How to get there
The lowest round-trip air fare between Boston and New Orleans at press time was $198 on United Airlines.
Where to stay
These three New Orleans hotels offer special Jazz Fest rates for some rooms. Go to www.nojazzfest.com for more.
Hotel Monaco
333 St. Charles Ave.
504-561-0010
www.monaco-neworleans.com
Quiet, elegant-but-funky boutique hotel right outside the French Quarter. Doubles $209-$359.
Omni Royal Orleans
621 St. Louis St.
504-529-5333
www.omnihotels.com
Luxurious setting right in the French Quarter. Doubles $189-$299.
Sheraton New Orleans
500 Canal St.
504-595-5500
www.sheratonneworleans.com
Large modern hotel on the edge of the French Quarter. Doubles $219-$389.
Where to eat
Bayona
430 Rue Dauphine
504-525-4455.
www.bayona.com
Sophisticated world fusion using the best local ingredients. Lunch Monday-Friday; dinner Monday-Saturday. Entrees $22-$27.
Brigtsen's
723 Dante St.
504-861-7610
www.brigtsens.com
Elegant use of local ingredients and styles in a 120-year-old house. Dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Entrees $18-$26.
Annadele's Plantation Restaurant and B&B
71495 Chestnut St.
Covington
985-809-7669
www.annadeles.com
Sophisticated regional fare overlooking manicured gardens on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, about 40 miles from New Orleans. Lunch, brunch, and dinner. Dinner entrees $20-$34.
Antoine's Restaurant
713 St. Louis St.
504-581-4422
Elegant Antoine's has been serving fine French Creole cuisine since 1840. Lunch and dinner, Monday-Saturday. Dinner entrees $21-$38.
What to do
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
www.nojazzfest.com
Dates for next year's festival:April 28-May 7, 2006
Advance tickets: Adults $25, children $5. Adult tickets go up to $35 starting the day before each festival weekend.
Music and performances on 12 stages and food from 66 vendors. Note, parking is limited but public transportation and the Jazz Fest shuttle are available from various points in the city.
New Orleans School of Cooking and Louisiana General Store
524 St. Louis St.
504-525-2665
www.nosoc.com
Take the culinary experience further with one of these highly amusing classes. Menus for classes are available in advance. Classes daily 10 a.m.-1 p.m., $27 (cook and sample four dishes); Monday-Saturday 2-4 p.m., $22 (two dishes).
