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Post by bearmom on Jan 15, 2015 12:36:17 GMT
We are trying to decide where to go for vacation this year. Dh, me, dds 15 and 13.
Have you been to either or both?
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Post by coaliesquirrel on Jan 15, 2015 14:33:35 GMT
When are you going and what kinds of things do you like to do? We *love* NOLA, but it SUCKS when it's hot (we go in March and it's lovely then - July, notsomuch). There's lots of neat historical-type stuff there, architecture, etc., but that may not interest you. OH - and it's a WONDERFUL place if you're a foodie!  |
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Post by moveablefeast on Jan 15, 2015 15:24:37 GMT
I'm a NOLA girl at heart. It's one of my favorite cities. I can't wait to go again. I love the walking tours, the food, the music, the plantations and all that. I would move there is my husband would go with me. There's about a block or two of Bourbon Street where it's not particularly family friendly, but aside from a bit of voodoo weirdness, there is little offense to be had.
I found Nashville terminally dull but obviously people really like going there - it's just not for me. The country music scene is just not my bag.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2015 15:42:54 GMT
New Orleans hands down. Nashville is also nice, but New Orleans has so much cool history.
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Post by JustCallMeMommy on Jan 15, 2015 15:48:58 GMT
I'm probably completely wrong on this, but I think it would be easier to "fill" a vacation with interesting things to do in NO. I grew up about an hour from New Orleans, and I still haven't done everything I want to do there.
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akathy
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Post by akathy on Jan 15, 2015 15:51:07 GMT
I've been to both and would go back to both. It all depends on what you're looking for. Country or blues? Party or laid back? Etc. Both places have lots of history and lots of things to do. I think if I were taking kids I'd choose Nashville but that's me. Personally I loved both places but would go back to New Orleans first.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2015 15:57:51 GMT
I've been to both also. I loved them both. I would go back to either but NO would be first choice.
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Post by peano on Jan 15, 2015 16:03:15 GMT
Lived in New Orleans, never been to Nashville. Obviously, you will never run out of stuff to do in New Orleans, but as others have said, summer in New Orleans is brutally hot and humid. If it's cold, it's the coldest place on earth because it's so damp. Spring and autumn are sublime.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2015 16:32:28 GMT
I've been to both and like both a lot. But for a vacation, I'd choose New Orleans.
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LeaP
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Post by LeaP on Jan 15, 2015 17:05:45 GMT
I've been to both and would choose New Orleans. The food alone is worth the trip.
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Post by monicad on Jan 15, 2015 17:11:58 GMT
I'm a NOLA girl at heart. It's one of my favorite cities. I can't wait to go again. I love the walking tours, the food, the music, the plantations and all that. I would move there is my husband would go with me. There's about a block or two of Bourbon Street where it's not particularly family friendly, but aside from a bit of voodoo weirdness, there is little offense to be had. I found Nashville terminally dull but obviously people really like going there - it's just not for me. The country music scene is just not my bag. I haven't been to Nashville (other than the airport, LOL) but I finally made it NOLA a few months ago and totally fell in love! We ran nonstop for several days and there was still so much we didn't get to do. Like the poster above, I would love to buy a little house and go a few times a year to visit. The food...the food is to die for. There is so much personality and culture there, and I found people to be really friendly. I think I need to book a flight now! |
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valleyview
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Post by valleyview on Jan 15, 2015 17:48:04 GMT
Been to both - love NOLA the most, especially with kids.
Only advice with kids - plan well and avoid Bourbon Street at night. Also, like others have said, avoid summer. But, I took teens to New Orleans, and they loved going to such an international city in the US. It's great for kids to learn about dining out as a cultural norm - along with dressing for dinners out. The food culture is great, and my kids loved the zoo and aquarium. Music, street performers, architecture, swamps, and more...
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Post by PepsiGal on Jan 15, 2015 18:25:49 GMT
I live in NOLA (Metairie to be exact) and this is a fascinating city. We have dozens of festivals all year round so check that out for sure. We also have the World War II museum. Yes, the food is the best and you have so many choices. We also have tours of the swamps and cemeteries. BUT as others posters have said DO NOT COME IN THE SUMMERTIME - the heat and humidity are a killer. March and April and sometime the first of June are good months for vacation. I've been to Nashville also and thoroughly enjoyed it but at the time I was into country music but that's all we did......Opryland and the Grand Ole Opry.
