NGWA’s David Evener, CAE visited New Orleans, Louisiana, to check it out before Groundwater Week 2025 takes place December 10-12. It was a whirl-wind trip as he bounced around several sites and attractions as well as making sure to savor several great meals along the way.
Fortunately, he also took plenty of notes. Here is what he jotted down while he was in the Crescent City. Make sure you hit some or all of these spots too when you’re at Groundwater Week this December.
And remember Groundwater Week is col-locating with the Irrigation Association this year.
Day One
Eat and Shop at the Riverwalk Mall
My day begins at a mall. However, if you’re in New Orleans for Groundwater Week and need to grab some Christmas gifts, the Riverwalk Outlets is going to be a solid stop. It’s right along the Mississippi River, so even if you’re just browsing, you get a great view of one of our country’s most famous rivers while you’re shopping.
Starting there gives you a chance to get some breakfast at the city’s famous Café du Monde. Yes, you can start the day New Orleans style – with warm beignets covered in powdered sugar and chicory coffee!
The mall is a mix of big-name stores and local shops, so you can grab something practical or something with a little New Orleans flair—Cafe du Monde gift packs, tasty pralines, or even some New Orleans Saints gear if you’ve got a football fan on your list.
It’s also a good place to take a breather from the conference craziness for a bit. And if you’re feeling extra festive, there’s usually holiday décor and music playing, which makes it a little easier to get into the Christmas spirit—even if you’re shopping in short sleeves.
Experience Mardi Gras Any Time
After getting some fuel to start the day, I headed to Mardi Gras World. If you want a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of Mardi Gras, Mardi Gras World is the place to go. Walking through the massive warehouse, you’re surrounded by towering floats, giant jester heads, and all kinds of colorful, over-the-top sculptures in various stages of creation.
It’s wild to see how much work goes into these parades—everything is handcrafted, painted, and detailed up close in a way you don’t appreciate when they’re rolling down the street.
Some of the floats are huge, like the jazz musician with his trombone stretching out over the edge, while others are just pure fun (yes, that’s a giant bag of chips back there). It’s a cool mix of tradition and creativity, and it definitely makes you want to come back for the real thing.
Have a Le Pig Mac for Lunch
In need of some rejuvenation after a busy morning, I finally take a lunch break with the Le Pig Mac at Cochon Butcher, just a short walk from Hall G at the New Orleans Convention Center.
Think Big Mac, but swap the beef for juicy pork patties, add house-made pickles, melty cheese, and shredded lettuce, all stacked between a toasted sesame bun. It’s messy, rich, and ridiculously good.
Paired with a side of potato salad and a cold local beer, it’s the perfect refuel before heading to my next stop—the WWII Museum, just five minutes away. If you love meat, this place is a must.
See History at the World War II Museum
Walking into the WWII Museum, you can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed—in the best way. The place is massive, and the first thing you see is warbirds hanging from the ceiling like they’re frozen in time. The B-17 My Gal Sal is just up there looking like it could take off any second.
Then there’s a wall covered in dog tags—representing the 16.4 million Americans who served in the war. It’s a lot to take in.
The exhibits walk you through everything, from the lead-up to the war, to the European and Pacific fronts, to the liberation of concentration camps and the aftermath. One powerful exhibit is the Siege of Bastogne—where you step into a dark, frozen forest surrounded by towering trees and shadows. It puts you right there in the moment.
But what really gets you are the personal stories. The museum doesn’t just show you artifacts—it makes sure you understand the people behind them. You hear their voices, see their faces, read their letters. It sticks with you.
There’s even a Higgins boat you can check out, just like the ones that hit the beaches on D-Day. You could spend all day here and still not see everything. This place isn’t just worth a visit—it’s something you need to experience.
Have a Classic New Orleans Meal for Dinner
It’s time to wrap up the day, and I’m doing so with a classic New Orleans meal—a fried shrimp po’ boy at Ernst Café. This place has been around since 1902, and they know how to do it right.
Crispy, perfectly seasoned shrimp piled onto soft French bread with just the right amount of sauce. After a long day in New Orleans, it hits the spot. A cold drink, good food, and a little people-watching from the patio—can’t think of a better way to end the night in New Orleans.
Day 2
Try to Win Big at Caesars
If you’re in New Orleans for Groundwater Week and missing the buzz of Las Vegas, you don’t have to go far—Caesars New Orleans Hotel & Casino is right across the street from the Hilton Riverwalk, NGWA’s headquarters hotel.
It’s got all the action you’d expect—slots, table games, poker—and that same Caesars vibe you’d find in Las Vegas. Plus, it’s New Orleans, so you know there’s plenty of good food and drinks to keep the fun rolling.
There are great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bobby’s Burgers, owned by acclaimed chef Bobby Flay, is open for all three meals. So I figured why not start my day two with a savory bacon breakfast sandwich?
Whether you’re looking to test your luck after a long day at the conference or just want to soak up the energy any time of day, Caesars New Orleans is an easy place to pop in for a little fun.
Escape NOLA at the Aquarium and Insectarium
First up on day two is theAudubon Aquarium and Insectarium, and it is a perfect mix of wonder and weirdness. One minute, I was watching graceful stingrays glide through the water, and the next, I was up close with a curious little penguin giving me the side-eye through the glass. It’s two incredible experiences to be had in one location.
The lionfish exhibit was hypnotic—those delicate, spiky fins floating around ancient-looking ruins made it feel like an underwater dream. Then there was the butterfly garden, where an electric blue morpho landed right in front of me, looking like something out of a painting.
The insectarium? Let’s just say I skipped the edible bugs exhibit since I was so close to breaking for lunch, but it was fascinating to see just how many creepy crawlies are out there.
If you want a break from the usual NOLA sights, this place is a fun, immersive way to experience nature up close.
Lunch at Mothers Tastes Like Eating at Home
It was time for lunch so it was time for Mother’s Restaurant, Eating at Mother’s, situated at the corner of two popular New Orleans streets, is almost as the name implies – it feels like you’re eating home-made meals.
Nearly 90 years old and open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Mother’s is located near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center so it’s perfect after a long day at Groundwater Week.
The menu is mouth-watering. The sign out front says “World’s Best Baked Ham,” and who’s to argue. It is served fried, baked, or black along with three side dishes.
The menu also features New Orleans staples like po’ boy sandwiches, gumbos, jambalaya, and crawfish etouffee. And like any good place, breakfast is available all day which means a shrimp creole omelet with a side of grits can be had whenever the mood strikes!
Take in the Wonder of the French Quarter
Walking the narrow streets of the French Quarter is an experience that takes you to another place. It’s easy to forget you’re in the United States as there is a definite European flavor.
The French architecture. The assortment of colors. The balconies on the buildings lined with flowerboxes. The wrought iron gates. The courtyards filled with trees, benches, and flowers. It’s a unique experience and one that should be taken in when in New Orleans.
The buildings are a mix of shops, art galleries, antique stores, restaurants, bars, music venues, hotels, and more. Visting the French Quarter is a wonderful way to spend a morning, an afternoon, a day, or even several days. And since Groundwater Week is in December, the French Quarter is another opportunity to work on that holiday shopping!