festival
100 Conti St., New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 522-5730
Description: FRENCH QUARTER. Zydeco and Cajun music are just some of the tunes that fill the Vieux Carre' during this April event. The French Quarter Festival hosts over 10 musical stages, hundreds of musicians and a number of musical genres that range from international, blues, rock and swing to jazz. The event is free and concertgoers can enjoy a variety of the Crescent City's fine food, too!
Jazz Fest
1205 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 522-4786
Description: MID CITY. For over 30 years this 10-day event has packed the New Orleans Fairgrounds. Jazz Fest is renowned for the caliber of musicians it attracts. Concertgoers can enjoy everything from gospel and jazz to rock and swing. Past performers include The Allman Brothers Band, Marcia Ball, Tim Laughlin & Charmain Nevelle. Event goers can also enjoy savory food, modern crafts and the musical musings that resonate from a dozen stages.
Mardi Gras Season
New Orleans, LA (504) 566-5011
Description: This annual pre-Lent celebration may be what makes the Crescent City Shine. The city streets fill with revelers and numerous parades as well as hundreds of partygoers who eat and drink at special Mardi Gras Balls. Carnival season starts January 6 and Mardi Gras tends to fall between February 3 and March 9. The event day coincidess with Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.
Dressy Casual Dining - New Orleans
Blue Tomato
4401 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, LA 70121
Type of Establishment: Mexican, Salads, Sandwiches - Best Tacos!
Telephone: (504) 734-3000
Bulldog Bar & Grill
3236 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
Type of Establishment: Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads - Best Cheeseburger!
Telephone: (504) 891-1516
Jacques-Imo Cafe'
8324 Oak Street, New Orleans, LA 70118
Type of Establishment: Creole, Cajun - Best Crawfish Cheesecake & Fried Chicken!
Telephone: (504) 861-0886
Mandina's
3800 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
Type of Establishment: Creole, Italian - Best Trout Meuniere and Oyster Po-Boys!
Telephone: (504) 482-9179
Mother's
401 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Type of Establishment: Creole, Po-Boys - Best Jambayla!
Telephone: (504) 523-9656
Ninja
8433 Oak Street, New Orleans, LA 70118
Type of Establishment: Sushi
Telephone: (504) 866-1119
Dressy Casual Dining - New Orleans
Drago's Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar
3232 North Arnoult Road, Metairie, LA 70002
Type of Establishment: Seafood - Best Charbroiled Oysters!
Telephone: (504) 888-9254
Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse
716 Iberville Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Type of Establishment: Steak, Seafood - Best New York Strip!
Telephone: (504) 522-2467
Pascal's Manale
1838 Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115
Type of Establishment: American, Creole, Italian - Home of the Original BBQ shrimp!
Telephone: (504) 895-4877
Venezia
134 N. Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115
Type of Establishment: Italian - Best Pizza!
Telephone: (504) 488-7991
Metairie - Things to Do
Lafreniere Park - 3000 Downs Boulevard, Metairie, LA 70003 (504) 838-4389
Take a stroll or a jog through Lafreniere Park in Metairie.
Casual Fun Dining - Metairie Area
Bozo's
3117 21st Street, Metairie, LA 70002
Type of Establishment: Seafood - Best Oysters on the Half Shell!
Telephone: (504) 831-8666
Carmine's
4104 Veterans Boulevard, Metairie, LA 70002
Type of Establishment: Italian
Telephone: (504) 455-7904
Deanie's
1713 Lake Avenue, Metairie, LA 70005
Type of Establishment: Seafood, Creole - Best Seafood Platter!
Telephone: (504) 831-4141
North Shore Area - Things to Do
Global Wildlife Center
26389 Highway 40, Folsom, LA (985) 796-3585
Get ready for a wild adventure at the largest totally free-roaming wildlife preserve in the country! The Global Wildlife Center in Folsom, Louisiana is home to over 3,000 exotic endangered and threatened animals from all over the world. They offer a Safari Wagon tour of over 900 acres of beautiful Louisiana countryside complete with 12 ponds and a lake. During the tour you'll come face to face with bison, giraffe, zebra, camels, eland and much, much more!
Mandeville Seafood Festival
Mandeville
Celebrate Independence Day weekend at the Mandeville Seafood Fest with live music, food, arts and crafts, entertainment and a classic fireworks show!
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
Ponchatoula
The largest FREE two day festival in the State of Louisiana!
Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival
Madisonville
Every Fall about one hundred classic wooden boats, hundreds of spectator boats and thousands of wooden boat and music enthusiasts come to madisonville for this Museum fundraiser. This is an exciting evening that promises fabulous food and music.
Casual Fun Dining - North Shore Area
Bosco's Italian Cafe'
1770 Highway 59, Mandeville, LA 70448
Type of Establishment: Italian - Best Lasagna!
Telephone: (985) 624-5066
Coffee's Boiling Pot
305 Highway 21, Madisonville, LA 70447
Type of Establishment: Seafood - Best Fried Seafood!
Telephone: (985) 845-2348
Little Tokyo
590 Asbury Drive, Mandeville, LA 70448
Type of Establishment: Sushi - Best Yami Yami Roll!
Telephone: (985) 727-1532
Dressy Casual Dining - North Shore Area
Nuvolari's
246 Gerard Street, Mandeville, LA 70471
Type of Establishment: Italian - Best Veal Picata!
Telephone: (985) 626-5619
Sal & Judy's
Highway 190, Lacombe, LA 70445
Type of Establishment: Creole - Best of Everything!
Telephone: (985) 882-7167
