Visiting Fairgrounds
 

I'm going to visit Fairgrounds for the first time on Louisiana Derby day. Does anybody have any reccomendations of things to see or do, both at the track and in the area? Are there any special seating options available for the day and special promotions or things to do? I looked on their website but there wasn't a lot of help. Any info is appreciated.

If you step 10 paces outside of the track, I suggest you have a firearm.

bourbon st and ?

hookers

Go to Pat O'Briens have about 10 Hurricanes by a few dozen strands of beads and start yelling "show us your ???s"

Sounds familiar :)

The area around FG is not great. That's probably an understatement. So don't stop anywhere on your way.

Once there the facility is very nice. The paddock and areas surrounding it are outstanding. It is compact but there are ample places to stand even on busy days.

The restaurant on the 4th floor is nice and the view from there is decent. I don't know if there is still any availability or what the situation is with box seats or other 2nd floor seating.

Emeril's is a very good restaurant if you're in the mood for a nice meal.

NT

Baghdad has nicer parts.

While this statement sounds funny, it is actually very damn good advice! In all seriousness, you might want to get with FGFan and get her advice as to getting some good seating, I know she will be there. As far as going to NO to have a good time, I could tell you lots. But back to the original statement, you absolutely must keep any and all valuables under tight hold and be very aware in the Big Easy. Its just that way down there, especially since Katrina.

Don't make it sound like a war zone. I was down there for a night and I was fine. I am not saying it is the greatest place in the world but this is a bit much from a detail perspective. I had a great time, mostly because I had a great tour guide but still, even if that wasn't available, getting to where all the people are, and getting back to the hotel area, there isn't trouble at every corner.....

I walked around and took in the city. It wasn't like I was running down an alley to find trouble either. Stick to Bourbon Street, the 'lake' front (I can't remember if it was a lake or a river) and your hotel, and you'll be fine.

I love NO, and I have personally never had any real problems down there. I have certainly been many more times than most people, living right up I10. I just would advise anyone who hasnt been there to take caution. I would say NO east isnt too far from still looking like a war zone, however. Your advice of staying around the French Quarter area and Lakefront is good...stay where the people are and its OK.

Good advice.

Long before Katrina, New Orleans often was among the tops in the nation for crime and murders per capita. So at least for me, Katrina aftermath was not a surprise.


My best advice is to keep your guard SERIOUSLY up around the French Quarter.

Bourbon Street and Canal Street are essentially fine.

Problem is that many tourists get lost walking, or decide to explore a block or more out of the "tourist area." Big mistake.

New Orleans criminals lurk in the shadows of parking garages and the streets just off of Bourbon waiting for wayward tourists to mug, shoot or more.


The City of New Orleans has always worked hard to keep that kind of stuff quiet.....but it's ALWAYS been there. And again, I was not surprised at all by the actions of the thugs and general populace post-Katrina.

That said, I was last in New Orleans in May 2008, and would happily go again tomorrow.

i think it's probably best to go to the french quarter when there is a large group there-you don't notice the stench and the filth if it's more crowded. i don't plan to ever go back, except to go to the track itself.

Thanks for the help. I will be with a couple people that actaully live in the area so I'm sure they will know where to go and not go away from the track. However they have never been to Fairgrounds. I just couldn't find any information on seating beyond general admission. Are there restaraunts located in grandstand or clubhouse?

You will have a great time. My husband and I went to to the Louisiana Derby the March before Katrina, spending 2 days at the track and 2 days eating and siteseeing. We had a fabulous time and intended to make it a yearly visit until Katrina and then just never got back, but NOT because of fear. We were careful and then enjoyed the wonderful city and great food and tarrot card readers and artists and book galleries and street markets and...The racing was great. On Derby day we did get a table in the clubhouse--call the track for reservations--for a great meal and the balcony is good. The access is easy to the paddock, and the local race fans are lots of fun.

Go and have a wonderful time. I wish I were going too.

Be early!

Haven't been there since Katrina, but parking seem to be kind of limiting. You would definitely have a long walk still even early enough. Probably would definitely take the valet. My preference at the time was to be able to walk to the paddock and perch myself at the top step of the stands behind the entrance to the walkway to the track. You can see the whole race up there except for a small section where the tote board blocks view.

Don't recall restaurants, but if you want to watch from inside (clubhouse and enclosed grandstand), I would try to make reservations as soon as possible.

The clubhouse and grandstand does have outside overlook access to the paddock which is a must see. Then visit the quads, and party on Royal and Bourbon streets.

I completely agree. I was actually kind of scared because of the things I read, but I really loved it. Very interesting place...and they'll throw you beads without showing your tits. :D

Thats cheating though

Yeah, talk about setting a poor example.

Scavarino, I really hope you man'ed up and threw her up on your shoulders and spinned her around a time or three - to get her dizzy and the crowd cheering "show your tits" Peer pressure tends to kick in at that point...

There was no Bourbon Street action with Sightseek, I have no idea what happen the night before :)