Clearly, I'm doing the wrong, Sandy. New Orleans has become a regular work spot for me. I'd go there for a few days 2-3 times a year, and it never won me over. I'd have plenty of time for long walks and exploration. Noticed The Architecture, which is my favorite thing about the city. (Especially the cemeteries.) I've walked St. Charles Ave. from the French Quarter west to Carrollton. Lots of beautiful streets, and I love the leftover beads hanging from the trees.
Except for one spontaneous burst of joy inside the Mall at Riverwalk, I'd never seen a single parade or interesting corner of music. It was like the brochures lied to me. Preservation Hall was too much of a pain to get into. I listened to the music at a small cafe in the center of French Quarter (where the beignets were as good as at Cafe Du Monde.) Liked the WWII Museum - there was a Bob Hope exhibit when I went - but the cooking is too much of the same: Oysters, Fried Fish, Prawns, Muffaletta Sandwiches, Po Boys, Pecan Pralines