New Orleans ready for National Convention.

* The New Orleans Convention Center area, French Quarter and Garden District will be more than ready for 2007 DAV/DAVA National Convention goers. While Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of the city, the area surrounding the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, where the convention will be held in August, and other tourist destinations are nearly fully recovered from storm damage.

"Every year, we make a site visit to the hotel where the convention will be held," said National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson. "This Fall, we visited New Orleans and even though some areas remain in ruin, the city itself has undergone a big revival."

Once again there's an abundance of things to see and do in the fabulous "Big Easy," as recovery efforts continue. You can stroll among lavish gardens and extensive mansions on a walking tour in the Garden District; shop a seemingly endless array of antique and specialty stores on Magazine Street; take a buggy ride through Jackson Square; ride a steam-powered riverboat on the Mighty Mississippi; visit a majestic plantation; come face to face with Normandy Beach at the National WW II Museum; explore the universe at the Planetarium at Audubon Nature Center; visit art galleries in the warehouse district; or start the party anytime with a delicious cocktail and some local music in an array of famous bars and restaurants on Bourbon Street. Take your pick.

The signature Cajun food New Orleans is known for is available at more than 1,000 restaurants. Nearly every airline that flew into the city before the hurricane is again making regular flights. Taxi service is improving and keeping up with demand, and the Canal Streetcar is up and running. Hotel staffing is improving daily.

"Some residential areas are still in recovery, as would be expected from such a major disaster. But the storm didn't damage the French Quarter and most other tourist destinations as it did other parts of town," Wilson said. "The Crescent City is cleaning up and moving forward, and we're glad our convention will help the city do more to get back on its feet."

The National Convention is scheduled for Aug. 11-14 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Rooms are available at a discounted rate of $119 to $154, based on room preference.

Call 504-584-3999, direct, or toll-free 1-800-HILTONS to make reservations. Be sure to tell customer service representatives that you are attending the convention for preferred rates. And visit www.neworleans.com to find out more cool things to do in New Orleans.