Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

darktiger · **New Orleans -** 03-09-2009, 09:10 PM

I haven't been to NO in about 17 years. Who has been there recently? Is it safe? What are some of the better things to do other than eating beignet and drinking coffee (with we will be doing both)....

joedanger11 · 03-09-2009, 11:45 PM

o0o0oh. I love Nola! New Orleans is safe.. in areas. Just be aware and don't be inviting.

I lived there for 5 years before I moved to Austin and was recently there around Mardi Gras. I loved being in the Quarter, which you will be since you mention beignets. All I can suggest is eat, eat, and eat. Best food in the world! Airboat rides are fun, Audubon Zoo and Aquarium of Americas is actually nice. If you like local shops check out Magazine street. Garden District is good to see some old famous houses. thats all from the top of my head.

C!LLY · 03-10-2009, 11:13 AM

I will be driving through there to visit a friend on my way to florida this weekend. I havent been there since pre-katrina so I am kinda excited to see how well things have improved since then.

TBoat · 03-10-2009, 12:10 PM

Im going down 4/10-4/12, it will be my first time. Hope to get a chance to take alot of photos...... just going to be a pleasure weekend trip

DEMDeepEllumMusic · 03-10-2009, 12:38 PM

Check out my Pbase.com/pgkps pages to see some Post katrina Shots from 2 years ago and 2 weeks ago along with some of this years Mardi Gras Activities (more to come of those).

If you go up Magazine street (up through the Garden District) be sure to stay right within a couple blocks of the street -over by MLK 1st through 4th streets and west of St Charles is some of the worst areas in the city for safety.

I've really started to enjoy the area north of the Quarter- some call it Bywater- just look up Frenchman's Street which crosses royal for some of the best current Jazz Clubs in the City-ie Snug Harbor is one of the tops- and there are some great restraunts and small bars that are great--MiMi's is one (was an old bank at one time and Oswald's Mom got her first home mortgage there- yes Oswald had Deep New Orleans Roots).

Then in the Quarter it is pretty safe.

Check out the Art Museum in City Park- Fabrege Eggs and other neat stuff.

Lious Armstrong Park is open again also- just be careful- so visit Congo Square and a few other spots in the park.

You can always ask a Locla Cop if he thinks the area is safe, they pretty much are nice to tourists and won't BS you too bad.

venchka · 03-10-2009, 12:47 PM

The places that were safe before Katrina are probably safer now. The places that weren't safe before Katrina you don't want to go into anyway.

Any restaurant operated by the Brennan family, Ralph, Dickie, Lauren, etc., are wonderful. From budget to "if you have to ask, don't go". I always liked Palace Cafe & Redfish Grill. Ralphs on the Park, Dickie Brennan's Steak House and of course Commander's Palace if I saved up or somebody else was buying.

If you can get uptown, around Audubon Park & Tulane University, there is a lot happening that tourists don't get to see.

Be safe. Enjoy!

dminton · 03-10-2009, 03:24 PM

One word:

Domilise's

venchka · 03-10-2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dminton

One word:

Domilise's

there's more than one word.

carrbowl · 03-10-2009, 04:58 PM

I have been there. We have friends that moved there for work. She has become very familiar with the area...if you need to know anything pm me, I'll give you her #. But from what I understand, it is pretty much back to "normal" and I put that in quotes as it is normal for NO...not normal for the rest of the world.!! We took our kids there and felt very safe..we went to the french quarters, but only to the part of the french quarters kids should be allowed to go!!!

darktiger · 03-10-2009, 05:44 PM

So there are french quarters where kids cannot go, interesting. Thanks for all the info everyone. I just wanted to see if I have to bring a gun or not...

carrbowl · 03-10-2009, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darktiger

So there are french quarters where kids cannot go, interesting. Thanks for all the info everyone. I just wanted to see if I have to bring a gun or not...

Did I say cannot go...or should not go?? There is a difference...it should be should not go...

DEMDeepEllumMusic · 03-10-2009, 07:51 PM

I believe that they are talking about the "gay" area which is sad since Jeane Lafeyettes Blacksmith shop, one of the oldest buildings in New Orleans is in that section. Really, that area is just fine for all ages during the day pretty much, it tends to get crazier after 6pm.

Teajuaqes- off of Jackson Square towards the french market a couple blocks is a great restraunt -3rd oldest in the city and you don't have to dress up to go to it! Never have had a bad meal there.

Central Market Grocery- invented the Muffaletta Sandwich- be sure to go early (before 1) because when they sell out of ingrediants they stop making them for the day and they do sell out almost daily. (this is across from the French Market).

But to be honest almost any restruant in the city is good, you may see what you think is a hole in the wall with a Zaggat guide rating of 3 or 4 stars all over the city.

darktiger · 03-10-2009, 09:03 PM

Now you guys are making it hard for me to decide if I want to spend 3 days or 4 days.... I just need a short vacation, to enjoy photography...

Teddington · 03-10-2009, 09:12 PM

Do I hear 5 days?? NO is a fabulous place with photo ops galore. Just be careful where you point the camera after dark in the French Quarter!!

east_tx · 03-10-2009, 09:44 PM

I was there a couple of weekends ago. New Orleans is as safe as it ever was----you just need to stay aware of your surroundings. To me, it is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable places to visit for a weekend. The folks I used to work with in Longview couldn't believe I enjoyed visiting New Orleans---"oh, it is so stinky and dirty" and "that place is the armpit of the world" is a couple of the expressions they used. Apparently, they did not appreciate culture, architecture, history, food, drinks, food, drinks, and an atmosphere that only can be felt in New Orleans. Oh, did I mention there are good food and drinks there?

Get out, walk the streets, visit the park, take in the scenery, remain aware of your surroundings, take lots of pictures, and enjoy yourself!!! Come back with many shots to post on TPF.