The Man Trip

Description:

Audubon Park Golf Course is located just minutes from downtown New Orleans on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, across from Tulane University. It sits within Audubon Park and next to the world famous Audubon Zoo. Audubon Park opened in 1898 and was the site of the 1884 World's Fair. The golf course was redesgined in 2001 and reopened in October 2002 as one of Southeast Louisiana's most prestigious golfing destinations. Audubon Golf Course is the only public golf course to reopen in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. The city's newest golf course combines over one hundred years of history with the latest in golf course design. The Denis Griffiths design features contoured fairways, manicured Tif Eagle greens, four lagoons and exquisite landscaping on a par 62, 4,220-yard layout set among hundred year-old oak trees.

Description:

Take a short bus ride down Esplanade Avenue and discover this cafe near the racetrack. Locals have been keeping this favorite haunt a secret for far too long. The no frills appearance offers a Mardi Gras decor, with memorabilia that is never taken down. The kitchen here quite possibly serves the best gumbo in town. You may follow that with fried shrimp, catfish or a platter of oysters. The homemade salad dressings are also delicious.

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New Orleans is home to world famous, first-class restaurants. But the locals know some of the best food can be found at little neighborhood places. The casual, old New Orleans neighborhood feeling of Ignatius Eatery & Grocery is unmistakable. The Crawfish, Corn and Potato Soup serve up all of the flavors of a crawfish boil in one bowl and the Roast Beef Po' Boy is arguably one of the best in New Orleans. A delectable brunch menu combines breakfast favorites with New Orleans traditions to create tasty treats like Jambalaya and Crawfish Etouffe Omelets. Check the chalk board on the sidewalk for a daily special that has been known to feature dishes like a Sautéed Shrimp Remoulade Po' Boy or Boudin Meatloaf.

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This 19th-century landmark allows visitors to experience the thrill of live thoroughbred racing for the entire winter season (Thanksgiving to late March). The races can be viewed via real-time simulcast television or, for you die-hards, live at the finish line. Visitors can also enjoy buffet-style dining, snack concessions and bars. Do not forget to stop by the Mane Attractions Gift Shop to pick up a trinket for the horse lovers you left at home. Jazz fest is held here too.

Description:

The National D-Day Museum is made up of four sections, each containing a different exhibit. A variety of artifacts, testimonies and documents, particularly those chronicling the World War II period, are on display. There is a permanent exhibit, as well as temporary exhibits and electronic exhibits, all of which transport visitors back to that time in history. In addition, two movies are screened several times daily in the museum's Malcolm S. Forbes Theatre - these are "Price For Peace" and "D-Day Remembered".

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Cochon captures the true essence of Cajun and Southern cooking. Chef Donald Link brings his love for southern Louisiana foods to every plate at Cochon. His lifetime of experience cooking with his family at their homes in Crowley and Rayne, allow guests to share in his passion for real country and home cooking. The food is focused and simple, featuring roasted meats with natural sauces, homemade sausages, and fresh local seafood. The menu compliments the rustic, yet contemporary setting of the dining room. The Bar at Cochon features signature cocktails as well as the classic libations of New Orleans. A diverse beer selection with an emphasis on local micro-brews offers a cool contrast with the sometimes spicy cuisine. Happy Hour daily from 4-6PM.

Description:

The gray, bombed-out building that looks as if it were erected just shortly after the dawn of time (or at least the dawn of New Orleans) doesn't seem like much, but it's a mecca for traditional-jazz fans. This is an essential spot for anyone coming to New Orleans. No amplification, no air-conditioning -- it doesn't get any more authentic than this. It's not quite as dirt-cheap as it used to be, but it still is one of your must-do stops on your trip. After all, this place is so awesome, U2's Edge sat in for a set when in town working on his New Orleans music charity.

With no seats, terrible sightlines, and constant crowds, you won't be able to see much, but you won't care because you will be having too fun and cheerfully sweaty a time. Even if you don't consider yourself interested in jazz, there is a seriously good time to be had here, and you very probably will come away with a new appreciation for the music. Patrons start lining up at 6:15pm -- the doors open at 8pm, so the trick to avoid the line is to get here either just as the doors open or later in the evening. The band plays until midnight, and the first audience usually empties out around 10pm.

A sign on the wall gives prices for requests -- figure on $10 for "Saints Go Marchin' In," $5 for everything else. (One night some big spenders tossed seven $100 bills for seven rounds of "Saints.") Or just offer something. Thanks to the casual atmosphere, not to mention the cheap cover, Preservation Hall is one of the few nightspots where it's appropriate to take kids. Early in the evening you'll notice a number of local families doing just that. Call ahead for current open hours.

Description:

It's been around long enough that its prefab yuppie patina has worn off, aging it into another excellent New Orleans bar. Better still, their live bookings are increasing in profile, with a wide variety of excellent local acts, including magnificent crooner John Boutte as a frequent performer. It helps that when they say an act goes on at 7pm, they usually do. Early shows are often free, but get to the later shows early if you want to see the band, because the stage is set fairly low and the talkers at the bar can be loud. The list of 160 beers (best selection in the city), wines, and other drinks is most impressive.