The Truth About New Orleans After Katrina

If you are thinking about spending time in New Orleans, whether for pleasure or business, here is some information you need to know. This is from the point of view of a lifelong resident, not a politician or a reporter. My only agenda is presenting the real picture

New Orleans is Alive!

The French Quarter, which most tourists associate with New Orleans, was not structurally damaged by Katrina. The old city took care of itself, and the Quarter looks pretty much as it has for years. Jackson Square is still beautiful and inviting, surrounded by artists painting, fortune tellers seeing the future, mimes, musicians, and dancers. It is alive with spirit. The restaurants, hotels, and clubs are vibrant and welcoming, as always. It is almost impossible to be disappointed if you are a returning visitor, for you know what to expect--charm, music, food, and fun.

What's Changed in New Orleans Since Hurricane Katrina?

The St.Charles Streetcar is not currently running past Lee Circle, but is expected to resume full service by the end of 2007. The beauty of the Avenue is nearly intact. These days, a tourbus is probably the best way to get acquainted with the mansions on the Avenue, and a walking tour of the Garden District is still the most informative as well as pleasant way of seeing this part of the American Sector. Most tours start at Lafayette Cemetery across the street from venerable Commander's Palace. Uptown is full of great restaurants and even the venerable Camellia Grill has re-opened, causing great joy among the locals.

The Warehouse District, with its museums, art galleries, and entertainment, is much as it ever was--less bohemian than the Quarter, not as decorous as Uptown, and always a lot of fun. New places are opening, and old places are thriving. The convention business has picked up considerably, and those in the industry have been more than up to it--according to conventioneers, they have excelled.

Are Restaurants, Hotels and Other Tourist Needs Available in Post-Katrina New Orleans?

You may see some shuttered storefronts on Canal Street, and in some other areas of town. It's true--small businesses have suffered after the hurricane due to insurance issues, personnel problems,and other financial concerns. While many smaller businesses have struggled, lots more are blooming. A number of new stores have opened on Magazine Street, making it the most successful retail area in town. You can still buy your high end antiques and stylish clothing in the Quarter as well. The port has been reopened for a long time, and cruise ships regularly sail from the river near Woldenberg Park.

Is New Orleans Still Depressed?

The Lakeview area and the Ninth Ward, not usually on the tourist route, are still depressed. However, the Lakeview area is filled with determined residents who have reopened schools and businesses, and many have returned to their homes. While there is a long way to go, we are confident that these neighborhoods will be renewed. The East is coming back, very slowly to be sure, as more residents are able to rebuild. It is very difficult for the locals to visit these parts of town, at least it is for this local. It's bad enough coming across a FEMA trailer on Prytania Street, much less block after block of (now) abandoned homes where vital neighborhoods once thrived.

Is it Safe to Visit New Orleans?

Despite the determination of the media to portray the city as dangerous, the truth is, you are no more nor less safe here than you are in any major metropolitan area. In every city, there are parts of town you need to stay away from, and the same is unfortunately true here. Tourists have always been advised not to go into the cemeteries except with tours (with the exception of St. Louis Number 3 and Lafayette Cemetery.) Central City is not the best place to be, but frankly, the tourist or visitor is not likely to need or want to go there. Common sense is the rule in New Orleans, as it is in New York, or San Francisco, or anywhere these days.

You Can Help New Orleans Most With Your Tourism Dollars:

We are not all about Mardi Gras beads and Bourbon Street, although we thoroughly enjoy both. Perhaps a lot of people don't understand the concept of living in the moment as much as we do here. If you don't get it, come on down and give it a try. Visit the WWOZ tent at Jazz Fest; peel boiled crawfish at an outdoor cafe; take a riverboat cruise. It's all good.