It’s a place of mystery, a place of intrigue, and one of the most eclectic cities in America. Here, travel enthusiast Bradley Thomas Giordano answers questions about New Orleans and offers advice for first-time Crescent City visitors.
Q: Where do you like to stay in New Orleans?
Bradley Thomas Giordano: Without a doubt, the Maison Dupuy. It’s one of the oldest hotels in the area and offers modern amenities against a backdrop of traditional New Orleans style.
Q: Where is the Maison Dupuy located?
Bradley Thomas Giordano: This hotel favorite in the French Quarter is only a couple of blocks from Bourbon Street. It’s very close to the Central Business District and the Superdome, making it perfect for both professional and leisure trips.
Q: What are some of the hotel’s amenities?
Bradley Thomas Giordano: There’s a heated swimming pool in the courtyard – that alone makes this property unique. They also have a 24-hour fitness room and reasonably priced valet parking.
Q: What other restaurants in the area would you suggest?
Bradley Thomas Giordano: Luke, K-Paul’s , and Café Du Monde, definitely.
Q: Do they offer traditional New Orleans fare?
Bradley Thomas Giordano: Café Du Monde is actually the oldest coffee shop in the city. It is world-renowned for its beignets and coffee.
Q: What’s available at Luke?
Bradley Thomas Giordano: Luke is an authentic Creole restaurant that serves everything from crab omelets to its famous Seafood Gumbo A La Creole.
Q: What about nightlife in New Orleans?
Bradley Thomas Giordano: For fun after dark, I suggest heading over to Frenchmen Street. As one of the oldest Streets in New Orleans, it’s full of historical venues and restaurants.
Q: And shopping…?
Bradley Thomas Giordano: Since we are on the subject of Frenchmen Street, I’d suggest the Louisiana Music Factory. It offers a huge selection of modern and vintage vinyl records. It’s a very cool shop.
Q: Anywhere else…?
Bradley Thomas Giordano: Pretty much every street in New Orleans has at least one interesting market. But in my opinion, Royal Street probably has the best variety. This is the place to take a stroll if you’re in the mood for arts and antiques.
Q: Are there many street vendors in New Orleans?
Bradley Thomas Giordano: There are usually several around the square pretty much all year round. There’s also the French Market which actually takes up six entire blocks of the French Quarter.
Q: What can I expect to find there?
Bradley Thomas Giordano: Everything from handmade jewelry to voodoo dolls.
Q: What about sites outside of the French Quarter?
Bradley Thomas Giordano: I’d suggest heading over to the Garden District. This area features the Lafayette Cemetery which offers daily tours and is home to some of New Orleans most noted former residents.
Q: What’s the best way to get around?
Bradley Thomas Giordano: New Orleans has a really great public streetcar program that can take you to all the points of interest. It’s absolutely the most convenient way to navigate the city’s streets and lets you take in the sights along the way.
Q: Who should visit New Orleans?
Bradley Thomas Giordano: I don’t think there’s anybody who should not visit New Orleans. There are plenty of activities for families, singles, history buffs, and everyone in between.
