The Marquee

The Marquee in New Orleans is my destination for the next 3 days. This resort is part of the Heritage Collection of resorts. From the website, we learn more about Heritage Collection. This location is so popular it was even covered in Forbes Magazine when it opened.

Video by Hungry Passport

Immerse yourself in the layers of fascinating history and culture that have shaped and defined our country. Enrich yourself and bring history to life by exploring the landmarks, sites, and cultural delights found in fascinating destinations that date back several centuries like New Orleans, Charleston, Williamsburg, Savannah, St. Augustine, and more.

Coming into Louis Armstrong International Airport I was impressed by all the options at the airport. Note to self: if you have to have a layover, this is not a bad location for one. There were many little food spots and shops. But I was interested to get into the city, so I did not stay long.

Day One Arrival

I arrived at The Marquee in New Orleans at about 3:30 PM so just a few minutes before check-in. Which was good timing because the front desk staff were available and helped me get settled fast. I left my bag to be taken to the room in their care and took a look around.

When you first arrive, you see the namesake Marquee outside. You know you are going into a resort at some level, though you also feel like you are headed into a show. Because the sign is a large lit Marquee outside. One like you would find on Broadway or in the theaters of older days.

As I went around the resort, I had that same fun feeling. The paintings, murals, photos, and more all have a theater vibe or theme.

This resort has all the key elements I have come to expect in a Bluegreen resort. A great pool, nice-sized rooms, and a ton of amenities.

Villa Amenities

Then the resort itself offers all of these options.

Resort Amenities

After checking out the resort and the room I decided it was time for some food. The flight and even walking past the Chick-Fil-A in the airport, all added to my sense of hunger. That and the fact I was in New Orleans. If you have not been, this town is about fun and food. Maybe in that order for most, but the food is so good that it may become the other order for you on your visit.

I do not know why, but the first thing I could think of that I wanted was a shrimp poor boy. So, having been before, I headed for Parkway Bakery and Tavern which has been open since 1911. I grabbed a large shrimp poor boy and a root beer and was off to the food races minutes after I arrived.

If you are in town on Monday or Tuesday, they are closed so check them out Wed-Sun 10 AM-6 PM.

After the large sandwich, it was time to find a nice drink and some music. There are many things you can find in New Orleans; music is one that you should find because there are so many talented local Musicians. One local form of music I enjoy is Zydeco. It is an amazing combination of music from several backgrounds and truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Zydeco music has a raw energy to it and a love of life that comes through with the driving beat and powerful notes. Listen to some online now for free with this example. The music alone could almost have me move to the area. Perhaps it is because my grandfather played the accordion. While he did not play it with this much passion and style, it is a great instrument.

A little secret is that Zydeco goes extremely well with drinks and good times.

I found Zydeco music at a spot called the KrazyKorner. Do not expect much from their website other than directions. But if you want to hear Zydeco in the French Quarter, it is the best chance in town.

Now if this is not your cup of tea. You can find traditional Cajun music, Blues, Rock, and more all in the bars and clubs. Live music is one of the draws to New Orleans for sure.

Rolling Stone Magazine did a video and article about the music scene in New Orleans. That is work checking out here.

There is also a helpful site here that links to music calendars and more.

I settled in for a few hours of great music, kind people, and some fun drinks. After that, it was time to make my way back to the resort for some sleep.

Day Two waking up at The Marquee

I woke around 8 AM. Earlier than I would have thought I would get going without an alarm clock. But sometimes when traveling, I think my subconscious is excited too and gets me going early. It also does not hurt that I kept my drinking to a dull roar last night. I just had a few, and not too many, which helps with being able to function early in the morning.

Since many do party in New Orleans, the town is quiet in the early AM hours. The resort is just a few blocks from a tram stop, so I thought it would be neat to take the tram around town some. Then get off and grab some breakfast somewhere.

I got on the tram at the Canal at Baronne, which was a close walk. You walk on Loyola to Canal and take a right on Canal for about 3 blocks and you are at the Tram so it is easy to find.

I quickly figured out that I was only a few trams stops from the Harrah’s Casino. That meant I could get some breakfast and then gamble afterward. Since Casinos always seem open, I had no doubt I would find something cool.

The next thing I know, I am taking my hungry self into the amazing Buffet at Harrah’s. It opens at 8 AM, and now it was about 8:45 AM, so it was a perfect time to slide into the buffet. The buffet is less about regional items and more about traditional all-American popular items. For breakfast, it was ideal because they went crazy with the options at breakfast time.

Casinos just do buffets better than most locations. The reason is they are trying to get people into the casinos, not earn a profit at the buffet. So they can afford to spend more on food and options than even buffets that cost more. Let me share a few reviews from others on the buffet so you do not think I am just always the positive one.

