GETTING THERE
It’s always best to go late at night and get there in the early, early morning, so you’re not sweating while pulling up to the hotel. -Holly Carter, CEO, artist manager/producer, Releve Entertainment
STAY HERE
I feel like people are having the most fun at the W Hotel [whotelsnewÂorleans.com]; in the lobby there’s a party all the time. -Emil Wilbekin, editor at large, Essence
Harrah’s [harrahsneworleans.com], but not the casino; they have a separate hotel portion that’s pretty nice. It’s comfortable and centrally located. -Jaha Johnson, artist manager
Le Pavillon Hotel [lepavillon.com], which abuts the French Quarter and offers a respite from the revelry. -Catherine Brewton, VP of writer/publisher relations, BMI
DRINK UP
Any corner daiquiri shop. They are all over the city, and New Orleans has an open drinking policy, so you can just walk in and walk off with your drink.
-Michael Paran, manager/CEO, P Music Group
The Hotel Monteleone [hotelmonteleone.com] has a bar and lounge that is like an actual carousel. You sit at the bar and it literally goes around in circles. It’s really cool. -Emil Wilbekin
GRUB HUB
Mother’s [mothersrestaurant.net] is a real Southern experience, with great people working there. The food is good, and the down-home environment is just what I need. -Anthony Hamilton
Camellia Grill [626 S. Carrollton Ave.] has the most amazing breakfast I’ve ever had. The line is out the door. It’s counter seating only; there’s nothing fancy about it. -Jaha Johnson
If I’m seeking comfort food, I’ll head to Willie Mae’s Scotch House [2401 St. Ann St.]. Trust me, its many offerings, including red beans and rice, will change your life. -Catherine Brewton
BARGAIN HUNTING
Take the trolleys around the city. You get more for your money. You can just sit back and take in all the beauty and history of New Orleans, without having to drive. -Michael Paran
SIDESHOW
I like to walk around and drink on Bourbon Street. People watching is the best thing to do in New Orleans. -Jill Scott
Go to the World War II Museum [nationalww2museum.org], the New Orleans Museum of Art [noma.org] and the art galleries down Royal Street. Also, a lot of the places in Treme-make sure you hit Lil Dizzy’s [1500 Esplanade Ave.]. -Michael Paran
I’m a church girl, and the place to go is Greater St. Stephens [greaterststephenministries.org], which is Bishop Paul Morton’s church. -Holly Carter
BIZ HOT SPOT
Saks Fifth Avenue [saksfifthavenue.com] has this Fourth of July weekend sale, and everything is 50%-75% off. It’s packed with people that you know. Everyone’s shopping, they serve Champagne, they’re playing music, and it’s just really fun. -Emil Wilbekin
The W New Orleans in the French Quarter doubles as a boardroom for many music industry professionals during Essence Festival. Its SoBou restaurant [sobounola.com] provides ample space to network and nibble on delicacies crafted by executive chef Juan Carlos Gonzalez.-Catherine Brewton
AFTER HOURS
We tend to go to Harrah’s Casino to take in some scenery and enjoy the buffet. -Anthony Hamilton
Down Poydras Street there’s usually this huge open-air market with vendors selling food. So, on your way walking from the Super Dome back to your hotel, you can grab real authentic Southern Cajun food, probably the best you’ll have. -Emil Wilbekin
BEAT THE HEAT
Wear something really light, from sandals to sun dresses. In anything else, you’re overdressed and you’re going to burn up. -Holly Carter
MUST-HAVE
A positive party attitude, patience, a smile, at least one fab outfit and at least one pair of comfy shoes.-Jody Watley
DON’T MISS
I’m always excited to see Beyonce. I just think that she is the most incredible performer ever. Her vocal ability, her dancing, her confidence, her talent — she’s amazing and I’m a fan for life. -Jill Scott
Faith Evans. It’s good to see great R&B singing. Big Daddy Kane. I’m a big hip-hop fan of the seasoned artists and he has lots of hits. Jill Scott is an R&B favorite and always a great show. Emeli Sande is an awesome British soul newcomer. Alice Smith is a nice alternative soul singer. And Mali Music, because it’s great to see artists on the bill with a spiritual message. -Larry Shields, agent, the Agency Group
SPECIAL SOMETHING
It’s a gumbo of togetherness, with the greatest fans in the country and from all over the world. New Orleans has great history, soul, food, warmth and hospitality, which embodies what the festival is all about. -Michael Paran