If you're looking for a place to "pass a good time" in New Orleans, you can't go wrong spending a day at City Park. Spanning 1,300 acres, this 150 year old urban park is one of the oldest of its kind in the United States. The park features dozens of attractions and amenities including a botanical garden, tennis courts, The New Orleans Museum of Art, a golf course, pedal boating, and paths for jogging, biking or walking. There's lots of family-friendly attractions including City Putt miniature golf, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland Theme Park, featuring life-sized storybook characters that will delight visitors of all ages. It might sound cliche-ish but there's literally something for everyone to enjoy at City Park.
Parking and public transportation at New Orleans City Park
There's ample free onsite parking in one of the available lots or on the streets blanketing the park. You can easily access the park using public transportation, on either a city bus or the red Canal Streetcar using direct and connecting service.
Best and worst times to go to New Orleans City Park
In addition to all of the great attractions in City Park, the site is the venue for numerous special events throughout the year. One of the best times to visit the park is during one of these events like Swing in the Oaks, a free outdoor concert featuring the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra or Celebration in the Oaks, a month-long holiday lights celebration. One of the worst times to visit City Park is during Jazz Fest weekends. You can expect tons of traffic and very few (if any) places to park because many park and walk to the New Orleans Fairgrounds or take a shuttle bus to the popular music festival.
Admission to New Orleans City Park
Admission to the park is free, however, there are fees for many of the special attraction venues. For example, you can expect to pay around $5.00 for admission to the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, with children under 36 inches getting in free. The rides in the amusement park cost about $5 each or in the $20 range for an unlimited ride band. You'll pay about $10 for City Putt, with discounts for children under twelve.
Must see/do at New Orleans City Park
You cannot visit the park without strolling around Big Lake, 25 acres replete with art installations, wildlife and more. The Train Gardens is an architecturally stunning miniature New Orleans with train and street cars winding around the track that you'll definitely want to visit. When you're ready for a snack, stop by Morning Call for hot fluffy New Orleans beignets and a cup of java ( a playground is adjacent for the kiddies).
Other places to visit near New Orleans City Park
If you're hungry for authentic New Orleans cuisine after your visit, try Ralph's on the Park, where you'll find favorites like turtle soup, barbeque shrimp and of course, several seafood dishes. Residents of New Orleans get used to seeing our dead buried above ground, but many visitors are fascinated by our cemeteries. If you are too, stop by the historic Greenwood Cemetery, to see examples of classic and extravagant tombs and monuments. A few steps away from the park is Pitot House, well worth a visit if you want to see an authentic example of an 18th Century Creole home.
Insider tip for visitors to New Orleans City Park
A great way to see the park is by bike. No bike..no problem. Bike rentals are available and include everything from singles to kids to doubles to canopied surrey bikes. You can expect to pay about $20-35 an hour or about $50 for a full day rental.
Author's bio: Myra Faye Turner lives in New Orleans and along with her son Tyler, has spent too many days to count enjoying City Park.
After an $80 million facelift, the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, formerly the Riverwalk Marketplace, reopened in May 2014 in downtown New Orleans, right on the banks of the mighty Mississippi. Touted as an "upscale outlet center", this retail space features a nice mix of retail shops and good eats. Visitors can expect to enjoy daily discounts on kids and adult apparel, jewelry, accessories, toys and more. It's the perfect spot for avid shoppers to snap a bargain (or two), or for those who are just window shopping.
Must see/do at the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk
What do Burberry, Hugo Bass and Michael Kors have in common? They are just some of the designers you'll find at Neiman Marcus Last Call Studio, a must-see for both women's and men's apparel, shoes and accessories, all at deep discounts ranging from 30 to 50 %. After a hard day of shopping, stop by the Avalon Spa and treat yourself to a manicure or a pedicure (or both). Before you leave, head to The Fudgery, where visitors are summoned to witness the fudge-making process, complete with singing, skit-performing staff. There's free samples, but you'll want to purchase your very own fudge for later.
Types of stores at the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk
The center features a mix of high-end and casual stores, including Coach, LOFT Outlet, Aerosoles, Claire's, Famous Footwear Outlet and Kay Jewelers Outlet. Some of the national retailers have set up shop in New Orleans for the very first time. There's sure to be something for everyone's taste...and budget.
Food at the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk
There's no shortage of good food to eat at Riverwalk. With two dozen choices, there's no reason for any visitor to go hungry. You can choose from typical fast food joints, like Mandarin Express, if you're craving Chinese cuisine. There's burgers and chicken fingers and burritos..oh my! If you prefer restaurant dining over food court grub, try the Crazy Lobster, they offer good seafood, a relaxing outdoor patio and live music. There's also a Cafe Du Monde where you can grab an order of hot, fluffy beignets without the maddening crowd you'll find at the French Quarter location.
Parking and public transportation at the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk
If you're staying in the downtown area, you can either walk or take the streetcar or bus to the Riverwalk. That's your best option. If you must drive in, you can park in the nearby lot on Convention Center Blvd, but parking is pricey. Discounted parking is available with a validated ticket, however, you must spend at least $20.00. With validation, you'll still pay quite a bit for parking, around $20.00 for 6-12 hours.
Other places to visit near the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk
If you still have any money after shopping, stop by Harrah's Casino and try your hand at Lady Luck. Another nice excursion is a tour of Mardi Gras World, where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the magic that is Carnival. You're also just steps away from the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and it's menagerie of sea life.
Insider tip the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk
Before you head out, be sure to check the website for store deals and special events. You can find out which stores are having sales and print coupons for additional savings.
Author's bio: Myra Faye Turner lives and writes from the Big Easy. She enjoys wandering the Riverwalk looking for deals while sipping an a frozen coffee from Cafe Du Monde.
