BALCONIES AND IRONWORK: The best "photo-op" of intricately iron-laced balconies is St. Ann at Royal St. http://www.neworleans.com/arts/ryan-tramonte-blog/123854-its-on-the-quiz-wrought-iron.html The Cornstalk Fence Hotel has a cast-iron fence depicting stalks and ears of corn intertwined with morning glory vines and blossoms. This fence offers one of the few examples left of mail-order fences popular in the 1800s. http://www.jankaulins.com/p191.html

HISTORIC CEMETERIES (New Orleanians call them "cities of the dead"): There are a number of marvelous, historic, aboveground cemeteries in New Orleans, some near the French Quarter. St Louis #1, off Basin Street, is probably being the most famous and certainly the most convenient to the FQ, so get your feet wet by going to this one to decide if you are interested in touring more. This is the best cemetery tour. They also sell a fantastic coffee table book on cemeteries http://www.tourneworleans.com/ This is an organization who also offers tours http://www.saveourcemeteries.org/. Whether you are in the cramped, rundown St. Louis #1&2 cemeteries, the well kempt St. Louis #3, the forgotten musician’s and pauper’s Holt Cemetery, the upscale Lafayette cemeteries, or the opulent Metairie cemeteries, they are all interesting for both the unique burial practices and for their art and architecture.

SIESTA TIME: WHEW. That’s enough to wear anyone out. Don’t burn both ends of the candle sightseeing all day and partying or listening to music all night! Return to your room and take a nap. Awaken refreshed and ready for a late dinner and music.

DINNER: Have dinner at one of the restaurants you didn’t try that we listed under LUNCH, or try the Gumbo Shop http://gumboshop.com. Cost for the following restaurants is upper end of scale. Have a unique New Orleans experience at Galatoire’s (can be rather snooty, but food is very traditional),. Mr. B’s Bistro is one of the Brennan family restaurants http://www.mrbsbistro.com/ as is Palace Café Http://palacecafe.com. Redfish Grill is yet another Brennan family restaurant - oyster bar there is quite stunning (most oyster bars a utilitarian, focused on shucking your oysters, not also having ambiance).

NIGHTLIFE: Afterward, enjoy the music in many clubs in and near the Quarter. If you’re a planner, refer to OffBeat Magazine online or if you’re staying at the main B&B, each room has a copy, so you can sneak a peek at the music schedule and find the type of music YOU like best: http://offbeat.com. Also, your email confirmation will have attached, "‘Wanna’ Hear Some Great Music", which is a list of music and dance clubs we locals enjoy. A "must visit", if you want traditional New Orleans Dixieland Jazz, is Preservation Hall @ 726 St. Peter St., 522-2841 http://preservationhall.com/. The old-timers, musicians, are passing down the tradition to the young generation. Beware in summertime. They have no air conditioning. Good news is they limit sets to 30-minutes so you will survive it. Be prepared to stand, though. Or dinner and Jazz during high season, try Palm Court Jazz Café on Decatur St. http://palmcourtcafe.com/ If you want contemporary Jazz, go to Snug Harbor http://snugjazz.com, the city’s premier Jazz Club in Faubourg Marigny, on Frenchman St., about 9-blocks from the main B&B (beginning of street is 5 minute walk). Many of the Jazz brass bands play at Donna’s Bar and Grill on N. Rampart. Evenings, they have inexpensive combo meals.

BEFORE GOING TO SLEEP: Unless caffeine keeps you awake, end your night with beignets and chicory coffee at Café du Monde, on Decatur St. across from Jackson Square. Http://cafedumonde.com

OPTION: go to Mardi Gras World (allow at least an hour to tour Mardi Gras World, PLUS wait time for van transport back and forth) http://mardi.gras.com/kern/world.html. It’s the home of the world’s largest float builder. See them build floats for Mardi Gras and see floats used in last year’s parades, while learning about the history of Mardi Gras. Eat their king cake and tour the facility. If they still have costumes for you to put on, don one for a great photo opportunity. Free transportation from Canal St. In front of the Algiers Ferry Landing, in front of the Hilton Hotel, or in front of Harrah’s Casino – they keep changing where a van will pick you up to take you to them (5 minute ride). Call them to confirm pick up location. (800) 362-8213, (504) 361-7821.

OPTION, ALGIERS POINTE, GREAT panoramic VIEW OF THE CITY (allow at least an hour, more depending on how many place you want to experience): Catch the Algiers Pointe ferry shuttle (free) at Canal St. and the Mississippi River. In 5 minutes you will be across the river, where you can pick up an Algiers Pointe Walking Tour Guide from the Courthouse and stroll through this quaint neighborhood with charming Creole and Victorian doubles and camelback houses (originally a 1700s Victorian Village). http://www.algierspoint.org/. Stop at the British pub and have a pint or grab a sandwich at one of the neighborhood eateries. The Dry Dock Café has regional specialties, reasonably priced. A fried seafood "poboy" (poor boy) is our recommendation there http://www.thedrydockcafe.com/. Stroll along the Jazz Walk of Fame if you want to learn a little about musicians from an historic standpoint. Here is an MP3 audio tour you can download http://www.nps.gov/jazz/index.htm. The neighborhood also boasts a Jazz historian who does tours focusing on musicians (Jazz AND Blues) who lived there in late 1800s and early 1900s. Rosetree Glass Studio is in the neighborhood is you want to see their artisans blow glass: 446 Vallette St., 366-3602, http://rosetreeglass.com. Like dogs? Residents take their pets with them to drink at Old Point bar. You might even see a goat or small pig there.

OPTION, SWAMP/bayou TOUR: If cooking isn’t your bag, take one of the small boat tours that go into our bayous and swamps. (Allow about most of the morning or afternoon)

OPTION: Go on a PLANTATION tour. Typical tours are ½ day, but there are some available for the whole day. Guest after guest has recommended the plantation tour given by Tours by Isabelle. They have both plantation and a swamp tour, if you want to tour the whole day. Advance reservations are necessary, but sometimes they don't know if tour will run until day before. Call 888-223-2093 or 504-391-3544, web site: http://www.toursbyisabelle.com.

AQUARIUM and IMAX THEATER: If you went to Algiers Pointe, take the ferry back across the river and if you're up to it, go to the Aquarium and IMAX Theater.

SIESTA TIME

A DRINK IN A PLACE WITH LOTS OF CHARACTER: Drop by Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. and have a beer or soda. They claim to be the oldest structure in USA used as a bar. Steeped in history and ‘lore, it offers once of few examples left of brick and post construction. (504) 523-0066. 941 Bourbon St.

GHOST &VAMPIRE TOUR, if that’s your bag: (see ALPHABETICAL section, TOURS).

DINNER: Bayona would be a treat, if you can get in! You can arrange for a horse/mule drawn carriage to collect you from your French Quarter accommodations to take you to the restaurant or from the restaurant to the nightlife (it ain’t cheap!). Coop’s place is a bar that serves decent food, though don’t expect great service. Weekends, if you want to venture a few blocks out of the French quarter for old New Orleans ambiance, go to Feelings Restaurant, which is in on the grounds of an old plantation house complex

MUSIC AND MORE: After dinner, just wander through the FQ and follow your ears - lots of music in the clubs. Most guide books mention Pat O’Brien’s, famous for its Hurricane drink (it’s potent) and Mint Juleps. Next door is Preservation Hall. Funky Pirate is a GREAT place if you like Blues. Young guests seem to enjoy Razoo’s or Cat’s Meow, Famous Door on Bourbon St. Out of the French quarter, we ‘locals’ go to the clubs and ethnic restaurants on Frenchman Street, @ the best contemporary Jazz Club in city: Snug Harbor. In Mid City, try ROCK ‘N Bowl to dance (also known as Mid City Lanes). See our MUSIC document for list of clubs, telephone numbers, and addresses.

GARDEN DISTRICT (see separate document for Garden District Walking Tour): Buy a VisiTour Pass, on the streetcar, if you decide to tour this area on your own. Shunned by the Creole’s who populated the French Quarter, 19^th century Americans (thought of by the Creole’s as "interlopers) took a typically American attitude. "We’ll show you! We’ll just go build our OWN city that will be bigger and BETTER than yours!" The Garden District has many HUGE mansions and is about 25 blocks from the French Quarter. It is the 3rd oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, bounded by Jackson, Louisiana, Magazine and St Charles, it’s about 7 X 12 very LONG blocks. Exit at Jackson Avenue and tour the front 1/4 of the Garden District. Get back on the streetcar and go to Louisiana Ave, exit then tour that end of the Garden District. Now, walk down to Magazine St. to tour that 1/4, then hop on the Magazine St. bus to the end to tour the last 1/4.

*MAGAZINE STREET SHOPPING: If you enjoy shopping and like antiques, junk shops, glass blowing studios, and small boutiques, walk down to Magazine Street from the Garden District and hop on and off the bus past Uptown area (map and list of shops in brochure area at main B&B). They have everything from junk and antique shops, craft and clothing boutiques, neighborhood restaurants and pubs, and cigar stores. There is even a shop that lets you make your own Mardi Gras beads, or you can buy upscale beads there: SEE The Bead Shop, on alphabetical list below.

LUNCH: Taqueria Corona on Magazine St. Uptown. Only if you are in the Garden District anyway, is may be worth the trip to Commanders Palace to eat (lunch is reasonably prices; dinner is not). Alternative restaurant for lunch near Garden District is Casamento’s (specialty is fried seafood, especially their oyster loaf! Closed much of summer), on Magazine St. Popeye’s Fried Chicken for red beans and rice or friend spicy chicken. When you are here, we’ll tell you the history of red beans and rice, a "wash day" dish.

CEMETERIES: If you are in the Garden district and eat lunch at Commanders Palace, go across the street to tour the Lafayette Cemeteries before lunch. Watch the time. The cemetery closes early and is not open on Sunday.

AUDUBON: Now go to Audubon Zoo, a natural habitat Zoo, if you enjoy nature. You can get there by St. Charles Streetcar. If the Roman Candy Man’s mule drawn cart is at the zoo, be sure to try some of his hand pulled taffy, eaten by generations of New Orleaneans. Also stroll through lovely Audubon Park, admire the century old live oaks heavily laden with Spanish Moss, the walk up to the universities on St. Charles Avenue. Have a drink on the verandah of the Columns Hotel on St. Charles, near the park.

Spend the morning at the WWII Museum, then take a break weekdays and go to Deanie’s Grill Café (a few blocks over in the warehouse district on Annunciation St.) for a good, home cooked meal at a great pricel. Go back to the museum or take a ride on the St. Charles Streetcar through the Garden district, Uptown, and Riverbend area.

on the way back to the B&B, drop by the PHARMACY MUSEUM: Pharmacy once belonged to the 1^st licensed pharmacist in the USA. Beautiful courtyard garden. 514 Chartres St. (504) 524-9077. NOT open daily so call for times and hours, as most of the staff is volunteer.

SIESTA TIME< AGAIN: Rest then go to a late

DINNER: At Adlofo’s or one of the other ethnic restaurants on Frenchman St.

MUSIC: and dancing afterward. On weekends, venture out of the FRENCH QUARTER and go on Frenchman St. for some local flavor (that’s where we locals go): Café Brasil (good dance club), Snug Harbor (Advance reservations are usually necessary), DBA, Spotted Cat,, Apple Barrel, etc..

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1850 House: Part of the Louisiana State Museums. 523 St Ann St. in the Lower Pontalba Building, the 1850 House is a recreation of an ante-bellum New Orleans town home furnished with museum collection items. Self-directed tours. Tuesday - Sunday 9am-5pm. 800-568-6968 or 504-568-6968. $5 tour. Http://lsm.crt.state.la.us.

