Things to Do and See In New Orleans

New Orleans is not a big city, but it does have an extensive and dynamic history that can overwhelm the first time tourist, but there are many venues for visitors to successfully experience one of the most captivating places in the world.

Cabildo Near Jackson Square Park, you can tour the Cabildo, where the official transfer of the Louisiana Purchase took place, and St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States. Dine at Antoine’s. To get a feel for 18th Century living, tour the Old Ursulines Convent and Madame John’s Legacy, the city’s oldest buildings.

Visit the Musee Conti Wax Museum, then the Germaine Wells Mardi Gras Museum above Arnaud’s Restaurant on Bienville. Mardi-Gras paraphernalia and memorabilia are also on display, along with an impressive jazz exhibition, at the Old U. S. Mint.

Walk down Magazine Street and browse the many shops. Then walk over to Julia Street, an area recently dubbed the Arts District in honor of the Contemporary Art Center, which honors local artists with exhibitions and performances. Dine at Casamento’s. Two major museums in this area are the National D-Day Museum and the Confederate Museum.

Garden District. This is a gorgeous area of the city, lush with crepe myrtles, magnolia trees, and jasmine bushes. It is truly a stroller’s paradise. Visit the Davis Gallery, the Cole Pratt Gallery and the Mario Villa Gallery. Dine at the Upperline Restaurant. Also be sure to check out the displays at The George & Leah McKenna Museum of African American Art.

Louis Armstrong Park is a nice place to spend a few hours. Grab a bite at Venezia. The Park is home to the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Botanical Gardens.

TOURS OF NEW ORLEANS

Come to the conference early or stay late for the Greyline Tours of New Orleans which provides a meaningful and poignant "Hurricane Katrina Tour". The tour provides both tourism dollars for the recovering New Orleans economy and an opportunity to see beyond the typical tourist attractions. After going on the tour you'll want to share your new knowledge of New Orleans as its citizens rebuild their city with your friends and colleagues upon your return home.

Greyline Tours of New Orleans (visit website)

Phone: (504) 569-1401 or (800) 535-7786

Rate: $35.00 adult, $28.00 child, $28.75/individual for groups of 10+ (must schedule beforehand) Rates apply through December 31, 2008.

Time: 11a and 2:30p daily (24 Hour Advance Reservations Recommended)

Duration: 3 hours

Depart from: Greyline Lighthouse Ticket Office which is only a few blocks from the conference hotel (click here for location and directions)

Please contact Greyline Tours of New Orleans directly for additional information and current rates. Please note that SSWR is providing this summary for information purposes only.