Things Not To Do in New Orleans

MattMakesLoans · December 11, 2017

We've got a really good list going of things to do, but there are also some things to avoid. New Orleans has very weird hustle culture, with an ever churning group trying to run various scams. At first it might seem fun to give a guy a dollar for a classic joke, but you quickly get noted as a mark and the hustle can quickly move from fun to intimidating to a crime.

Street Hustles.

"Know where you get dem' shoes?"

"I bet I can spell your first name"

"Let me shine those shoes"

"Hold this hat"

"Party Police"

"I'm just trying to get some food" "I'm trying to get home" "The shelter is full tonight"

Wastes of Money

"Weed pops"

"Any Ministry" or "non-profit" "kids in the same color shirt with donation buckets"

DeepGreen · December 11, 2017

Troy fans looking for money to get back home?

untcampbell · December 11, 2017

If you like the music he or she is, or they are, producing, give a little.

Otherwise, completely agree. Clearly, MML has spent considerable time in NOLa. Don't interact with any of the folks that are fully painted gold or silver. The basic rule is....assume you are the dumbest guy in the room (on the street), and get out.

Watch where you are walking and/or jogging. Some sidewalks, especially out in the Garden District and Uptown, will roll your ankles, break your knees, scar your face. After dark, the risk is infinitely higher.

If you are flying home, don't drink too much the night before. Drink. Drink a lot, if you like. But not too much (and you know what that is) before any morning flight.

GMG

oldguystudent · December 12, 2017

From what I've been told, do not, under any circumstances, pee in the street in the French Quarter.

CMJ · December 12, 2017

Avoid the strip joints. A good friend of mine was convinced they put something in his drink and he practically blacked out. A couple hours later and several hundred dollars lighter he was closing down Bourbon Street with almost no memory of how he got there.

MattMakesLoans · December 12, 2017

Street Performers

If you watch and enjoy, then tip.

Don’t take a picture and not tip. They will harass you.

Strip Clubs

The city has cracked down on the bad ones. Don’t go to the small ones by yourself and don’t use a credit card.

GrandGreen · December 12, 2017

NO is the epitome of a tourist city and a little on the wild side. They depend on tourists, so in general it is pretty safe in the tourist areas. There are tons of young drunks who can't come close to handling their liquor around Bourbon street on the weekends. There are also a lot of the fringe element that will prey on the vulnerable.

I have spent a lot of time in this city and never really had any problems. However, like any big city; there are areas to stay away from and situations to avoid.

Aquila_Viridis · December 12, 2017

Street brawl.

Rudy · December 12, 2017

3 hours ago, CMJ said:

Avoid the strip joints. A good friend of mine was convinced they put something in his drink and he practically blacked out. A couple hours later and several hundred dollars lighter he was closing down Bourbon Street with almost no memory of how he got there.

If you're talking about who I think you are, he DID drink a beverage called "The Mind Easer".

UNTLifer · December 12, 2017

Bourbon Street: keep moving and don't make eye contact.

Rudy · December 12, 2017

Don't venture past Orleans Ave after dark and don't stop, speak or make eye contact with the hookers.

On second thought, if a hooker approaches you, just tell her your name is Craig James.

unt_rocket09 · December 12, 2017

9 hours ago, CMJ said:

Avoid the strip joints. A good friend of mine was convinced they put something in his drink and he practically blacked out. A couple hours later and several hundred dollars lighter he was closing down Bourbon Street with almost no memory of how he got there.

This happened to me in like 2007 or 2008. I went to the UNT v LSU game and blacked out in Ricks. Hours later I had a bill damn near 1,000

Edited December 12, 2017 by unt_rocket09

golfingomez · December 12, 2017

13 hours ago, MattMakesLoans said:

We've got a really good list going of things to do, but there are also some things to avoid. New Orleans has very weird hustle culture, with an ever churning group trying to run various scams. At first it might seem fun to give a guy a dollar for a classic joke, but you quickly get noted as a mark and the hustle can quickly move from fun to intimidating to a crime.

Street Hustles.

"Know where you get dem' shoes?"

"I bet I can spell your first name"

"Let me shine those shoes"

"Hold this hat"

"Party Police"

"I'm just trying to get some food" "I'm trying to get home" "The shelter is full tonight"

Wastes of Money

"Weed pops"

"Any Ministry" or "non-profit" "kids in the same color shirt with donation buckets"

Related image

CMJ · December 12, 2017

9 hours ago, Rudy said:

If you're talking about who I think you are, he DID drink a beverage called "The Mind Easer".

