If you're considering staying at the Lemon Tree Manor, BOOK IT. You will be thrilled, trust me. The home itself is newly renovated, perfectly appointed, filled with gorgeous antiques...and that shower, omg!!! Coming here in July and needing to work for part of the time, our two concerns were AC and wifi - both were perfect, and Susan even helped us open up a table in the front room to use as a desk. Susan and her husband live two doors down and Dink lives in the back of the property - all three are WONDERFUL and are around in case you need anything at all. Seriously, this is Southern hospitality at its finest!

We stayed here for 2 weeks and absolutely loved the location. There are so many great restaurants/bars within a short walk in Bywater/Marigny, some just around the corner. Satsuma, Booty's, Oxalis, Pizza Delicious, Piety St Snoballs, The Country Club, Markey's Bar are all within a few blocks. The Joint, Vaughn's and Bacchanal are also close-by. Other local places of interest to explore: The Marigny Opera House (formerly-abandoned church turned performance space), New Orleans Healing Center (houses a food co-op, lots of little shops, a voudoo priestess, Wild Lotus Yoga, Cafe Istanbul), Rhythmic Arts Center (take a 2nd line dance class called BrassXcise with Dancing Man 504 and tell him the New Yorkers sent you!).

Live music is a MUST while in New Orleans. Check the WWOZ Livewire for nightly listings. All the Frenchmen St bars are walkable (as well as the French Quarter just beyond). Spotted Cat, Blue Nile, d.b.a., Snug Harbor - all good. If you've never been to Preservation Hall, it's totally worth it. Our other favorites include the Maple Leaf, Tipitina's, Bullet's on Tues night with Kermit Ruffins (or try his Mother-in-Law Lounge).

The very best thing we did: rent bikes! There is no better way to see this city, and it is all flat, easy to bike. Go to A Bicycle Named Desire on Royal at Elysian Fields. The guys there are the nicest and will show you all kinds of places to explore by bike. They also do incredible bike tours. We went all over on our bikes: City Park, NOMA, the WWII museum, Magazine St, Garden District, Lower 9th Ward.

One more recommendation: if you're looking to get a new tattoo, go to Downtown Tattoos on Frenchmen and ask for Justin Olivier (or any of the guys). Excellent artistry and very laid back and welcoming.

We can't say enough good things about Susan and the Lemon Tree! This was the perfect home base for all our Nola adventures. All the beautiful touches were so appreciated - the fresh flowers, delicious brownies, bountiful towels, bottles of water. And thanks to Dink for doing a load of laundry half-way through our stay! We loved every moment of our visit and can't wait to come back.