Abita Brewing Company (1 hour drive from B&B): Great beer, fantastic tasting tour Wednesday through Saturday. 166 Barbee Rd., Covington, LA. 985-893-3142. Getting there means you will travel over the US’s longest bridge, 24 miles over Lake Ponchartrain. NEARBY: Lakeshore of Mandeville is handsome with its huge live oak trees, Madisonville is on the Tchefuncta River, Abita Spring has darling houses, and Folsum large horse breeding ranches. http://www.abita.com/

Absinthe House: 238 Bourbon St. - Built in 1806 for Spaniards Pedro Font and Francisco Juncadella for their joint importing business, the building remained in their families for over 100 years. In 1890 it became the Old Absinthe House, famous for its drink, the Absinthe Frappe. Absinthe was a strong, licorice tasting liqueur, made from wormwood and herbs, which was outlawed in the USA in 1905, when it was thought that it caused brain damage. When Anisette replaced Absinthe. BUT WAIT. Extensive new studies presented to the FDA show that it only produced dypsomaniacs (a nicer way to say drunks/alcoholics), so now it’s back on the market, again Yippee! 877-737-2772, open 7 days. http://www.absinthemuseumofamerica.com/links.htm SEE recommended restaurnat document "WHERE DO I FIND" SECTION FOR BEST PLACES to go to for Absinthe that are not as touristy

African American MUSEUM of Art, Culture and History (The Villa): The museum is housed in a recently renovated 1800s home, the Meilleur-Goldthwaite House. Built of brick in 1828-29 by Simon Meilleur, the Treme Villa was the site of the city’s first brickyard from 1790s. A leading New Orleans architecture book said it is probably the finest example of a Creole center hall villa construction in the city (West Indies, French Colonial style). Surrounded by a parklike area, you feel relaxed as you enter for a trip back in history. Throughout there is African and African-diaspora art. These exhibits rotate from time to time. The last time we were there, MLK Foundation has lent some art and the post Katrina art brought tears to your eyes.

Alligator Farms: By Car, 1-hr. Drive.

Amistad Research Center: African American archives and museum. FREE. Monday through Saturday, 9:30am-4:30pm, 865-5535. 6823 St. Charles Avenue. Tulane University@ Tilton Hall.

ANCESTOR RESEARCH: see ARCHIVES

Architecture, our unique. Here is info straight from the experts at the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans’ website at http://prcno.org/

ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES AND JUNK (tell them the banana lady sent you there):

Apple Barrel Bar: blues/jazz, 949-9399, 609 Frenchman St., walk from main B&B.

Aquarium of the Americas. $40 million was spent to make it the best in the US. Located on the levee beside the Mississippi River @ the foot of Canal St. The Aquarium harbors more than 7,500 species of fish, ranging from tiny, four-eyed anableps to 450-pound sharks. The half-million gallon Gulf of Mexico exhibit teems with sharks and all the undersea life that thrives around the barnacled pilings of a simulated oil rig. A wide acrylic tunnel allows visitors to walk "inside" a Caribbean coral reef. There's a walk through Mississippi River habitat, replete with indigenous river creatures like the prehistoric garfish, our very own glitch in evolution. A mist rises in the Amazon rain forest where a 20-foot waterfall and tropical foliage provide the ideal climate for Anaconda snakes, poisonous frogs and stunning, exotic birds. The Aquarium also offers a microlab where visitors can feel the blade of a swordfish and the teeth of a sawfish; a touch pool where sea cucumbers, hermit crabs, and baby sharks are available for hands-on inspection; and a discovery pool, where magnifiers enable close-up viewing of anemones, sea urchins and other creatures that don't much lend themselves to touching. Canal St. at the MS River. 581-4629. http://www.auduboninstitute.org/aoa/index.htm

Archbishop Antoine Blank Memorial: See "Ursuline Convent"

ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE,,,

>> Architectural Antiques,523-2702, 800-2-shutter,1824 Felicity St.,Mat James = Antique HARDWARE.

Archives, Historical: see Historic New Collection, New Orleans Public Library http://www.gnofn.org, Williams Research Center, and Old U.S. Mint. Merieult House. Notarial Archives (Sally Reeves, city archivist) are located at Civil District Court and across the street at 1340 Poydras St., and LA State Museum, reference Book How to Research the History of Your House or Building in New Orleans. Kevin Herridge ((504) 368-1123, )who lives in Historic Algiers Point is a Jazz Historian and has branched out into researching buildings. Don’t know if he researches family. Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans. Did you also realize that the Mormon Church has an extensive archive?

Armstrong Park: Honor Louis Armstrong (Satchmo). N. Rampart St. @ St. Anne.

ARNAUD’S Restaurant: Upstairs MUSEUM: Authentic Mardi Gras ball/court gowns from Germaine Cazenave Wells’ collection, Mardi Gras memorabilia, and photographs. FREE to the public during restaurant hours. 523-5433 toll free 866-230-8892. 813 Bienville @Royal St. (Cross referenced in restaurant alpha list.)

ART: The French Quarter, the Arts and Warehouse District, AND Magazine St. abound with art galleries. In the French Quarter, Royal Street is called, "art and antique alley".

ATHLETIC club: New Orleans Athletic Club is the 2^nd oldest club in the USA, founded in 1872. 222 N. Rampart St., 525-2375. Reciprocal privileges with clubs nationwide. We are members, so sometimes can get guests a pass. Can’t remember daily visit charge, though. http://www.neworleansathleticclub.com/

Audubon Zoo: Audubon Zoological Garden. Closed Mondays. Open HOURS are seasonal, so call before going. You can easily spend the day there. Their swamp area is just like being in swamp. Be sure to try some of the hand pulled taffy from the mule drawn cart of the Roman Candy Man. Take St. Charles Streetcar to Park, then walk 1.5 miles through the park to zoo. Most weekends, they have a shuttle from St. Charles Streetcar to the zoo. NOPE. They no longer have the John James Audubon Boat going from the French Quarter to the zoo. Gone with the wind (Katrina). For single attraction and combo ticket prices for the Zoo, Aquarium, IMAX, Insectarium, and Zoo shuttle bus information, call (504) 581-4629 or 1-800-774-7394. 6500 Magazine Street.

AUDUBON PARK: Beautiful place to walk through from St. Charles Ave. Streetcar to the zoo. Lots of joggers, families with children playing, babies being strolled, walk paths, HUGE live Oak trees. . http://www.auduboninstitute.org/visit/parks The highlight for ME is Ochsner Island on the east side of Audubon Park features a rookery that is one of the prime birding spots in Greater New Orleans. The island attracts hundreds of wading birds, including Great Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Ibis, Blue Herons, Green Herons, Night Herons and others. Just before dusk, the trees look like they have white leaves, fluttering, they are so full of roosting birds. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fK5tUvictM&feature=related

Audubon Nature Center: see Nature Center, Audubon

AUTO IMPOUND: Yep. Lots of folks have their car towed in New Orleans, ‘cause signage is confusing and often yellow lines have faded with age.

AUTO and motorcycle RENTAL (be SURE to ask about ‘add-ons’ like state tax, city tax, airport tax, drop off fees, insurance, etc., as they can drive rate up from $29/day to $50). MOST have free pickup at main B&B, and alos bring you back here.

Backstreet Cultural Museum: The museum I will tell you about is so radically different than any other, that I don't know where to begin. If you REALLY want to experience the beat and the culture of New Orleans, hit this museum. It's in Treme, now made famous by the HBO series.

Balcony Music Club: Serves food, delivers food, and offers live music, too. 504 Esplanade Avenue @ 1331 Decatur St. It’s in a location that has hosted numerous clubs. Hope this one stays open. Lots of local bands & musicians jam there after their regular nighttime gigs. 529-2940, 599-7770,. http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Orleans-LA/Balcony-Music-Club/74191374940?v=infohttp://www.myspace.com/balconymusicclub

Barber shop Aidan Gill for Men (specialize in old fashioned shaves with straight edge razor and boy’s 1^st haircut): Men and boys only salon revives the forgotten art of barbering, that I remember from my great grandfather (we actually have some of his barber things in a box. Some day I'll have time to display them). An old-fashioned English barbershop that offers full barbering services. Impeccably groomed staff wears suspenders and bow ties. Ask and they'll explain what makes a high-quality shave brush so expensive. Passers-by stop in to check the museum quality barbershop artifacts and the city's trend setting collection of ties. They stock hard to find delicately scented European shave lotions. 2026 Magazine St. Between Jackson Avenue and Felicity Street (504) 587-9090.

BARS, off the beaten path (see individual listings for address, etc.): Gimme a break. If we tried to list ALL the bars (there is one on almost every corner in old New Orleans), this list would be longer than our alphabetical restaurant list, which we jokingly call ‘our yellow pages: SOOOOO, here is a sampling of bars you might never find out about as a tourist in New Orleans and the French Quarter: R-Bar, d.b.a., Rivershack Tavern (in next Parish), Saturn Bar (urban area), Carousel Piano bar and lounge, Mimi’s in the Marigny, Coop’s Place Decatur St.), the Columns (Uptown), Napoleon House bar (food too), Finn McCools, Maple Leaf, Old Point Bar, Vaughns, Feelings (weekends). Golly. I just realized there are too many even of the esoteric ones. Folks in N’Awlins like to drink!!!!!!!. Some other day, perhaps.

BARS, SPORTS (see Sports Bars)

(Bead Shop): Bodacious Beads of Beautie: hand blown glass beads and more. 1228 Decatur St., 561-0046.

(Bead Shop): Here is one a guest wrote in our book: Timbo Beads, jewelry weaving, true artisian, unique & reasonable prices in the French Market near upper end toward Mojo’s Restaurant. Worth going to.

Bead Shop, The: String your own at 4612 Magazine St., 895-6161.

BEADS, MARDI GRAS: online http://beadsbythedozen.com, also has local outlet in suburbs. http://mardigrassupplies.com/ http://mardigrasspot.com/

BEADS, MARDI GRAS: have car, will get there. All big in suburbs. Small outlet is Mardi Gras Zone open 24/7 2706 Royal St., about 10 blocks from the French Quarter in Faubourg Marigny. Accent Annex in Metairie 504-733-4700. Beads by the Dozen also in suburbs.

:Beauregard-Keyes House (1826)– 1113 Chartres St - One time residence of Confederate General P. G. T. Beauregard and later the home of novelist Frances Parkinson Keyes. The home features a French formal garden. Operated by the Keyes Foundation. Guided tours each hour Mon-Sat from 10am til 3pm. 523-7257. http://www.hgghh.org/

Beauty Salon: see hair salon

Beer and places to drink: It’s great fun. http://www.pubcrawler.com

Beignets and coffee: SEE CAFÉ DU MONDE

BICYCLE RENTAL: We always try to support small businesses, ESPECIALLY when they are trying to get established. AMERICAN Bicycle Rental is one. Friendly, accommodating, and proud of his fleet of new cruisers, specially designed for French Quarter and around town rides. 866-293-4037. 317 Burgundy St. #24. CAUTION: Bicycle Michael’s has been around forever, 618 Frenchman St. (the staff there is EXTREMELY Bohemian, so don’t count on them keeping hours posted on door). Carefully examine these bikes, as they had have a challenge recently in keeping them well maintained. http://www.bicyclemichaels.com. http://www.fqbikes.com.Bayou Bike Rentals and Recumbent Bike rental I’m not sure if they reopened after Katrina. Ask ANY rental company about add-ons like lock up devices, helmets, etc.

BIKE ROUTES:

BICYCLE TOURS: see TOURS, BICYCLEhttp://www.confederacyofcruisers.com

Binders Bakery: 940 Frenchmen St., (504) 947-1111

Black Arts National Diaspora Museum – 1530 N. Claiborne Ave – 949-2263 – Contemporary African and African-American paintings, wood carvings and sculpture showcasing the heritage of Brazil, Haiti, Africa and other countries of the African Diaspora. Mon-Fri – 10am-6pm; Sat 9am-2pm. Admission: $3.00

Bloody Mary’s Voodoo tour: SEE Tours, Voodoo

BOAT, CANOE< KAYAK RENTAL: Only 5 minutes from French Quarter by car, Kayak-iti-yat is a newcomer and we try to support small business as they get on their feet. 985-778-5034, renting kayaks on historic Bayou St. John (the old Indian portage between Lake Ponchartrain and the mighty Mississippi River. http://kayakitiyat.com. Another kayak rental on Bayou St John is bayoukayaksl.com. The Bayou Barn, in nearby Crown Point (need car), has kayak and canoe rentals mostly WEEKENDS. 800-862-2968, 504-689-2663, or 419-4224. http://bayoubarn.com/. Canoe tour reservations @ Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge (by car) 985-882-3881. Canoe and Trail has MOONLIGHT in the bayou, only during FULL MOON. http://www.canoeandtrail.com/moonlight/index.html

Botanical Garden, see City Park

Buggy rides, see CARRIAGES

Burlesque Show: Chris Owens Club, 500 Bourbon St. 523-6400, 504-523-6500, 504-495-8383 http://www.chrisowensclub.net/pages/testimonials.html

BUS: see transportation

CC’s COFFEE SHOP: 948 royal St.

