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.

I'm so excited about NO being chosen. I have NOT A CLUE if I can make it, but just the idea that if I wanted to, I could hop on a plane and hang out with the coolest kids around in such a fantastic city. Yippeeeee!

Now, someone just find me the cash.

Matt - I can send you some maternity pants. God willing I won't be wearing them in May.

Thanks, -t. I'm very excited about this.

It's a gorgeous city. I was there a few years ago during Mardi Gras and am looking forward to seeing it again when it's not overrun with drunken parties. I'm planning to come out for a full week so I plan to see some of the graveyards and really check out the French Quarter and just enjoy.

Ooh, riverboat ride between the zoo and the aquarium! That's sounds lovely.

On the water will definitely be cooler.

I wonder if they do cemetary tours at night? That might be fun -- isn't NO all crypts and sarcophaguses due to the low elevation?