Don't Miss Doreen the Clarinet Queen on Royal Street almost every Friday.[latimes.com]

Check out the jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street as well.

Did you go yet? If you're into jazz you have to go to the Preservation Jazz Hall. There are a multitude of antique shops within a couple blocks of Bourbon Street--the walk from Bourbon Street to the Mississippi isnt too far and of course you have to have a beignet at Cafe Du Monde.

Definitely sign up for some tours. Walking tours in the French Quarter, city tours, bayou tours, plantation tours. You seem a dog person. You can visit Villalobos Rescue Center (of Pitbulls and Parolees) and even volunteer to walk the dogs. I also loved the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium and the Aquarium. LOL. Obviously I love animals and go places to see animals (including the wildlife of the bayou). The Garden District is lovely for a stroll. And take a ride on the trolleys and go on a paddlewheeler.