Posted August 14, 200915 yr Ive sifted through the New Orleans photos threads and read opinions, but I need two cut and dry specific answers from the NO honks. 1. If i stay at the Hampton Inn two blocks away from the French Quarter towards the CBD on the corner of Gravier and Carondelet...will i have a safe walk home at night? 2. Taking the St. Charles streetcar to the garden district and walking around the garden district...will i be safe (during the day)? THanks.
August 14, 200915 yr Ive sifted through the New Orleans photos threads and read opinions, but I need two cut and dry specific answers from the NO honks. 1. If i stay at the Hampton Inn two blocks away from the French Quarter towards the CBD on the corner of Gravier and Carondelet...will i have a safe walk home at night? 2. Taking the St. Charles streetcar to the garden district and walking around the garden district...will i be safe (during the day)? THanks. I frequent NoLA. The Hampton Inn is between Poydras and Canal. A safe area. What is your definition of "safe"? Downtown New Orleans consists of The French Quarter, Central Business District and Arts/Warehouse District. The Frech Quarter has obvious boundaries The CBD is bordered by Poydras, Canal and Rampart. The Arts/Warehouse District is bordered by Poydras, Lee Circle/Andrews, St. Charles and Convention Center Blvd. (the convention center/street car line). You should be pretty much safe traveling in those area's. Just keep you wit about you as you would in Cleveland. I haven't taken the Street car up into the Garden District post Katrina, but prior, I didn't venture off of St. Charles or Carondelet. I was uneasy, ther are some gorgeous home on the Blvd and some side street but the futher you get away, I wasn't feeling it. I personally would not get off the street car until I got to Loyola / Aubudon Park. If you need any further NoLa info, let me know. Please note, the street car is not air conditioned. Punch. You can add on to my thoughts, it's the least your brown shoe wearing a$$ can do.
August 14, 200915 yr DO you suggest going to Audubon Park? That last time I was there it was nice. My last few trips, with exception to July 4 weekend, were litterally into the city for business meetings then out later that evening, so I don't know what it's like now. Most of my time is spent in the CBD/Warehouse/FQ. [*]How long with be in NoLa [*]Have you been to NoLa before? [*]What do you want to see/do?
August 14, 200915 yr I haven't taken the Street car up into the Garden District post Katrina, but prior, I didn't venture off of St. Charles or Carondelet. I was uneasy, ther are some gorgeous home on the Blvd and some side street but the futher you get away, I wasn't feeling it. I personally would not get off the street car until I got to Loyola / Aubudon Park. You sound like an elderly woman from Avon Lake. I just spent a week in New Orleans and had no problems, even in the east/northeast sides of the city (i.e. Holy Cross/Lower 9th Ward). The neighborhoods around St. Charles--especially the Garden District and Aubudon--are plenty safe.
August 14, 200915 yr I haven't taken the Street car up into the Garden District post Katrina, but prior, I didn't venture off of St. Charles or Carondelet. I was uneasy, ther are some gorgeous home on the Blvd and some side street but the futher you get away, I wasn't feeling it. I personally would not get off the street car until I got to Loyola / Aubudon Park. You sound like an elderly woman from Avon Lake. I just spent a week in New Orleans and had no problems, even in the east/northeast sides of the city (i.e. Holy Cross/Lower 9th Ward). The neighborhoods around St. Charles--especially the Garden District and Aubudon--are plenty safe. Oh no you didn't! When were you last in NoLa? I'm not saying the city is over run with criminals or unsafe, i'm just saying how I felt. I was looking for antiques and junk. When I don't feel going through your trash, that says a lot. Those countrified hillbillies are a whole different breed. When my "street smarts" kick in....I'm out. I don't stay around and look for trouble.
August 14, 200915 yr When were you last in NoLa? I'm not saying the city is over run with criminals or unsafe, i'm just saying how I felt. I was looking for antiques and junk. When I don't feel going through your trash, that says a lot. Those countrified hillbillies are a whole different breed. When my "street smarts" kick in....I'm out. I don't stay around and look for trouble. Three weeks ago, granny. Believeland--be sure to take Magazine street all the way out to Uptown; it way surpasses St. Charles.
