“Go...” listings
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PONCHATOULA, LA
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. (03/2010)
42 miles northwest of New Orleans
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RIVERWALK MARKETPLACE
At this distinctly New Orleans marketplace, you can grab a Cajun bite to eat, support local commerce in the cute stores and watch ships pass on the Mississippi River. This month boasts a Lundi Gras celebration, with food, music and fireworks (Feb. 15). (02/2010)
1 Poydras St
504-522-155
riverwalkmarketplace.com -
AUDUBON ZOO
From white alligators to white tigers, every animal at this award-winning zoo (ranked among the top in the nation by Travel + Leisure) entertains guests from creatively designed habitats. (02/2010)
6500 Magazine St
504-861-2537
auduboninstitute.org -
HAYDEL’S BAKERY
For more than 50 years, this bakery has set the standard for King cakes, traditional desserts topped with colored sugar that are a part of the Mardi Gras festivities. Whoever gets the plastic baby baked inside has to buy next year’s cake. (01/2010)
4037 Jefferson Hwy
800-442-1342
haydelbakery.com -
COMMUNITY FLEA MARKET
Located in the French Market District, this open-air bazaar is a shopper’s Shangri-la. It attracts national and international merchants, who set up stands packed with jewelry, art, clothes and antiques. (01/2010)
1200 N Peters St
504-522-2621
frenchmarket.org -
BLAINE KERN’S MARDI GRAS WORLD
Master float builder Blaine Kern provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Mardi Gras at his interactive studio. In a 45-minute tour, you’ll get to try on costumes, taste King cake and watch craftsmen assembling spectacular floats. (01/2010)
1380 Port of New Orleans Pl
504-361-7821
mardigrasworld.com -
SOUTHERN REP NEW PLAY BACCHANAL
This festival is a theater lover’s dream: two weeks of new works, readings and explorations focusing on local actors. It includes the popular 10 Minute New Play Riot, a competition for Gulf Coast playwrights. Jan. 14-31. (01/2010)
At Southern Repertory Theater
504-522-6545
southernrep.com -
THE NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MUSEUM
Slept through your history class on World War II? Find out what you missed at this comprehensive war museum. Three parts of its recently expanded section, “The Road to Victory,” opened in November. (01/2010)
945 Magazine St
504-598-1944
ddaymuseum.org -
MOSCA’S RESTAURANT
There’s no need to review the menu here. You’ll want the Oysters Mosca, whole local oysters topped with breadcrumbs and baked. $$$ (01/2010)
4137 Hwy 90 W, Westwego
504-436-9942
moscasrestaurant.com -
JOHNNY WHITE’S
This rustic watering hole gained legendary status among locals by staying open during Hurricane Katrina. In fact, the doors have never been closed since the bar opened 19 years ago. (01/2010)
720 Bourbon St
504-524-4909
johnnywhite...rclosed.com -
OLD RIVER ROAD PLANTATION ADVENTURE
Visits to opulent antebellum plantations once dominated the social lives of Louisiana residents. See the stunning architecture of Oak Alley and other mansions on this tour. (01/2010)
48 miles west of New Orleans
plantationadventure.com -
VOODOO FEST
Kiss, Eminem and Widespread Panic provide the primary entertainment at this high-energy music festival, which may best be described as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on Red Bull. Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. (12/2009)
At New Orleans City Park
www.thevood...erience.com