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The Down Low on NCVS After Hours

Jun 5, 2011 By Points of Light
Sorry young’n, this one is just for the big kids who can stay out after the streetlights come on. NCVS sessions may end 7pm every night, but The Big Easy has a nightlife culture that is sure to keep you entertained until the wee hours.

From Bourbon St to right around the corner of the convention center, we’re taking care of you in this nightlife guide.

There’s so much to do that you’ll need an agenda for after NCVS hours!

Starting off right around the corner, Harrah’s New Orleans greets you and your wallet. Try your luck on over 2100 slot machines, over 90 tables, and a poker room.

Who knows, you may go home with more than just great service learning!

You can’t talk about nightlife without mentioning NOLA’s most famous and historic street: Bourbon St.

Everything from Mardi Gras to Superbowl After Parties takes place in this central part of the French Quarter.

You’ll find plenty of bars, dance clubs, novelty and souvenir shops stretched down the 8 block sector known as “Upper Bourbon St”.

Grab a famous “hand grenade” and enjoy a full night of bar/club hopping. Tip – Don’t bother buying any Mardi Gras beads, as plenty will be thrown at you.

Don’t miss Jean Lafittes Blacksmith Shop – the oldest bar in the US, established in 1772. Much of the bar’s original authenticity has survived through the times and the place still remains lit mostly by candles.

For our LGBTQ friends, make sure to stop by Cafe Lafittes in Exile, the oldest gay bar in the US (see a trend here?)

Located at the corner of Bourbon and Dumaine St, the bar, which was frequented by Tennessee Williams during his stay in NOLA, still serves as the center of Gay Nightlife in New Orleans.

Before you leave the Bourbon St. party, make sure you grab a bite from any of the conveniently located Lucky Dogs stands at every street corner. They’re quite delicious after a night of fun times.

Rated by USA Today as one of the “Top 10 great places to bar-hop around the world”, take a stroll down to Frenchmen Street if you’re looking for some great live jazz cafe and bars.

It is also a great spot for live music enthusiasts as you will hear trumpets and horns playing from every store front and corner of the street.

For beer enthusiasts, make sure you stop by d.b.a., located in the middle of the famous street.

The smoke free bar features an impressive international beer selection and cover will get you in to see some of the best live blues and jazz bands in town.

Frenchmen St. is a great alternative to the evening tourist crowds of the French Quarter.

No jazz hands required.


Finally, if staying up is your thing, but partying isn’t, head down to Decatur St. to grab some Cafe Au Lait and French style beignets at the New Orleans staple Cafe Du Monde.

They’re open 24 hours (only closed on Christmas and the occasional hurricanes) and there’s always plenty of seating in their patio.

Of course, always be responsible and make sure you make it to everything on your conference schedule!
Points of Light

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