New Orleans with teen/World war museum question

Question

Hello

I will be taking my son who is 12 to New Orleans to see the World War museum. We will be there on valentines day. We need recommendations on places to eat. Would love to go somewhere that has live music and good food.

Has anyone done the Into the Vault experience at the World War museum? Is it worth it? My son loves collecting World War 2 collectibles and was wondering if this experience is worth the money.

Answer

Your trip to New Orleans with your son sounds like a fantastic way to explore the city while combining history with entertainment! Visiting the World War II Museum is an excellent choice, especially for someone interested in WWII collectibles. I'll provide some recommendations for places to eat, live music venues, and share my thoughts on the "Into the Vault" experience at the museum.

Dining Recommendations with Live Music: New Orleans is known for its vibrant food scene, and many restaurants feature live music, which would be perfect for your Valentine's Day outing. Here are some great options:

House of Blues – Located in the French Quarter, House of Blues offers a great blend of delicious Southern cuisine and live music. The restaurant hosts live performances, and you can enjoy a variety of dishes like jambalaya, shrimp and grits, or a classic po'boy. It’s a lively spot with a fun atmosphere, and perfect for a family-friendly evening.
Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub – If you’re in the mood for traditional jazz, Fritzel’s in the French Quarter offers live jazz music in an intimate, old-school pub setting. You can enjoy great New Orleans food like gumbo or a seafood po'boy while listening to some of the best local jazz musicians.
Preservation Hall – While more of a music venue than a dining spot, Preservation Hall is a must-see if you’re into jazz. Located just off Bourbon Street, it’s home to some of the city’s best traditional jazz musicians. If you prefer dining first and then catching some music, there are plenty of nearby options like the Court of Two Sisters or Arnaud’s that offer both great food and live music in the area.
The Spotted Cat Music Club – Located in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, this is a more intimate spot with live jazz and blues performances. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a drink after dinner in the area, and nearby restaurants serve up delicious Cajun and Creole fare.

Into the Vault Experience at the World War II Museum: As for the "Into the Vault" experience at the National WWII Museum, it’s a premium offering that gives you behind-the-scenes access to the museum's collection, allowing you to view rare artifacts and interact with experts. Given your son’s interest in WWII collectibles, it could be an exciting and educational experience. The tour includes visits to storage areas where some of the museum's most valuable and delicate items are kept, providing a unique opportunity to see objects that aren’t part of the general exhibit. If your son is particularly passionate about WWII history and collectibles, the extra cost might be worth it for him to see these rare items up close. However, if you’re looking for something more interactive, the museum also offers exhibits like the "Final Mission: The USS Tang Submarine Experience," which is very engaging for younger visitors. It's a bit more hands-on and immersive, and it could complement your son’s interest in history. If you’re unsure whether "Into the Vault" is worth it, I recommend checking with the museum to see if any additional child-friendly activities are available, as well as reading reviews from other visitors who have done the experience with kids. If your son loves collecting WWII items, this might be a great opportunity for him, but there are also plenty of other aspects of the museum that will be enjoyable and informative for both of you.

In summary, New Orleans has a wealth of options for both food and live music, perfect for a memorable family experience. I would recommend considering House of Blues for a fun, music-filled dinner or exploring the French Quarter’s jazz clubs. As for the "Into the Vault" experience, it sounds like it could be a great match for your son’s interest in collectibles, but if you’re unsure, there are other immersive exhibits at the WWII Museum that could also be enjoyable. Either way, you’re sure to have a memorable trip!