Another Riverwalk to try

What has 23 eating establishments and shares a name with San Antonio?

It's the Riverwalk Marketplace that just opened in New Orleans.

It's another sign that companies still are willing to invest in the city despite lingering woes in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

The project is the latest for America's Shopping Places, which has such complexes in 24 states.

The complex was constructed along the Mississippi River on the site of the 1984 World’s Fair, not far from the famous French Quarter and adjacent to the Morial Convention Center and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.

Riverwalk is home to the only downtown refund center for the Tax Free Shopping for International Visitors program. The refund center is located on the 2nd level offering convenient access to convention delegates as well as cruise ship passengers and personnel.

---

ON THE WEB
• The Official New Orleans Web Site
• Great New Orleans Restaurants, from Gumbo Pages
• Dowd's Guides

Coming in '09: The Great Wheel of China

Beijing hosts the Olympic Games this year, beginning on Aug. 8. That's a touch act to follow, so what does the Chinese capital city have on its agenda for 2009?

How about the world's largest Ferris wheel?

The Great Wheel of China, which will be built in Chaoyang Park where Olympic beach volleyball will be played next month, will stand 682 feet high, and and become the tallest and largest Ferris wheel in the world.

It is planned to have 48 air-conditioned cabins, each able to carry 40 passengers on a 30-minute once-around trip.

Here's a look at it:

---

ON THE WEB
• Beijing Travel Tips
• Best Places to Visit In China
ª Dowd's Guides