Good Things to Do in New Orleans

We’re all pretty familiar with some variation of the stereotypical things to do in New
Orleans list: the Quarter, the streetcars, various eateries (and drinkeries), etc. But
what about those of us who are looking for things to do that aren’t quite so done, but
still New Orleanian at their roots? Here are a few ideas.

Free Swing Dancing
Do you love to dance but often end up looking like someone’s drunk uncle at a
wedding when you hit the floor? The only dance move you know is “the lawn
mower?” Learn to swing dance for free!

NOLA Jitterbugs offers bi-weekly free dance classes in the Marigny on Wednesday
and Sunday evenings. If swing dancing isn’t your thing, a monthly dance series, at a
cost of $60 a person ($45 for students) is held at Maison

Free classes:
D.B.A. (Sundays, 5pm)
618 Frenchman St.

Spotted Cat Music Club (Wednesdays, 5pm)
623 Frenchman St.

Dance Series:
Maison
508 Frenchman St.

Musica da Camera

An outing to see live music is practically de rigueur for many of us in New Orleans.
But if you’re looking for something a little (okay, a lot) different, check out Musica da
Camera.

Musica da Camera was established in 1966 and is the oldest early music organization in the nation. The group performs music from the 10th through 16th
centuries, using reproductions of historic instruments. They will be performing a series of concerts titled “Music of New Orleans Medieval Saints” throughout the spring in the New Orleans area:

Sunday, March 27- 3:00pm
St. Joseph Abbey Church
75376 River Rd.
St. Benedict, LA 70435

Sunday, April 3- 4:00pm
Ursuline Chapel
2701 State St.
New Orleans, LA 70118

Sunday, April 10- 3:00pm
Holy Name of Mary Church
500 Eliza St.
Algiers Point, LA 70114
*Photo Credit: http://www.nomdc.org/More.html*

The Museum of the American Cocktail
New Orleans is a city that holds its cocktails near and dear—after all, it’s arguably
the city that created the cocktail, with the first Sazerac. So it comes as no surprise
that the city has its own museum devoted to the history of our illustrious drinks.

Located inside the Southern Food & Beverage Museum at the Riverwalk Mall, The Museum of the American Cocktail offers liquor with a dash of history. You’ll find vintage cocktails, along with the liquor and accouterments needed to create them. Afterwards, you can share your new knowledge with your bartender of choice in the CBD or the Quarter.
Admission- $10

Riverwalk Marketplace
1 Julia St., Ste. 169
New Orleans, LA 70130
Open: Monday- Saturday: 10am-7pm
Sunday: 12pm-6pm
*Photo Credit: http://www.museumoftheamericancocktail.org/NewOrleans/*

NOLA Brewing Tour
While we’re on the topic of drinks, did you know that New Orleans has its own
brewery? Not to be overshadowed by Abita, NOLA Brewing offers some great beers:
a Blonde Ale, a Brown Ale and the Hopitoulas IPA, along with a seasonal brew.

Thirsty? The brewery, located in the Irish Channel, offers a free tour of the facilities
at 2pm on Friday afternoons. The tour offers a behind-the-scenes view of the
brewing process and a generous sampling of the beers.

3001 Tchoupitoulas St.
New Orleans, LA 70115

The New Orleans Art Market
New Orleans, in addition for being known for its food and music, is known for its
beautiful art. On the last Saturday of every month, the Arts Council of New Orleans
puts on the New Orleans Art Market.
*Photo Credit: http://www.artscouncilofneworleans.org/index.php?topic=artsmarket*

Formerly the Mid-City Arts Market, the event has been moved uptown to Palmer Park, at the corner of Carrollton and S. Claiborne. Local artists and crafters are on hand, selling their wares alongside musicians, food stands and a Kids’ Tent. The market is open from 10am-4pm and admission is free.