As part of our 30th anniversary Conference and celebration, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) put a fun twist on our usual 'fun things to do around
our Conference city" blog by asking some of our local members to share what's great and unique about New Orleans, LA!
Thank you to these awesome members who participated!
Lindsey Cross Director of New Orleans Programming Generation Hope
JAMNOLA (Joy Art Music NOLA) is great! It's a space that features 29 exhibits showcasing
the iconic art, music, food, and theatrics of New Orleans through the eyes of over 100 local artists and collaborators. Also, StudioBe is fun, maybe a burlesque show at the
Allways Lounge (if you're feeling like walk on the wilder side) or a ghost tour!
"Take a stroll on the historic Bayou Road (there's several Black owned businesses and restaurants). Have a cocktail at the Hot Tin rooftop on St.
Charles and then hop on the streetcar to the Quarter (the dark green St. Charles streetcar
is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world). Loretta’s beignets are a must (way better than Cafe Du Monde).
For football fans coming in early, the Saints have
a home game against the Cardinals on September 7th, WHODAT!"
"Within close proximity to the Conference, there's a nice walk along the Mississippi River, and the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium are great if people are bringing families. For shopping close to the Conference, there are local artisan stands at the French Market near the river, the Riverwalk outlet mall and
Canal Place. People can also take the ferry on the Mississippi River. Of course, the French Quarter is near the Sheraton.
If Conference attendees want to venture farther out, I love City Park, which has an amazing sculpture garden, Café du Monde, Children’s Museum,
New Orleans Museum of Art, and more. Riding the streetcar along St. Charles Avenue to see the beautiful homes and walking in Audubon Park is classic.
I also enjoy strolling Magazine Street and stopping in the shops. I agree with Chantelle about the Saints game. And of course, New Orleans has many amazing restaurants—both near
the Conference and beyond."
Karaline Zeigler Director of Programs, Data and Strategy College Beyond
"Magnolia Yoga is a Black owned yoga studio in walking distance to many downtown hotels (14-minute walk from the Sheraton). The New Orleans Athletic Club is
a historic gym in the French Quarter and they offer day passes (amazing steam rooms).
It will be fall migration and New Orleans has some incredible birding opportunities! My favorite spot is the Couterie Forest in City Park. I could arrange/lead a walk if we
think there might be a bird nerd cohort at #NCAN2025. Our university partner (the University of New Orleans) holds a walk every week so folks can check out Birds of UNO for an idea of our local birds!
Julie Gamze-Elçin Director of Education Programs Puentes NOLA
Puentes' office space is currently inside of Beanlandia, which is another spot for visitors to check out and support!
Baron-Hyppolite graciously provided us with a list of more than 30 great restaurants (including Dooky Chase!) and cool spots around New Orleans to check out that we simply couldn't do them
justice in this format. Click here to see the list she compiled and thanks Clara!
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Lindsey Cross
Liza Sherman
Chantelle George
Amanda Kruger Hill
Karaline Zeigler
Julie Gamze-Elçin
Clara Baron-Hyppolite