Anyone Been To NOLA Recently?

[fwd1 Member Find all posts View Profile Close fwd1]

Thanks for the great pictures.
On our last visit to New Orleans (Jan 08) we were so impressed with how clean the Quarters were. Mentioned it to several people and they said a company headed by a man from St. Bernard Parish has taken over the job and is doing a great job. One person said he is almost a rock star in N. O. When ever he is in a resturant people cheer him

[roadsister Member Find all posts View Profile Close roadsister]

I also noticed how clean it was (and you can see that from the pics)....someone told me that Katrina also helped with that ...I guess they were trying to find a bright side to such a catasrophe.

[Hoc Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Hoc]

Please let me know what type of information you are looking for and I will be happy to respond.

I am just looking for any and all information you would care to share. I missed out on going for Halloween, but am aching to go back sometime within the next few months. So, any helpful tips or updates are always appreciated. By me and the other travelers here.

[MaryH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close MaryH]

Hi Hoc,

I have been spenting a bit of time for work in Atlanta and with the bad winter, I had done several short trip to NOLA including a 3 day weekend site59 package at Intercontinental for first weekend of Mardi Gras, Easter for 4 days for one the weeks I own at Chateau Orleans, and 36 hours for JazzFest at the Hilton across the street from Intercontinental that used to be Hotel Monaco which had been closed for 1-2 years. The jazz was creat

Most of the Quarter is back to or close to full running order. It was actually diffcult to find hotels for Jazz Fest 1 month out and finally got it close to due to cancellation. I had dined at K-Paul in early Feb but it was a little quieter and so was the parades compared to when I was there for a week in 2004. But it was early this year and fairly cold so that had something to do with it. I was talking with some guys from Texas that have been coming to NOLA 2+ times a year and they say that it is gradually coming back. One actually did the gladiator costume with bare legs in 50-60F weather Hotel lounges that were closed before is back open again.

For JazzFest, weather was beautiful and it was very busy. We went to dinner at Dickie Brennens and it was close to full and we had 8pm reservations. The music was great and the food was even better than 2 years ago when I was there but they ran out of a lot of stuff later in the day.

I also talked to some locals and on what has been happening. One said that his friend just moved out of FEMA trailers after 2.5 years. One whose house is molded and torn down 9 months ago is waiting for insurance or aid before rebuilding. Someone else I talked to have been rebuilding their house for the last while. Also someone that worked at my timeshare said that rent had become more expensive after Katrina but they came back anyway but know others who did not.

I also took a drive out to the Stanick (sp?) space center across the state border and with a run turn, saw the devestation of areas when for blocks all you see are empty lots with little or no foundation left of the original houses and occassional rebuilt home. But looking at how close to the water and how low the houses are even when they are raised, I have to think/asked how are the levee in NOLA being rebuilt. There was someone staying at the timeshare that was working for habitat for humanity and that might be something I would consider for another year.

Where food and Jazz/blue is concerned, it is as good as it was but I found the local people a little more pensive and less carefree than they were before. When I was there 2 years ago for Jazz Fest, a lot of people thanked me for coming back and it did not happen on these trips so a lot further in the recovery. I also saw some smaller meetings and conventions being held there now whereas little or none 2 years ago.

Hope this helps,
Mary

[Hoc Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Hoc]

It does help, thanks. I finally used a Marriott certificate to book a week from December 26 through January 2, so I'll be able to go back and try some new places myself.

[jackio Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close jackio]

Hoc, I'm sorry - I did not see this thread until today but I wanted to add my good wishes for your girlfriend's continued health.
New Year's Eve in NOLA - sounds great.

[taffy19 Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close taffy19]

Hoc, I didn't read this thread either as NOLA is far from my mind but I would like to see it one day but not alone. I am happy to read that your girlfriend is improving and all the traveling will do her a lot of good. Enjoy yourselves while you can as it can change overnight. Take care!

[imbrennan Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close imbrennan]

Don't suppose anyone would be interested in buying a

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

Don't suppose anyone would be interested in buying a .

Please do not try to put an ad here. You can use the classifieds for free.

TS4MS Classifieds - Timeshare Forums

[imbrennan Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close imbrennan]

Removed message

Sorry about trying to put an advert in. Being a Brit I hadn't realised the rules! I'll have a look at your classified ads section.

[Hoc Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Hoc]

Well, I'm finally heading back there. Dec. 26-Jan. 2, and my girlfriend is coming with me (everything seems to be fine now). I know we'll have a great time, and I can update my advice after I get back.

Looking forward to those Reveillon dinners. . . .

[MaryH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close MaryH]

Hi Hoc,

Great to hear your GF is doing well. I think you will have a good time.

I did the Cafe du Monde beignets and central grocery muffaletta just before going to the airport and even simple foods are great in NOLA.

Enjoy...

[Hoc Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Hoc]

I did the Cafe du Monde beignets and central grocery muffaletta just before going to the airport and even simple foods are great in NOLA.

When my mom was still alive, I sent her on her way (on the train) with a Po' Boy and some red beans & rice from Mother's. She said it was some of the best traveling food she ever ate.