Riverwalk along the Mississippi-revised 2003

To thoroughly experience the Riverwalk, start at the end of town at St. Philip and Esplanade, work your way through the French Market (a must) and Cafe du Monde. Both are actually open 24 hours! Stroll the Moonwalk, through Woldenburg Park, all the way to the Aquarium of the Americas. Sit along the banks of the Mississippi and watch passengers board the "Steamboat Natchez" or the "Cajun Queen".If you''re not exhausted by now, stop into the Riverwalk Marketplace to do some high-end specialty shopping and maybe grab a bite to eat. After that you can even hop across the street to do some gambling in Harrah's.

Quick Tips:

Depending on your schedule you can take this trip at a leisurely pace or give it a quick once-over. It lends itself to both time frames. Pick up your New Orleans souvenirs, etc. at the French Market. The best prices AND selection for authentic Mardi Gras memorabilia.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking is the best way to stroll this area, but if you get tired on the way back, opt for a carriage ride (you can pick one up in front of Jackson Square) for a romantic ride with a knowledgeable (or at least colorful) driver who will point out items of interest. For the real slackers you can take the streetcar (it runs the length of the river-1.8 miles and makes 8 stops. Ittakes about 15 minutes and costs .25.

On a gray, blustery December afternoon, there was nothing more inviting than stopping in at Cafe du Monde for some beignets, coffee with chicory, and excellent hot chocolate. It is always crowded--you may have to wait a few minutes for service, but it is considered a New Orleans institution. I have to say it honestly isn''t my very favorite place to go in the Big Easy, but it is worth a trip. The beignets are delicious, but sink to your stomach immediately. Don''t eat more than two unless you want to feel extremely stuffed for the rest of the day. The menu is extremely limited . . . beignets, coffee with chicory, hot chocolate. That''s it. It''s location right outside of the French Market makes it an easy and popular spot for prearranged "meeting" with other members of your party.

This is one of the few spots in New Orleans that we love so much we have returned to more than TWICE! Why? The ambience . . . yes. The wait staff is always friendly, colorful, and welcoming. We love the catfish, crawfish gumbo, Hurricanes, and just about everything we've ever sampled here. We would choose it over Cafe du Monde any time for breakfast. It was even our choice for lunch on Christmas Day. We could actually sit outside! The service is good and so is the food. It's great for people-watching and for a quick bite after shopping at the French Market.

Some of my favorites also include crawfish (sloppy to eat but SOOOO good), fried oyster po'boy, catfish po'boy, and great fries!!!. If you are looking for real food, it puts Cafe du Monde to shame. . .

Believe it or not . . . New Orleans has its own "World Trade Center," which has been there for some 60 years. It provides a thrilling view of New Orleans, the Mississippi, and surrounding areas from the nightclub/bar at its top. The club is more "'80s-disco-era" in decor and atmosphere, but it's definitely worth a trip to the top to see the rotating view.

Fortunately you don't have to watch old Michael Jackson videos to experience the Moonwalk. But you do need to travel to Jackson Square (no relation) in New Orleans to take a romantic stroll along the Mississippi River. From this walkway, you can watch river traffic coming into and going out of the second busiest port in the world! It was not named for the moon, but actually for former mayor of the Big Easy, "Moon Landrieu," who was responsible for building it during his administration. It is directly across the street from Jackson Square and only takes 15 to 20 minutes to walk, allowing for a stop here and there for sightseeing.

Taking a break among the trees and open spaces of Woldenberg Park after a morning of touring the French Quarter was my favorite part of the day.

For $1.25, it’s a bargain (especially if you have sore, achy feet). If you are on a day pass ($5 on St. Charles Streetcar), you can ride this trolley as well as city buses. You can board at any stop -- price is the same. The eight stops include:
#8- Julia Street/Riverwalk: Take the neat escalators (glass) for upscale shopping, food, and fun.
#7 Poydras St. Audubon Aquarium.
#6 Canal Street and Woldenburg Riverfront Park. There is a big parking lot here and IMAX theater.
#4 Toulouse St. -- Steamboat Natchez, Jax Brewery, and you can catch the free ferry to Algiers from here.
#3 Cafe du Monde is a famous outdoor cafe where you can munch on beignets while drinking hot chocolate or coffee with chicory.
#2 Ursulines Street -- Governor Nichols Wharf and French Market (indoor section).
#1 Esplanade (end of the line) -- Other end of French Market (outdoor flea market).

Any tour of the Riverwalk must begin at the French Market. The market starts at St. Philip Street and goes to the edge of the French Quarter at Esplanade. This historic landmark has been around since the 1700s. Open in all types of weather, the awning-covered outdoor shopping mall contains jewelry, crafts, clothing, food, souvenirs, and produce. You can find flea-market junk, antiques, Mardi Gras memorabilia, and a plethora of other itenms, depending on the season and vendor. The famous Cafe Du Monde is located right in the market (see journal entry), but we prefer ending our shopping spree at the French Market Café (see journal entry), just a short walk from the market.

This is the best place to purchase New Orleans souvenirs or Mardi Gras mementos. You’ll find T-shirts, beads of every size and description, feather and glitter masks, costumed dolls, colored feather boas, and wild and wacky hats, all for the best prices anywhere in town. There are also many food vendors, who will gladly ship your gifts. Send the folks back home some pralines, Cajun hot sauce, gumbo filé powder, delicious fresh fruit, Hurricane mix, or any of a myriad of offerings available.

No trip to New Orleans is complete without spending an hour or so in the French Market!