As some of you may remember I had asked some questions trying to identify photos of my FIL during his WW2 campaign in Europe as a precursor to actually taking a trip to retrace his campaign.
Well that’s actually going to happen next August/ September and we’re actually pretty excited about it as we have connected with some people (and their children) who my FIL saved in Belgium.

As an early present to that trip I am thinking of taking my wife down to New Orleans, perhaps in January to visit the WW2 museum there.

I have heard that it is actually a very interesting place and I’m wondering if any of you, who have been there could confirm that. Also is one day enough or would two be better. There appear to be several packages offered. Does anyone have any experience as to which one may be appropriate?

Finally, there is a Hilton property, The Higgins Hotel, associated with the museum. Is that a good place to stay or do you have a better suggestion.

Thanks all!

Higgins is very nice. It has its own display of artifacts within

I have been a member since before the DDay museum opened. Dr Ambrose’s son Hugh was a college roommate. I was able to be around the whole family as well as Dr Ambrose who would often join us and impart his historical expertise along the Louis and Clark Trail

2 days. You can do it in 1, but there is so much there that it becomes a bit mentally fatiguing. I like to read most of the information, not just look at an item briefly. I get saturated after a few hours, so for me breaking it into different days was good.

There is a lot else to see and do in New Orleans, so if you finish the museum in one day you will not be bored.

The French Quarter is a good place to find a hotel. Assuming you'll be dining in the quarter and doing other sight seeing there, it is the logical choice. We've stayed at the Crown Plaza numerous times with work, but you're better off away from Bourbon St a bit. Closer to Jackson Square. We've stayed outside the quarter several times, with the downside of walking to/from the quarter or having to take the trolley everywhere. For security after dark, I dislike walking from the quarter to a hotel in another area.

It is easy to take the trolley to/from the museum and the quarter. No need for a rental car while in New Orleans.

I've been twice and found that one day is enough if you are up on your WWII history.

Seth Paridon was a chief historian at the WWII Museum for 15 years and was one of the key contributors to the construction of the WWII Museum's campus. In this special episode, he takes you on a quick 40,000 foot view of the Pacific side of the museum.

We love the Hotel Monteleone, it's beautiful

https://hotelmonteleone.com/?u...nic&utm_campaign=gbp

It's 0.9 miles from the WW2 museum. Ton's of other things to see and do within walking distance.

Just got back from NOLA. If you are thinking of staying on Bourbon St, be aware it is extremely noisy until 3-4 AM. Our hotel issued ear plugs.

quote:

Originally posted by BigSwede:
We love the Hotel Monteleone, it's beautiful

https://hotelmonteleone.com/?u...nic&utm_campaign=gbp

It's 0.9 miles from the WW2 museum. Ton's of other things to see and do within walking distance.

2nd for the Hotel Monteleone. We walked all over the place from there, including to the WWII Museum. This was ten or twelve years ago and there were several WWII vets present at the time to talk to visitors. The museum has expanded since then, but sadly, there aren't many WWII veterans left now.

Be aware that the hotel is supposedly haunted, but my wife was disappointed the she didn't see any ghosts while we were there, though we did enjoy one of the late night ghost walks through the French Quarter.

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
Just got back from NOLA. If you are thinking of staying on Bourbon St, be aware it is extremely noisy until 3-4 AM. Our hotel issued ear plugs.

We definitely won’t be staying in the quarter. My wife’s Dad got accosted by an aggressive hooker when she was about 15 years old in front of the whole family and it left a decidedly negative opinion of the area. We may eat there but definitely won’t stay there.

Speaking of eating let me hear of some must eat places for dinner!

Thanks again everyone!

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:

Speaking of eating let me hear of some must eat places for dinner!

Thanks again everyone!

Commanders Palace, if not dinner, lunch is still very good, it's in the Garden District,

https://www.commanderspalace.com/


Commander's Palace is famous for its status as a historic New Orleans landmark, its haute Creole cuisine, and its role in launching the careers of legendary chefs like Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse.

The Brennan family, who have owned the restaurant since the 1970s, are credited with elevating it to an international sensation through its refined service and innovative approach to Louisiana cuisine.

Historic New Orleans landmark: Established in 1893 in a turquoise-and-white Victorian mansion in the Garden District, the restaurant is a major part of New Orleans' dining history.

Launchpad for star chefs: It has served as a training ground for some of the most influential chefs in American cuisine, including Paul Prudhomme, who helped popularize Cajun food, and Emeril Lagasse.

Innovative Creole cuisine: Under the Brennan family's stewardship, the restaurant has become celebrated for its refined, modern take on classic Creole and Louisiana dishes.

Exceptional dining experience: Commander's Palace is renowned for its high standards of service, including formal "black-tie" service, and its lively jazz brunches.

Award-winning recognition: The restaurant has received numerous accolades, including seven James Beard Foundation Awards.

Commander's Palace--If nothing else, order the souffle for dessert. You need to order that before dinner, as they are made to order. You will not be disappointed.

I always hit Rocky and Carlos in Chalmette for lunch when in NOLA.

We stayed at the Higgins. It’s right across the street from the museum.

the Windsor Court is a wonderful Hotel that's centrally located to everything. the restaurant on property is one of the lesser popularly known but highly regarded in the city. Ive spent many a Christmas or thanksgiving eating there


Commanders, Atchfalaya, Mandinas, Irenes, Cafe Revolution, Paladar 511, Italian Barrel, Delecroix, N7 (don't be put off by the neighborhood), Couchon, Emiril's, Mr Johns Steakhouse, Deanies(Bucktown)

you won't get a bad meal at any of these, only two are in the Quarter

I think the museum needs two days. It’s really kind of overwhelming, in a good way. GW Finns has the best seafood n New Orleans, if that’s your thing. My wife and I love it.

Thankfully I live close enough we drove there, dropped mother in law off at the cruise port a block away from the museum and spent all day in there. Basically open to close. It’s a long day , or 2 shorter days. No offense to any of the NOLA residents but it’s mostly a sewer. Restaurants are good but I’d avoid spending money in a hotel if I could avoid it. If I had to, I’d try to stay at a nicer place with secure-ish parking. Wear good walking shoes. The museum is great, highly recommended

We went about 8 years ago, stayed within walking distance of the French Quarter. No I don’t need to be there at midnight, but we went at 3-4 in the afternoon or so, food & minor sightseeing.

The museum was great, don’t really have many reasons for a revisit soon though.

Great info from all, and I know my father will be interested this as well.

Thanks OP.

I’m thinking that we’ll just fly in and Uber to the Hotel and anywhere else we can’t walk to.

This is going to be a fantastic couple of days!