A Little Fun in the Big Easy

People told us what to expect in New Orleans....

But they didn't tell us everything. So, we wanted to share with you some of the great people, places and things we discovered in New Orleans at the APTA Combined Sections meeting. Here's our quick list of what we'd highly recommend in the Big Easy:

People

Dragon Master Showcase: These guys were incredible athletes, performers, and comedians! Expect to walk away from the show a little light on cash (the only way they can live to perform another day is through donations). But they are well worth it! You can catch 'em on Decatur Street - take a seat on the steps facing St. Louis Cathedral.  

Symphony in Glass: This guy only comes out at night - creating hauntingly beautiful music complete with a light show. We caught his act on the square surrounding the St. Louis Cathedral on a Sunday night.

Places

Le Pavilion Hotel: One of the swankiest hotels you'll find in New Orleans, but they ain't pretentious. Every night at 10 o'clock, they offer a free Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich bar - complete with hot chocolate and REAL whipped cream. It all started back in 1988 when room service made a PB&J sandwich for one of their guests who was feeling homesick (can I get a collective ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!).

Photo by: Scott S.

d.b.a. Jazz Bar: Located just outside the French Quarter on 618 Frenchmen Street in historic Faubourg Marigny, d.b.a. is one of the best blues clubs in town - featuring some of the city's finest talent. We agree!

FOOD!!!!!!!!!

Cafe du Monde: One thing you gotta do in New Orleans is experience a beignet (pronounced Ben-yay!) It's a French fritter (some would call it a square doughnut with no hole). Oh, and it's usually hidden under an inch of powdered sugar (don't cough!). The Cafe is located at 800 Decatur Street near the St. Louis Cathedral.This is a must-see-and-eat! 

Cochon Restaurant: Stumbled onto this place with the help and recommendation of Yelp for Android. Located within walking distance of the tradeshow pavilion (930 Tchoupitoulas St.). We dined on fried alligator (tastes like chicken) and ribs (tastes like heaven). The ribs came in a special barbecue sauce sporting sweet pickles. Make sure your waiter brings you a continual supply of freshly made rolls with your meal.

Who Won The Shuttle Balance?

When we weren't galavanting all over New Orleans, we spent our time helping the good people of Tulane Medical Center get their cadre of Shuttle 2000-1 machines into fine running order - thanks Judith (and go Green Wave)! Our good friends, Mike Studer and Brady Whetton, at Northwest Rehabilitation Associates made their presentation at Combined Sections on Increasing the Dosage and now are famous celebrities.

Finally, we wanted to thank all the lovely people who stopped by our booth, hopped on the Shuttle Balance and promptly lost their balance. It was great fun and everybody who tried it was entered to win a brand new Shuttle Balance Professional.

Sadly, therecan only be one winner - and that puts a lot of pressure on us. So, to properly shirk that responsibility, we asked French chef, Julia Child, to select the Shuttle Balance winner.

Congatulations Hallie Lenker! Hallie just graduated from Arcadia University last week! She doesn't have a job yet - but she does have a brand new Shuttle Balance Professional. She should probably take it to her next interview. Yes, the Balance is a very versatile piece of equipment.

You Can Still Win A Balance

If you didn't win the Balance - don't despair! You can join us on Facebook where we're giving away a new Shuttle Balance Sport to a lucky winner when we reach 300 fans.

Also, join our Shuttle Insider for the latest tips, techniques, news and events surrounding your Shuttle product.

Oh, and hey! We're heading back to New Orleans in June - for another tradeshow. We've shared some of our favorites - now, you need to share yours. In the comments below, please share with us your favorite people, places, and foods in the Big Easy.