Cabaret: Le Chat Noire. 715 Saint Charles Av., (504) 581-5812 http://www.cabaretlechatnoir.com/

Cabildo MUSEUM (1799) – 701 Chartres St – Renowned as the site of transference of Louisiana Purchase. Cabildo exhibits trace Louisiana history from exploration through the Civil War to modern times using a multi cultural perspective. Damaged by fire in 1988, restored in 1994. (504) 568- 6968, 800-568-6968.

Cabildo Walking Tours – Walking tours lasting approximately two hours emphasize the history, folklore and exterior architecture of the Vieux Carre. Tours begin at the 1850 House daily (except Monday) 523-3939. http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/visitor.htm

CAFÉ ENVIE coffee shop: On Decatur St. French Quarter

Café du Monde: What can I say. This is a place to eat beignets and drink Café ole, but it’s a ‘gotta’ do thing so I’ve put it on this list, too. 800 Decatur across from Jackson Square, river side. 525-4544

Cajun Pride Swamp Tours; SEE TOURS

CANOE< RENTAL: see BOAT, CANOE< KAYAK RENTAL

CAR (MORE things you can do IF YOU HAVE A CAR while you’re here):

CAR RENTAL, see AUTO RENTAL

Carousel Bar: Writers such as Ernest Hemingway helped bring New Orleans' Carousel Bar world class fame. The Carousel Bar has a vivid circus motif, and the customers are just as colorful. The Carousel Bar is the center of a carousel and the stools revolve around the bar itself so drinking there is a delight. Order a Sazerac (rye, Pechaud’s Bitters, pastis, sugar, lemon twist), and relax with some fine music. Ask the bartender to make the house special Vieux Carré. This cocktail, served on the rocks, has equal parts of rye, cognac and vermouth and a few special ingredients. In Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St. 523-3341. http://www.frommers.com/destinations/neworleans/N25421.html

Carriage Tours (mule/horse and buggy): SEE TOURS, CARRIAGE

Casino, Harrah’s French Quarter: 100,000 square feet of nonstop gaming and entertainment at the intersection of Canal and Poydras streets. 512 S. Peters. 1-800-VIP-JAZZ. http://www.harrahsneworleans.com

Casino: Boomtown: Westbank of river.

Casino, Treasure Chest Casino (NEED CAR): Near the airport. Weekends, they have an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet. 5050 Williams Blvd. @ Lake Pontchartrain, Kenner, LA 70065. (504) 443-8000, 800-298-0711. Http://www.treasurechest.com

Catholic Archdiocese Cemetery Administration for most historic cemeteries: 1000 Howard Ave. 596-3050

Central Grocery: The muffaletta/muffuletta sandwich is a New Orleans specialty item, which Central claims to have invented. (Everyone seems to spell the sandwich name differently.) One sandwich is plenty for 2 people (½ sandwich for 1 person), also get a bag of chips and a soft drink, take them to the levee to eat. You’ll look like a local!,923 Decatur (no web site),523-1620, Italian Deli, Closed Sunday and Monday.

Chalmette Battlefield: 8606 West St. Bernard Highway, Meraux

Chickie Wah Wah Music Club: Another ‘insiders’ club: (by streetcar or taxicab) 304-4714 2828 Canal St. http://www.chickiewahwah.com/

.CHILD CARE: Dependable. 504-486-5044, 800-862-5806. Or Nanette Wilson from
http://www.sittercity.com . Her phone # is 504 339 1339

CHILDREN/teens FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES: details on each of the places listed in this bullet list, have further detail within the alphabetical list we send each guests and have in a binder on their bed, (or ask the banana lady). Remember that we have a GRANDPARENT/CHILD package that includes many of these things:

Children’s Museum: It’ll ‘knock your socks off’. 523-1357. 420 Julia St. Thanks to the generosity of Target, admission to the Museum is waived every third Sunday of each month until March 2011. http://www.lcm.org/

Chris Owens Club: 500 Bourbon St. @ St. Louis St. 523-6400. Performances usually at 9pm and 10:30pm. http://www.chrisowensclub.net/pages/home.html

cigars: Crescent City Cigar Shop: 730 Orleans Ave., between Bourbon and Royal Sts. 522-4427. Cigar Factor 415 Decatur St. 568-1003 or 206 Bourbon St. 568-0168

City Park: New Orleans' City Park is the fifth largest urban park in America. 1,500 acres of magnificent, centuries-old Live Oak trees heavily laden with Spanish Moss (look for the famous Dueling Oak), New Orleans Museum of Art http://www.noma.org, Bestoff Sculpture Garden http://www.noma.org/sgarden/index.html, sleepy lagoons, small lake with boat rental, Botanical Garden (483-9488), StoryVille children’s amusement area, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with antique carousel http://neworleanscitypark.com/carousel_gardens.html (open weekends seasonally) , Botanical Garden http://garden.neworleanscitypark.com/,and EXTENSIVE miniature train exhibit in the amusement park miniature replicas of steam, diesel, and electric G-scale trains travel along 1,400 feet of rail http://www.neworleanscitypark.com/traingarden.html.

Contemporary Arts Center (CAC): 900 Camp St. http://www.cacno.org/

Congo Square: In Armstrong Park on N. Rampart St. @ St. Ann, this is the square where slaves, free People of Color, Creoles, and Africans once gathered on Sunday to dance, play music and celebrate.

Cookbooks: Kitchen Witch specializes in hard to find cookbooks & culinary literature. Philipe La Mancusa. 631 Toulouse St. 528-8382.

Cooking Schools: New Orleans School of Cooking: Guests always rave about how much fun they have at this cooking demo. Go to morning session if you can, as that’s when they serve the most food. 504-525-2665, 800-237-4841. 524 St. Louis St. http://www.nosoc.com/. Savvy Gourmet has a school lots of locals attend.

Coops Place: 1109 Decatur, 525-9053 waiters have an ‘attitude and service is slow, but it’s worth the wait for the food!, http://www.coopsplace.net/menu.hlmt

Cornstalk Fence: 915 Royal St. - This famous cast iron fence is woven with ears of corn and Morning Glories. It was shipped from Philadelphia around 1850 by a Dr. Joseph Biamenti whose wife missed the rural scenery from the Midwest.

Crescent City BrewHouse (microbrewery): 1st Thurs. of each mo. Art show: Complimentary beer, hors d’oeuvres + live music "open to the public" reception for artists from 5-7pm. Every evening, Mon. - Fri "Hoppy Hour" From 5-7pm. Live jazz and 2 for 1 one beer. 527 Decatur St. 522-0571

Crescent City Farmers Market: Every Sat. 8am to noon, rain or shine. Cooking demonstrations by city’s premier chefs. Horticultural tips. Fresh vegetable and fruit stalls. Home baked goods. Sometimes music. Rain or shine, 8am-noon @ 700 Magazine St. in downtown New Orleans. 504-861-5898 http://crescentfarmersmarket.com.

CHRISTMAS: Festival of the Bonfires in Lutcher/Gramercy mid- December AND Christmas Eve! (Bonfires on the MS levee riverbank.) Celebration in the Oaks, City Park. Reveillon meals at many restaurants. Louisiana Living History Reenactments throughout the French Quarter. Historic tour houses ‘dressed’ in period decoration. Cooking demonstrations, Caroling, Christmas concerts at St. Louis Cathedral. Candlelight Tour of Homes.

CHURCHES: FQ indicates French Quarter. Other churches can be reached by walking or Stretcar. I can never keep up with the schedules changing seasonally, so suggest you CALL to confirm time.

Cruises: see RIVER BOAT cruises

Culinary History, see TOURS, culinary history.

Cutters Bar: Owned by locals, they will be your gracious hosts to N’Awlins. Monday, they offer free red beans and rice to the elderly in the neighborhood to help them through rough economic times. Please try to support this bar, if you can. 706 Franklin Ave.(504) 948-4200 http://www.cuttersbar.biz/

d.b.a. Bar. 942-3731, 618 Frenchman St., walk from main B&B. http://www.drinkgoodstff.com

D-Day MUSEUM, see World War II MUSEUM

Davenport Lounge. All dressed up and no place to go? Look no further than this lounge in the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. "The epitome of luxury".

Day Spas: SEE hair salons/spas

Degas House Museum: The only home or studio of Degas anywhere in the world that is open to the public. The house is a museum, and hosts guided tours. 2306 Esplanade Ave. (504) 821-5009. http://www.degashouse.com/about/

Deutsches Hause. OktoberFest last weekend of September to weekend before Halloween in October. Celebrating with German food & drink, schnapps, the chicken dance as well as polka dancing, usually to live music. 2010 is last year in this location, as the New Veteran’s Hospital complex is being built. 200 S. Galvez St. near Canal Streetcar line. MID CITY. 504-522-8014. http://www.deutscheshaus.org

Dixie Brewing Company: 504-822-9711. No tours, but great beer.http://www.threedog.com/

DOG BOARDING: @ Camp Bow Wow: 2731 Tchoupitoulas, 504-891-3647 http://www.campbowwow.com/neworleans and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Dr Mike's Animal House, 1120 N Rampart St., 504 523-4455

DRINKS, local specialties: Pimms Cup, Sazerac, Mint Julep. Ferne Branca, Hurricane, Moonsoon, Hand Granade.

DRUG STORES: see pharmacy

Fais Do Do: The Bayou Barn, in nearby Crown Point, has an authentic Cajun Fais Do Do, which to Cajuns means a dance or party. Every Sunday from the Sunday after Mardi Gras to about the middle of December doors open at noon with food and drinks. Band plays at 2 pm until dusk. Cajun bands and facilities available for private parties. Kayak and canoe rentals also. 800-862-2968, 504-689-2663. http://bayoubarn.com/index.htm.

FAMILY TREE RESEARCH: see SEE ARCHIVES

FARMER's MARKETS operate rain or shine.

Faulkner's House: 624 Pirates Alley - William Faulkner (1949 Nobel Literary Prize Winner) lived in this four story building in 1925 where he penned his first novel, Soldier's Pay. Faulkner often wrote about his experiences in New Orleans and today New Orleans continues to be a mecca of inspiration for many artists, writers and musicians. http://www.faulknerhousebooks.net/

FEELINGS: Although this is a fine, romantic Creole café, it’s bar is the original slave quarters of one of the 1^st plantation land grants in the city and is like jumping back in time, Lovely courtyard beside bar.. 2600 Chartres @ Franklin St. 945-2222. Open weekends.

FERRY SHUTTLES ACROSS THE MS RIVER are FREE to pedestrians: to Gretna and Historic Algiers Pointe (376-8114/8100, call to verify schedules - they are notorious for changing things with little or no public notice): Both depart from and return to the foot of Canal Street at the Mississippi River (before Poydras St. And the Hilton Hotel). One goes to historic Algiers Point (5 min. ride $1 for car, pedestrians free). The other to historic Gretna (20 min. ride no cars, pedestrians free).

Finn McCool’s (Mid City): (Remember the towering giant and warrior of Celtic myth?) If you are a rugby or soccer fan, you will need to go out of the French Quarter to the Mid-City neighborhood, to an Irish pub and sports bar, run by a family of Belfast natives. Unofficial clubhouse for the city's expat’s, who gather at ungodly hours for live sports broadcasts from overseas. Dartboards, too. 3701 Banks St., 486-9080. By car, taxicab, bike, or daytime only, take Canal Streetcar stop is Telemachas, turn left walk 3 blocks to Banks St. Be sure you have exact change for streetcar. http://www.finnmccools.com

FISHING (info is so old that NONE may be in business still)

Flora’s coffee shop: Funky. 2600 Royal St., Faubourg Marigny

Florist: Tommy’s flowers, 933 Royal St. 504-522-6563; Fat Cat Flowers (specializing in ‘hip’ bridal flowers, used by a bunch of our brides) 486-8580 http://www.fatcatflowers.com/index2.php ,

Flowers: See florist

Folk Art Gallery: Barristers Southern folk art and interesting things from Africa, including African primitive &tribal art. Andy Antippas, owner. If he has someone else to "mind the shop", he sometimes picks guests up at the B&B. If you go there, be sure to eat at Café Reconcile, across the street.1724 O.C. Haley Blvd. 525-2767. Aantippas@aol.com.