August 14, 200915 yr When were you last in NoLa? I'm not saying the city is over run with criminals or unsafe, i'm just saying how I felt. I was looking for antiques and junk. When I don't feel going through your trash, that says a lot. Those countrified hillbillies are a whole different breed. When my "street smarts" kick in....I'm out. I don't stay around and look for trouble. Three weeks ago, granny. Believeland--be sure to take Magazine street all the way out to Uptown; it way surpasses St. Charles. HUSH!! I forgot about Magazine. Good catch! The street before Magazine is the street I was on/near when I was like I need to raise up outta here.
August 14, 200915 yr DO you suggest going to Audubon Park? That last time I was there it was nice. My last few trips, with exception to July 4 weekend, were litterally into the city for business meetings then out later that evening, so I don't know what it's like now. Most of my time is spent in the CBD/Warehouse/FQ. [*]How long with be in NoLa [*]Have you been to NoLa before? [*]What do you want to see/do? Will be there for a long weekend (3 full days) Was there once before...i was 16. Didnt enjoy nightlife or appreciate the history (loved the food though). I want to see everything in the French Quarter, including the museums. Obviously eat the food. I would like to see some of the old Garden District homes and explore some of authentic Nawlins. We may catch a saints game too. I think the last day we are going to zip over to Biloxi just to say we've been. Any suggestions welcome.
August 14, 200915 yr DO you suggest going to Audubon Park? That last time I was there it was nice. My last few trips, with exception to July 4 weekend, were litterally into the city for business meetings then out later that evening, so I don't know what it's like now. Most of my time is spent in the CBD/Warehouse/FQ. [*]How long with be in NoLa [*]Have you been to NoLa before? [*]What do you want to see/do? Will be there for a long weekend (3 full days) Was there once before...i was 16. Didnt enjoy nightlife or appreciate the history (loved the food though). I want to see everything in the French Quarter, including the museums. Obviously eat the food. I would like to see some of the old Garden District homes and explore some of authentic Nawlins. We may catch a saints game too. I think the last day we are going to zip over to Biloxi just to say we've been. Any suggestions welcome. well taking the street car and walking you'll see that. This is a list of my MUST TRY NoLa restaurants [*]Commanders Palace [*]Grill Room [*]Arnaud's [*]Embers [*]The Gumbo Shop [*]Red Fish Grill [*]Court of two sisters [*]La Provence [*]Patois [*]Pierre Maspersos And if you're out late at night and need some grease please stop by the Clover Grill for some sass! LOL
August 20, 200915 yr Just got back from NOLA. I stayed at the Hilton on St. Charles in the CBD... walked to the quarter both during the day and at night without issue. Took the streetcar out to the Garden district (where the homes sell for 750,000 and up...waaaayyyy up) felt as safe as Rocky River or Beachwood to me. I also walked back to the hotel from the arena next to the super dome at 10:00 pm without issue. The streets in the CBD are pretty empty after dusk...not like NYC or downtown Chicago...a lot like downtown Cleveland when there are no events WITHOUT all the folks waiting for buses. The transition from the CBD to the quarter are a bit sketchy...until you start running into the bourbon street crowd....and then you are in crazyland :-) Ate at the Court of the two sisters...very nice, they had a $40 4 course fix prixe menu. (during the week at least) Also recommend Herbsaint which is in the CBD and Cochon in the garden district
August 20, 200915 yr The streets in the CBD are pretty empty after dusk...not like NYC or downtown Chicago...a lot like downtown Cleveland when there are no events WITHOUT all the folks waiting for buses. The transition from the CBD to the quarter are a bit sketchy...until you start running into the bourbon street crowd....and then you are in crazyland :-) Thanks! When you say the transition is sketchy...you are talking a walk from the hotel to FQ? Im staying at the hilton garden inn on Gravier. It shows less than 2 blocks to FQ. You seemed to feel safe, hope I will as well. When you took the streetcar...was it on St. Charles or Magazine?
August 20, 200915 yr The streets in the CBD are pretty empty after dusk...not like NYC or downtown Chicago...a lot like downtown Cleveland when there are no events WITHOUT all the folks waiting for buses. The transition from the CBD to the quarter are a bit sketchy...until you start running into the bourbon street crowd....and then you are in crazyland :) Thanks! When you say the transition is sketchy...you are talking a walk from the hotel to FQ? Im staying at the hilton garden inn on Gravier. It shows less than 2 blocks to FQ. You seemed to feel safe, hope I will as well. When you took the streetcar...was it on St. Charles or Magazine? I was thinking the same thing since crossing from NoLa's CBD to the FQ is like Crossing from East Roadway (East 2) to West Roadway (West 2). Youre Crossing Canal Street into the FQ. "Downtown" NoLa isn't that big.
