New Orleans

New Happenings at the Foot of Canal Street

My wife and I decided to see the acclaimed IMAX movie, "Hurricane on the Bayou" this weekend. On our way there we stopped in Canal Place to make our regular stop at Starbuck's Coffee, and do a little window shopping. We were happy to see that Saks Fifth Avenue will soon be having their Grand Reopening Gala! It seems that, not only will we be welcoming the return of Saks… Read More »

Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers to help rebuild New Orleans! New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity is a volunteer-driven organization. Working side-by-side with the family who will live in the house, volunteers experience the joy created as a family realizes their dream of home ownership. Currently, NOAHH is looking for construction volunteers for work in the upper ninth ward. No construction experience needed, all skill… Read More »

Katrina: A Year in Remembrance

As we approach the one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, newspaper articles and documentaries on television will bring back the vivid memories of how New Orleans was devastated by the worst natural disaster in US History. We will be reminded of the levee failures and who are to blame, that 80% of New Orleans was flooded, and that looting and crime were out of control. We will be reminded of… Read More »

Andreas: A Great Dining Experience

This past Saturday night my wife and I had dinner with good friends at Andreas Restaurant in Metairie. I've enjoyed great meals there before but, in this post-Katrina world, I now have a greater appreciation for extra special experiences and realize what a gem we have right here in Jefferson Parish. The atmosphere was very cozy and friendly, and even at capacity, I still felt very comfortable because tables are… Read More »

Dungeness Crabs and The IMPROV at Harrah’s!

This past Friday night, my wife and I went to Harrah's with friends for dinner and to attend the IMPROV comedy show. Friday night at Harrah's for dinner is very popular because it's "Dungeness Crab" night. We met at 6 pm and the lines for this special buffet were already wrapped around the restaurant area. Within 30 minutes we were seated for what was about to be a mouth watering… Read More »

Katrina FAQs

Your site says that New Orleans is open for business...what about the hurricane? Didn't it destroy most of New Orleans? Everyone in New Orleans has been or knows someone who has been affected in some way but no, Katrina did not destroy most of New Orleans. Just neighborhoods you would not see if you did not look for them. You'll see from pictures on this site and the news that… Read More »

$1.50 Chocolate Snowball Please!

Several nights a week, my wife and I cool off with a snowball from Casey's on West Esplanade in Metairie! Many nights, it's the meeting place for several of our friends.Snowballs are a tradition for locals all around the New Orleans area. For me, it's as New Orleans as Red Beans & Rice or even Mardi Gras! Many towns across the country have "snow-cones" but they are nothing like our… Read More »

Our July 4th Celebration: This year is special

For the last 15 years, I have spent my July 4th evenings working the Go 4th on the River Celebration. Each year, the entire Riverfront is crowded not only with locals but also with visitors from the Essence Festival, an annual July 4th weekend event which produces sold out hotels and very happy restaurants and retail businesses. But there was a different scenario this year...the year after Katrina set our… Read More »

Rediscover New Orleans!

I have spent the last 30 years of my life promoting New Orleans. After Katrina, besides my home flooding, I was not called back to work. My job was to promote an attraction in New Orleans. Much has changed in my life in the last 10 months, but the one thing that has not changed is my love for New Orleans. I find myself thinking of all the reasons visitors… Read More »

Thank you, 17,500 Librarian Visitors!

If you were Downtown this past week it felt so good to see convention delegates in mass numbers walking the streets, shopping, eating (spending money) and having fun. The American Library Association's annual conference was a huge success in more ways than one. Besides the normal benefits to an association to have a smooth and successful event, it was so beneficial to our tourism economy. Additionally, with 17,000+ delegates returning… Read More »