Traveling to the Big Easy for the Final Four and the championship game? Want to know the best place to pick up some fresh kicks, or eat some delicious local cuisine?
Dime has your exclusive 2012 NCAA March Madness travel guide. We’ve been breaking down every host city in the tournament with a look at where the sneakerheads need to visit, places to wine and dine, and even attractions if you’re just looking for a taste of that city’s culture.
Up today is the destinations for the Final Four this weekend: New Orleans. Don’t spend all of your time in the French Quarter and on Bourbon street, use this guide to explore and experience New Orleans.
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Part 1: Louisville, Portland, Pittsburgh and Omaha
Part 2: Albuquerque, Greensboro, Columbus, Nashville
Part 3: Atlanta, Phoenix, Boston, St. Louis
SHOPPING:
Sports Plus – 828 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
Located on historic Canal street, not far from the Superdome, Sports Plus is a great spot to check out. Don’t be fooled by the name, the store boasts a sizeable sneaker collection and solid streetwear lines, making it a must visit when you are strolling around downtown New Orleans.
Sneaker Politics – 3504 Servern Ave., Metaire, LA 70002
If you got some time to kill and want to do some exploring, travel to the neighboring suburb of Metaire, and pay a visit to Sneaker Politics. The boutique is worth the trip as they carry lines like Diamond Supply Company, The Hundreds and Nixon. Besides boasting a fine collection of streetwear, Sneaker Politics lives up to their name carrying the top lines from Puma, Reebok, New Balance and Nike.
Traffic – 1025 Bienville St. #1, New Orleans, LA 70112
Located right in the middle of the French Quarter, Traffic is part art gallery, part sneaker/clothing boutique that has been a force in the New Orleans hip-hop/streetwear scene since 2006. The French Quarter is filled with touristy and chain stores so support a local business and hit up Traffic.
GRUBBING:
Breakfast – Surrey’s Cafe & Juice Bar – 1418 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70130
Start your day off with some fresh squeezed juice and the boudin breakfast biscuit plate. Everything on the menu is very reasonably priced and delicious.
Elizabeth’s Restaurant – 601 Gallier St., New Orleans, LA 70117
If you are heading to Elizabeth’s for their weekend brunch, expect a wait. But don’t worry; there’s a bar on the second level so go get one of their specialty drinks while you wait. Make sure you get some praline bacon – it’s as delicious as it sounds.
Caf̩ Du Monde РFrench Market 800 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70116
Beignets and coffee and chicory – not the most nutritious meal in the world but quick and tasty. Cafe Du Monde has been featured on every single travel guide/show on New Orleans but it lives up to the hype.
Lunch – Liuzza’s by the Track – 1518 N Lopez St., New Orleans, LA 70119
Po’ Boys, a Louisiana sub/sandwich, are the thing to get for lunch when you are in New Orleans. Liuzza’s make a heavenly BBQ Po’ Boy which just melts in your mouth.
Johnny’s Po-Boys – 511 St Louis St., New Orleans, LA 70130
Located right in the French Quarter, Johnny’s is a local institution that makes some of the tastiest po’ boys in the city. I highly recommend the hot sausage po’ boy.
La Macarena – 8120 Hampson St., New Orleans, LA 70118
Tucked away on a little side street, La Macarena makes some of the best pupusas you will ever eat. La Macarena freshly makes every pupusa, which means they take some time to cook but they are well worth the wait.
Dinner – Cochon – 930 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70195
If there is just one place you go to from this guide, make it Cochon. Make a reservation a day before going, as Cochon gets busy. Simple menu with a number of amazing dishes; highly recommend the Louisiana Cochon with turnips, cabbage and cracklins.
Buffa’s Restaurant and Lounge – 1001 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA 70116
Need something to eat late night? Buffa’s got you covered. Open 24 hours, Buffa’s will have something for you after everything closes.
Jacques-Imo’s Cafe – 8234 Oak St., New Orleans, LA 70118
One of the busiest places in town, Jacques-Imo’s serves up their own take on Creole food. Start your meal off with alligator sausage savory cheesecake, and fried green tomatoes then choose one of the delicious entrees like fried chicken or carpet-bagger steak. Jacques-Imo’s is just down the street from the Maple Leaf so after you eat, walk down and catch some live music.
SIGHTSEEING:
French Market – 1008 N Peters St., New Orleans, LA 70116
New Orleans’ French Market is the oldest public market in the country and although touristy is worth a visit. A little bit of everything can be found at the Market as one half is a flea market and the other has food vendors.
Magazine Street – Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70130
From shopping, art galleries, antiques and restaurants/bars, Magazine street has everything to offer. Walking up and down the whole street could take upwards of two-plus hours as some parts are spread out. If you can get a bicycle it will save you a lot of time or just drive and park your way up and down the street.
Frenchman Street – Frenchman St., New Orleans, LA
Some of the best jazz clubs and live music venues can be found up and down Frenchman street. Head over at night and go on a jazz hop as all of the venues will have authentic New Orleans Jazz music for you to listen to.
Traveling to New Orleans for the Final Four and the Championship? Let us know if you hit up some of these spots.
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