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Post by minimcguyvergirl on Jan 15, 2015 19:24:43 GMT
I live in the NOLA area -- my hubby was born and raised there. There is a lot to do and tourists always tell us they have a great time. We take it for granted, I guess. The food alone is definitely worth the trip. I'd very much miss our food if we ever relocated.
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61redhead
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Jun 28, 2014 11:27:52 GMT
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Post by 61redhead on Jan 15, 2015 23:28:03 GMT
OK. So I have friends, a middle aged couple who are healthy, enjoy being outdoors, etc, who are going to New Orleans in April. The wife is not convinced that she is going to enjoy this trip. So for a first time visitor, what would you suggest that is not to be missed, in the way of restaurants, tours, etc. My friend would really appreciate some first hand knowledge of the city. TIA!
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Post by bearmom on Jan 15, 2015 23:42:36 GMT
So, it's been decided to go to NOLA. We will be there in the spring, so hopefully the weather won't be too hot.
Now what are the must dos? Older dd lives history but also wants some downtime (high school). Younger dd, not sure (she is ambivilant about everything, except Disney). We are used to doing a lot of walking and won't have a car unless we decide to do a beach day (is that even possible)?
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Post by cadoodlebug on Jan 16, 2015 0:35:32 GMT
Been to both, lived in NOLA, would go to NOLA in a heartbeat.  ETA: If the wooly caterpillars are out DO NOT TOUCH!! Their sting is beyond painful. Don't ask how I know.  |
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Rhondito
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Post by Rhondito on Jan 16, 2015 0:38:53 GMT
So, it's been decided to go to NOLA. We will be there in the spring, so hopefully the weather won't be too hot. Now what are the must dos? Older dd lives history but also wants some downtime (high school). Younger dd, not sure (she is ambivilant about everything, except Disney). We are used to doing a lot of walking and won't have a car unless we decide to do a beach day (is that even possible)? There's no beach in New Orleans... You would have to drive to MS for that. You want have a problem finding things to do. Heck, I love going just to walk around and eat.  |
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Post by cadoodlebug on Jan 16, 2015 0:40:46 GMT
So, it's been decided to go to NOLA. We will be there in the spring, so hopefully the weather won't be too hot. Now what are the must dos? Older dd lives history but also wants some downtime (high school). Younger dd, not sure (she is ambivilant about everything, except Disney). We are used to doing a lot of walking and won't have a car unless we decide to do a beach day (is that even possible)? There's no beach in New Orleans... You would have to drive to MS for that. You want have a problem finding things to do. Heck, I love going just to walk around and eat. Aw, there is a beach at the lakefront of Ponchartrain. I had my first ever kiss by the Mardi Gras Fountain at the Lake. |
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Rhondito
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Post by Rhondito on Jan 16, 2015 0:45:20 GMT
Aw, there is a beach at the lakefront of Ponchartrain. I had my first ever kiss by the Mardi Gras Fountain at the Lake. I was sitting here wondering if there was one at Lake Ponchartrain... I've never known of it and my cousins who lived there never mentioned it. |
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Post by cadoodlebug on Jan 16, 2015 0:47:26 GMT
Aw, there is a beach at the lakefront of Ponchartrain. I had my first ever kiss by the Mardi Gras Fountain at the Lake. I was sitting here wondering if there was one at Lake Ponchartrain... I've never known of it and my cousins who lived there never mentioned it. I'm not saying I would swim in it as it was polluted about every other day when we lived there in the 60's. But there is sand.  |
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Post by anxiousmom on Jan 16, 2015 0:57:50 GMT
I know two people who have lived or are currently living in Baton Rogue (outside of New Orleans.) Both are from Florida (my brother and my kid) and are intimately familiar with Florida humidity and heat. And both have said that the humidity is worse in Baton Rogue than here. I had a hard time believing them when brother said so, but the boy agreed and I suppose that it I have to go with what they say. So while I haven't been to New Orleans, I am just going to add to the discussion that unless you are really okay with the heat/humidity, I would probably stay away until either the fall or spring. |
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Post by mollycoddle on Jan 16, 2015 1:00:51 GMT
New Orleans. Great food, great scenery. The French Quarter is not to be missed.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2015 1:07:23 GMT
Headed to Nashville right this very minute for a long weekend getaway w Dh...we lived in Nashville for 16 years and I love it.