Folk Art Gallery: Todd Williams. 636 St. Ann. St., 598-folk (cutesie numbers bother me, what about you?!)

Folk Art: Dr. Bob. He is EVERYWHERE. Dr Bob is an original New Orleans folk artist, who is infamous for his trademarked art work, as seen on MTV cribs, Be Nice or Leave and also Be Gay or Leave. 3027 Chartres ~ New Orleans, Louisiana 70117 ~ Studio 504 945-2225 ~ Cell 504 905-6910. http://drbobart.net/

(Southern) Food and Beverage Museum: Entrance is the Julia St. Side of Riverwalk Marketplace. Open Monday – Saturday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Sunday Noon to 6:00 pm. 504-430-5619. http://southernfood.org/

Fort Pike Historic Site: 27100 Chef Menteur Highway, 504-255-9171 or 888-662-5703 toll free

FREE STUFF (see alphabetical section for detailed info on location, telephone numbers, etc. of all things listed below):

>> 9^th WARD post Katrina: Tour the Global Green house.

>> Amistad Research Center at Tulane University

>> ANTOINES: Don’t be bashful. Ask for a tour of their 160-year-old restaurant, especially the room where Mardi Gras royalty meet.

French Market: - Originally said to be the site where Choctaw Indians came to sell the wares, it later became the first known market constructed here by the Spanish in the late 1700's. Stretching along Decatur St. from Esplanade Avenue on the North of Jackson Square on the South, the French Market remained a multi-purpose market for meat, fish, vegetables and fruit until well into this century. Today, it remains a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors. Between Decatur and N. Peters, Ursulines & Dumaine, 522-2621. (Office 1008 N. Peters, #3) http://www.frenchmarket.org/

Funky PIRATE: blues Big Al Carson, 523-1102, 727 Bourbon, also home of the ‘hand grenade’ drink. http://www.tropicalisle.com

Gallier House MUSEUM (1857) 1118-1132 Royal St – Built as his private residence by noted architect James Gallier, Jr. Restored to reflect the taste and lifestyle of mid 19^th century New Orleans, including a kitchen and early bathroom. Operated by the Women’s Exchange. Open Monday - Friday 10am-3:30pm. Closed major holidays. Admission: $6.00 for adults, under 8 free, call for other prices. 525-5661. Joint rickets available for Gallier and Hermann-Grima Houses. http://www.hgghh.org/

GARDENS TO PEAK AT: from the street, see 2^nd floor gallery 1127 Royal St., or the balcony at 1015 Governor Nichols, or 904 Dauphine St. The corner gallery. All along Chartres St. From St. Ann to Esplanade Ave, lots of balcony gardens. 800-900 blocks of Royal St., river side, fern alley. For walled garden, see Beuaregard Keyes House, free admission to garden maintained by the garden club.\

Gay , lesbian, transgender, bisexual, transsexual scene (LGBT): Oz is a popular bar, There are lots from 800 block of Bourbon for about 3-4 blocks. Rawhide is another popular hangout. Pick up a copy of Ambush magazine for more than you ever wanted to know.

GERMAN-AMERICAN Cultural Center: 519 Huey P. Long Avenue, Gretna. Www.gaacc-nola.com. 363-4204. Limited open days.

GERMAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY Museum Complex: Limited open days. 362-3854.

GETTING AROUND: From Banana Courtyard, it’s a short stroll to any part of the French Quarter (FQ), which is only 7 X 12 short blocks.

GHOST TOURS: see TOURS, ghost/haunted/cemetery

GLASS blowing studios: In Algiers Pointe, Rosetree Glass Studio, 446 Vallette St., 366-3602, http://rosetreeglass.com. New Orleans Glassworks, 727 Magazine St., 529-7277. Studio Inferno, 3000 Royal St., 945-1878.

Global Wildlife Center: Need car, 1-hour drive. By reservation, $10 admission. 985-624-9553. Http://Globalwildlife.com.

Golf (10/2006. Golly. I know some are open, but suspect that many MORE will be a while coming back online in 2008):

GOURMET PRODUCTS and cooking equipment:

GOSPEL Mass: St. Augustine Catholic Church, 10am Sunday @1210 Governor Nichols St. @ St. Claude. Urban neighborhood in Treme district, 1 block from French Quarter off N. Rampart St. ‘Free men of color’ and slaves worshiped here in the 1800s. Stained glass windows depicting French saints and the original hand painted station of the cross from Paris. Original bells from 1800s World Exposition. All seeing eye stained glass. An interesting juxtaposition of contemporary and old. 525-9287, 525-5934. http://www.staugustinecatholicchurch-neworleans.org/ Pre Katrina, Drex Brumfield was conducting tours 524-6782. GOSPEL MASS at 11:30am at Our Lady of Guadeloupe Church 311 N. Rampart St. 525-1551 (The old mortuary church).

GROCERY stores: These are several several scattered around near main B&B and our satellite accommodations. Matassa’s Market 1101 Dauphine @Dumaine 412-8700; A&P 701 Royal @St Ann 523-1353; Central Grocery and home of the muffaletta/muffuletta sandwich 923 Decatur 523-1620; Terranova’s 482-4131 3308 Esplanade Ave. (Make great muffalletta sandwich Saturdays only)

GYM/workout:

Hair Salons/SPAS:

HANDICAP motorized SCOOTER RENTAL or motorized WHEELCHAIR: Here is an exciting one that offers TOURS: http://www.cityscootertours.com/neworleans/thetour.htm OR, Mr. Wheelchair 800-548-9672, around $35/day. JazzFest, the Veterans rent them just inside gate for small fee/donation. I don’t know whether they are push or electric.

HAPPY HOUR (almost any bar has a happy hour, but these are ones with canned music for guests who love to dance):

HATS:

Haunted History Tours: SEE TOURS

Haunted House: 1140 Royal St. - One of several houses in the Quarter said to be haunted, this house was built in 1832. When the house caught on fire, neighbors who rushed in to assist supposedly discovered several slaves who had been tortured, and the owners, Madame Louis Lalaurie and her husband, escaped to France. Writers and tour guides for over a hundred years have reveled in stories of rattling chains and groans of agony.

HAUNTED TOURS: see TOURS, ghost/haunted

Hermann-Grima House (1831) – 820 St. Louis St – Restored home shows "American" influence on New Orleans after the Louisiana Purchase. Operated by the Women’s Exchange. Open hearth cooking demonstrations Thursdays from October thru May. House tours Monday - Friday 10am-3:30pm. Closed major holidays. Admission: Adults $6.00, under 8 free, call for other prices. 525-5661. Joint tickets available for Hermann Grima and Gallier Houses. http://www.hgghh.org/

Hi Ho Lounge: neighborhood place with a cabaret personality. Bluegrass music and red beans every Monday with no cover charge that day. 945-HIHO, 2239 St. Claude Ave., in Faubourg Marigny. http://www.myspace.com/hiholounge

Historic New Orleans Collection MUSEUM and Research Center Gallery/Museum: Changing exhibits on local history and culture. 9:30am-4:30pm Tuesday - Saturday (Museum/Gallery and research center), Sundays (Museum/Gallery only) 10:30am-4:30pm, FREE. 533 Royal St. 523-4662. Http://www.hnoc.org

Historic New Orleans Tours, SEE TOURS

HISTORICAL RESEARCH/ARCHIVES – Family Tree: SEE ARCHIVES

HONEY: The honey we use at the B&B is from Bernard’s Apiaries in Breaux Bridge, LA. 337-228-7535. You may find his honey in a local store.

Honey Island Swamp Tour: SEE TOURS

HORSEBACK RIDING/RENTAL:" City Park Stables (Equest Farms). 483-9398. There are stables in St. Rose (30 minutes from New Orleans) listed in Yellow Pages phone book.

Horse drawn buggies and horse drawn carriages, see TOURS, CARRIAGES

Horse Track Racing: SEE RACE TRACK

Hospitality Rangers: 415-1730

House of Dance and Feathers: 9^th ward. Another Mardi Gras Indian Museum, this one is located on Tupelo Street in the Lower Ninth Ward, and is open by appointment. To visit the museum or make a donation, please contact Ronald W. Lewis by phone (504-957-2678) or by email (ronaldwlewis@bellsouth.net). http://houseofdanceandfeathers.com/

HUBIG’s PIES: It’s a locals thing. Gotta have your Hubigs. Finding them is easy: a corner store, neighborhood grocery store. They are not my favorite things but locals and our regulars dote on them. Blackberry, strawberry, blueberry, chocolate, cherry, pineapple apple, coconut, lemon, peach. Their 7-day expiration date is why they are sold only locally.

IMAX Theatre: Projected onto a 5-story tall screen, many feel if it's not an Imax® film, it's just a movie. Located next to Aquarium of the Americas. Canal St. @ the MS River. 581-4629. http://www.auduboninstitute.org/imax/index.htm

Iggy’s: local dive named after the Great Dane that comes downstairs every night at 11pm for 'guard duty'. Usually free or cheap food, afternoons from grill on sidewalk. BBQ Sundays. Fantastic jukebox. 1493 N. Rampart @ Touro St. 949-3485

Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse, on Bourbon Street" in the Royal Sonesta Hotel. If you seek music in a very ‘refined’ atmosphere, this is the place to go.

Insectarium: 423 Canal St. In old U.S. Customs House. Closed Monday. 378-2665, 504-581-4629 Http://auduboninstitute.org.

Isabelle: SEE TOURS

ITALIAN HALL: In the ate 1800s and early 1900s, musicians played in the theatre in this building, which used to be several buildings, consolidated and then added on in 1900s. Originally, it was built for use by fraternal organizations of the Italian-American community of the city, then several benevolent society’s consolidated, including the Sicilians. The hall hosted events, including dances to such jazz bands as the New Orleans Rhythm Kings. It was also rented out to recording companies which visited New Orleans in the 1920s, and records by jazz, blues, country, etc artists were made here, including sessions by Jimmie Rogers and the Jones-Collins Astoria Hot 8, and Albanian musicians. Now it is condominiums, but reading the historic plaque bring you back to the times when musicians took the leap of crossing the color barrier.

Jackson Square: The heart of the city and originally the Place d'Arms, a drill field for French Soldiers. In 1850, the Baroness Pontalba returned home from a failed marriage in France and determined to beautify the Quarter. It was here, surrounded by an impressive cast iron fence, that citizens congregated for celebration and calamity. In the center of the square stands the statue of Andrew Jackson, who in 1815 commanded the American forces which prevented a British invasion of New Orleans. http://www.jackson-square.com/

JazzFest: (New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival) http://www.nojazzfest.com/

Jazz Hotline: Weekly schedule of what’s happening on the Jazz scene in New Orleans. 504-364-5995

JAZZ MASS Post Katrina, this has been temporarily discontinued (call to check status):

Jazz National Historical Park: Jazz National Historical Park Visitors Center, 916. N. Peters St., near the French Market. 9am-5pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. 589-4841, 877-520-0611. http://www.nps.gov/neor/index.htm/ When construction is complete, they will move to new quarters at Armstrong Park. http://www.nps.gov/neor/index.htm

Jazz Tours, see Tours, Jazz

Jazz Walk of Fame: across the river by free pedestrian ferry shuttle. 4/19/08, Severely damaged by Katrina, under repair. On the Algiers Point levee. Stretching from the Algiers ferry shuttle terminal to Mardi Gras World on the West Bank side of the river, the Walk of Fame consists of a statue of Louis Armstrong and 30 lamps, each honoring a different New Orleans jazz musician. The lamps are equipped with multi-media speaker systems; visitors can press a button to hear a brief biography and sample of each musician's playing. FREE SELF GUIDED AUDIOWALKING TOUR: Pick up a brochure from the Jazz National Historical Park Visitors Center (see address above). Once you arrive in Algiers Point, and are at display #1 on brochure (Louis Armstrong) dial 504-613-4062 and follow intructions. Alternate: You can download tour onto your MP3 player from http://www.nps.gov/jazz or the mobile webpage at http://www.myoncellmobi/15046134062.

