1. Accept that NO is the city, it was chosen.

I passionately support this. We bullshit-consensed that we'd do a non-ranked vote, then we voted. Time to go with it.

What Betsy Said.

I think we should plan to stay inside 'til after dark -- perhaps viewing parties?

Also, it stays cooler on the bayou -- perhaps we could take a field trip and go see gators, nutria and wading birds?

I don't know about the zoo but there is an aquarium that is supposed to be really good -- devoted to fish of the Americas.

My way is not Matt's way (that is, the sleeping during the day thing; Matt himself is aces with me). Not with all the fabulous food, funky shopping and, hell, everything there is to do. I'll be maximizing daytime as well as nighttime hours.

Heather, I love your home. Love it. Only ever been there in July and August, and I am a complete weather wimp, and I loved every second of it. It is fabulous.

ETA: Yes, agreeing with the moving along and starting the fun planning portion of the adventure.

Betsy, The second half of this post has non-decadent stuff . There's also Faulkner house- all the historical buildings, antique and clothing shops. -t and I were going to put a list together of outings and stuff to go with the hotels.

Betsy, I'm sure there are city trolley/buggy/bus tours. There seem to be in most major cities. And prolly cemetary tours as well.

I've never been to NO.

Well, but New Orleans bars are destinations unto themselves. We're talking about places that have been around since the early 19th century. One's even from the 18th century.

It's not like sitting at a sports bar pounding down shooters.

It's sitting at the Napoleon House bar in the late afternoon, with the golden light filtering in and sipping your very refreshing and barely alcoholic Pimm's Cup.

It's taking a drink at the gorgeous old Columns Hotel, and watching the St. Charles Street car rumble by.

It's nibbling on an order of shrimp remoulade at the bar at Arnaud's.

One's even from the 18th century.

My favorite- Laffite's

ETA: Photo

There are non-decadent air conditioned amusements, Betsy. Off the top of my head, the Aquarium of the Americas, the Museum of Art, the Cabildo (I think, I haven't been there in a while). I know where a great quilting store is, and a yarn shop. Parts of the French Market are enclosed and air conditioned. There are more museums than I can list, actually. The zoo, however, is pretty much outdoors. It does make a nice package with the aquarium, though, in that you can ride a riverboat in between the two attractions.

Believe me, as we compile potential side trips we will keep your desires in mind.

My way is not Matt's way. Not with all the fabulous food, funky shopping and, hell, everything there is to do. I'll be maximizing daytime as well as nighttime hours.

Oh, don't think for a minute that I won't be waking up to eat during daylight hours. I may be adding Second Breakfast and Elevenses to take advantage of the location.

One of the great joys of the city is going down to the french market at sunrise to buy fresh strawberries from the produce vendors so you can eat them while reading a used paperback you bought from another vendor along the riverbank.

Note to self: buy elastic waist pants before May 2005.