NEW ORLEANS

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• HAZELNUT read more ›
  (5515 Magazine St. Tel. 504-891-2424)
  www.hazelnutneworleans.com
  Hazelnut takes the mundane and makes it extraordinary by adding Old World or local charm. The unique offerings range from pillow covers with gold coins sewn on to pewter table place card holders shaped like alligators.
• KRUZ read more ›
  (432 Barracks St. Tel. 504-524-7370)
  kruzshop.com
  This Middle Eastern store near the French Quarter’s art galleries and novelty shops sells an impressive array of imported merchandise, such as hookahs, musical instruments and costumes. Also look for Indian, Egyptian, Moroccan and Tunisian CDs.
• LITTLE MISS MUFFIN read more ›
  (766 Harrison Ave. Tel. 504-482-8200)
  littlemissmuffin.biz
  The children’s section at this boutique carries adorable children’s clothes and lavenderscented plush Labrador retrievers. Look for Le Bon Temps coasters from Erin Courtney among the home goods.

• SOUL FEST read more ›
  (6500 Magazine St. Tel. 504-581-4629)
  auduboninstitute.org
  This celebration of African-American culture features food, music, crafts, tributes to the achievements of noted African-Americans, and educational seminars on heritage, culture and health. March 13-14.
• SPRING FIESTA read more ›
  (French Quarter. Tel. 800-550-8450)
  springfiesta.com
  This celebration of the cultures of old New Orleans includes French Quarter walking tours and a parade of horse-drawn carriages that slowly makes its way to the doors of the festival’s annual gala. March 20-28.
• IRISH CHANNEL read more ›
  (Bywater/French Quarter. Tel. 504-943-0785)
  This is the only parade in town where you can “catch dinner,” so to speak, as float riders toss heads of cabbages and potatoes instead of beads. Marchers decked out in tuxedoes hand out green or white paper flowers to lucky members of the crowd in exchange for a kiss on the hand or cheek. March 13.

• STEIN’S MARKET & DELI read more ›
  (2207 Magazine St. Tel. 504-527-0771)
  steinsdeli.net
  New Orleans isn’t known for deli sandwiches, but if you put Stein’s Reuben to the test, you’ll find it stands up to the best. Many insist the options here rival top sandwiches from NYC. $$
• RED FISH GRILL read more ›
  (115 Bourbon St. Tel. 504-598-1200)
  www.redfishgrill.com
  The funky interior—complete with neon fish— at this restaurant makes visitors feel as if they are dining on the ocean floor. Order the twocourse red plate lunch special and start with the alligator sausage and seafood gumbo. $$
• VINCENT’S read more ›
  (7839 St. Charles Ave. Tel. 504-866-9313)
  vincentsitaliancuisine.com
  No need to scan the appetizers here—you’ll want to start with corn and crabmeat bisque served in a toasted bread bowl. Follow it with veal- and spinach-stuffed cannelloni. $$$

• FRITZEL’S read more ›
  (733 Bourbon St. Tel. 504- 586-4800)
  fritzelsjazz.net
  The talent-stacked roster of entertainers, including local faves Ben Polcer and Richard Scott, makes this jazz club one of the French Quarter’s most popular spots. Famous acts sometimes pop in for a quick set.
• ZACHARY’S read more ›
  (7224 Pontchartrain Blvd. Tel. 504-872-9832)
  zacharysbythelake.com
  Picture Cheers with live music and Buffalo oysters. That’s the scene at this establishment near Lake Pontchartrain, where there are no strangers (unless you don’t like the Saints).

• PONCHATOULA, LA read more ›
  (42 miles northwest of New Orleans. )
  The charming downtown area of this antiquelover’s paradise surrounds an old train depot and offers a wide selection of restaurants. Don’t disturb Ole Hardhide in the town square: He’s not a statue, but a real alligator.

This month...

Fun Fact!
To get to the West Bank from downtown New Orleans, you have to drive east.