O/T - Visiting New Orleans - need help

Hi All, I'm Robin from Maryland and have had a gastric bypass in 97', a revision in 2002 (because the 1st one didn't work) and recently have had a tummy tuck and breast work (uplift and implants) since losing 110 pounds.  (yea)   I'm getting ready to visit New Orleans (1st week in October) and wondered if any of you could offer suggestions on a nice place to stay (see, I told you this was a bit off topic).  I'd like a B&B (for my fiancee and myself) NOT on Bourbon Street - something that might have a porch or balcony to sit out on.   Also - any suggestions to "not to miss" tours or attractions would be appreciated too.  You can write to me at my hotmail dot com address - robininmd Thank you all---  By the way -- if any of you have had a TT or breast work done and think your boobs still look weird or that your TT isn't exactly flat but comes more to a point -- please write.  I have a follow up with my surgeon Oct 18 th and I'm afraid he's going to say -- "that's normal, everyone heals differently". Robin

Hello Robin,  I hope you will enjoy your trip to New Orleans. I don't live there, so I can't answer your question directly, but I do have a website for you that might help. http://www.crt.louisiana.gov/ Enjoy your trip.

I forgot to tell you the Aquarium of the Americas is awesome and also Jackson square and Audobon zoo. Jackson square in down town near the French quarter and that is where the famous Cafe Dumond (spelling?) is located. There is a River Walk there and it's worth it to just walk down Bourbon Street at least once.

Thanks for the info --- it just gets confusing looking at all the choices for a place to stay... I've heard a few people mention the zoo and the River Walk.... I can't wait. Robin

There are many bed and breakfast places in the French Quarter that are not on Bourbon street. They are most probley going to be some of the nicest ones but also some nice hotels to stay at that have great rooms and views are the Hotel Monteleone and the Le Richelieu ( 504-529-2492) is a nice little quiet place located at 1234 Charters Street it is right off of Esplanade and walking distance from the French Quarter, the French Market and the river. Also it is walking distance from Port of Call a great restaurant that is known for their burgers. As for Cafe Du Monde the beniets are delicious but they are fried dough covered in powdered sugar not really RNY friendly. Most places around New Orleans you are going to find a lot of fried food or very rich food that would be a little hard on the pouch. You might be far enough out that you can eat those things and if so then you have to try fried alligator. I will try and think of some other great places for you its kinda early and my mind is a little blank right now but if you have any questions just send me a message I will be here til around 2pm central time today.

Thanks for the info -- and yes - -I plan to try all kinds of "southern cuisine"   - even Alligator LoL If you think of anything else --or "not to miss places" to visit or tours to take -- keep me posted. Robin 

Well, I am in a completely different part of the state but I hope you have a great time.  I have only been to New Orleans once and it was a very quick trip...cheerleading competiton so not much time to explore.  My kids fifth grade class took them down to New Orleans, they left here on Friday night at midnight and got home Saturday at midnight.  They did the French quarter and toured Antabellom (sp) homes, did some other things but don't remember all.  Hurricane Katrina hit the year my last son was in 5th grade but they took the kids anyways.  They all loved it.  Maybe one day I will make it down... As far as the food, Lousiana has some tasty dishes.  I love alligator, if you get a chance to try it blackened do, it is to die for..... Hope you have a great time..

well, i can't answer the b and b question. But if you go the hotel route, I always suggest to friends, and family, the Hilton Riverside . A bit pricey, but very mice, clean, safe, and located next to the  Auariaum. It has a streetcar, or did prior to the storm, just outside the front door to take you into the quarter. FOOD..MOTHER'S..Po-boys..biscuits, and debris!!!!! Fine dining...Commanders Palace..best in the country. the GUMBO POT was the best sampling place around before Katrina, not sure if it is around. Pat Obrien's..drinks..lot's of drinks..flaming fountain...hurricane..the drink, not the windy kind. the Adaubon zoo. a paddle boat tour ride. a bus tour of the Katrina damage..sound aweful, and is really pathetic, to take advantage of showing off the distruction of folks lives..but it plays an improtant role, in letting everyone know just how bad..how totaly distroyed major parts of the city are. Go home and tell your friends. It could happen to any of us from mother nature. FOOD AGAIN...Red beans, and rice..served any time any where on Monday's. Get the best seafood, anywhere..shrimp..oysters...yummy. Most locals DONT blacken their fish, etc..it is good, very good, not not traditional..only since Paul Produmme introd it. that's all for now... but when you eat here..the food is so good..you will see why I along with most of the folks here, need WLS. PEACE..KEN

Thanks for all the info!   The Flaming Fountain sounds interesting -- and the alligator I've heard about too!  I LOVE trying new things.   My boyfriend is actually now at Keesler AFB for training and he got out and about the town this past weekend and couldn't believe the destruction -- he said it was unbelievable and something you would have to see to understand how horrible it was. Thanks again - and if you think of anything else -- let me know - I'm leaving on Oct 3rd. Robin  

It's not a B&B, but the Place d'Armes Hotel is a pretty nice spot.  It's not ultra fancy, but has a nice courtyard, and it's right on Jackson Square. You can walk out the front door and see Cafe du Monde.