Breakfast Buffet

Nice Selection of breakfast food. Very welcoming table service staff. The food was hot and fresh. I would eat here again. The price for a buffet was average, $14. if you have a Club Card. $10 off a meal if you download the app. A nice omelet made-to-order option was available.

Breakfast stop

We love Harrah’s in Vegas so when we booked a cruise out of NOLA we stopped here for their breakfast buffet! And we were not disappointed! The food was amazing. We got there shortly before they did the switch from breakfast to lunch, but there was plenty of food to eat. The french toast was amazing! My husband got an omelet that looked so yummy!! So if you’re in the area and need a place to eat, definitely would recommend it!

Those were from the trip advisor see them all here. For me, the win was the omelets as well as all the other little options. I enjoyed sausage links, cinnamon buns, grits, and so much more, and it was all great. Like the first review, I had the app and a club card so the meal was almost free. Which is insane for how good it is. Getting a club card is no issue you can get one in the Casino any hour of the day, then head into the buffet.

After a breakfast that should have put me to sleep, I headed out for the slots first. I am not sure if you read my blog about Skyline Tower in Atlantic City so I will share with you one of the few gambling secrets I know to be true.

Most casinos set their machines that are in higher-traffic areas with a higher percentage of wins. Do not get me wrong, the house still has the advantage on these slots but your odds are better. So, if you are going to play slots and want a slightly better chance to win choose machines that are very visible and near high-traffic areas for people walking by.

The idea is that casinos do this, so people walking by will see people winning and having fun and be more likely to walk over and give the slots a try. It is kind of the same psychology as the carnival workers letting someone win on a game of chance to attract more players to their game. With the exception that the slot machines do all the hard work. The players themselves have the reactions that do the rest of the magic.

I sat down still full from breakfast and played for about 20 minutes on one machine. Things were not going, so I moved to another machine. This one I thought was in a better location. After the move, things started looking up. I got a series of free spins after the first $40 or so I went through on the slots. In that one series of free spins, I won $280. I thought that I should quit while I was ahead at that point. With what I lost at the last machine, and this one. I was ahead by about $180. Not bad for two hours. I also enjoyed a free drink minus a tip so for about $6 I had breakfast and a nice mixed drink (it was 10:30 AM and I was on vacation) and I had won over $170. This was a solid result of a tram ride in the morning.

I paint a little, mostly for fun. So next I wanted to go to a nearby art gallery. The Johnathan Ferrara Gallery was nice and had several artists with exhibits that made me feel like an amateur again but in a good way. I spent the better part of the early afternoon there. I actually met a local artist, and we struck up a conversation I showed them some of my art prints for sale online. It was nice to have a professional artist say nice things about your own art, and just talk shop a little.

I went to the Arthur Roger Gallery next because it was just a block over.

It was getting late now and even after the big breakfast I knew I was in New Orleans, so my stomach told me it was time to eat again. Another block over I found the Pêche Seafood Grill they have an extensive seafood menu you can see at the website. I chose the baked drum w/ mushroom broth and that was a good call. The broth made the drum come alive and very tasty. No, it did not jump around the table. I meant it was more flavorful. I had a beer with the meal and was a happy man.

Instead of walking back to the tram line, I chose to wimp out and get an Uber back to the resort. Sometimes less is more. I knew I wanted to save some strength for my legs tomorrow, as out of shape as I am now.

Day Three

Today I wanted to break the mold and do some things I have never taken the time to do before in New Orleans. If you have not had a chance, read what I did on my last trip when I stayed in the French Quarter. That was a fun one. I think it took me a few days to recover from that fun.

Today I wanted to check out the National WWII museum. I am a fan of history and am still blown away by the courage of our previous generations. The museum has many exhibits for history fans to enjoy and learn from. One was the Final Mission: USS Tang Submarine Experience places visitors aboard the most successful submarine in World War II for its fifth and final war patrol on October 25, 1944.

That I would say is a must-see for anyone interested in history or anything naval-related. Similar to the option at the Holocaust museum, you can accept the details of a crew member when you take the tour. Only 27 people go through at a time with your guide. So, it is an intimate look. You find out about the fate of your crew member during the tour. That really makes it impact you more.

Another must-see is the 4D film. Watch the intro video with Tom Hanks.

The exhibits also include great details on the road to Tokyo and the road to Berlin. Amazing in their detail and story. The D-Day gallery was something that will grab you. Our losses on that effort were staggering and the visuals are compelling.

The WWII Museum is certainly worth the trip.

If you want to enjoy the best food available, and music, or explore the history, consider staying at The Marquee and booking through TZort.