Well, staying in the French Quarter and quiet lodgings just doesn't quite equate. If you want quiet, stay in the Garden District. If you stay at a hotel on St. Charles Ave., say the Garden District Hotel, you just hop on the fun-to-ride trolley car right in front of the hotel. Telephone number for the hotel is 504 566 1200, and rates are reasonable. Marghe and I have stayed there twice and we always return whenever we visit the Big Easy.

Activities: lots. Try the swamp tour. We took the 'fan on the back of the boat' thing: lots of fun. The WWII National Museum is right off the cable car track. Take a trip on the Mississippi paddlewheelers, too. Don't miss a couple of days just walking around the French Quater and the markets. Great atmosphere. Don't miss eating at Acme's: best crayfish in town for our money. We eat lunch there every other day, rain or shine whilst in New Orleans. If it rains, you can buy a cheap poncho for $2 at just about any store in town.

There is a large casino, for those who gamble. You can get a small brochure for a walk of the Garden District, which is quite enjoyable. The Central Grocery Store has great Mufalettas (big, tasty sandwich). The plantation tour we took was disappointing, but the hotels have lots of suggestions for things to do, too.

If you chose to stay at the Garden District, the staff is extremely helpful and friendly in this regard.

Hope this helps. We are going back ourselves this June 2 through 7th. Can't wait to savor some more of those crayfish. Happy and safe travelling to all.

Marghe and Marty in Coral Cove