I first came to NOLA ten years ago when I was looking for cool sims to visit and a sandbox (beware of snake). Surprisingly, it wasn't one of those empty sims - people live there and there are dances. The residents love it. When I went into business I opened a Mardi Gras store there, and later when I started making furniture, put my store there. If you are looking for interesting sims in SL this should be on your list.