Going to the south of 'Murica in August. Need your opinion

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Joeytpg

Joeytpg

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I'm taking the wife to the US for the first time. We're going to the south, particularly New Orleans, Louisiana. I asked her which parts of the US she was the most interested in visiting and without a question those places came up. She wants to see the old plantations and the overall vibe of those places. I'd like to go to Houston since I've never been to Texas and it's only 4-5 hours from Baton Rouge/New Orleans, with a Car rental of course

So, my question is, what do you recommend to visit (towns, large cities, particular places like X or Y museums, Eating places in Houston, Music venues, etc) We'll be in the US for 15 - 20 days.

Do you recommend any cheap hotels in particular? we'll travel light and comfortable.

How's the weather in the south around mid August?
 
New Orleans is cool but it's a tourist trap from hell. The bars are WAY overpriced! GREAT food and music around there though. I would drive over to Destin Florida and hang for a few days, very nice beaches. The weather should be nice, around low-mid 80's most likely.
Just watch your back in New Orleans. Lot's of low life's there.
 
Is definitely say eat some crawfish while you're in Louisiana. The season is just getting cranked up.
 
The weather in Louisiana in mid May is gonna be really humid and really hot. I live in northern Alabama, and I freakin hate summers down here. The humidity is ridiculous. It's twice as bad in Houston and New Orleans. You guys should have a lot of fun. Keep your money/billfold in your front pocket. Don't trust anyone in New Orleans.
 
Hey guys, thanks for the advice, I'd love to hear more if you can.

One thing though, we had to change the schedule trip to August now, not May, other than that it's all the same.

anything else? :)
 
smdb":3g3xgcfv said:
New Orleans is cool but it's a tourist trap from hell. The bars are WAY overpriced! GREAT food and music around there though. I would drive over to Destin Florida and hang for a few days, very nice beaches. The weather should be nice, around low-mid 80's most likely.
Just watch your back in New Orleans. Lot's of low life's there.
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You call NO a tourist trap then suggest Destin FL? What alternate universe do you live in?

NO in August will be in the mid 90s with humidity almost as high.

I agree about the low lifes.
 
I like NOLA and Houston, but really there's almost nowhere that will be less comfortable outside in August. I spent a week in Houston in August a couple years ago with typical weather for that time of year and you'd nearly sweat through your shirt walking 1 block.
 
Like post's above, watch your back. I was robbed at gunpoint, two days later my wife's purse was stolen. It's a great time, but be very aware of your surroundings.
 
Dog Boy":143t8235 said:
smdb":143t8235 said:
New Orleans is cool but it's a tourist trap from hell. The bars are WAY overpriced! GREAT food and music around there though. I would drive over to Destin Florida and hang for a few days, very nice beaches. The weather should be nice, around low-mid 80's most likely.
Just watch your back in New Orleans. Lot's of low life's there.
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You call NO a tourist trap then suggest Destin FL? What alternate universe do you live in?

NO in August will be in the mid 90s with humidity almost as high.

I agree about the low lifes.
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Of course Destin is a tourist trap, but it's not a toilet like N.O. I have never had transvestite's try to rob me in Destin, I have never paid $10 for a Dixie cup of beer in Destin, there are not people using the street for a bathroom in Destin....... Should I continue? It's a friggin nasty ass place down there and that's a fact. Destin is ALL tourist, and that's what Joey will be, a tourist.. They just happen to have some of the nicest white sand beaches in the world. That's a lot better to visit than N.O. Of course that's just my opinion....... You might pay too much for a meal in Destin, but you most likely will not get robbed.
 
Having lived in south Louisiana for 22 years, I can tell you, it will be HOT, and muggy. Wear loose clothing and enjoy shade when you find it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the swamp tour in the lafitte area east of NO. And I have explored that area a lot with my own boat before.

For attractions: I personally love the WWII museum in NO, and riding the streetcars is a unique way of seeing the city sights. Also, cafe du monde beignets.
There are plenty of plantations setup for tours, but IMHO, the LSU rural life museum in Baton Rouge is the place to experience that time period. I used to lead activities and the summer camp there, and it has so much history that it is really a one stop shop. If you came in October, you would get to see many demonstrations of life in antebellum LA.

Houston is about 4-5 hours from Baton Rouge. Lafayette is a nice town as well, with lots of Cajun life to experience there.
 
First off Bourbon St in NOLA is buy 1 beer get 2-3 for free, so not sure how that's a rip off. Paying $4-$5 for 3 beers is a fair deal when drinking out. Not sure on liquor but I think it's similar. I'm from Houston so there's tons of good places to eat depending on what kind of food you like and what atmosphere you're looking for.
Casual? Trendy? Upscale? Seafood? Steak? etc...a lot of factors. I grew up in Houston since 1980 (moved here when I was 7) so I know a little bit about the gulf coast area - Mainly Houston. :rock:
 
If you can afford it I would check out the west coast or east coast or both to get a better feel for the states
 
halebox":1kmefx3n said:
If you can afford it I would check out the west coast or east coast or both to get a better feel for the states
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yeah +1 - Texas is like a whole nutha' country :rawk:
 
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