Things to Do in Terrytown

Founded in 1976 by a group of ambitious visual and performing artists, the Contemporary Arts Center still keeps in touch with its roots as an artist-driven community organization. The award-winning design of its ever-changing gallery, atrium, and theater spaces juxtaposes the original architecture of a turn-of-the-century warehouse building with newer materials and aesthetics. Within its 30,000 feet of open event space, the CAC hosts a range of events, such as curated contemporary exhibitions, world and local music performances, and special galas such as the SweetArts Bash.

When not coordinating exhibitions and performances, the CAC staff also leads educational programs such as one-day art camps, which expose children and adults to the arts. In these programs, professional local artists train groups in drama, dance, music, visual arts, and creative writing.

Big Easy Scooters facilitates half- and full-day excursions throughout New Orleans with name-brand scooter rentals from Aprilia, Genuine, and Kymco. Equipped with helmets and accidental-damage insurance, guests can guide themselves through the historic French Quarter, pausing for glimpses of celebrity-owned residences and sprinklers that spray Sazerac. In addition to rentals, Big Easy Scooters sells previously owned and new scooters including classic models and agile Kymcos.

At the helm of Freret Street Yoga, Geoffrey Roniger employs his own approach to yoga: intuitive movement and alignment to help students to achieve mental, emotional, and physical balance. He and his team of instructors do not teach just one way to practice; instead, they arm students with a range of breathing and posing techniques to best fit their ability and prepare them for successfully hiding in overhead compartments. In addition to beginner and intermediate classes, Freret Street also specializes in athlete’s yoga and techniques designed to foster workplace wellness. Newly limber muscles can find additional relief under the practiced hands of massage therapist Brad “Yogi” Barra. He tends to sore spots with deep-tissue and neuromuscular bodywork, as well as craniosacral and active-release therapy.

Let the name fool you—BooKoo Bounce is all about bouncing. The 8,300-square foot climate-controlled indoor playground boasts nine inflatable attractions spread across two arenas. Primarily designed for ages 2–11, the hop-friendly attractions range from air-filled basketball hoops and Bat Man-themed slides to obstacle courses ripe for crawling and racing. Kids can also flock to the spacious bounce houses that look like colorful castles and birthday cakes, perfect for kids who dream of being royalty or moving into a baked good after college.

While their young ones play, parents can relax in a lounge where a pair of high-definition televisions stays tuned to the latest in major sports.

A Musing Bikes' owner, Gastavo, proudly owns and operates one of the newest shop additions to the lower garden district. The store outfits cyclers with new rides and rentals but also helps keep bikes in working order with new parts and repair services. Rentals are available by the hour, day, weekend, or week and all renters will be equipped with a u-lock, helmet, basket, and safety lights.

Though his rhythmic past runs through hip-hop and breaking culture, Derik Dollis broke ground on Liquid Rhythm Inc. after seeing how seamlessly club styles meshed with the ballroom art of salsa. Dollis and a quintet of additional instructors schooled in dance styles such as ballet and jazz use salsa's unmistakable rhythmic structure as a loose guideline, allowing students to break from the idea that they need to master tricks to succeed. Classes encourage dancers to develop a personal style while learning posture, isolations, and body movement in tandem with adding sensual flair and the least-prickly ways of holding a rose in your mouth. The company also totes its New Orleans pride across the country to perform at national salsa congresses.:m]]