Jean Lafitte Bar, see Lafitte’s Blacksmith shop.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park/Folklife &French Quarter Visitor Center (National Park Service): DAILY: FREE walking tours, SEE TOURS< WALKING

Jewelry: there are so many, in every nook and cranny of the French Quarter. One that specialzes in the Fleur dis Lis motif is Fleur D’ Orleans, in a kiosk @ Riverwalk Mall 504-899-5585 www.fleurdorleans.com

KARIOKE: Cat’s Meow ,523-2788,701 Bourbon @St. Peter

KAHVE COFEE SHOP: Royal St. 1 blovck from French Quarter and Esplande Ave. In Faubourg Marigny, across the street from the Thai restaurant

KENNELS: see pet boarding

Kerry Irish Pub: no cover $, 527-5954, 331 Decatur St.

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: 941 Bourbon St. @ St. Philip. This late 18th century building, with its five gables and tile roof, was used by Jean Lafitte and his brothers for the Blacksmith Shop that served as a front for their slave smuggling trade. The building serves as an excellent example of early brique-entre-poteaux (brick between post) construction. 581-2677.

Lake Ponchartrain: lakefront park with restaurants and bars, some of which have decks where you can watch the sailboats. Best deck is Joe’s Crab Shack, but We don’t suggest eating there, as they are a chain restaurant and much of their seafood is frozen (why eat frozen when fresh abounds elsewhere?). If you want to eat, go to Brunings for lots of local flavor. Be sure to try their flounder. You won’t meet any other tourists there flavor (see our Restaurant List for particulars)! The Mardi Gras Fountain, on Lakeshore Drive, is of interest and a wonderful photo opportunity. Its fountain spurts when visitors approach. Surrounding the fountain are plaques with the crest and founding date of each Mardi Gras crew.

Lanterns, New Orleans style: Bevolo Lights, 521 Conti St., 522-9485 . Jacks Metal Art, 226 Decatur St., 529-3149 http://www.jacksmetalarts.com/

Le Bon Temps Rouler, Music club that also serves pub food. Sometimes Kermit Ruffins plays here. 4801 Magazine St., 504-895-8117. http://www.myspace.com/4801magazinehttp://www.myspace.com/4801magazine

Le Petit Theater :600 St. Peters - Construction of this Spanish tavern was completed in 1796 after having been disrupted twice by fire. It drew a theater crowd in the early 1900's and was reconstructed in the 1930's to be a permanent theater for "The Drawing Room Players", a successful theater group. Today, Le Petit Theater is the home of the oldest continuous community theater in the United States.

Limousine: Abe Taylor, who is the MOST RELIABLE, honest person you could ever want to meet, and used to be the main taxicab driver we used before the hurricanes. His house was flooded and was destroyed +taxicab was lost, too. Now, he has a lovely white Lincoln Town Car and is a licensed chauffeur. He appreciates any folks we can send his way, as he is still struggling to recover Post Katrina and putting a son through college (you know what that costs these days). His cell ‘phone # is 504-615-5314. If a fancy limo is what you seek, these are some limo companies, from the ‘yellow pages: Bonolo, 523-2666, bonolo@bellsouth.net. London Livery, 586-0700, www.londonlivery.com.

LITERARY TOUR PUB CRAWL: SEE TOURS< LITERARY

Longview House and Gardens: An historic city estate and gardens. Need car or can take Canal St. or Metairie Rd. city bus. Monday - Saturday 10am-4pm. Sunday 1-4:15pm. Closed major holidays. $7 admission. 7 Bamboo Road. 504-488-5488, fax 486-7015. Http://www.longuevue.com.

Louisiana Loom Works: Walt and Wanda Rose. Watch them at work on their 3 looms. Hand woven products: rag rugs, custom orders, ship. 616 Chartres St., 800-899-8281, 504-566,7788. Http://customragrugs.com

Louisiana Music Factory: Every Sat. Free, live music party. Usually around 2pm. Sometimes they have free beer. You won't find tourists there, as this is a "locals" thing. Call 504-586-1094 for group name and an exact start time. They have CDs, 78s, 45s, LPs, sheet music, posters, T-shirts, tapes, books & videos on Louisiana musicians. 210 Decatur across from house of Blues. http://www.louisianamusicfactory.com

Louisiana State Museums: An historic complex of several museums operated by the State of Louisiana, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism ( the Cabildo, Presbytere, 1850 House, Old U.S. Mint and Madame John's Legacy.) Most Louisiana State Museum properties are open Tues-Sun, 9am-5pm. But ticket to a single property/museum OR you can buy combination ticket for all buildings. (504) 568- 6968, 800-568-6968. They have a wonderful photographic collection in their archives and online: Kara @568-6976. Http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/index.htm/

Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar and Restaurant: In the Warehouse District, 701 Tchoupitoulas St. 523-8995 http://www.lucysretiredsurfers.com/

Madame John’s Legacy: This museum has been open off and on for years - termite damage closed it, lack of staffing, hurricane, you name it. 623 Dumaine St – A rare example of Creole colonial home design. Exhibits works of art by local self-taught artists. Part of Louisiana State Museum system. (504) 568- 6968, 800-568-6968. .

Magazine Street shopping: Trendy area spotlighted by the Utney Reader, it’s popular with tourist AND residents! With more than 6 miles (off and on) of shops, you could spend the day flitting in and out of places. Antiques, collectibles, boutiques, bars, restaurants, barber shop that does razor shaves, architectural details shops, art galleries, everything you can think of you’ll eventually find on this street called SHOPPER’s STREET OF DREAMS. 800-387-8924, http://magazinestreet.com.

Mail packaging/shipping service (also see Post Office): UPS/FedEx drop off, copy machine = Royal Mail Service @ 828 Royal St. 522-8523.

Maple Leaf Bar (Uptown, take St. Chas. streetcar): Music club and dance hall. Rebirth Brass Band Tuesdays, Poetry Sunday, be prepared to be very hot Summertime. 866-9359, 8316 Oak St.,

Mardi Gras beads make your own (SEE Bead Shop, above).

Mardi Gras beads and stuff year round available at Mardi Gras Zone (see below)

Mardi Gras Indian Museum SEE Backstreet Cultural Museum.

Mardi Gras Museum: SEE PRESBYTERE

Mardi Gras parades grandstand tickets: Usually available through ticketmaster. http://www.mardigrasgrandstand.com/paradeDetail.php?pid=13 http://www.mardigrasparades.net/

Mardi Gras World: Where floats are made, refurbished and stored (a den). Shuttle is free from Casino/Hilton, since Mardi Gras World has now moved to this side of the river, at the end of the convention center buildings. Call for schedule. Tours include free King Cake & Coffee. No reservations needed. Be sure to take your camera. 1380 Port of New Orleans Place. (800) 362-8213, (504) 361-7821. 1380 Port of New Orleans Place. (Penelope is our brochure contact.) http://www.mardigrasworld.com/

Mardi Gras Zone Grocery: open 24/7 2706 @Royal St. 947-8787

Margaritaville (front bar): blues, 592-2560, 1104 Decatur http://www.margaritavillecafe.com

MARIGNY PERKS coffee shop: 2401 Royal St. In Faubourg Marigny

MARRIAGE: see wedding

Masks: Mask Gallery 636 Royal St. 523-6664. Maskdalili@aol.com. Http://www.neworleansmask.com. Guccione Masks, 504945-2435, in the Bywater http://www.neworleansmasks.com/about.shtml MAH International Trade, 710 Royal Street. Mohammad is the manager, guests love him, and his masks and other collectibles are all so beautiful.

Maspero's Exchange: 440 Chartres St. - Built circa 1795, this was the site of a famous coffee house where Andrew Jackson and the privateers Jean and Pierre Lafitte supposedly planned for the Battle of New Orleans. Of note is its entresol, the half floor with grated fanlight windows, used like an attic for storage.

Merieult House (1792) – Houses history galleries with original maps, documents, prints, photographs and rare books from the collection’s research departments and reveals Louisiana’s history and culture from the earliest explorers to the 20^th century. Guided tours Tues-Sat, 10 & 11am, 2 & 3pm. Admission $.

Mimi’s: For the adventurous, who seek a place ONLY locals go. Bar with food – tapas. Downstairs deliberately looks like a ‘disheveled dive’, upstairs is a dance hall. Bartenders and Marigny hipsters, and Bywater hippies, street punks, whatever you wanna call them. 2601 Royal @Franklin, 942-0690, open 7 days, late. http://www.mimisinthemarigny.com/

Mint, U.S. (1838) – 400 Esplanade Ave – United States coins were minted here for 71 years. The building currently houses the museum’s permanent exhibits on jazz and Mardi Gras, as well as on the historic operation of the Mint. The New Orleans Jazz Collection, includes the world's largest collection of instruments owned and played by important figures in jazz, including Louis Armstrong. 568-6968. Katherine Page and Dale Richard may still be there. If so, they are very helpful in doing archival research. 568-8214. http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/visitor.htm The Louisiana Historical Center is open to researchers Monday and Tuesday 10-12 and 1-4:30, and by appointment Monday through Friday. Please enter the Mint through the courtyard facing the French Market. To make arrangements for Historical Center research call (504) 568-3660 or (800) 568-6968.

Mississippi riverboat cruises: see riverboat cruises

Mississippi River Bottom music club: 515 St. Philip St. 524-2558.

MOPEDs: See motorcycle rental

Motorcycle/Scooter rental: Big Easy Scooters. 504-561-6005. 322-24 Baronne St. Mike Bowler. Http://bigeasyscooters.net Harley or Vespa rentals, Eaglerider rentals, 2380 Canal St., 888-8882, 504-821-9575 http://www.eaglerider.com

Mulate’s (touristy) : Cajun, dance+food, 522-1492, 201 Julia

Musee Conti Historical Wax Museum: 1/12/10. Open Monday, Friday, Saturday. 917 Conti St – 525-2605 – Wax figures depict scenes from local history, including the Battle of New Orleans and Napoleon selling the Louisiana Territory to the United States.

MUSIC: Guests are emailed our Eguide to music. Music club list (BLUE PAPER) is posted on the bulleting board in the dining room at the main B&B. On your bed, is an OffBeat magazine. Before you come, you might want to go online to listen to music on WWOZ: http://www.wwoz.org. The variety of music they offer is astounding. While you are here, tune in to 90.7FM to enjoy their programming. If interested, we have a separate document about music and dancing in New Orleans. Advance reservations are especially necessary at Snug Harbor and House of Blues.

>> MUSIC FOR YOUR EARS? DO you know what a calliope is? If you're strolling through the Quarter or in your room, listen for the calliope at about 10:45-11 am and 1:45-2pm. It's an organ powered by steam atop the riverboat Natchez. Click here to listen: http://www.steamboatnatchez.com/music/calliope2.htm

>> MUSIC FOR YOUR EARS and Tummy???????? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GdAM3aJeTU

MUSIC LEGENDS PARK: 311 Bourbon St. 2 level, pocket parks and oasis in the French Quarter and showacse for local music legends. Café Beignet is tucked away at the back of the park for snack food.

MUSIC, Jazz. See tours, Jazz

MUSEUMS (and historical exhibits) are listed ALPHABETICALLY, individually by name, throughout *document (*in 3 ring binder on dining room table @ main B&B). Most museums close MONDAYS, and many are also closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Please find them on alphabetical list, then call them for their hours, BEFORE YOU GO. We can’t keep list updated, because they all keep changing back and forth on hours!!!!!!! Here are a few you can look for alphabetically, in *document: 1850 House, African American Culture and History Museum, (Treme Villa), African American Museum of Art, American Italian Museum, Amistad Research Center, Antoine’s Restaurant (ask if they will let you peek in the Mardi Gras Krewe Banquet Room), Arnaud’s Restaurant (dinner only, ask to go upstairs to see their Mardi Gras costumes), Audubon Nature Institute (Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Insectorium), Backstreet Cultural Museum (Mardi Gras Indians), Beauregard Keyes House, Cabildo, Children’s Museum, Confederate Museum, Contemporary Arts Center, D-Day Museum (now WWII Museum), Degas House, Fireman’s Museum, Gallier House, Hermann Grima House, Historic New Orleans Collection, Jazz National Historic Park, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Longue Vue House and Garden, Louisiana Museum of African American History, Louisiana State Museums (Arsenal, Cabildo, 1850 House, U.S. Mint, Presbytere), Loyola University - Diboll Gallery, Madame’s John’s Legacy, Mardi Gras WORLD, Miniature Train Garden (see City Park), Musee Conti Wax Museum, Museum of the American Cocktail, New Orleans Museum of Art, Newcomb ArtMuseum, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Pharmacy Museum, Pitot House, Presbytere, Preservation Resource Center, Southern Food and Beverage Museum, Tulane University Museum of Natural History, Ursuline Convent, U.S. Mint Museum, World War II (WWII) Museum (formerly D-Day Museum). Http://neworleansmuseums.com has hyperlinks to each and brief description.. If I have skipped any museums, PLEASE let me know so we can add it to this list!!!!

