On the eve of the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and with another one on the way, my yearning for the only city I truly love compelled me to think of all the things that make it uniquely New Orleans. And while I was neither born there or currently reside there, New Orleans was my home for four short years- years that made me establish a connection to this down-on-its-luck city that I've never felt before.
The Big Easy is one of the favorite cities of not only myself, but many members at IgoUgo. And while visiting the city is a popular vacation, living there offers a completely different experience. The sensory overload that is experienced both as a visitor and a local proves two different chances to get to know the city. One privies you to the New Orleans that the rest of the world knows;
Bourbon Street,
Jackson Square,
Cafe du Monde- all worthy of the title 'Best of New Orleans'. The other is an experience that shows you what New Orleans is really about- just another city with people trying to get by and make the best of life.
So while we offer a ton of options for
things to do in the City That Care Forgot, I offer a different vision of the city I will never forget. Next time you head south, relax, indulge, and let the streetcar take you to the parts of the city that you have yet to explore.
Where to bet:
New Orleans Fairgrounds
Photo by jhartmann13
While the tourist flock to
Harrah's, locals know that the best kind of gambling is live action. From the Thanksgiving tradition of brunching on oysters at the horse races to the annual ostrich races, the racetrack hosts all kinds of event. And the venue includes slots too, if you want to catch some flashing lights.
Where to exercise:
Coconut BeachThis "beach" is actually a man-made sand volleyball complex, but the tiki huts and cabana bar fit right into the hang-10 vibe. One of the largest outdoor volleyball complexes in the US, Coconut Beach not only houses dozens of volleyball court, but in true New Orleans fashion, plenty of libations as well.
Where to relax:
The Fly
Photo by jhartmann13
A stretch of land nestled along the curves of the Mississippi River behind
Audubon Zoo, the Fly attracts everyone from families to frat boys. An abundance of baseball diamonds brings in many of the cities little and big league players, while acres of grass provide area for Frisbee, grilling, and laying out. Seeing kegs, daiquiris, and food tents is not uncommon; it
is New Orleans, after all.
Where to eat:
The Green GoddessFact: it is impossible to pick just one restaurant to eat at in New Orleans. Everyone that visits has their own preference, and each restaurant has its own vibe and crowd. And while most locals avoid the Quarter like the plague, the Goddess is a gem tucked in Exchange Alley. With a constantly rotating eclectic menu, the food at this restaurant is half the fun. As the name suggests, the drinks here play an important role here, as drinking has in the history if the city.
Where to dance:
Rock 'n' Bowl
Photo by jim
There is a laundry list of places for live music in NOLA, and Rock 'n' Bowl combines dancing, drinking, live music, and bowling. Although the lanes are a little old and a bit crooked, this Mid-City jaunt attracts locals every night that want to unwind. If the concept of a bowling alley-slash-club is a bit confusing,
jim explains it best, "When I first heard about Rock and Bowl I thought, "bowling alley that
happened to have live music". In reality, think of it in the opposite
manner."
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Posted by jhartmann13 (JJ Hartmann)