New Orleans Local Guide and Deals

Nearly everyone knows that New Orleans is home to Mardi Gras, but few people realize the variety of other attractions in this city. While the nonstop party atmosphere does exist in a few places, including in the downtown areas, many of the other areas have a laid back feel. Whether it's offbeat attractions or historical monuments, a New Orleans guide should offer a variety of activities.

While the name sounds slightly creepy, the Voodoo Museum is actually a small museum dedicated to the history of Voodoo in America. The curator of the museum himself practices Voodoo, and he isn't shy about answering questions from museum guests. He even sells a few potions in the gift shop, guaranteed to bring true love, money or happiness into anyone's life.

A guide to New Orleans is not complete without at least one cemetery. The Metairie Cemetery is one of the best because it has free admission and one of the widest selections of mausoleums in the country. Guests can spend a few hours driving through the cemetery, and a CD guide is available at the gatehouse. This CD gives visitors to the cemetery a brief history of the cemetery and the important people buried there.

City Park is a favorite among families in the area because it offers so many different activities and things to do. Tennis courts and golfing are readily available, and some guests might enjoy taking a horseback ride through the park, as the stables offer horseback riding lessons and rental horses. The hiking trails that wind through the woods offer outstanding views of the surrounding park. An art museum, botanical garden and sculpture garden are also on-site. Although some of the features cost money, there are many free things to do in City Park.

Whether it's the majestic beauty of City Park or the abundance of restaurants and nightclubs in the French Quarter, New Orleans deals are readily available. Some restaurants offer Happy Hour specials, while others offer two-for-one specials. A New Orleans guide or book from the city can provide additional discounts for locals.