I STILL LOVE NEW ORLEANS

I STILL LOVE NEW ORLEANS, IN SPITE OF KATRINA, ALL THE NEGATIVE PUBLICITY AFTERWARD AND THE OIL SPILL, YOU JUST CAN'T GET A GREAT LADY DOWN !

I have been to New Orleans since Katrina, I must admit driving into town, I was more than just a little shocked at the devastation, I was there 2 weeks after for business and have been back several times since then and unfortunately, it seems the rebuilding of certain parts are a slow to no go, but for the most part she is like a Phoenix, rising from the ashes back to greatness.
Whenever we go on a cruise, which I love, if we leave from New Orleans we go a coupla days ahead of time so we can eat, drink, gamble, walk, shop, you name it they got it.
NOLA has hotels to fit everybody's budget and taste, from new and modern to a trip back in time. The older hotels, mostly located within the French Quarter have been updated, but haven't lost their French, Spainish, Creole ambiance. The newer hotels are wonderful if you want more modern accomodations. We have tried both and loved both.
I love the laid back style of this city, you can do whatever you like at whatever pace you please. I love going to the French Market, wandering down Bourbon Street,  shopping on Magazine St. or Royal St., I have found some of the most unusual gifts for others in New Orleans, and they love em !
Eating in New Orleans is like a vacation unto itself, all you have to do is walk, look, smell and EAT ! There are over 600 restaurants in NOLA, and all are superb.
You can game in New Orleans too, if you have money to spare, or if your in luck, you can go see the Saints in their newly renovated stadium
Jackson Square is awesome, it has shops that are to die for, local artists with some of the most beautiful paintings you have ever seen, I have bought several, and restaurants.
Take your walking shoes, climb on the streetcar's, jump in a horse and buggy whatever, because there is never a lack of things to do no matter your mode of transportation.
If your into nightlife, head for Bourbon, and no matter what the news tell you, I have never been accosted on Bourbon or anywhere else in New Orleans for that matter, it is like any other city in the world, you always have to be careful and aware of your location, but it is no more dangerous, in my opinion than any place else.
Back to the nightlife, or daylife whichever, Bourbon has both, but be aware that some parts are a little to risque if you have kids with you. At night, they block Bourbon Street so you can walk, drink, dance and enjoy the night air all while feeling a freedom and revelery you can feel no where else.
I have been taking my kids since they were young, my husband and I go now by ourselves and everytime we go, it's like going to a whole new place ! I highly recommend the cemetary tours, as well as other tours that are available for all price ranges as well as age groups.
So whether you are a partier, shopper, eater, gambler, sports fan, old, young, in between or just looking for a great get away I would whole heartedly recommend NEW ORLEANS, LA !!
You can find great info on this wonderful city at The New Orleans convention and visitors bureau websitehttp://www.neworleanscvb.com/ as well as make reservations for lodging, look at tours, etc