Both are quiet and yet short walks to the debauchery. There
are nice bed-and-breakfasts in the Garden District, and hipper
rentals in Tremé or the Marigny, but they remove you from the
center. Hint: Based on how most people visit New Orleans,
don't rent a car. Walking, cabs, and street cars are a better
proposition, as you avoid navigating French Quarter conges-
tion and a challenging parking landscape.
Besides the food and music, there's plenty to see and do here.
About an hour west of town, the old Mississippi River plan-
tations are great for strolling the grounds and touring the
houses – significant walking required. Oak Alley is replete
with visually impressive live oaks and the Spanish moss –
bousillage, in local parlance – that hangs from them used
to serve as mattress stuffing and insulation. The plantation
called Laura is said to be lovely as well. If expedience trumps
SONIAT HOUSE
