Travel Notes: Historic New Orleans takes visitors back in time

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Linda Strait is president of House of Travel Inc., a full-service travel agency in Springfield.|ret||ret||tab|

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Ready for romance? Consider taking a special someone to New Orleans a city full of romantic highlights.|ret||ret||tab|

Begin an evening by the Mississippi with a carriage ride to the French Market, followed by dinner at Bella Luna, an elegant contemporary restaurant. |ret||ret||tab|

You can dine on owner/chef Horst Pfeifer's specialties while looking out the massive windows to the evening river traffic.|ret||ret||tab|

After dinner stroll along the river to Caf du Monde for coffee, followed by the show at the legendary Chris Owens Club on Bourbon Street a must see and one of the best in New Orleans. |ret||ret||tab|

ust a few blocks away is Pat O'Brien's, is a good place for hurricanes, or perhaps the House of Blues, where you can find a corner for listening.|ret||ret||tab|

Other options include the cabaret at le Chat Noir, or the elegant Red Room on St. Charles Avenue for dancing.|ret||ret||tab|

Day excursions should include a streetcar ride up Saint Charles Avenue, with a stop in the Garden District to stroll among some of the city's most magnificent mansions. |ret||ret||tab|

Continue on board the streetcar to the university area and spend some time in Audubon Park to visit the world-famous Audubon Zoo.|ret||ret||tab|

New Orlean's City Park is a feast for the senses. It boasts 100-year-old oak trees with moss cascading over streams. It is also home to the New Orleans Museum of Art.|ret||ret||tab|

Inside the park, visitors can rent bicycles, a paddlewheel boat or take a picnic. The Whole Foods Market on Esplanade Avenue sells picnics to go.|ret||ret||tab|

Accommodations are varied, but favorites include the elegant Monteleone, the Omni Royal Orleans with its rooftop pool and view of the French Quarter, or the Royal Sonesta in the heart of Bourbon Street. |ret||ret||tab|

If you are there on a Friday, be sure to have the seafood buffet for lunch at Beques, the hotel restaurant.|ret||ret||tab|

No matter where you stay, try to include breakfast at Brennan's. The food presented is a work of art.|ret||ret||tab|

Other suggestions include sailing on Lake Pontchartrain, a dinner cruise on the Steamboat Natchez and Creole Queen, or visiting Oak Alley Plantation for a step back in time.|ret||ret||tab|

New Orleans is a destination that is close, but oh-so-far away. |ret||ret||tab|

It offers much to see and experience for all tastes.|ret||ret||tab|

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Stress relief|ret||ret||tab|

Many people travel to escape the stresses of everyday life and to get away from it all. However, with tightened security, traveling can cause additional stress, leading to the question of how to stay unstressed and healthy while on the road.|ret||ret||tab|

Here are some tips taken from an article on Dr. Elson Haas, the author of several books on health and nutrition:|ret||ret||tab|

Drink water. Travel can be dehydrating, and water keeps a person healthy by cleansing toxins and hydrating tissues.|ret||ret||tab|

Exercise. Aerobic exercise is great for relaxing and combating stress.|ret||ret||tab|

Plan outdoor activities. Hike or bike the beach, get out in nature or read a book outside.|ret||ret||tab|

Don't try to see everything. Leave unscheduled time for rest and relaxation.|ret||ret||tab|

Take nutritional supplements. In addition to a healthy diet, be sure to get anti-oxidants through Vitamin C and E, beta-carotene and selenium.|ret||ret||tab|

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