New Orleans

Hello, I've lived in New Orleans for 41 years. Just recently moved to Albuquerque. Mardi Gras is sooo much fun. The area is still in serious recovery from Hurricane Katrina so be aware you will still see a lot of devastation. Many of the parades will have different routes than usual. The best parades in Orleans Parish are Endymion,Orpheus, Bacchus, Zulu and Rex. If you go to Jefferson Parish try to catch the Zeus parade which rolls the night before Fat Tuesday. Many of the shops are up and running in the French Quarter as well as on Magazine Street. Also try to sample some of the seafood. Accomodations will be expensive especially anywhere downtown or in the French Quarter. Many hotels were damaged during the storm so you might need to see about hotels in Metairie, Kenner or the Northshore. Don't forget to check out Bourbon Street--just be prepared for sights you might not be used to, a ton of partying and drinking, and lots of fun. Enjoy yourself and "Welcome to the Big Easy"

The French Quarter is fun and all, but if you can, steer clear of Canal St. for parades and try to head up St. Charles past Lee Circle. It is mostly families and less of the drunken tourists who think Mardi Gras is all about getting as drunk as you can and flashing/or seeing boobies. The cemetery in the Garden District closes at 2:30, so get there early or you'll be peering in through the gates. If you want to party near the Quarter (don't be confused if you hear it called the Vieux Carre' or old square, they mean the French Quarter) try the bars on Frenchmen St right past Esplanade at the other end of the Quarter from Canal St. This is a great neighborhood called the Faubourg Marigny but be on the lookout for possible muggings in this area and in fact all others. Crossing Bourbon St. on the Friday before til the Tuesday of Mardi Gras will take you about 15 mins. of pushing and someone could easily rip you off w/o your knowledge. Try to get to Erzulie's on Royal St., too, but they are closed Monday and Tues., I think. Have fun, and let me know if you have any more questions!