I've been to New Orleans 4 times...I could go again and hit several restaurants that I have on my list to try but if there was a choice, I'm going to Nashville. Hands down.
There is sooo much more to Nashville than just country music.
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Post by beachbum on Jan 16, 2015 2:06:54 GMT
I lived an hour away from Nashville for many years and have been to NOLA close to a dozen times. I'd go back to NOLA in a heartbeat, Nashville only because our DS lives 30 miles away. I really don't care for country music which takes much of the tourist type stuff out of that equation. NOLA has much more to offer, my 2¢.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2015 2:09:36 GMT
I've always associated New Orleans with partying, and partying has never been my cuppa tea, so I've never went but a couple of times, though I've lived fairly close just about my whole life. I'm going this weekend though, and I'm looking forward to it. We're going to the Aquarium, the French Market, and 3 or so yummy restaurants. I agree with the others...anywhere on the Gulf Coast is going to be super hot/humid in the summer...so unless you don't mind that, I'd go at another time. |
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Post by cadoodlebug on Jan 16, 2015 2:17:36 GMT
I know two people who have lived or are currently living in Baton Rogue (outside of New Orleans.) Both are from Florida (my brother and my kid) and are intimately familiar with Florida humidity and heat. And both have said that the humidity is worse in Baton Rogue than here. I had a hard time believing them when brother said so, but the boy agreed and I suppose that it I have to go with what they say. So while I haven't been to New Orleans, I am just going to add to the discussion that unless you are really okay with the heat/humidity, I would probably stay away until either the fall or spring. I lived in Baton Rouge from 66 until I got married in 84. My parents lived in Clearwater. I think Florida has worst humidity. |
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cheleoh
Junior Member
Posts: 81
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Post by cheleoh on Jan 16, 2015 2:18:31 GMT
Definitely NOLA.
My daughter lives in Nashville, and I've been there 4 times (twice before she lived there, and twice to visit her). I have run out of things to do with her. Especially because neither of us likes country music (we have been able to find some indy music at times, but still...).
I'll be there in June again (flying in and out of BNA enroute to other places) and I'm already trying to find ways to cut the visit shorter since I know we'll both be bored. LOL
She loves her job, and she loves her friends, but she doesn't like Nashville.
Chele :-)
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Post by anxiousmom on Jan 16, 2015 2:42:16 GMT
I know two people who have lived or are currently living in Baton Rogue (outside of New Orleans.) Both are from Florida (my brother and my kid) and are intimately familiar with Florida humidity and heat. And both have said that the humidity is worse in Baton Rogue than here. I had a hard time believing them when brother said so, but the boy agreed and I suppose that it I have to go with what they say. So while I haven't been to New Orleans, I am just going to add to the discussion that unless you are really okay with the heat/humidity, I would probably stay away until either the fall or spring. I lived in Baton Rouge from 66 until I got married in 84. My parents lived in Clearwater. I think Florida has worst humidity. We are in central Florida, my brother is in St. Pete-so what this tells me is that humidity is about the same, we just like to complain. |
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Post by peasful1 on Jan 16, 2015 13:12:06 GMT
I know two people who have lived or are currently living in Baton Rogue (outside of New Orleans.) Both are from Florida (my brother and my kid) and are intimately familiar with Florida humidity and heat. And both have said that the humidity is worse in Baton Rogue than here. I had a hard time believing them when brother said so, but the boy agreed and I suppose that it I have to go with what they say. So while I haven't been to New Orleans, I am just going to add to the discussion that unless you are really okay with the heat/humidity, I would probably stay away until either the fall or spring. It's Baton Rouge. Rouge, French for red, not rogue. |
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