Museum of the American Cocktail: http://www.museumoftheamericancocktail.org/

MUSIC and dance clubs: Staying at main B&B? See separate document in your binder on bed or posted on bulletin board in our dining room. If you already know the name of the club you seek, many "locals" clubs are listed alphabetically in this document.

MUSIC CDs, RECORDS, etc.:

Music: See Jazz Walk of Fame

Music Legends Park: Open to pubic, 311 Bourbon St., 2 levels of pocket parks. An oasis showcase for local music legends. Café Beignet is tucked away at the back of the park.

MUST DO STUFF: see beginning of this document.

Napoleon House: 500 Chartres St. - Built in 1814 and topped by an original tile roof, this structure is an outstanding example of French influence on architectural design in post-colonial New Orleans. Tradition has it that its original owner, Mayor Nicholas Girod, intended it as a refuge for Napoleon, should his supporters be able to free him from exile on St. Helena. Nationally rated as one of the most interesting bars in America. They serve good Muffalettas, too (Bah, humbug. Muffulettas - no one seems to agree on spelling).

Nature Center, Audubon: 5601 Read Boulevard, Joe W. Brown Memorial Park. (504) 246-5672 or 800-774-7394

NEON art and sculpture: Amazing stuff there. 943-7446. 2601 Chartres. Http://Venusiangardens.com

Neutral Ground Coffee House: 5110 Danneel St., Uptown. Music & Poetry, Painting & Sculpture

New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA): 10am-5pm Wed. through Sunday (seasonally, open late Friday). Closed Monday, Tuesday. #1 Collin C. Diboll Circle at end of Esplanade Avenue @ N. Carrollton Ave., lake side.(504) 488-2631. Fax 484-6662 (Brochures: Wanda Ochello 658-4103). http://www.noma.org/ Inside the museum, Ralph Brennan has opened the lovely Café NOMA 482-1264 http://cofenoma.com Also in City Park, DON’T MISS GOING TO THE FREE Bestoff Sculpture Garden. A wonderful urban oasis.

New Orleans School of Cooking: Fun cooking demonstration with samples of LA cuisine. Classes are held daily 10am-12:30pm. About $27 per person. Classes include recipes and generous samplings of the demonstrated items, coffee, iced tea (or beer???). To reserve, complete a reservation request online or call (504) 525-2665 (local) or 1-800-237-4841. 524 St. Louis St. http://www.nosoc.com/

Notarial Archives: 421 Loyola St. 568-8577.

OffBeat Magazine: Local music scene magazine published monthly. Also available online at http://offbeat.com

Ogden Museum of Southern Art: Home to the largest and most comprehensive collection of Southern art in the world, and a unique and innovative destination to "See the South." Early THURSDAY evenings, they have special events called "Ogden After Hours". . Call of details. 925 Camp Street. 504.539.9600. http://ogdenmuseum.org

Old Point Bar, (ALGIERS POINT, take free pedestrian ferry shuttle): 545 Patterson Street (corner of Olivier): (504) 364-0950, Don’t go unless you like pets. Owners bring everything from dogs to cats, to goats, and more! Call for hours and live music schedule. http://www.oldpointbar.com

Old U.S. Mint, see MINT

ORANGE COUCH coffee shop: 2339 Royal @ Mandevile Sts. In Faubourg Marigny

Our Lady of Guadeloupe Church and Shrine of St. Jude. (The old mortuary church). GOSPEL MASS at 11:30am at 311 N. Rampart St. 525-1551

Oz (800 Bourbon St., 593-9491; www.ozneworleans.com) best gay bar

Palm Court: Seeking traditional Jazz and dinner in a beautiful setting? You’ve found it and a dance floor, too. Low cover charge, plus a la carte menu. 1104 Decatur St., 525-0200. Usually closed most of Summer. 2008 season closes 6/28. http://www.palmcourtjazzcafe.com/

PARKING: What everyone else in USA calls medians, we call "neutral ground" (long story behind it’s history, with Canal St. As demarkation between Creole and American section). NEUTRAL GROUND: Don’t park on them. PARKING CAUTIONS: Curbside NO parking areas are usually designated by yellow paint on curbs from corner. Many have worn off and your car will be towed if you’re not VERY cautious. If you see a curbside space marked by yellow lines, that makes you think you’ve FINALLY found a free parking space. Nope! That means DO NOT park there. Beware of parking in the French Quarter. There are few legal places. Many are "resident permit parking’ while time limit is 2 hours. Pay attention to street cleaning signs or your car may be towed. You must park at least 3' from any driveway. You can’t park car partially on sidewalk. Meter parking. You don’t pay weekends. Most meters are also free after 6pm. Car must be AT LEAST 15' from fire hydrant. Traffic signals, street corner intersections and crosswalks? Park at least 20' from them.

Parking lots, French Quarter : Canal Place Parking 100 Iberville. Central Parking Badine Lots Enter at Iberville and N. Peters. Jax Brewery I Parking, enter at Conti and N. Peters. Jax Parking II Enter at Toulouse and Decatur. French Market Parking, enter at St. Peter and Decatur. French Market Marigny lot, enter at Elysian Fields and Decatur.

PARK RANGER TOUR: See TOURS, walking of French Quarter, Jean Lafitte Park Rangers

Pat O’Brien’s Bar: famous for Hurricane drink and Mint Juleps, dueling piano’s. 525-4823. 817 St. Peter St. http://www.patobriens.com

Perfume:

Perseverance Hall: Former dance hall during ragtime’s heyday, and early Jazz where African-American performers and bands played to ethincally diverse audiences. Open Saturdays 9am-5pm. In Armstrong Park on N. Rampart St. @ St. Ann. 589-4841. Http://www.nps.gov/jazz, Exhibits there highlight the buildings rich history and diverse roots of Jazz.

Pet Boarding: Dr. Mike’s Animal House 523-4455, 1120 N. Rampart St.

PHARMACY: Walgreens @ 619 Decatur St. 525-7260, open late 7-days. Walgreens 134 Royal @ Iberville 525-2180 NO pharmacy. HOLIDAY? call for hours.

Pharmacy Museum: Housed in a fascinating townhouse built in 1823, constructed for Louis Joseph Dufilho, Jr., America’s first licensed pharmacist (1816). Ground floor portrays a mid-nineteenth century apothecary shop with medicines, surgical instruments, journals, a rare 1855 soda fountain, a courtyard herb garden, hangover remedies, voodoo potions, absinthe, opium and examples of "questionable medical practices." Upstairs is a ‘birthing’ room that it fascinating. Self guided tour. Operated by the Friends of Historical Pharmacy Open Tues., Thurs. Friday, Sat. 10am-5pm. Wednesday hours are noon -5pm,closed Sunday, Monday and holidays. Admission fee. 514 Chartres St., 565-8027. Http://pharmacymuseum.org.

PHOTO DEVELOPING, throw away cameras, AND DOWNLOAD SITES: Walgreens Drug Store (see ‘pharmacy’), and several film developing places are on Decatur St. And Canal. There are several sites you can download photo’s from your camera to the web of you don’t want to buy another disk. This is the one I have used: http://www.picasa.google.com/

PHOTO’s: Guests always ask what are the best photo’s to take. Personal opimiom only,

>>> Gallier House’s intricate latticework (Royal St.), or

>>> the Hermann-Grima House’s grounds are quite lovely (St. Louis St.) or

>>> the elegantly curved veranda of La Branche House (Royal @ St. Peter Sts.)

>> Everyone takes a photo of Bourbon St. How about another vibrant street, where we locals hang out: the Bohemian Frenchman St. Slow down your shutter speed to photograph lone street musicians, backlit doorways, writers and poets reading their compositions or mumbling to themselves, revelers lining the street when the clubs are to capacity and locals spill out into the street for a street party, dancing to the music coming from the clubs.

>> In City Park, there are moss-laden live oak and some cypress trees, floating lily pads, white egrets, lagoons, a spetacular sculpture garden amoung the live aok treees. Take a shot of the famous Dueling Oak from bygone times. Don’t forget the antique carousel or miniature train garden or Botanical Garden

>> Audubon Park there are egret rookeries that make the tress look like they have flapping white leaves.

>>Audubon Zoo is natural habitat, and also has an authentic swamp area, so great shots abound there.

Garden District offers shots of many elegant mansions (see our GARDEN DISTRICT WALKING TOUR guide in the 3 ring binder on your bed for where to go). A couple that come to mind are George Washington Cable House at 1313 Eighth Street, and the Italianate style Van Benthuysen-Elms Mansion on St. Charles Ave. @ 7^th St.

>> and don’t forget our historic cemeteries and streetcars.

>> You can get an interesting shot of Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral from Artillery Park across the street, on the levee. Early in the day or at sunset, your can catch them in etherial light.

>> Behind the Cathedral, is another ethereal photo op’. At night, to walk up Orleans St. from Dauphine St. towards St. Anthony’s Garden, behind St. Louis Cathedral. The way the light shines on the statue and casts a shadow on the garden wall is amazing. www.stlouiscathedral.org/VirtualAr.htm

Piazza d’Italia: 337 Poydras St. For more information on the Italian-American community in New Orleans and the Piazza d'Italia visit www.airf.org or call (504) 658-0927.

Pitot House Museum: 18^th century plantation house on Bayou St. John. During convention season, the Pitot House is open Wednesday through Saturday, 1440 Moss St., 482-0312. Http://www.neworleans.com/museum/pitot

Plantation Tours: see TOURS by Isabelle.

PLANTATIONS: Ask us for separate Plantation, Acadiana, Nature document. Info on River Road Plantations only: 866-204-7782. www.takemetotheriver.com

Plaza D'Italia: Lafayette & Commerce Streets. Monuments, Statues, murals, sculpture, Fountains. A tucked away treasure of roman columns, no one seems to come to this exuberant, post-modern plaza tucked away between the Loews Hotel and a parking lot (337 Poydras St.). The plaza, designed by architect Charles Moore to honor the Italian-American community of New Orleans, is peaceful, with fountains, pools of water, and Roman columns framing a St. Joseph Altar. The only time people actually seem to use the plaza is on March 19th, when it becomes host to the country’s largest celebration of St. Joseph Day, an Italian-American holidaay with offerings of food placed upon the St. Joseph Altar. http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM14Z3

POLICE: Non emergency 821-2222. Emergency, dial 911.

Pontalba Buildings: Jackson Square - Baroness Micaela Almonaster de Pontalba built these two buildings-two rows of four story townhouses which flank Jackson Square. Note the ornate cast-iron gallery railings into which are woven the baroness's initials- "A" for Almonaster and "P" for Pontalba.

Post Office (also see mail service): Mail drop (blue box) Esplanade @Royal, St. Phillip @N. Rampart. Main post office 701 Loyola Av., 589-1175, 7 days.

pottery exhibit at Tulane University’s Newcomb College. Take St. Charles Streetcar there.

PRALINES: Loretta’s. Where she MAKES them is 2905 N. Rampart. 944-7068. Http://www.loretta.pralines.com

Presbytere (some call it the Mardi Gras Museum) (built 1791) 751 Chartres St.: Begun as a priest’s residence by the Spanish, but never used by the priests. The structure was completed by Americans in 1813. It houses changing exhibits on Louisiana Culture and heritage. The most interesting exhibit is on Mardi Gras. They also have many black and white photo’s of historic cemeteries. Part of the LA State Museum system. 568-6968. Toll free 1-800-568-6968. http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/visitor.htm

Preservation Hall: Real traditional Jazz and Dixieland. Building circa 1817, notice the wrought iron gates on this picturesque building. Since 1961, Preservation Hall has been the stage-home of traditional New Orleans Jazz players including many of the old time legends and their apprentices. Dixieland. One generation passing on their tradition to the new. Usually standing room only. No reservations, NO AIR CONDITIONING. 726 St. Peter St. 522-2841. www.preservationhall.com

PRESERVATION RESOURCE CENTER: It is dedicated to preserving and honoring New Orleans architecture. Open weekdays. 8/2010, if you are into deltiology (new word for me, too. Means postcard collector), for a while they have an interesting exhibit of Geoffrrey Snodgrass’ 20^th century postcards depicting American skyscapes, buildings and monuments. Also small exhibit of private correspondence of the well traveled. 923 Tchoupitoulas St., 581-7032. Http://prcno.org

PRIMATE CENTER: Tulane’s project in Covington is research only, not recreational.

