Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
Blaine Kern has long been the king of the artists who create the stupendous Mardi Gras parade floats. Massive 'props' for the floats (dinosaurs, fairy tale favourites like Cinderella and movie star characters such as Marilyn Monroe and King Kong) are scattered throughout the workshop. On a tour of the facility, often conducted by Kern himself, visitors see the floats and props being built. A Mardi Gras film, photographs, carnival souvenirs and costumes for children to try on complete the experience.

233 Newton Street, across the river at Algiers Point (A shuttle bus meets the ferry that leaves from the Canal Street landing.)
Tel: (504) 361 7821 or 1 800 362 8213.
Website: www.mardigrasworld.com
Opening hours: Daily 0930-1630; variable during Mardi Gras.
Admission charge.

Southern Food and Beverage Museum
Nicknamed SoFAB, the museum dedicated to honouring the sustenance of the South opened in Riverwalk Marketplace in June 2008. It hosts the Museum of the American Cocktail, as well. Fascinating gastronomy history for those who love to eat and drink.

1 Poydras Street at Convention Center Boulevard
Tel: (504) 569 0405.
Website: www.southernfood.org
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 1000-1900, Sun 1200-1800.
Admission charge.

St Louis Cemetery No 1
New Orleans is famous for its above-ground cemeteries or 'Cities of the Dead'. Because the high water table made underground burial difficult, people built ornate marble tombs and vaults, decorated with statuary, mosaics, wrought-iron and other ornamentation, above ground. St Louis Cemetery No 1, just above the French Quarter, dates back to 1789 and is the oldest of the city's many such burial grounds. It is also one of the most atmospheric, with crumbling tombs and the graves of some of the city's historic personages, including the voodoo queen Marie Laveau. The cemeteries are vast, unpatrolled and can attract crime, so tourists should visit them as part of a guided tour (see Tours of the City).

Basin Street between Conti and St Louis Streets
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1500.
Free admission.

City Park
Though the second largest park in the US sustained some hurricane damage, it is still an emerald refuge. Donated to the city in 1850 by John McDonough, this former sugar plantation has been a favourite destination for folks who enjoy jogging, fishing or just like to wander among giant oak trees and duck-filled ponds. The park is also home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans Botanical Garden, a mini-train, Storyland (a children's park with fairytale characters), tennis courts and a golf course.

Bordered by Robert E Lee Boulevard, Marconi Drive, Bayou St John and City Park Avenue
Tel: (504) 482 4888.
Website: www.neworleanscitypark.com
Free admission, charge for tennis courts, golf course and Storyland.