[elmariachi]

We generally go there once a year as a weekend getaway. I was there last spring and you'd never know that anything happened around Bourbon or Canal Streets other than the ominous red spray paint lines about 18 feet up on the side of buildings that say "Katrina Water Line." Even after the great douching New Orleans has a way of just getting "dirty" again.

The Harrah's New Orleans is the nicest casino I have seen outside of Vegas and Tahoe. Just my 2 cents but I would pass on the Holiday Inn and stay at a nicer hotel like the Ritz, the Bourbon Orleans or Hotel Monteleon where you can get some of the local charm. You can always get your points when you are in Des Moines, Iowa or Burbank, Cali.

With regard to being safe, New Orleans has always had its rough spots and nothing has changed. Don't wander off the beaten path at night where there are no lights or crowds. Don't engage strangers when crowds aren't around, and don't carry a lot of cash. There is TREMENDOUS music and nightlife there that lasts until sun-up. If you have eaten your Wheaties and can stay up late its really fun to party with the locals.

Be glad you are going in April. I made the terrible mistake of taking my then soon-to-be fiancé there years ago over Labor Day weekend to propose to her. Little did I know that it was the Decadence Festival weekend. Google it and you'll see what I mean. It was an interesting weekend for this big white Okie and his tequila-swilling babe to say the least.

Plantation Alley and Oak Alley in particular are well worth seeing. I wouldn't suggest trying that in half a day. Get up early, leave the cell phone in the room and commit an entire day down there and take your time. Its an incredible "Southern" place unlike any other. Laissez les bon temps roule!