Louisiana Leisure

So you might get tired after several nights of barhopping, and you certainly can't go out on the boat every weekend with fuel prices being what they are, and seeing that you yourself don't own the boat! So, in the third part of this series of posts, I'll fill you in on some of the other fun things I've found to do here in New Orleans.

Coconut Beach Public Volleyball Courts

WEDNESDAYS AT THE SQUARE
The Young Leadership Council (YLC), a New Orleans nonprofit, had put on Wednesdays at the Square this spring—a series of free concerts in Lafayette Square. It was a good place for young professionals to hang out after work, listen to live music and have a good time. It was a really great event that I was able to attend two or three times, and I ran into several LSU people living in New Orleans.

The event is run completely by volunteers, looking to provide a healthy, organized fun time for the city. The event issues drink tickets and has food available, too. People make an afternoon of it, bringing dogs and lawn chairs and JUST kicking back. Afterward, people can go home or hit up one of the nearby bars or hotels like Lucy's or the W, and I've done both.

At the very beginning of the summer, the weather was just good enough to have such an outdoor event; if they were to have it now, people would have to bring two extra sets of clothes because it is sweltering outside! It's over until the fall and I already miss it! It's also fun because they're one of our clients.

COCONUT BEACH
These are public volleyball courts right by the levees on Lake Pontchartrain in northern New Orleans. It's apparently been a hotspot for young New Orleanians for years, especially during the summer. They do host tournaments, but several courts are open for public play. There's music playing, a concession stand and, if you're in the mood, a bar. It's certainly not too hot with the breeze coming off the lake, and it's a great way to unwind and get your exercise. I went one evening after work with some friends and had a great time.

CAFÉ DU MONDE
I didn't include this in my first post about New Orleans' nightlife because it's something you can do during the day too! I'm sure most of you, if not all, have at least heard of Café Du Monde, and I hope if you haven't been yet that you rush into town immediately and join me in the French Market for the best beignets and chocolate milk in existence. It's actually a short drive from work, though I've only been there once so far at night after hitting up Rock N' Bowl.

AUDUBON PARK
I hate running, and I think it's mostly because I get bored with it after too long. But at the beginning of July I discovered Audubon Park, and the track there counteracts the boredom. It's a dynamic, fluid track with a great backdrop of trees and water, and there are wide enough lanes for many runners and bikers to partake. When it's not as hellishly hot as it is in NOLA right now, this makes for a great stop after work. The track is two miles even, I've been told, so it's also a good pace-setter. It's right by the Audubon Zoo, so just watch out for any fugitive animals, but it's definitely great if you get tired of running down St. Charles.

HARRAH'S CASINO
I can't really tell you much about this one because I haven't gotten the chance to visit, though I have eaten at the new Ruth's Chris in the hotel, and I'll tell you that it was amazing. There's one in the Hard Rock Casino back home, so if any of you on the Coast are reading, keep it in mind the next time you're up for fine dining. But Harrah's is on my to-do list because I'm obsessed with casinos, especially living so near to the Beau Rivage and Hard Rock!

All these places, establishments and leisurely activities (with the exception of Harrah's) have definitely helped fill the time not spent at work. New Orleans is a great place with lots of opportunities: more than 800 restaurants and bars, plenty of outdoors activities nearby and a great gumbo of a cultural identity. If you haven't even visited, you need to!