Probably not the same guy, though I suppose it's possible. He graduated from NT my third semester in school and was already gone by the time you joined Talons. He did come back for Homecoming a time or two while you were around though.

ipd054 · December 12, 2017

1. Do not take CD's of music from guys handing out their demos. At best it is a scam to get some money from you, but if you have too much money they will quickly escalate to a pick-pocket scheme where you have 3-4 guys around you all talking and touching your shoulder, shaking your hand, ect... and before you know it your wallet is gone...

2. Do not be an ass hat to the police, they will let you get away with a lot but they will bring down the hammer (boots, fist, and maybe a baton) if you go to far. (I have seen individuals tazed on Bourbon Street)

3. Do not mess with the Police horses that clear the street. After the horses knock you down the humans will make you wish you stayed home.

4. Do not pass out in a bar, they will ask you to leave once and then you will be "helped" to the alley.

5. Do not touch individuals who may or may not be trading a view for beads, the police see this as assault (see item 2)

While I have not personally violated any of these rules, I have stopped the pick pocket, watched the police escort someone to the ground via light post and trash cans, saw a horse kick a guy who pushed it and the ensuing melee (or should I say legal dentition of an individual who assaulted a police officer), picked up a friend from the trash pile in the alley, and was across the street from a guy who grabbed a girl who was arrested for sexual assault.

Have fun but remember that if you a sporting North Texas gear and you are an ass, you are hurting the school.

UNTLifer · December 12, 2017

I had a friend that acted like he was foreign and made up a language that just confused the heck out of the people approaching him. Pretty funny. I'm not creative enough to pull that off.

UNTLifer · December 12, 2017

2 hours ago, ipd054 said:

1. Do not take CD's of music from guys handing out their demos. At best it is a scam to get some money from you, but if you have too much money they will quickly escalate to a pick-pocket scheme where you have 3-4 guys around you all talking and touching your shoulder, shaking your hand, ect... and before you know it your wallet is gone...

2. Do not be an ass hat to the police, they will let you get away with a lot but they will bring down the hammer (boots, fist, and maybe a baton) if you go to far. (I have seen individuals tazed on Bourbon Street)

3. Do not mess with the Police horses that clear the street. After the horses knock you down the humans will make you wish you stayed home.

4. Do not pass out in a bar, they will ask you to leave once and then you will be "helped" to the alley.

5. Do not touch individuals who may or may not be trading a view for beads, the police see this as assault (see item 2)

While I have not personally violated any of these rules, I have stopped the pick pocket, watched the police escort someone to the ground via light post and trash cans, saw a horse kick a guy who pushed it and the ensuing melee (or should I say legal dentition of an individual who assaulted a police officer), picked up a friend from the trash pile in the alley, and was across the street from a guy who grabbed a girl who was arrested for sexual assault.

Have fun but remember that if you a sporting North Texas gear and you are an ass, you are hurting the school.

Yep. Do Not carry your wallet. Keep you money in a front pocket. Also, don't walk around alone.

**Funny. Guess someone thinks you should just flash your cash around, or it is probably just the troll doing his thing.

Edited December 12, 2017 by UNTLifer

untcampbell · December 12, 2017

A corollary to #5 in ipd054's very appropriate list of rules: do not throw beads unless party expecting the beads provides the view. This cheapens the currency for others bead distributors negotiating views.*

* Respectfully offered by an experienced, but retired, bead thrower.

GMG

UNTLifer · December 12, 2017

If carrying a wad of cash, do not pull said wad out in front of the locals. You become a target.

MattMakesLoans · December 12, 2017

The FQ and Bourbon Steet is not the war zone some of these posts are describing. Like all big cities and entertainment districts you should be aware of your surroundings.

I go to New Orleans a few times a year. Just be smart.

UNTLifer · December 12, 2017

I agree with Matt. I had a bad experience with the staff at "The Swamp" and watched a number of "street vendors" take advantage of people. Just be smart and you will have a blast.

vpackrats · December 12, 2017

When in the French Quarter at night, don't go past Rampart St always worked as good advice for me. But, as others have said, the French Quarter is generally safe.

Rudy · December 12, 2017

7 hours ago, CMJ said:

Probably not the same guy, though I suppose it's possible. He graduated from NT my third semester in school and was already gone by the time you joined Talons. He did come back for Homecoming a time or two while you were around though.

I think his name was Shane? He was also friends with Paul. His glasses broke and on our way to the game, we had to stop by a place and get his glasses fixed. Is that the same person you're thinking of?

Wag Tag · December 12, 2017

Uh uh if you are asked, “What is your major?” Ignore! GMG

CMJ · December 13, 2017

3 hours ago, Rudy said:

I think his name was Shane? He was also friends with Paul. His glasses broke and on our way to the game, we had to stop by a place and get his glasses fixed. Is that the same person you're thinking of?

LOL, yes. The story is even better than that when you include him trying to find our hotel room.