August 20, 200915 yr When you took the streetcar...was it on St. Charles or Magazine? Magazine does not have a streetcar, but you should certainly drive it if you have access to a car.
August 20, 200915 yr I live in NOLA now, and you are wise to ask about safety. You should be fine walking, but don't get stupid drunk and don't walk up Bourbon to Canal late at night. You will want to cut down to Royal before you cross. I have a weekend job at the Royal Sonesta in the Quarter. Unless you already booked, try the Prince Conti hotel, or one of the many boutique hotels in the Quarter. I can try to help find one if you want. Give me a shout when you are in town. Welcome to NOLA! Any suggestions welcome 1. First, not to be a jerk, but don't call it N'arlins or anything like that. It is New Orleans or NOLA 2. Beads are for Carnival season. It is fun to have someone throw you a set from a balcony, then just put it in your pocket as a souvenir 3. Frenchmen street in the Marigny is the local's bourbon street. Great music, food, and bars 4. Have a Sazerac at Tujaug's (pronounced Two Jacks) 5. Have a Cafe Au Lait and an order of Beniets at Cafe Du Monde (open 24 hours - great drunk food) 6. Take the St. Charles streetcar to riverbend in uptown, then take the next one back to the quarter :) The scenery is better than the scene 7. Look into renting a bike, my friends do that a lot when they visit. Then go up Esplanade to City Park (there is the Museum of Art there), City Park to Carrolton to St. Charles (river bend) then St. Carles back to the Quarter, Hop on over to Magazine after Audubon park. You will pass by a great cross section of the city in about a two hour bike ride. 8. HAVE FUN BUT KEEP YOUR WITTS ABOUT YOU. ALWAYS HAVE CASH IN CASE YOU ARE MUGGED. Give them at least $40 and they should leave you alone. Personally I have never had any trouble, but I'm guessing 95% of my New Orleans friends have been mugged at least once. If you are in the Quarter or the Marigny or CBD and can walk without stumbling, you should will be fine. Just keep hydrated. Give me a shout when you make it into town.
August 20, 200915 yr I live in NOLA now, and you are wise to ask about safety. You should be fine walking, but don't get stupid drunk and don't walk up Bourbon to Canal late at night. You will want to cut down to Royal before you cross. I have a weekend job at the Royal Sonesta in the Quarter. Unless you already booked, try the Prince Conti hotel, or one of the many boutique hotels in the Quarter. I can try to help find one if you want. Give me a shout when you are in town. Welcome to NOLA! Any suggestions welcome 1. First, not to be a jerk, but don't call it N'arlins or anything like that. It is New Orleans or NOLA 2. Beads are for Carnival season. It is fun to have someone throw you a set from a balcony, then just put it in your pocket as a souvenir 3. Frenchmen street in the Marigny is the local's bourbon street. Great music, food, and bars 4. Have a Sazerac at Tujaug's (pronounced Two Jacks) 5. Have a Cafe Au Lait and an order of Beniets at Cafe Du Monde (open 24 hours - great drunk food) 6. Take the St. Charles streetcar to riverbend in uptown, then take the next one back to the quarter :) The scenery is better than the scene 7. Look into renting a bike, my friends do that a lot when they visit. Then go up Esplanade to City Park (there is the Museum of Art there), City Park to Carrolton to St. Charles (river bend) then St. Carles back to the Quarter, Hop on over to Magazine after Audubon park. You will pass by a great cross section of the city in about a two hour bike ride. 8. HAVE FUN BUT KEEP YOUR WITTS ABOUT YOU. ALWAYS HAVE CASH IN CASE YOU ARE MUGGED. Give them at least $40 and they should leave you alone. Personally I have never had any trouble, but I'm guessing 95% of my New Orleans friends have been mugged at least once. If you are in the Quarter or the Marigny or CBD and can walk without stumbling, you should will be fine. Just keep hydrated. Give me a shout when you make it into town. Sweetie, the trip is over. You would have noticed if you weren't so self absorbed in shoe-gate! LOL
August 20, 200915 yr Um, is that creamer in your coffee or Irish Creme? from TODAY: Thanks! When you say the transition is sketchy...you are talking a walk from the hotel to FQ? Im staying at the hilton garden inn on Gravier. It shows less than 2 blocks to FQ. You seemed to feel safe, hope I will as well. When you took the streetcar...was it on St. Charles or Magazine?
