Life has changed dramatically in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina. The areas most affected by Hurricane Katrina is the Lower 9th ward. We suggest that you take the time to visit this area and see exactly how much was destroyed. Be advised to visit this area during the day - New Orleans is now infamous for it's criminal element in certain neighborhoods. When you visit the Lower 9th, you will also have the opportunity to see Brad Pitt's Make It Right project. You will know you are approaching this construction project when you see all of the bright pink tarps. Musician Village, a project that Harry Connick, Jr works with directly, is also in the Lower 9th.

Our neighborhood is considered Uptown. Our home was not affected by Hurricane Katrina. We live off of South Carollton Avenue, a few blocks from the start of St. Charles Avenue. You can catch a streetcar that will take you all the way to the French Quarter off of South Carollton Avenue and st. Charles Avenue. The cost of the street car is $1.50 per person/per ride or $5.00 for a day pass. I highly suggest you take advantage of the street car and take in the beautiful view along the way. Oak Street is our neighborhood marketplace. Check out Queen of the Ball, an authentic New Orleans Sno-Ball shoppe owned by a wonderful lady named Miss Norma. GLUE is an awesome re-sell store. There is also New Orleans Board Sports, Gelleto, and a comic book shop. Oak Street Cafe has breakfast platters starting at $2.99 and live music most days. For meals in this area, check out O'Henry's. Their food is amazing. Cooter Brown's has over 400 beers and outstanding dogs.

You must check out the famous New Orleans cemetaries! Be advised, the NOPD advises all visitors to go with a tour group or with a large group of people because some shady individuals can sometimes hang out, waiting for unsuspecting tourist.

Magazine St is full of New Orleans-owned shops and businesses.

There is a Starbucks on Maple St and Canal St in the French Quarter.

In New Orleans, you can have alcohol on the streets, but no open containers in your car. Even though we have drive through Daquiri joints, the minute you put the straw in the cup, it is considered an open container.

Bring an umbrella! June 1 until November 30 is Hurricane Season. Although we have yet to see a hurricane materialize this year, even though they predicted above average activity, twenty minute showers in the early afternoon is not unusual. Additionally, umbrellas in New Orleans are not only used to keep you dry, they are used to keep the sun off of you as well.

If you see a bar with a sign on the outside proclaiming "No White T-Shirts" it isn't a bar that you want to go to anyway. Trust us on this.

If you are a burger lover, head down to Yo'Mamas in the French Quarter. Their burgers are AMAZING.

A trip to New Orleans would not be complete without having a Hurricane, a New Orleans drink special. I have never had one, but I have been told it will knock you on your behind before the drink is done.

Every gas station down here is pre-pay for gas.

Anne Rice's home is on the corner of First and Chestnut, just off of Magazine St. She lived there until she sold out and went to live in California. Anne is not liked much here anymore.

You can visit Trent Reznor's old house at 2425 Coliseum Street.
If you ask the right person, they can tell you were the Jolie-Pitts live in the French Quarter, John Goodman in the Garden District, and Fats Domino.