Is NO safe for families?

[momof4boys]

We (two families) are planning to spend five extra days in NO. Our kids range in ages from 13-19, plus a couple of "older kids--- 21 & 24." Can you tell me what is safe--day/night.

 

It seems like someone always likes to put a damper on your vacation plans and told my DH that they (married couple) just returned and did not feel safe in NO.

 

I have very fond memories of NO from the late 70s when I was a mid teen, but do not want to put us in danger. I realize it may be timing or sour grapes on the part of the other person.

 

Our group can make lemonade from lemons (last year our boat caught fire and we had to be towed from stingray city back to port and our group sang the Gilligan's Island song for months!!) But, I would like to be forwarned. Thanks. M

[steamboats]

Melinda,

 

We´ve been to NOLA a couple of times and three times with our DD (now 7 years old) and never felt uncomfortable. We´ve spent 3 nights in NOLA pre-cruise this April and one night post-cruise. As long as you´re staying in the French Quarter or the Central Business District you´ll be more than fine. Those areas are patrolled by police very often. I would not walk from the FQ to the CBD in darkness but with a larger group like yours it shouldn´t be a problem.

 

Use some common sense and you won´t have any problems especially in a larger group!

 

steamboats

[selucrey]

New Orleans is very safe ! We are there often and have actually been amazed at the number of families that we have seen lately. We have been there for events such as Mardi Gras;NYE; St Pat's and French Quarter Fest and have never had a problem.Law enforcement personell are very visible in the French Quarter and CBD. What you may think is a "bum" sitting on the curb may be a cop. As steamboats said, stay near the Quarter and you will be fine. Just in the Jackson Square area there is plenty to do/see for all ages. I would suggest the Cabildo and Presbytere on either side of St. Louis Cathederal if you like history. There is a very good Mardi Gras exhibit there also. Browse the link below for some ideas of what to do.

http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/

[bigasufan]

We were there pre and post cruise the first week in April. Absolutely felt safe the whole time. We stayed at the Drury Inn on Poydra about four blocks from the Quarter. We walked to and from every night and had no problems whatsoever. Let me suggest a place called P & G restaurant. Excellent Po' Boys. We also ate at Mothers, but did not like it near as well.

 

We also took tour of the city along with the tour of the Katrina devistation. NOLA is still beautiful and yet has years of work ahead to clean up the mess. Louisianaswamp.com is the website. City tour and post Katrina combo. Have a great time.

[steamboats]

Gray Line is also doing tours in NOLA and you can get value packages

 

http://www.graylineneworleans.com/

 

combined with a cruise on the steamer Natchez

 

http://www.steamboatnatchez.com/

 

There´s no need for online reservations. Just show up at the lighthouse ticket office on the river next to Jax Brewery and the steamer Natchez.

 

The Natchez is doing a narrated 2 hour habor cruise and is also offering a great lunch (it´s still great, we´ve did the lunch cruise in April too).

 

steamboats

[Scarlett3]

I've lived in New Orleans all my life. Trust me it's safe for families. If anything, there is an increase in patrol since Katrina.

 

The French Quarter and Jackson Square are wonderful places to tour (even as a Native to the area, I still go on tours out here to enjoy the rich history). If you are in town on a Saturday/Sunday (I say the weekend, because more venders are there on the weekend) and want to do some shopping, ask for directions to the French Market. It's an outdoor, covered area with a lot of local venders.

 

A warm welcome to you and your family!

[momof4boys]

Thank you all so much for the replies!! We are really looking forward to our time in NO, almost as much as the cruise. :)

 

We plan to put some hard cash into our support of the area. Thanks for all the suggestions of places to go. We are huge history buffs and can't wait to visit the museums and the historic places in town.

[BrendaB1]

I totally agree. I've been there several times within the last year & have never felt safer in the French Quarter. Sometimes with friends & other times alone. Police presence everywhere including bicycle, horseback, or just walking around.

 

Go & enjoy yourself. Just use common sense like you would in any large City. The crimes being reported on the news are mostly in the outlying areas that are still damaged from Katrina & it's the drug dealers , etc killing each other.....not tourists.

 

Only 5 weeks until I'll be back there for the second time this year. Can't wait for some great food, music & fun. :)

[momof4boys]

One of our friends is planning to stay in Covington, LA. (She found some good deal at a Homewood suites.) Is this an ok area or should we encourage her to stay with us?

[Scarlett3]

One of our friends is planning to stay in Covington, LA. (She found some good deal at a Homewood suites.) Is this an ok area or should we encourage her to stay with us?

 

Covington is very safe. It's on the northshore of the lake and about an hour's drive away from New Orleans.

 

If you enjoy history, make sure to check out the D-Day Museum - fantastic and allow a large amount of time to tour the museum, because there's so much to see!

[steamboats]

Melinda,

 

As Scarlett said Covington is on the other side of lake Pontchartrain and it´s about an 1 hour drive to downtown New Orleans. Driving the causeway of the lake is somewhat nice if you´re doing it once. But if you´re there for vacation I would go for a closer location.

 

steamboats

[momof4boys]

Thanks for the info!! The countdown has really started!:D

[looking_forward]

I stayed in the CBD at the Hilton in November by myself and walked daily after dark back from FQ. I have never seen so much police presence. I felt totally safe.

 

Husband and kids (ages 12 & 13) stayed 4 days in December at the same location. Saw less police, but still felt safe. The biggest problem we had was the unseasonably cold weather. Had to buy giant fleece jackets.

 

We're planning another trip back. It is an amazing city and a memorable experience. My 13 year old pronounced her desire to move there for college and settle there permanently.

[BrendaB1]

Love the Hilton-Riverside location especailly cause it's close to Harrah's, trolley & FQ. Stayed there many times alone & never felt unsafe.....before or after Katrina. But lately prices have been extremely high as they try to recapture their convention business. I've been finding better rates in the FQ.

 

Best advise is still common sense. Be aware of your suroundings as you would in any large city. Be safe, have fun & enjoy yourself. :)

[momof4boys]

Thanks. Information is still a little hard to come by (totally understandable!!!!!!)

 

We called the C&V Bureau and unfortunately printing broshures has not occured. I have been on the web and have some info.

 

Looks like the WW2 museum, the aquarium, FQ, and Jackson Square are a must. We have 5 days so we hope to see a lot. I remember the cemetry tour was fascinating, but not sure if that is even a possibility now. If you think of something else, please let me know.

[BrendaB1]

Have you tried looking at www.nola.com www.neworleansonline.com

[jgmpuma]

Next to the aquarium is the Entergy IMAX theater. They are showing a movie called Hurricane On The Bayou, which, besides being a very entertaining movie, will educate you on the geography of southern Louisiana and the importance of restoring our wetlands, especially after Katrina.

 

And for a few freebies:

 

There are free concerts in Lafayette Square through June. Great local bands. The schedule is at:

 

http://www.wednesdayatthesquare.com

 

The National Park Service offers free concerts in the French Market. Pre-K, they offered free walking tours of the French Quarter. Not sure if those are up and running yet.

 

http://www.nps.gov/jazz

 

Harrah’s Casino has some good local Latin bands on Wednesday nights at 7:30. Play the nickle slots and they will bring you free drinks.

 

Louisiana Music Factory is a music store on Decatur Street. Best selection of New Orleans and Louisiana music in the city. They have free in-store performances on Saturdays. Click on LMF News at:

 

http://www.louisianamusicfactory.com

 

For a nice little day trip, take the Algiers Ferry (just north of the aquarium: free) across the river. When you get off, look to the right and you will see the Dry Dock Café. A nice place for lunch.