Quilt Shops: Quilt Cottage, 801 Nashville St., uptown. Take Magazine St. shoppers shuttle or walk down from St. Charles Streetcar.

R Bar: Talk about eclectic and bohemian. This is a REAL ‘locals’ place. Milk on bar for neighborhood cats, antique barber chair for barber who comes to do haircuts once weekly, Skeleton on bicycle hanging upside down, at happy hour some weekends, free oysters or boiled crawfish. The later it is, the more lively.

Race Track, New Orleans Fairgrounds (horse racing): Thoroughbred horse racing and site of annual JazzFest. Season is usually Thanksgiving Day through end of March. You can catch the Esplanade bus there or take a taxicab. 1751 Gentilly (there is also an entrance off Esplanade Ave. Telephone: (504) 944-5515. Web site: http://www.fgno.com

Radio Station: WWOZ,: : 90.7 on your FM dial. Local and Internet radio station with wide variety on music. Volunteer DJs welcome on the air musicians visits. On the air, every hour on the ODD hour, they offer music schedule for the city. 504-568-1238. Call Livewire for daily details: 780-3222. http://www.wwoz.org.

RAILROAD/TRAIN MISC>:

RAINY DAY STUFF TO DO: see alphabetical listings IN THIS DOCUMENT, for telephone numbers, open days, and location (or if you are at the B&B already, SEE, DO, EAT document in GREEN 3 ring binder on dining room table.) FYI: you’re staying at the main B&B, we keep umbrellas for guests in a stand close to the front door.

RELIGIOUS:

River Shack Tavern: A ‘local’s’ haunt, designed bar stools are ‘dressed’ with mannikin legs. Good seafood poboys. Live music nightly. 3449 River Road, 837.7118. http://www.therivershacktavern.com/rivershack/ (Also listed in restaurant document)

RIVERBOAT CRUISES/TOURS: SEE TOURS< RIVERBOAT.

Rock ‘N Bowl. Best dance bands in the city. Rock, Zydeco, Swing blues & R&B. 482-3133, 3016 South Carrollton (at Earhart Blvd) http://rocknbowl.com/

ROMAN CANDY MAN and his mule drawn cart: They used to go throughout the uptown neighborhoods. I guess the mule died, or they got tired of being in our steamy summer heat! His cart in parked at Audubon Zoo, but we haven’t seen him selling there. Maybe he is just online now. Be sure to try some of his hand pulled chewing taffy, eaten by generations of New Orleanians. http://www.romancandy.com504-897-3937 http://romancandy.gourmetfoodmall.com/

ROSE NICAUD coffee shop: On Frenchman Street in Faubourg Marigny

Rosy’s Music Club: 500 Valance St. 896-7697

Rum Distillery: Celebration Distillation, 1^st premium rum distillery on US mainland. Rum is distilled from sugar cane molasses. 504-945-9400. Tours by appointment only, Monday - Friday, 10am-5pm. 2815 Frenchman St.

Saint Louis Cathedral – 721 Chartres St. – 525-9585 – The original 1724 structure was destroyed in the great fire of 1788; the rebuilt Spanish-style basilica narrowly escaped being destroyed in the devastating 1794 fire. Guided tours are available Monday through Saturday 9:30am-5pm, Sunday from 1:30pm. http://stlouiscathedral.org/

SALON and SPA services: See Hair

Saturn Bar: A funky, dive bar: art, junk, part hunting lodge, part collections archive from an alien spacecraft's Human Museum, this 9th Ward spot is an appropriate interplanetary namesake. Walls are dotted with photos of past and current clientele. - what a place! 3067 St. Claude Ave. (Clouet St.), 504-949-7532

SAVE OUR CEMETERIES TOUR: see TOURS, CEMETERY

SAZERAC DRINK or excellent Ramos Gin Fizz: Step back in time to the 1930s,@ the Sazerac bar at the Roosevelt Hotel (previously the Fairmont Hotel). Sazerac’s history: In 1859, a Royal Street pharmacist, A. A. Peychaud, created a drink that was a sensation. To a shot of brandy Peychaud had begun adding his family formula for bitters, a tonic compound that was offered as a cure for various maladies. The bitters, when added to the brandy, gave a kick to the drink. Then John B. Schiller, who importated a Cognac manufactured by the firm of Sazerac-de-Forge et fils of Limoge, France. The same year, Schiller opened a place on Exchange Alley in the French Quarter calling it the "Sazerac Coffeehouse." He was the exclusive purveyor of the Sazerac brand cognac (remember, cognac is a form of brandy), which he also served with bitters to create the world's first Sazerac cocktail. As the city became more American and less French, tastes shifted. In 1870, the business was sold and name changed to "Sazerac House." He kept the bitters in the recipe, but replaced the cognac with rye whiskey. Around that same time, Leon Lamothe, a bartender began adding a splash of absinthe (a licorice-tasting liquor) to the drink. It became a standard ingredient. If you want, ask us for receipe. Bar is at 123 Baronne St. 504-648-1200.

Scooter rental: see MOTORCYCLE RENTAL or HANDICAPPED SCOOTER RENTAL

Segway Tours: 506 Conti St. 877-734-8687. http://www.segwaynola.com/

SHOPs, inside, like a mall: The RiverWalk (Canal at the river. Small shops offering better quality merchandise than on Bourbon St.), Canal Place (Canal St. at Decatur. upscale shops such as Saks 5^th Avenue, Pottery Barn, and Brooks Brothers, and boutiques). Most malls are in the suburbs, accessible to car.

Shops: All throughout the French Quarter.

Shops, specialty: 7/2011 just started this list. Will grow like topsy if I even have any time.

SNO-BALLS: (Not like a snow cone, these are shaved ice and unique. Plum Street Snoball Stand, Plum @ 1300 Burdette Street (near Tulane University in between Broadway and S. Carrollton), by St. Charles streetcar. http://www.eteamz.com/plumstreetsnoball/. Hansen's SnoBliz SnoBall Stand, in the same family since the grandfather invented the machine in the '30s. 4801 Tchoupitoulas St. (by car or bus)

Snug Harbor: Best Contemporary Jazz club in the city. Serve good food, too (hamburgers are the best deal). The following frequently play there --Marsallis family, Germain Bazzle, Charmaine Neville (typically $15-25 cover charge for club). Our favorite seats are upstairs, Good value for money, especially since you can eat and listen to music. Cover charge in music club section. Music piped into restaurant section. Open 7 days a week. Kitchen opens at 5pm and closes around 10pm (later weekends). Walk from main B&B to 626 Frenchman St. http://www.snugjazz.com

SOUND CAFÉ coffee shop: and sandwiches. Live music Thursday. 2700 Chartres St., Faubourg Marigny

SOUTHERN FOOD and BEVERAGE MUSEUM: In the Riverwalk Shopping Mall behind the Hilton Hotel, 1 Poydras Street #169 at the MS River, 504-569-0405. http://southernfood.org/

SOUVENIRS, presents, gift ideas: The Flea Market near the French Market has the largest variety, concentrated in a small area, and you can bargain with vendors.

SPAS: see hair salons/spas

SPEED LIMITS, surface streets, in town: Please bear in mind that speed limit signs are hard to find. The speed limit on divided streets is 35mph, on 1-way and non divided streets it’s 25mph.

SPORTS BAR mostly WITH BIG SCREEN TV: This changes from time to time, so call to be sure they are still in business and have the TVs. Johnnie Whites, 524-4909, 720 Bourbon @ Orleans. Kabbie’s @Hilton Hotel, 561-0500. Three-Legged Dog: 400 Burgundy St; 412-8335.. • Hooters has large screen, 301 N. Peters St; 522-9222.

SPORTS BAR SOCCER GAMES AND RUGBY: see Finn McCools

Spring Fiesta Home – 826 St Ann St- 581-1367. Restored 1840 French Quarter townhouse and courtyard. By appointment only. Admission.

STREETCARS, see TRANSPORTATION.

SWIMMING POOL: Winter, try the New Orleans Athletic Club. Let them know you are staying at an hotel and the day pass is $20. As they say, "+ Summertime and the living is easy . . .+", A small café in Bywater neighborhood, is the Country Club, which is a bar, café, has a swimming pool, jacuzzi and pool table. You don’t have to eat there. Weekday admission to the pool is $10/person. WeekENDS $15. Clothing optional. 634 Louisa St. Near Chartres and Royal. 504-945-0742 http://www.thecountryclubneworleans.com/file/Welcome.html

TANNING: Planet Beach: Bienville at 301 Burgundy, 525-8266.

TAX FREE SHOPPING for guests from other countries visiting USA. Most of the businesses on Canal St. or in the Riverwalk Shopping Center, 1 Canal Place, or cheapest prices probably at WalMart on Tchoupitoulas St. Ask for Tax Free form before you shop.

TAXICAB Bureau: Complaints, 565-6272.

THEATRE, Live (Seasonal): Southern Repertory Theater (Canal Place, 333 Canal St., third floor, 522-6545; www.southernrep.com), Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré (616 St. Peter St., 522-2081; www.lepetittheatre.com , Mahalia Jackson Performing Arts Center, Le Chat Noir Theatre du Cabaret, and Saenger Theatre (has not reopened since hurricane).

THRIFT SHOPS: Here we go again. They come and go, so impossible to keep this current. These are a cut above the norm for clothing: Bloomin’ Deals (Jr. League’s shop in Uptown). On the Other Hand, Encore (Philarmonic’s shop in Uptown), Prima Donna’s Closet. The usual Salvation Army, Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul. Bridge House. Vintage clothing shops are on Decatur St. In French Quarter near Esplanade or try Funky Monkey in Uptown. I am too ‘whooped’ to get all the address, phone numbers, and web site links done today. Some day . . . .

Tiles, souvenir: Arius Gallery, 504 St. Peter St. @Jackson Square.504-529-1665 Http://jacksonsquaretiles.com

Tipitina’s UPTOWN (the original) music club: Take St. Charles Streetcar there. 501 Napoleon Avenue. 895-8477.For a while, post Katrina, it’s a special treat to listen to Mardi Gras Indian practice session, Sundays (see their online calendar for dates/times) . Http://www.tipitinas.com

TOUR HOUSES detailed info LISTED INDIVIDUALLY by name: Hermann Grima House, 1850s House, Beauregard Keyes House, Gallier House, African American Culture and History Museum, (Treme Villa).

Tourist information Centers (these are OFFICIAL ones. There are bunches of ‘fake’, misleading ones that promote a certain tour company’s tours and get a chunk of what you pay as a kick bask commission, and are not associated with the City, Convention Bureau, or State or City Tourist Bureau):

TOUR, BICYCLE (and bicycle rental rental):

TOUR, BOAT (also see TOUR, RIVERBOAT, TOUR SWAMP) On the bayous and lagoons in City Park, seasonally, the Bella Mae gondola is back, so lovebirds can bring along a bottle of bubbly for an hour long ride on this beautiful gondola, imported from Venice, Italy (for an extra fee, you can order cheese, crackers, and ice bucket. Contact Roberto at 504-450-4400).

TOURS, CARRIAGE/BUGGY (mule/horse and buggy): Jump on board at Jackson Square where they line up and wait until buggy fills up with other passengers. Shared buggy ride means you save money. It’s a fun way to see lots of the French Quarter and discover things you might want to spend more time seeing later in your trip. Cost $15-30/person. Private tours tend to be pricey, especially if reserved in advance to pick you up at a particular location. Prices seem to go up and down according to demand. $60-$95 for 30 minutes seems to be the norm.

Rolling 20s Carriage Tours, 722-3564 Debbiedefillo@yahoo.com;

Royal Carriages, 943-8820.

