Mardi Gras-Anyone been?

[IloveDMB]

Okay, so I just noticed that Mardi Gras falls the weekend of my birthday this year. I don't have school on Monday and Friday so I can make a 4 day weekend and head to New Orleans. I have always wanted to go so this seems like perfect timing to me!

My questions are:
Have you been?
Where did you stay?
Did you or didn't you have a good time?
Would it be better to just save New Orleans for another time?

Any help or input would be so appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[battricia]

I went to new orleans in the summer, not @ mardi gras time. We stayed at the hilton (free hotel room from the casino). We had TONS of fun, and the atmosphere was not very hectic at all, like it seems to be around mardi gras time. We went to bourbon street, and my mom was taking pictures of people on the balconies, and they threw beads at her, I guess she was 'flashing' them in some sense . I think I would prefer to be there when it's more calm, but if you're into the big party scene, I'm sure you would have tons of fun.. I'm sure you would have tons of fun either way! maybe I can post some pics.

They sell tons of beads, masks, and feather boas in EVERY store, including drug stores like CVS.

Horse and buggies that you can take a ride in.

Beautiful boats and a beautiful view of the Mississippi river.

hope these pics comply w/ the picture rules, if not let me know and i'll take them off.

tricia.

 

[IloveDMB]

Thanks for the pictures! My brother usually goes in April/May for Jazz Fest and he loves it but I always have finals then so I was trying to find a convenient time to go. I can't imagine New Orleans is ever a bad time, if you know what I mean.

 

[cathymailme]

Hi,

I was in New Orlean last year a few days before Mardi gras. We had a great time. We stayed at the Chateau Sonesta Hotel. Our room was on Canal street which has many parades and Bourbon street was also around the block. A wonderful but very noisy location. Mardi gras is fun if you like the bars and are not offended by some indecent behavior. It is definitely a very different experience then I have ever had, but it was fun. I also would just go back for the food. It was amazing!!!! I hope you have a good trip if you decide to go!

 

[FergieTCat]

I went during Mardi Gras a few years ago and had a great time! We toured and went to the parades. And came home with many, many beads.

Granted, you'd have to tolerate crowds and drunk people, but since I was one of those people, it wasn't bad at all.

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

Having lived here for several years, I would tell you that right now, you would be paying a huge amount ($200+ when regularly $75) for a room and have a minimum stay (usually 3-5 nights). Rooms at some hotels are sold out more than a year in advance in some cases.

Having said that, Mardi Gras is something that should be experienced at least once. We usually go to a couple of parades. Depending on where you go to the parades and the time of day, the atmosphere is very different. Most of the day time parades are very family oriented, and the night parades tend to be the more of what you see and hear on TV. Check out www.mardigras.com. It's a pretty good site for information.

As an FYI, my DH rides in Endymion which rolls on the Sat afternoon/evening before Mardi Gras. PM or e-mail me if you want.

 

[dturner]

I've been once, back in 1992 I think. It was the best time of my life. Stayed at the Marriott right next to Bourbon Street. Drank so many hurricanes (breakfast, lunch and dinner) that weekend thought I'd never be sober again.

I say go and have a GREAT time!!!

 

[IloveDMB]

Thanks everyone! I think I am going to do it. Now I just have to find some willing victims to come with. I don't think that will be too hard!