Whether you're tossing a few back with the masses during Mardi gras or fine tuning your plans for Jazz Fest in the spring, try out some of these Fine Living favorites.

10. Meet the Locals at Coop's Place
If you've just arrived in the French Quarter and you don't know where to start, go to Coop's Place, order an Abita draft, a duck quesadilla and a Taste Plate. This small locals' bar is open until 3 a.m. and is one of many hidden treasures in New Orleans.

1105 Decatur St.
New Orleans, LA 70116
www.coopsplace.net

9. Treat Yourself to Beignets and Café Au Lait
Café du Monde is world famous for their beignets and chicory coffee and the people watching from the patio is superb.

1039 Decatur St.
New Orleans, LA 70116
www.cafedumonde.com

8. Sip on a Hurricane at Pat O's
The hurricane is hands-down the most photogenic drink in New Orleans. It's bright red and served in a cold, tall curvaceous glass. Stop by for an early dinner to avoid lines.

Pat O'Brien's
718 St. Peter Street o New Orleans, LA 70116
504-525-4823
800-597-4823
www.patobriens.com

7. Cruise the Sites by Steamboat
Tour New Orleans by steamboat and ask about their aquarium-to-zoo cruise. The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas features a walk-through tunnel of marine life, an "insectarium" and lots of other amazing slimy things.

Steamboat Natchez
504-586-8777
www.neworleanssteamboat.com

6. Take a Guided Walking Tour
Get a guided off-the-beaten-path walking tour that shows you Louis Armstrong's hang outs or Anne Rice's home.

Gray Line of New Orleans, Inc.
2 Canal Street, Suite 2500
New Orleans, LA 70130-1857
504-569-1401
wwww.graylineneworleans.com

5. Voodoo Pilgrimage
Voodoo has been a fascinating aspect of New Orleans culture for over 200 years. Take a tour of the St. Louis Cemetery and pay your respects to the tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.

Magic Walking Tours
504-588-9693
www.neworleansmagicwalkingtours.com

4. Eat, eat, eat
From Muffaletta sandwiches to jambalaya, the city of spice is sure to not disappoint. Check out a couple of our favorite picks....

3. Kick Up Your Heels with a Cajun Dance
Work off your caloric consumption by dancing the night away at a Cajun dance hall.

2. Go Looking for Ghosts
Explore the darker side of New Orleans' storied neighborhood with a haunted tour of the historic Garden District. This two-hour adventure includes tales of ghostly manifestations as well as some of the movie locations from Interview with the Vampire.

504-861-2727
www.hauntedhistorytours.com

1. Go Uptown to St. Charles Avenue
Head to The Columns Hotel for some genuine "New Orleans style" cuisine--which is to say, the best of Creole, Cajun and Continental. Round out your evening with a drink on The Columns' porch, or, if you really have a late night, check out their renowned brunch, a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

The Columns Hotel
3811 Saint Charles Ave.
New Orleans, LA
504-899-9308

Additional Information
New Orleans Hotels
Jazz Fest Must Do's
Compare Cajun and Creole Cuisine
Bring New Orleans Mardi Gras Home
The Gambit Weekly's Restaurant Guide, www.bestofneworleans.com
A Local's Guide to New Orleans' Bars, www.neworleansbarguide.com
101 Things to Do in New Orleans, www.neworleans.com