DEL.ICIO.USFROM ATLANTA TO LOUISIANA
One city, three price points: A weekend in New Orleans
For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, May 03, 2009
BUDGET
Getting there
Elizabeth's Restaurant
Elizabeth’s, which also has outdoor seating, is known for its brunches.
Bill Haber / Associated Press
The National World War II Museum is one of 30 attractions available on the Power Pass.
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One-way rates $99; 21-day advance; from $64 during frequent sales; AirTran or Delta.
Stay
The graceful Hotel Provincial features a quiet courtyard, two private swimming pools and guestrooms with 19th-century architecture. This family-run hotel includes continental breakfast with room rates from $99 in May; from $79 in June. www.hotelprovincial.com, 1024 Rue Chartres, 504-581-4995.
Eat
Find “Real food done real good” at Elizabeth’s Restaurant. Best brunch items, served Sat., Sun. 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., include sweet rice fritters; praline bacon ($5); and Red Neck eggs ($13). Seasonal outdoor seating. www.elizabeths-restaurant.com, 601 Gallier St., 504-944-9272.
Experience
Visit St. Louis Cathedral, a national historic landmark (est. 1720) overlooking Jackson Square. A top tour choice is the two-hour guided Garden District walking tour through antebellum-era neighborhoods and the famed Lafayette Cemetery. $15 adults; $7 children 6-12; cash only. www.tourneworleans.com. The best $1.25 spent is for a ride on the historic St. Charles Streetcar along a 13-mile route with views of uptown. www.norta.com/StCharles.
MODERATE
Getting there
Travel one-way by air and then ride the rails home (bring along a picnic) during the daytime (7 a.m.-7 p.m.) aboard Amtrak. $116 reserved seats for two adults; add $47 for a “roomette” for two persons; $70 for a bedroom. www.amtrak.com.
Stay
Elvis stayed at the classy Roosevelt while filming “King Creole.” You can, too, starting in June after a massive restoration of this 126-year-old elegant downtown hotel. Highlights: A Guerlain Spa; Domenica, a John Besh restaurant; and the famous Blue Room for Sunday Jazz Brunch. Grand opening rates from $169; lower during off-peak seasons. www.therooseveltneworleans.com, 123 Baronne St., 504-648-1200.
Eat
Enjoy Southern Italian dishes with a touch of Creole at Irene’s Cuisine. A specialty is pollo rosemarino, twice-marinated, twice-baked chicken. Entrees to $24. No reservations; 539 St. Philip St., 504-529-8811.
Experience
New on the jazz scene is Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse. Mayfield’s is inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Live shows four nights a week — all free except special cabaret and burlesque shows. Traditional New Orleans menu, including signature milk and cookies. www.sonesta.com/RoyalNewOrleans, 300 Bourbon St., 504-586-0300.
SPLURGE
Getting there
One-way, walk-up business class rates $363; AirTran or Delta.
Stay
The Romantic Rendezvous package at the Windsor Court Hotel includes Club Suite accommodations and access to the Club Lounge overlooking the city with two outdoor terraces, two fireplaces. Included is extended continental breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres with drinks, a bottle of champagne, wine and a goodie-filled picnic basket; from $375 to May 14; from $355 May 18-Sept. 30. www. windsorcourthotel.com, 300 Gravier St., 504-523-6000.
Eat
Elegant Stella! is in the French Quarter with abundant appetizer choices ($10-$22) and innovative, international entrees from crawfish to Moo Shoo ($31-$39). www.restaurantstella.com, 1032 Chartres St., 504-587-0091.
Experience
Get into the city’s top 30 attractions with a Power Pass: National WWII Museum; Mardi Gras World; New Orleans Museum of Art; a Mississippi cruise; Swamp Boat tour; Audubon Zoo; Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and more and up to $300 in savings at shops, restaurants, tours. $80.10 two-day adult ticket; $54 children 12 and younger. A three-day pass $119/$89, respectively; visiticket.com/neworleans.
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