Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?
Written By: Tish Michel
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Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?
Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?
Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?
Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?

 

There's a very famous song entitled Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans which became even more beloved after hurricane Katrina hit just over ten years ago and displaced so many from their NOLA homes. If you've ever been to New Orleans, you know you've left at least a little piece of your heart when you had to return home.  If you haven't yet been to the Big Easy, you'll discover what we're talking about when you come to the CHADD conference November 12 - 14.

CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization providing education, advocacy, and support for those with ADHD and coexisting conditions. With worldwide membership, CHADD hosts the largest gathering of individuals and families affected by ADHD and the professionals and educators who support the ADHD community. Attendees come to the annual conference year after year for the latest in ADHD-related research, education, trends, treatment options, solutions and to network with others.

The 2015 conference theme, ADHD: Compassion and Courage in the Big Easy refers to overcoming challenges faced by those managing ADHD, and providing opportunities to explore current thinking and emerging trends. The conference will focus on different perspectives and provide participants access to cutting-edge ADHD research and information to build new understanding.

  I'm writing this to encourage you to register NOW and reserve your room at the beautiful Hyatt Regency on Loyola Avenue while rooms are still available at the special discounted rate.  I also urge you to plan to spend a few more days in New Orleans if your budget will allow so you can fully enjoy all the sessions and special events the conference has to offer and get to see and know the city.  Visit our web site, CHADD.org or go directly to conference info at http://www.chadd.org/Training-Events/Annual-International-Conference-on-ADHD.aspx  You may also call our National Resource Center tr 800-233-4050.

The city is known for its gumbo of music from many genres and eras, rich decadent food and its oh so unique melting pot of cultures. Here's my "must do and see" list for making the most of your trip.

·    To get from the airport to the hotel, just pick up a round trip shuttle pass by the baggage claim.  You can book online before you leave home and perhaps save a few bucks.

 
·      Getting around New Orleans is easy; the hotel will have info on all the bus and trolley routes as well as brochures on special river boat and bayou tours.  Cabs are also readily available.
 
·     Please stop by AAA in your area and pick up a tour book on Louisiana.  They have a wonderful self guided tour of the French Quarter and the Garden district. You can go online and print out the tours without being a AAA member.
 
·      Please be sure to ride the trolley car up St. Charles (just a short walk from the hotel).  This will take you past the Garden District with many miles of beautiful homes and fabulous architecture, past Loyola and Tulane Universities and the Audubon Zoo and Gardens.
 
·     There's such great food in the city - EVERYWHERE!  However, if you want some         healthy choices for your room, Rouse's Food Market is just a few blocks from our hotel and has amazing selections of fresh and lovely healthy produce.
 
·     Best free magazines and weekly papers - Off Beat, Gambit and Where Y'at can be  found throughout the city.
 
·      Best radio station - WWOZ 90.7FM.  Owned by the Jazz and Heritage Foundation, this station is public radio at its best with no ads and great shows.
 
·      Oh the music - do sign up for the Friday event at The Little Gem Saloon. This is a really beautiful music venue just across the street from the hotel on Rampart Street.  The music planned for our event will be wonderful. If you're still in town Sunday morning, the Little Gem has a delectable Sunday Brunch with a trio playing fabulous music with a slightly gypsy flavor of a bygone era.
 
·     Of course Bourbon Street is known worldwide for its music and good times flavor. Irvin Mayfield's Playhouse is right in the elegant Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon and offers great Jazz in a beautiful atmosphere.  Do walk down this street and sip a drink while doing so if you choose.  It's legal.  Steps off Bourbon on Saint. Peter's Street you'll find Preservation HalI which is known worldwide for traditional Jazz.
 
·     I strongly recommend you also go to the very next neighborhood called the Faubourg Marigny and visit the various music clubs on Frenchman Street.  This is where the locals go and it's really great. When not touring worldwide, John Boutte has a regular gig Saturday night at d.b.a on Frenchman.  He'll probably start about the time our tour ends and I'll take anyone interested to Frenchman after the Ghost Tour finishes.  If you like to jitter bug, d.b.a. is the place to be Sunday afternoons and many of the dancers of all ages come dressed in vintage clothes from the 40's and 50's.  It's such fun!  Monday night my dear friend Charmaine Neville performs at Snug Harbor and you just never know who will show up to join her on stage.  The Spotted Cat, Apple Barrel, Bamboula's, Blue Nile, Three Muses are some other great music spots on Frenchman Street. 
 
·    You also must visit the greatest music store I've ever seen; The Louisiana Music Factory also on Frenchman Street.  Pick up some new and used music to take home with you from this great spot which often hosts live music performances in house. 
 
·      Walking down Decatur Street from the French Quarter toward Frenchman Street, you will pass the French Market Cafe and The Gazebo which are both wonderful outdoor daytime live music venues.  If you arrive to the conference early, be sure to get some red beans and rice, pecan pie and/or gumbo from either of these spots and enjoy local live music and fresh air!
 
·     Of course, you must see all the stalls at the French Market just between The Gazebo and the end of the French Quarter.  Be sure to pick up a fun pin or ear rings from Oscar Donehue and see what other creative delights you can find for souvenirs.
Oh my, I could go on and on about New Orleans.  It’s such a great place and I’m ever so thrilled that our conference will be there this year.  Sure hope to see you there!
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