South - Mardi Gras 2010!

Howdy y'all! Planning on going to Mardi Gras sometime next Thursday (sadly, driving) & then staying until the very end! There are threads for years past, but I didn't find one (other than the restaurant thread) for this year. So uhh, figured I'd start my own. :D

Last year was the first time I went, so I just kind of went along with what my friends were doing...really had fun at the Bacchus parade! But I arrived on Sunday afternoon last year, missed a lot of the weekend. This year I've got almost a week!

So, FTers, what's not to miss in NOLA? I've been before, but I'm sure I've missed some hidden treasures. What are your favorite parades / krewes? I've seen a restaurant thread, so I've already got ideas for that. What about interesting bars? (Can't wait to get my hands on some Abita Andygator!) I'm definitely not only sticking to Bourbon St...need to spend some extra time exploring!

So, FTers, what's not to miss in NOLA? I've been before, but I'm sure I've missed some hidden treasures. What are your favorite parades / krewes? I've seen a restaurant thread, so I've already got ideas for that. What about interesting bars? (Can't wait to get my hands on some Abita Andygator!) I'm definitely not only sticking to Bourbon St...need to spend some extra time exploring!

What's not to miss? Well, you are coming for Carnival.... Time for a little cultural lesson. Technically, Carnival is the entire celebration and Mardi Gras is technically only on the last Tuesday of Carnival. Mardi Gras is French for Shrove, or Fat Tuesday. With that said, many people use the term, "Mardi Gras", in place of Carnival.

As far as favorite parades, you're coming at prime time. You can't miss with any of the nights, especially, with the Uptown parades. The exception is on Saturday night, Feb. 13, for Endymion, which parades in the Mid-City to Downtown area.

What are the interesting bars???? Too many to count!!!! Also, it depends on where you are watching the parades. If you are Uptown, try Fat Harry's, The Columns Hotel, or Superior Grill. Lee Circle area? Try the Circle Bar. Canal St.? Obviously, any bar in the French Quarter.

Since you are driving to NOLA, be very cautious about where you park, especially near parade routes. Hopefully, you know someone here that can help you get around because driving here during Carnival is not for the uninitiated.

This should be extremely helpful. Click on the link for each parade & it will show the map of the parade route:

http://www.nola.com/mardigras/parades/

Just a couple of points:



I always enjoy watching the Iris/Tucks combo from Saint Charles, near Napoleon, on Saturday afternoon.
Frenchman Street also has some pretty cool, locally favored bars.


I can't make it down this year. :( I hope I can again before too long!

Definitely be sure to catch the Bacchus parade tomorrow. Drew Brees is going to be the King for it. Even if you're not a Saints fan it should make for a really exciting atmosphere.

While you're on Bourbon I'd also recommend Pat O'Briens for their delicious hurricanes, and remember you can keep the glass or return it to the bartender to get $3 back. Most people just leave the glasses on the table when they're done. So I've seen more than a few college kids drink practically for free there just by recycling empties.

Brennan's on Royal St. has an excellent brunch too, and they're really known for their bananas foster. Then there's always Cafe Du Monde for beignets which is open 24 hours.