Preregistration Deadline and Onsite Desk Hours

Registration forms must be received in the New Orleans USA Hosts office by Friday, August 1, 2008. A confirmation e-mail will serve as your receipt for the tours. You can pick up your preregistered tour tickets or purchase last-minute tour tickets (if available) at the APWA Tour Desk, near the APWA Registration Area at the New Orleans Convention Center at the following times:

Saturday, August 16, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday, August 17, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday, August 18, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, August 19, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturday, August 16, 2–4 p.m. OR
Monday, August 18, 2–4 p.m. $25 per person

Beginning with St. Louis Cathedral, see New Orleans’ most famous landmarks and learn the fascinating history behind these buildings and unique city. Destinations include City Park; Bayou St. John; historic St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery; the shores of Lake Pontchartrain; one of New Orleans most prominent neighborhoods, Lakeview; St. Charles Avenue streetcar line; Tulane and Loyola Universities; the magnificent homes and mansions of the stunning Garden District; and the Warehouse District—a revitalized area that is also home to the Convention Center.

Sunday, August 17, 8–10:30 a.m. OR
Wednesday, August 20, 8:30–10:30 a.m. $59 per person

Go back in time to when the French aristocrats of New Orleans dined in elegance…when breakfast was served on the patio amidst the soft rustle of exotic plants, the romantic aroma of magnolia blossoms and the refreshing breeze of palmetto fans. Start off this New Orleans tradition with an “eye-opener” cocktail, then breakfast at world-renowned Brennan’s Restaurant, located in the heart of the French Quarter.

Sunday, August 17, 9–11:30 a.m. $20 per person

Discover how life was over 150 years ago in the French Quarter in this complete walking tour. Visit Jackson Square, site of the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral and the Pontalbas, the oldest apartments in the United States. Behold some of the charming hallmarks of the Vieux Carré and hear the rich history behind them, including wonderful tales of Creole courtyard soirees, quadroon balls and midnight duels. The tour includes a visit to a Creole mansion, authentically restored and furnished with beautiful antiques created over two centuries ago by Louisiana craftsmen.

Sunday, August 17, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $76 per person

Experience the Creole Rituals of Mourning and the Grand Dame of Plantations in southern Louisiana-all in one day-as we visit these two magnificent plantation homes of St. Joseph and Oak Alley. Enjoy a Southern-style plantation luncheon at Oak Alley.

Sunday, August 17, 1–4 p.m. OR
Monday, August 18, 1–4 p.m. $39 per person

Tour St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans’ loveliest and most picturesque street, known as “the Avenue.” Lined with rows of magnificent homes and mansions, see the splendid residences of the former Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras as well as favorite spots to watch colorful Mardi Gras parades. Get the “insider’s story” of the history and traditions of Carnival, and see some of the best floats of Mardi Gras being created. Visit Mardi Gras World and sample traditional New Orleans “king cake” with coffee or lemonade.

Monday, August 18, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. $44 per person

During this incredible journey into the mysterious swamps and bayous of Southern Louisiana, you’ll be introduced to the interesting history of the Louisiana wetlands and the rich Cajun heritage of the people who inhabit this region. Travel into Cajun country, hear the tales of the Cajun folks and how they reap the bounty of their surroundings—trapping nutria, mink, otter and muskrat; hunting frogs and alligators; fishing for catfish and crabs. Gain a true appreciation of the Acadian people and the unique region they call home!

Monday, August 18, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $74 per person

The “Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road” has 16 rooms of southern splendor filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork. Enjoy 12 lush acres of gardens and ponds at “The Sugar Palace,” savor the shade of a majestic live oak alley and the breeze off the Mississippi. The luncheon may take place in the Gardens (weather permitting) or in a private area of the newly-constructed Pavilion.

Monday, August 18, 2–4 p.m. $33 per person

Cajun and Creole Cuisine, Demo and Breakfast Wednesday, August 20, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. $33 per person

One of the colorful, local chefs will teach you the techniques and secrets that get to the very soul of Cajun and Creole cooking. (Rule#1-first you make a roux!) You will learn the differences in the various styles of cooking in Louisiana and receive copies of recipes to take home with you to dazzle family and friends. Your meal will consist of the delicious Cajun and Creole dishes prepared in the demonstration.

Tuesday, August 19, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. $86 per person

Tour the exclusive and venerable residential area, the tree-lined streets of the Garden District of New Orleans. A tour guide provides a detailed history of this impressive neighborhood. Visit a 19th-century residence in the Garden District where you will witness firsthand the genteel manner of living for which the South is noted, then complete your excursion with a walking tour of the Garden District and a first-class lunch at the world-renowned Garden District Palace.

Tuesday, August 19, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. $62 per person

A colorful, local chef will demonstrate the techniques, secrets and soul of Cajun and Creole cooking at the New Orleans Culinary Institute. (Rule #1—first you make a roux!) You will learn the differences in the various styles of cooking in Louisiana and receive copies of recipes to take home with you. Your luncheon will consist of the delicious meal you watched being prepared in the demonstration.

Tuesday, August 19, 1–5 p.m. $36.50 per person

The only museum of its kind in the country, the 70,500-square-foot National D-Day Museum, now known as The National World War II Museum, presents World War II in the form of personal stories and dramatic exhibits, including a reproduction of the Higgins boat built by volunteers—many of whom worked on the same craft during the war. The museum also houses two World War II planes, a German staff car, a concrete sentry box, weapons, uniforms, and a newly-opened exhibit featuring the Pacific Rim Theater.

Tuesday, August 19, 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. $85 per person

Begin in the heart of the French Quarter with lunch at one of New Orleans’ oldest and most historic restaurants, Tujague’s (pronounced “two-jax”). Located across Decatur Street from the historic French Market, this restaurant truly captures the feeling of old New Orleans. Following is a chilling adventure through an above-ground cemetery, a city of the dead wherein each crypt holds a story. Joining the party will be a “hauntings” expert versed in entrancing local history, voodoo, ghosts and cemeteries.

Tuesday, August 19, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $86 per person

Experience close-up the marvels of Louisiana’s mystical “Bayou Country” in a unique swampboat tour. Discover “Plantation Country” during the second stop of the tour at Oak Alley Plantation, a private estate dating back to 1803 known for its spectacular setting, and enjoy a Southern-style plantation luncheon. As you pass the beautiful old plantation homes for which the River Road is renowned, your escort will provide the fascinating background of the plantation days of the Old South.