One of the drivers who has a cell ‘phone and guests especially like is Edward Toups, 504-432-0924.

http://www.royalcarriagesneworleans.com/. Mid City Carriages 581-4415 http://www.midcitycarriages.com/index.html, Good Old Days Buggies 888-876-5196. http://www.nolacarriages.com/.

TOUR, (walking) COCKTAIL: SOUTHERN COMFORT COCKTAIL TOUR> Guests ESPECIALLY enjoy this tour. 569-1401.

TOURS, self guided CRUISER talking car tour: 504-523-9890, #2 Poydras St. @ Hilton Riverside Hotel.

TOURS by Isabelle (varied tours by small van: city, plantation, swamp): They offer pick up at the main B&B. Highly recommended by guests. Guests have raved about their plantation tours, city tour, in addition to Pre Katrina, recovery tour. They have been in business for more than 25 years and still main excellent quality of tour, even with all the competition. Advance reservations are necessary. They also have bilingual guides. Call 888-223-2093 or 504-391-3544 (John), web site: http://www.toursbyisabelle.com.

TOURS by private taxicab OF THE DISASTER AREAS: Well versed in what went on in our city post Katrina, Stanley Lane, the French Quarter taxicab driver who does our airport pickups, is reasonably priced and can be customized, to include st. St. Bernard Project, 9^th Ward, Musician’s Village, Habitat, but most importantly go eat at Rocky and Carlos, an instutution that pulled itself up by the bootstraps, with, little support. Interesting history this restaurant was and still is the soul, of the area. Ask me for more. Very interesting!

TOURS (WALKING), Culinary History: Please give us more feedback on this tour. Only a few of our guests have done this. Tasting tours are by advance reservation REQUIRED. 504-427-9595. http://www.noculinarytours.com/

TOUR (WALKING) of the French Quarter FREE: Start @ Jean Lafitte National Historical Park/Folklife and French Quarter Visitor Center: Historic and cultural exhibits and folklife programs are complimented by FREE guided walking tour of the French Quarter, provided by the Park Rangers. Daily, at 9am, you can go to their office to wait in line for a ticket (1st come, 1st served, 25 people daily). Go Back at 9:30am to join their tour that acquaints you with the Spanish and French occupations of the city, our architecture, culture and history. They also have historic and cultural exhibits plus folklife programs. 419 Decatur St., 589-2636. Center is open daily 9am-5pm. Closed Dec. 25 + Mardi Gras. 589-2636 ext. 1. http://www.nps.gov/jelahttp://www.nps.gov/jela/planyourvisit/events.htm

TOURS (walking) HAUNTED/GHOST, VOODOO, French Quarter, Garden District: http://tourNO@TourNewOrleans.com

Tours, cemetery: Save our Cemeteries organization has WALKING tours, but not every day: 888-721-7493, 504-525-3377. http://saveourcemeteries.org/

TOURS, cemetery that operates EVERY day, SEE TOURS (WALKING) HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS TOUR http://www.tourneworleans.com

TOUR (walking) of the French Quarter: LeMonde Creole. Tours focus on Creole heritage and include some private French Quarter courtyards. Group or individual tours, reasonably priced. Bill Coble, owner. They also have bilingual guides German, French. 624 Royal St., 568-1801. Creolwrld@yahoo.com. Tell them the BANANA LADY sent you.

TOURS, JAZZ (walking):

TOURS, LITERARY PUB CRAWL (walking): 3 times, daily: Lou Bardel. 504-559-0058 http://www.frenchquarterliterature.com/literary_pub_crawl.php

TOURS, miscellaneous by BIG BUS: city, plantation, swamp, – Grayline Tours: For the budget conscious. Ticket kiosk is at #1 Toulouse St. behind Jax Brewery, on the river levee where the Steamboat Natchez docks. Remember that old saying, ". . . you get what you pay for". Guests have mentioned that the brochure says 3 hours on the water for the swamp tour, but they actually are only in the boat about an hour and a half. Please give us your feedback. If they are not giving value for money, we want to take them off our list and brochures off the table. 569-1401, 800-535-7786. http://www.graylineneworleans.com/

TOURS>RIVERBOAT: Please be cautious. There are companies online who offer a combination tour and riverboat cruise, but THE RIVERBOATS DO NOT GO TO THE PLANTATIONS, EXCEPT FOR A 7-8 DAY CRUISE. Before you make an online reservation for a day cruise with your credit card, CALL them, so they can explain EXACTLY what they offer.

TOURS< RIVERBOAT. Remember, most of our riverfront is wharves and oil refineries, not what most visitors expect, so your image of the Marc Twain and Huckleberry Finn’s Mighty Mississippi River is not what you will see. Even as far out as the plantations, there are only ‘pockets’ of lush beauty many visitors seek. Being on a paddlewheel boat is always interesting. Those are on the RIVER. Bayou or swamp cruise boats enable you to see more of our lush, tropical vegetation, wildlife: ‘gators, birds, nutria, etc.

TOURS, SWAMP: OK. Lots of competition and very confusing. If you want to just RENT a canoe or boat, GO BACK and SEE BOAT section. If you want a guided TOUR, see this section, below.

CANOE and TRAIL ADVENTURES: Moonlight Paddles in Louisiana Wetlands (need car). Labranche, Manchac, Big Branch, Bayou Sauvage & Honey Island. What are Louisiana wetlands like at night-especially by moonlight? What sounds do you hear? What can you see? What is it like to paddle through open ponds and marshes or a maze of bayous, sloughs, small slender lakes and rivers, with the moon overhead and surrounded by a symphony of night sounds? It's a vivid experience to paddle into a wetlands in the daylight, lunch at sunset and then paddle out by moonlight. Every sense will be strained to absorb as much of the experience as possible. At night, wetlands are alive with sounds of its inhabitants. Sometimes reflective orange-red eyes can be seen - alligators!!! (504) 834-5257 http://www.canoeandtrail.com/moonlight/index.html

TOURS, SWAMP/BAYOU: If you drive to the swamp, rates are cheaper, but All listed below pick up at our doorstep.

TOUR GUIDES< Closed, Private tours: Madeline Axtman, "New Orleans Lady" is current President of Tour Guide Association, 392-2180. Other folks who have been recommended to us for INDIVIDUAL TOURS: Lloyd Sensat 250-6681, Don Downs or Harry Bale 944-8966 427-4091, John Hall 220-7913, Gwen Redus 812-85002, Adam Stevenson 554-1533. Tell them the BANANA LADY sent you.

Train Garden, see City Park

TRANSPORTATION: (Knote to myself. Copy and paste text from this document to transportation cover pages in 3 ring binder)

Angelo Brocato’s Italian Ice Cream Parlour, 214 N. Carrollton @Canal, has outstanding hand packed gelato (ice cream), canole, and Italian ice (sherbert/sorbet), and all sorts of Italian baked specialties - (504) 486-0078 - They are CLOSED on Mondays.

City Park (1300 acres of lovely urban park) with botanical garden, lagoons, fishing in season, arboretum, jogging trail, museum of art, sculpture garden. In season, Storyland, amusement park with antique carousel, miniature train, and train garden, http://neworleanscitypark.com/

Lola’s Café (Spanish), 3312 Esplanade Ave. - (504) 448-6946

Café Degas, 3127 Esplanade Ave. - (504) 945-5635

Parkway Bakery & Tavern (best poboy sandwiches in city), 538 Hagan Ave., near the Canal Streetcar line.

and if you LOVE Italian (Sicilian) food, Venezia Restaurant, 134 N. Carrollton Ave., is a spot not to miss (see RESTAURANT alphabetical list for details) - (504) 488-7991

FYI: In the 2200 block of St. Charles Ave, the streetcar stops, free, at the New Orleans Convention and Visitors center (ask for get back on pass), where you can stock up on any brochures or maps you didn’t get from us or the official tourist bureau on St. Anne at Jackson Square by St. Louis Cathedral.

Columns Hotel where you take a break and can sit on the verandah and sip on a cold drink, St. Charles Ave. between Gen Taylor and Peniston Streets - (504) 899-9308

Audubon Park and Zoo (runs a shuttle from St. Charles Ave. to the zoo, which saves you having to walk 1.5 miles through the park).

Tulane and Loyola University

Camellia Grill - everyone queues up for a long wait to get into this popular diner, 626 South Carrollton, 1 block from St. Charles Ave - (504) 309-2679

Riverbend area has:

Brightsen’s Restaurant, 723 Dante St. - (504) 861-7610

Jacques Imo’s (Daisy’s favorite restaurant in New Orleans), 8324 Oak St. - (504) 861-0886

Jamila’s Restaurant, 7808 Maple St. - (504) 8664366

Maple Leaf Bar, 8316 Oak St. - (504) 866-9359

(See restaurant or music club list for details.)

TRANSPORTATION/shuttle from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and LSU Tiger Stadium: A little more research to do. This is what we have found thus far: Any info we DON’T have is always appreciated, as we try to offer info to visitors to N’Awlins even if they are not able to stay with us at Banana Courtyard.

U.S. Customs House: This imposing Egyptian Revival Style structure was built in 1848. The engineer in charge, P.G.T. Beauregard, became a famous Confederate General. During the Union occupation of New Orleans, the Customs House served as a headquarters for General Butler and as a prison for Confederate officers. 504/589-6731

U.S. Mint Museum, see MINT

UMBRELLAS & parasols: Have a "2^nd line" umbrella custom made to display at home. Unique Umbrellas & Parasols, 636 St. Ann St. 523-1063. A new source we’ve found is Tpya Townsend 957-2951. Currently she has a booth at Flea Market 121A. A guest had a parasol made by her for her wedding here. There are several more shops that have parasols in their inventory. You’ll see them near the French Market/Flea Market area.

Ursuline Convent (circa 1745): 1100 Chartres St., 529-3040. Archbishop Antoine Blank Memorial houses 6-edifices including the Old Ursuline Convent, the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley (the only one to survive from French colonial times), and Our Lady of Victory Church, built in 1845 as the chapel of the Archbishops. Operated by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, it now houses their archives. BE SURE to see the ornate alter in the convent. Quite beautiful.Old Ursuline Convent, whose Museum is open for self-guided tours, Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. 1100 Chartres St. 504.525.9585 Ask also to see St. Mary’s Italian church, next door. Gorgeous wood arched dome ceiling, hand painted. To schedule an appointment to visit the archives, call (504) 529-3040. http://www.stlouiscathedral.org/convent.html.

Van Benthuysen Mansion and Gardens: 3029 St. Charles Avenue, 504-895-9200. http://www.elmsmansion.com

Vaughan’s (Bywater Urban area, take taxicab there): plays Thurs. Any serious New Orleans drinker knows Thursday is night Kermit Ruffins night at this bar. There's tree-stump seating outside, a split-level interior that boasts a ping-pong table down below and an inexpensive bar up top, but it's the age-ranging crowd that keeps the locals and tourists coming in. 947-5562, 800 Lesseps. http://www.myspace.com/kermitruffinsmusic

VETERINARIAN/kennel: see pet boarding

Vineyard: Need car. Ponchartrain Vineyards: LA Hwy. 1082, Old Military Road, north of Covington across the 24-mile Lake Ponchartrain bridge. 504-892-9742.

Vintage clothing shops:

Visitor information centers: SEE Tourist information centers

Voodoo Spiritual Temple: 828 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. 504.522.9627. This is the real thing: chickens in coops, snakes, etc. Sister Miriam Williams is the Voodoo priestess there. http://www.access.avernus.com/~rogue/templevoodoo@gnofn.org

Voodoo Museum: 724 Dumaine St. between Bourbon and Royal. Open 7 days, except holidays. 523-7685. http://www.artcom.com/Museums/vs/mr/70116-31.htm

WWI MUSEUM: See World War II Museum

WWOZ: 90.7 Local radio station that is on Internet and broadcasts (every odd-hour) music scene info:568-1239 http://www.wwoz.org

WEATHER and clothing: AVERAGE Temperature expressed in Fahrenheit ('cause the banana lady would goof it up if she tried to convert to centigrade)

January: 43-63,

February: 45-65

March: 52-72 Nights, especially, will need a sweater or jacket

April: 59-79 some coolish nights, very pleasant days

· MUSIC (List of nearby dance AND music clubs had telephone numbers and location.)

· NEARBY things to see and do if you have a car (includes information on swamps, nature and Acadiana, and plantations).

historic cemeteries

Garden District Walking Tour

French Quarter Walking tour