New Orleans

Ruby Slipper is awesome, check out the menu, had to go with Chicken St. Charles  

The Paved Paradise city bike tour gave us a tour of multiple neighborhoods in Nola including Central City, Downtown, Treme, Marigny, French Quarter and Garden District.  TIps on where to eat and drink.  Hit all the top spots.  Tonya knew her history, most interesting were the birth of jazz at Congo Square and the history of Jackson Square plus French Quarter architecture. 

The Garden District Tour, Great old homes and interesting history, saw where the Mannings grew up, a house owned by John Goodman and formally owned by Nick Cage.   Scenes from Interview with a Vampire and Double Jeopardy were filmed in the Cemetery.

Cafe Du Monde is a must do, yes, all tourists go there but it is really a treat.   The line may be long but it does move fast.  Also, a brass jazz band plays on the sidewalk to entertain those in line and patrons on the patio.  Plan on leaving a tip for the entertainment.   Tip:   It is cash only.

French Quarter Walking and History Tour is a great way to see and hear the history of New Orleans.   Mississippi River, Jackson Square (Battle of New Orleans), Congo Square, the story behind the Prince and the Frog, etc.

 Louisianna State Museums, The Presbytere, is totally worth it at $7 per person.  We spent 2 hours enjoying two exhibits, Katrina and Mardi Gras, both very well done, Katrina was pretty heavy.

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop maybe the oldest bar in the US, built in early 1770?.   You can feel how old it is.  20 years ago, it was way cooler when it was less known.  The dirt floor in the back room is now tile.  There is a jukebox and daquari machines, and the crowd is more yuppy and family relative to the rough crowd of the past.

Comedy House has a lot of local acts, open mic nights, and also has national touring comedians.  

Courtyard Brewery has a long taplist with ABVs big and small, and a great patio.  Stong IPA line up.

New Orleans Street Art & Mural Tour .  The picture above is a real life Banksy.  We had a passionate and knowledgeable tour guide.  Street Art has it's own world and the local artist guides have many stories of the rivalries and friendships behind the scenes.

Preservation Hall is a famous Jazz hall in the French Quarter since the 1950s.  No AC, so it can get hot like it's supposed to be.  Tip:  You can buy seats but I preferred the standing room to be tightly seated on the benches.   The room is small, every spot feels like 2nd row.  You can pay more for the front row.

Napoleon House was built in 1797 and you can feel it's age on the inside.  It is famous for cocktail specials, but they have a strong beer selection and good food, very reasonable prices.  I had a bowl of Gumbo, Muffuletta, and Andygator (unique Helles Dopplebock from Abita).  All local favorites and fantastic.  This is a great drink, lunch, or dinner spot.