August 20, 200915 yr Um, is that creamer in your coffee or Irish Creme? from TODAY: Thanks! When you say the transition is sketchy...you are talking a walk from the hotel to FQ? Im staying at the hilton garden inn on Gravier. It shows less than 2 blocks to FQ. You seemed to feel safe, hope I will as well. When you took the streetcar...was it on St. Charles or Magazine? oh lawd, I got ksonic and believeland1 mixed up! damnit!!
August 20, 200915 yr Oh, that is OK sir, you are allowed a few senior moments. Now don't be upset, we can get you a nice blanket and some warm Farina. :evil:
August 20, 200915 yr Oh, that is OK sir, you are allowed a few senior moments. Now don't be upset, we can get you a nice blanket and some warm Farina. >:D
August 21, 200915 yr The streets in the CBD are pretty empty after dusk...not like NYC or downtown Chicago...a lot like downtown Cleveland when there are no events WITHOUT all the folks waiting for buses. The transition from the CBD to the quarter are a bit sketchy...until you start running into the bourbon street crowd....and then you are in crazyland :-) Thanks! When you say the transition is sketchy...you are talking a walk from the hotel to FQ? Im staying at the hilton garden inn on Gravier. It shows less than 2 blocks to FQ. You seemed to feel safe, hope I will as well. When you took the streetcar...was it on St. Charles or Magazine? The street car was on St. Charles, you take it to Washington to get to the Garden district. (we printed out and did the frommers.com walking tours of the french quarter and the garden district) St. Charles crosses canal and turns into Royal. Bourbon street will be 1 block to your left. Until you get 2 or 3 blocks into the quarter at night you will not see many people (mind you this was on Mon and Tues...YMMV on a Fri or Sat) and the people you do see will be the same folks who at 11 am were buying 22 oz beers from the little mini mart you will pass and drinking them out of a paper bag on Tuesday morning. Of course this is the same mini mart the concierge sent us to to buy our 3 day visitor passes to ride the public transportation, which is also called RTA. So I don't believe he considered it unsafe. Sketchy is a place that sells cigarettes by the "each" and attracts a crowd that drinks their lunch out of a paper bag and purchases cigarettes in quantities of 1. There are plenty of hotels and B & B's in the quarter so lots of people who want to be in the quarter stay there and don't have to cross over from the CBD. Bourbon street on a Monday looked to have about as many people per sq/ft as the warehouse district on a Thursday. I will repeat what punch said above which goes for pretty much ANY unfamiliar city. 8. HAVE FUN BUT KEEP YOUR WITTS ABOUT YOU. ALWAYS HAVE CASH IN CASE YOU ARE MUGGED. Give them at least $40 and they should leave you alone. Personally I have never had any trouble, but I'm guessing 95% of my New Orleans friends have been mugged at least once. If you are in the Quarter or the Marigny or CBD and can walk without stumbling, you should will be fine. Just keep hydrated.
August 21, 200915 yr ^Yeah, but I have moved around A LOT, and never has being mugged considered a right of initiation like it is in NOLA. Locals are confused and slightly bewildered in the fact that I have not been held up yet.
August 21, 200915 yr ^Yeah, but I have moved around A LOT, and never has being mugged considered a right of initiation like it is in NOLA. Locals are confused and slightly bewildered in the fact that I have not been held up yet. Me either. And I was there during Essence Festival. It's too damn hot to mug someone down there. Pass me a hurricane please.
August 21, 200915 yr Thanks for saying hi, jerk :) Where did you stay? I work at the Sonesta on weekends. We were BUSY!!!!
August 21, 200915 yr Thanks for saying hi, jerk :) Where did you stay? I work at the Sonesta on weekends. We were BUSY!!!! Yes we bring a ton of business to your city. We stayed at the W on Poydras. I would have said "hi" but I didn't want to get caught up in ShoeGate. :P ;) ;D :P
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