Mardis Gras

[Badhabit]

Lets get one thing straight right off the bat. we are a couple of 60 yr old hayseeds from the Canadian prairies and like it that way. We are planning a trip this winter following the Gulf of Mexico from Corpus Christi to Pensacola. We will probably be in the N.O. area around Mardi Gras(sp). We are not quite sure what to expect. We are planning on staying at one of the state parks in the area. Should we make reservations? Is there a Mardis Gras lite that we may enjoy more? We would like to see some of the parades but are not into the party scene Thank you in advance
Badhabit

[magnusfide]

Double ditto on recommending the Mobile AL Mardi. Wherever you decide, secure your belongings and wallets. Mardi Gras is also known as "peuple insensé marche" or crazy people on the march by the locals.

tonyandkaren wrote:
We've never been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans but have been to Mobile at least four times. It's a very family atmosphere, even at night, and the floats are beautiful. Here's a link to our blog post with a little more information - http://rollinginarv-wheelchairtraveling.blogspot.com/2011/03/mardi-gras-mobile.html

Have fun!

Great write up!

[doxiemom11]

There are Mardi Gras parades all throughout February in most towns all along the coastline. Around January if you start checking on Google you will get Mardi Gras Parade schedule up that will show what town - what date and where. We are in Long Beach MS and were warned that the French Qtr was NOT the place to be. We did not attend any parades in New Orleans but many in the smaller towns. They will all be very busy with a lot of traffic, even in the small towns.

[tonyandkaren]

We've never been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans but have been to Mobile at least four times. It's a very family atmosphere, even at night, and the floats are beautiful. Here's a link to our blog post with a little more information - http://rollinginarv-wheelchairtraveling.blogspot.com/2011/03/mardi-gras-mobile.html

Have fun!

[KMP44]

tragusa3 wrote:

Catch Endemyion or Bacchus on Poydras street. Safety is not a huge concern if you don't go on the dark back streets. Stay on the main drag and in the crowds. Don't go bar hopping after the parade, but do walk the French Quarter/Jackson Square and even Bourbon, during the day. Get a moufelatta at Central Grocery, a beignet at Cafe' Du Monde, and watch the street performers all around Jackson Square. Walk through the French Market too.

One parade is enough to say you've done it! However, I would spend Mardi Gras Day at the truck parades that follow Veterans Blvd. in Metairie. That's where locals bring their families. The parades run from just about sun rise to sun set. Bring your chairs and food for the day.

With those two experiences, you'll have a good snapshot.

X2 on all those suggestions. And Mardi Gras "season" builds up for a month beforehand. I've been a couple times a week or two before MG. The weather is great, the parades are going on, and the crowds are much more manageable. You still get the atmosphere, but not all the craziness.

And I would go to NOLA anytime just for the mufaletta.

[tragusa3]

I grew up in NOLA and have been to 30+ Mardi Gras. IMO, you need to go to one night parade in downtown. That is the true experience.

Catch Endemyion or Bacchus on Poydras street. Safety is not a huge concern if you don't go on the dark back streets. Stay on the main drag and in the crowds. Don't go bar hopping after the parade, but do walk the French Quarter/Jackson Square and even Bourbon, during the day. Get a moufelatta at Central Grocery, a beignet at Cafe' Du Monde, and watch the street performers all around Jackson Square. Walk through the French Market too.

One parade is enough to say you've done it! However, I would spend Mardi Gras Day at the truck parades that follow Veterans Blvd. in Metairie. That's where locals bring their families. The parades run from just about sun rise to sun set. Bring your chairs and food for the day.

With those two experiences, you'll have a good snapshot.

[LynnandCarol]

Buccaneer SP in the waveland/Bay St. Louis MS area is nice. They have extended stays during the winter months, but that may stop in the spring and then it will be 2 weeks max. Agree that the Mobile celebration is more family oriented! Be careful in New Orleans!!

[TucsonJim]

If attending Mardi Gras, I'd suggest going to some of the family oriented day-time parades. Lots of fun and not nearly as bawdy as the night time gigs. But the nightlife is certainly entertaining.

[Hiking_Hunter]

Yes, make reservations. If you're going to New Orleans, Bayou Segnette State Park is a great campground. Not extremely close to the French Quarter, but within driving distance, and a very secure campground in the middle of N.O. Watch your wallet at Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Mobile Alabama also has a Mardi Gras that is a little "tamer". In fact Mobile was the original! Similar parades, but not as big.

New Orleans

Mobile