In the Big Easy, not everything goes. New Orleans’ municipal code regarding obscene live conduct (54-260) describes the “lewd exhibition … of the genitals … female breast nipples” etc., which doesn’t leave much room for public exposure.
However, once inside there are places that have a more “European attitude” when it comes to clothing. The Dive Inn (TheDiveInn.com) offers a relaxed, clothing-optional atmosphere. In fact, the heated indoor pool and two hot tubs are open 24 hours, and their FAQ page is a must-read. The Green House Inn (TheGreenHouseInn.com) is an 1840 Greek Revival townhouse located in the Garden District that features a tree-shaped saltwater pool complete with waterfalls and fiber optic lighting connected to a Jacuzzi-style hot tub – both clothing-optional. There is also the more well-known Country Club (TheCountryClubNewOrleans.com), where it’s “always happy hour when it rains.” Dine at their restaurant at almost any time of day, enjoy spa services, have a cocktail in the Jacuzzi or pay a fee to join the clothing-optional “back private club.”
For a little more, shall we say, entertainment, The AllWays Lounge (TheAllWaysLounge.com) offers the show “Big Dick’s House of Big Boobs” every few months where anyone can jump on the stage and perform an amateur strip tease. Or for a little less audience participation, you can visit any one of the many burlesque performances around the city, including those by Fleur de Tease (FleurDeTease.com), which most often still maintains the tease.
If you really want to, ahem, put it all out there, the New Orleans Chapter of the World Naked Bike Ride (WorldNakedBikeRide.org) – which has the tagline of “As Bare as You Dare” – will celebrate its fifth anniversary by assembling at 4 p.m. on June 8 at Markey Park in Bywater, followed by an after party at the aforementioned Country Club.
