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The Streetcars have not been running since Hurricane Katrina
Love's a trip -- Surprise your sweetheart with an uncommon experience
NEW ORLEANS – In this crowded world, it's still possible to do something one-of-a-kind for someone you love – something you'll be talking about and replaying in memory for years to come.
I did.
I called it "A Streetcar Named Travis," and I knew I had a hit on my hands as I watched my husband in rapt, laughter-sprinkled conversation with the driver of Travis' "own" streetcar as it grumbled, rumbled and clanked along beautiful St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans.
From time to time in our 23 years of marriage and celebrations, I've conjured a surprise travel experience for him. Not just a weekend at a B&B or a massage in an out-of-town spa, not just dinner in a famous restaurant or a flight to an exciting destination, but something a step beyond.
Nothing has been unreasonably expensive, and everything is available to any traveler. The difference is the thought and planning – plotting, maybe – that showed him he isn't just special, he's the star of my life's show.
Charter a Streetcar for a memorable experience for that loved one.
Streetcar charters – New Orleans has two available lines, St. Charles and Riverfront. Round trip from the Carrollton station car barn to Lee Circle is $150 ($200 to Canal Street, a short distance beyond). It's $175 on the Riverfront route from Julia Street to Esplanade Avenue and back. Add a $35 refundable deposit to either. Cars aren't available during rush hours or Mardi Gras. The historic St. Charles cars aren't air-conditioned. Food and beverages (no alcohol) are allowed on charters; containers must be paper or plastic. Contact: Alma McMillian at the Regional Transit Authority (504-940-3146).
Royal Sonesta Hotel –Concierge Russell Murphy at this handsome, hospitable French Quarter lodging arranged the hamper for the streetcar picnic. The menu included turkey wraps, fruit and green salads, cheeses, dessert, sodas and water. Cost was about $30 each per person.
I booked a room overlooking the courtyard (no Bourbon Street noise). Rooms range from $89 to $389, depending on season or event; packages are available.
Contact: Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon St., New Orleans, La. 70130; 1-800-766-3782 or 504-586-0300; www.royalsonestano.com
City information
New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp. has an up-to-date, easy-to-navigate site: www.neworleansonline.com
. Lodging and dining are included. Or, phone 504-524-4784.
The New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau Web site has features such as a reservations option for well-known restaurants, including Brennan's (Sunday breakfast a tradition). Contact: 1-800-672-6124; www.neworleanscvb.com
10:23 PM CST on Friday, February 11, 2005
By MARY ELLEN BOTTER / The Dallas Morning News
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