cc Image courtesy Barockschloss at Flickr
She Said:
Spontaneous combustion could happen. It is freaking hot outside and the idea of 4 more months of it is frustrating. Should I hole myself up and refuse to leave the house for the next 120 days? That seems only slightly extreme, but I hate the idea of missing out on the happenings and culture in New Orleans. No way am I going to waste my weekends away withering inside on the couch watching television because I am too much of a pansy to get my butt out of the house and brave the heat.
There has to be a happy medium, right? Well I have racked my brains and come up with some suggestions that will get you enjoying some of our fantastic New Orleans culture without forcing you into heat exhaustion. Forthcoming is a list of ideas both indoors and outdoors that won’t leave embarrassing puddles of sweat in your wake.
Wednesday evening sailboat races on the lake. They start between 6 and 7 and you can pull your car right up to the edge of the water at The Point, hop out with a cold beverage of choice and watch the races. I haven’t done this before last week, but it is actually quite peaceful, and there can be a nice breeze on the water. (How to find The Point if you’ve not been there? Just head to the lakefront over the little bridge past where Coconut Beach used to be and keep going straight. If you’re car’s in the water, you’ve gone too far.)
Sunset picnic in City Park or on the Riverfront. City Park offers peaceful atmosphere and evening shade by the majestic moss-laden oak trees. Conversely, the Riverfront typically offers a cooler (ish) breeze from the Mississippi River.
Friday night sculpture garden- it is open until 8:45pm. New Orleans Museum of Art also does a Where Y’Art series on Friday nights featuring various cultural opportunities, exhibitions and events. Don’t forget NOMA always has its permanent exhibit along with special exhibitions that frequently change. It is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5 and until 9 on Friday’s when there is a Where Y’Art event. Most importantly it is air conditioned.
For whatever reason it never seems as hot when you are on/near the water. You’ll feel the breeze as you hop on the free Algiers ferry to the Westbank and catch a set at the Old Point Bar or grab a glass of wine and a small plate at Vine and Dine. On Wednesdays, you can stop at the Algiers Ferry Dock for free music as part of the Wednesdays On The Point concert series happening now through the end of July. There is a different band each week from 6-9 pm and the price is right: Free.
Canal Place Cinema- If you haven’t been, this is the premier movie experience. First, it is indoors – i.e. cool, and second there are cocktails and a good wine list along with solid food options by New Orleans’s own Adolfo Garcia. Need I say more?
Ogden Museum of Southern Art- Ogden after hours. Occurring every Thursday evening from 6-8, various local musicians perform inside the museum. Check out the art, sip on a cocktail and listen to the southern sounds of local musicians, all indoors, for only $10. The Ogden Museum is also a great mid-day option to stay out of the heat.
The National World War II Museum-Everyone should take the opportunity to visit the nationally recognized museum. Hours are 9am-5pm 7 days per week, you can spend all day here, and you’ll leave Mr. Nasty Sunshine outside while you’re getting some education. Have lunch of a cocktail at John Besh’s American Sector Cafe while you’re there.
So don’t let the sweltering NOLA summer be an excuse to stay in and watch back-to-backs of Storage Wars. As always, get out and do, and you’ll be glad you did.
