Better Late Than Never...

I fully intended to write a couple blog posts during the odd free moments in New Orleans...but those moments were few in number and other must-do items filled them. So yes, in case you did not know, we went to New Orleans this week for three wonderful days with Tom's sister and brother and their respective spouses.

We had a ridiculously early flight of a 5:45 am takeoff on Tuesday morning. What on earth were we thinking?? The alarm went off at 3 am, everything worked like clockwork, and we landed in New Orleans at 10:30 am and met Gigi and Bob and they whisked us off to the hotel where we were able to check in early and head out to the city.

We stayed at the Avenue Plaza right on St. Charles in the Garden District. Great location, and after having spent many prior visits in the French Quarter, I highly recommend staying in the Garden District if you ever have the opportunity. Much better feel for the true city.

This resort is part timeshare, so each unit has a large kitchenette with refrigerator, dishwasher, supplies, etc. One could easily do breakfast or lunch here, although we opted for local eateries for all meals. But with beignets for breakfast and 25 cent martinis at lunch....it's hard to want to NOT go out in this city. Keep reading and you will see why...

Our first meal (11 am breakfast/lunch) found us eating locally in the Garden District at the Rum House. It was Taco Tuesday, so amongst the four of us we tried almost every Caribbean inspired Taco on the menu. Along with $2 beers, the tacos were also just $2 each. We ate well for very little. My favorites were the Duck, Duck, Goose and the Carolina. Tom really enjoyed the Fried Oyster Taco and the Oil Spilled Fish.

We left the restaurant, did a bit of shopping and returned to the car to find a parking ticket! For parking facing the wrong direction. None of the other three cars also parked in the 'wrong' direction on that block had a ticket, but we were the only ones with a rental car (in Louisiana they all get a special plate) so you do the math. It was only $30, but it left a really bad taste as to how they treat visitors. A few days later, after paying parking and valet fees it felt a little better (as in parking tickets may be cheaper than parking fees) but it was still an ugly welcome to the city.

We then met up with Jim and Doty who were staying in the French Quarter with their RV and puppy dogs. After spending the rest of the afternoon talking and visiting, we all headed over to eat at The Acme Oyster House. At 4:00 there was no line, so we lucked out with a table for six just waiting for us. Everyone had at least one oyster, but other than that, I cannot much remember what else we all ate. Lots of grilled oysters, gumbo and jambalaya on the table, and neon signs everywhere inside.

Parking in the garage next to the Acme: $22 for less than three hours, early-bird special rate. After 5 pm we could not have parked there, it is reserved for Brennan's Steakhouse next door ONLY.

And that was just our First Day! More to be posted soon....