One Day in Mid-City

Description:

Among a long list of funky local joints, this is a classic New Orleans neighborhood restaurant. Owned and operated by the Mandina family since the late 1800s, the menu has not changed much over the last 50 years. And you'll be thankful, because everything they make is quite tasty. Appetizers include fried onion rings, shrimp remoulade and crawfish cakes. Specials range from trout meuniere to red beans and rice with Italian sausage. If you're craving seafood you can't go wrong with the shrimp or oyster loaf (available in season). For the finishing touch, try the Creole bread pudding.

Description:

This typical West Indies-style plantation home, restored and furnished with early 19th century Louisiana and American antiques, dates back to 1799, when it became the home of James Pitot, the first mayor of incorporated New Orleans. It is near city park and is a short cab ride from The French Quarter. You may tour this historic New Orleans landmark.

Description:

Located in Mid-City, near Lake Ponchatrain, is beautiful 1300-acre City Park. City Park is the home of the Botanical Garden and the New Orleans Museum of Art, as well as the Besthof Sculpture Garden, through which visitors can wander for free. Kids can meet life-size replicas of fairy tale characters in Storyland, enjoy rides at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, or take a train ride around the entire park. City Park also has tennis courts, walking trails, a golf course and driving range, stables, and paddle boats. If you're looking for something simpler, take a walk around the duck pond or just stroll through the grounds, admiring the bald cypress trees and live oaks. City Park has more live oak trees than anywhere else in the world, some of which are several hundred years old. Although there is a playground, kids might rather explore the low, sweeping branches of these beautiful trees.

Description:

This 10 acre garden is a tropical conservatory including a water lily pond, formal rose garden, azalea, camellia gardens and a horticultural garden. Scattered throughout are fountains and sculptures by world renowned artist Enrique Alfreez (a New Orleans local). Take a guided tour or browse through the library and gift shop, The Pavillion of the Two Sisters.

Our Local Expert Says:

A top-notch museum just a short ride down the Canal Street streetcar line from the French Quarter, NOMA features renowned traveling and permanent exhibits and the new Besthoff Sculpture Garden and is adjacent to beautiful, sprawling City Park. Make a day trip of a visit to all three.

Description:

Located in beautiful City Park, this breathtaking museum houses nearly 40,000 paintings, sculptures and prints, plus the Courtyard Cafe and the Museum Shop. The art comes from across the globe and represents everything from Southwestern Native American art to 19th century French Impressionists.

Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm; Fridays until 9pm.

Description:

The 19th-century French Impressionist, Edgar Degas, once lived in the fashionable Creole district. This is a charming place to eat outdoors, but with all the comforts of indoor dining. Located on Esplanande Avenue, this chic neighborhood restaurant provides a pleasant atmosphere whether you dine on a cool evening or a sunny afternoon. This casual but classy experience offers a variety of French fare. Try the Chicken Bouchee or the Coquelet Aux Herbs et Aioli, which are excellent. If you have vegatarian tastes, try the Melange De Legumes. Reservations for parties of three or more are required.