If you want to see Mardi Gras but don't want the big crowds, then go to New Orleans 13 days before Ash Wednesday. You can see all the fun of Mardi Gras including the parades without the extremely large crowds. The big Mardi Gras days are the Friday before Ash Wednesday through Fat Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday). During these day it gets very crowded. Then again, you may enjoy the wild, crazy, and uncontrollable crowd!
Now off to the trip. Cut out of work
early and mentally prepare for a fun weekend. Your first choice is if
you want to drive or fly. The drive has lots of
different scenery. When coming from Houston, sites include East
Texas (sorry didn't take any pictures of East Texas), the swamp
once you
enter Louisiana
,
and long bridges with swamps 
on both sides 
. Seriously, it is a
scenic drive if you have the time. There are a
couple of good Cajun places to eat along the way,
including one just north of I-10 at LA exit #8
(the best oyster or shrimp po-boys around). New Orleans is 350
miles or a 6 hour
drive from Houston. The other choice is to hop on
the cattle car and fly Southwest. Either way you
want to be in New Orleans in the early evening.
On the way into
town, drop by one of the parades. You can get
your parade schedule from http://www.nola.com/mardigras/parades/calendar/index.ssf
and parade advice from Harold LaPrime. Harold
(right most person in picture) is the
expert on New Orleans. I'm sure he can provide a
better itinerary, however, this one is pretty
good. Back to the parades, which may sound silly,
but they are more fun than you can imagine. I
don't know how to explain the enjoyment out of
catching beads... you gotta be there. There are parades though
out the weekend and through out the city. Try to catch at least
three or four when you're in town
It's about time
to check into the Hotel. I recommend the Royal Sonesta
(on Bourbon if you want
to be in the French Quarter), La Quinta,
Marriott, or Double-tree (last three not quite as expensive but 3 blocks from Bourbon
and 3 blocks from the street car).
Are you hungry
or thirsty? You might as well get it out of the
way and hit Bourbon street
. It looks quite
different at night, this picture was taken 9am
Sunday. I recommend the Sea Port on Bourbon. The
food is OK, but make sure you get the good view
and sit on the balcony overlooking the street.
It's a great place to watch Bourbon Street and
stay out of the rat-race. Arnaud's has great food
in an old building. There are other quick places
to eat in the French Quarter that are fun and
have good food.
It's probably time to wind down, but not before some good jazz/blues in the Quarter. I will defer bar/music my recommendation to Harold.
