Get carried away on a carriage ride through the French Quarter while your equestrian tour guide provides the inside track on Creole culture and dishes on The Big Easy’s fascinating folklore. Call Whatever/Whenever to make it happen.

Eat, drink and be merry in the Faubourg Marigny, just a five minute cab ride from W. This hip neighborhood boasts a bohemian vibe and the spirit of the French Quarter of days gone by.

• Marigny’s soul is found in Washington Square Park, where the neighborhood’s spicy style is played out amongst the unique architecture of the Creole Cottages.
  
• The mystique of the Crescent City night comes to life on Frenchmen Street, where 4 short blocks are packed with a potent mix of live music clubs and exciting eateries.
  
• Home to a sizable gay population and an array of artists and musicians, recognizable residents include chef Paul Prudhomme, painter James Michalopoulas, along with actors Harry Shearer and Jennifer Coolidge. Local scribes around town include New Orleans mystery writers Julie Smith and J.M. Redmann, as well as Andrei Codrescu, Michael Swindle, and Kevin Allman.

A 5 minute walk from both W Hotels of New Orleans, one stroll through this bountiful bazaar reveals that it is a market of diversity and a community of culture. Merchants the world over offer their unique wares at this open-air phenomenon known as the French Market’s Community Flea Market. The diverse merry-go-round of colorful merchants adds much to the merriment of this bartering bonanza. Explore >

• Featuring African art, Creole candy, and everything in between. From necessities such as sunglasses, to tinkets like knock-off purses, this market is ready and waiting for anyone who loves a bargain.
  
• Overflowing with wonderful words to describe your New Orleans’ adventure? Just swing by the vending spot of Wick & Quill so that you can present your prose in style. This emporium offers everything for the fine writer including handmade greeting cards, stationery, photo albums, journals, inks and handmade gifts.

Explore >

Do your part for art by supporting New Orleans creatives at the Dutch Alley Artist Co-op in the French Quarter. A non- profit artist co-operative this organization exists to expose fine original artwork by local artists: painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, furniture, mixed media to a new audience. Take in an eyeful and uncover your latest muse at 912 N. Peters.

Get a taste of cooking with class. A calendar chockfull of culinary lessons will provide you with the recipe you need to transform you into the king or queen of all things culinary. Call Whatever/Whenever to set you up.

• Offering a buffet of delightful, delicious and enriching activities, The Savvy Gourmet will teach you to have great range in the kitchen.
  
• From social food-and-wine pairings, to a class in knife skills, a multitude of specialized areas of interest are covered, including the always popular Dinner Parties Pronto classes.
  
• Chefs’ specially selected from New Orleans’ premier restaurants show you the way to becoming a seasoned pro
  
• Demos include written recipes to take home, generous tastings of the chef’s creations, as well as complimentary beverages to enrich your learning experience. Bottoms up and bon appetit!

Lunch with the Who’s Who of the Crescent City at the grand dame of New Orleans old-line classic eateries. Friday midday meals at Galatoire’s feature the finest in French Quarter Creole cuisine.

• Committed to culinary excellence for more than a century, Galitoire’s is under the guidance of a fourth generation of family ownership
  
• It is often said that the virtue of Galatoire’s is that it never varies, as ageless New Orleans favorites grace the menu just as they did in 1905, raising consistency to an art form
  
• You won’t have any reservations about the fantastic food, but line up early, since Galitoire’s won’t book you a spot unless you are dining on the second floor

Sip up this luscious libation and experience a fruity rum-filled reward that dates back to World War II. When Pat O’Brien first poured this powerful potion into a glass shaped like a hurricane lamp, a legend was born. Pat O’Brien’s is a 2 minute walk from the W Hotels.

Open wide for a decadent treat that must be tasted to be believed. Jacques-Imo’s Alligator Cheesecake is a delicious dichotomy and a spicy delight for adventurous eaters with a unique appetite. Jacques –Imo’s is a true treasure because of its many funky features.

• Enjoy the wild combo of traditional Creole, Southern soul, and New Wave innovation as this comfortably downscale joint displays an ambiance of local folk art and colorful murals
  
• Keep your day’s schedule in mind, since this pleasantly chaotic room packs early with locals and out-of-towners alike. But Jacques – Imo’s keeps things hopping with a highly energetic wait staff
  
• Seafood is the cuisine to be sure to catch at this eatery including the earthy oyster-filled eggplant, bathed in rich shitake mushroom cream, or a wonderfully excessive deep-fried roast beef po' boy
  
• The tomato-based "Cajun bouillabaisse" is also an entrée you’ll want to reel in with its sprinkling of fragrant herbs and plethora of oysters, shrimp, mussels and gulf shrimp
  

Make the scene at The Maple Leaf Bar. This tavern is a warm and welcoming watering hole where along with a tall cold one, you can soak up the a sizable amount of character, charm and atmosphere.

• The Maple Leaf is right within reach. Just a 15 min cab ride from the W New Orleans or W New Orleans -  French Quarter
  
• This bar breaks out the best in Louisiana music including The Iguanas, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, ReBrith Brass Band, File' Cajun band, Sunpie Barnes' Blues & Zydeco Show, Rockin' Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, J. Monque'd Blues band, and more

Ambience abounds with a 'jumpin joint' vibe boasting tin walls, wood accents, candlelit patio and other telling touching touches that reveal the clubs intriguing past as a chess club.

Discover what this novel Magazine delivers with just a 5 minute cab ride from W New Orleans or W New Orleans – French Quarter. Experience the best in boutiques, specialty shops and treasure hunting troves on Magazine Street, a six-mile stretch lined with a truly eclectic mix of merchandise.

Preserve the element of fun embraced by the pioneers of New Orleans’ music. Preservation Hall pays homage to the likes of Louis Armstrong while housing the spirits of other lasting legends such as Sweet Emma Barrett and Jelly Roll Morton.

• A tavern during the war of 1812, as well as a photo studio and art gallery, Preservation Hall is one of the last pure music experiences left on the planet
  
• This intimate venue, whose weathered exterior remains untouched over its storied history, is a living embodiment of the hall’s original vision
  
• The Preservation Hall Band began touring in 1963 and contines to jump, jive and wail to this day. Following in the famous footsteps of legends of jazz past is  current band leader and renowned trumpeter John Brunious.
   

Would you like some clairvoyance with your chamomile? Bottom of the Cup offers loose leaf teas along with the sage advice of a soothsayer.