In Three Days

Yes, we are dragging you out of the Quarter again, but we will let you come back later. Start: Taxi to Algiers Point Ferry Terminal or Canal Streetcar line to Convention Center Boulevard.

1. A Ferry Ride to Algiers

Not so much because Algiers is so great, but because it's a free ride across the Mississippi. Wind in your face, visions of Tom and Huck, all that. But once on the other side, you can visit Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World (shuttles meet each ferry). The neighborhood itself is worth strolling, as it's a more or less undisturbed turn-of-the-20th-century suburb. And the ride back across on the ferry will give you a wonderful view of the New Orleans skyline.

2. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Here's a fine refuge for a rainy (or for that matter, overly warm) day, and a perfect outing for kids, who will want to see the jellyfish and spend lots of time giggling at the sea otters. Because they had to restock after losing nearly everything during the power outage, their regeneration is an exciting time. Wave to the penguins who survived and got a hurri-cation in Oakland. Get here early to avoid the bus loads of schoolchildren.

Take the riverboat to Audubon Park.

3. Audubon Park and Audubon Zoo

You may or may not want to visit the zoo, which is small but sweetly developed, but if you do and it's a hot day, plan on coming here before any other activity. Animals are smart enough to rest rather than romp in the heat, so if you want to see anything other than a pile of fur snoozing in the shade, you need to be here when the place opens. But even if you don't visit the zoo, you must stroll through Audubon Park.

4. Lilette

Owned by one of the most interesting and creative chefs in town, Lilette is a charming -- and popular -- spot for lunch. 3637 Magazine St. tel. 504/895-1636. If you just want a sweet, sample some of the myriad flavors concocted at Creole Creamery, including lavender honey, red velvet, and pepper. 4924 Prytania St, tel. 504/894-8680.

5. Shop Magazine Street

The quirky shops along Magazine (they clump together in pockets here and there, but a good stretch runs from roughly the 3500-4200 blocks) are a mix of some affordable antiques and geegaws, shops of no particular theme, and good clothing stores. Part of the very hip Lower Garden District, it makes for a change from the Quarter and it's certainly more affordable. The no. 11 Magazine Street bus line begins at Audubon Park.

6. National World War II Museum

Begun with an emphasis on D-Day, but gradually turning its focus to all of WWII, this was the inspiration of historian (and Saving Private Ryan consultant) Stephen Ambrose. A tribute to the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices that marked the turning point in World War II, it is a world-class museum. D-day vets are often found taking tickets and doing other jobs -- say thank you for us, please, and we don't just mean for that day's volunteer work. By afternoon the crowds should be thinner, but if you have a special interest in the subject matter, you should allow at least 3 hours. You can take the no. 11 Magazine Street bus and exit as close to Calliope as you can get.

7. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the Galleries on Julia Street

The premier collection of Southern art in the country. We gravitate toward outsider art and photos and do appreciate special touches, such as an exhibit of photographs of old blues men that had an appropriate soundtrack. Once you are done seeing the past of Southern art, walk around the corner to the galleries on Julia Street to see its present and future. You can take the no. 11 Magazine Street bus from the Lower Garden District (get off as close to St. Joseph as you can), or walk from the National World War II Museum or in from the Quarter.

8. New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

It's not like you can visit voodoo -- it's a religion, not a place -- but you can tour the musty and a bit touristy New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, which has some informative exhibits and a staff that should be able to give you a tour if you ask nicely. Combine a visit here with one to the Voodoo Spiritual Temple run by Priestess Miriam. A charismatic figure used to delivering talks on her religion to outsiders, she gladly shows people around her place of worship. But it is just that, so please be respectful.