Mardi Gras New Orleans
Mardi Gras
The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. From here, the traditional revelry of “Boeuf Gras,” or fatted calf, followed France to her colonies.
New Orleans today is famous worldwide for its Mardi Gras celebration, but the city has much more to offer. So, if you are planning to be in The Big Easy during this festive occasion, you may want to consider a few more activities. So let’s explore a few options.
See A Parade Uptown On St. Charles Avenue
Most people from outside of New Orleans think Mardi Gras and they think the French Quarter. While many of the parades travel by the French Quarter on Canal Street, some of the best spots to see the parades aren’t anywhere near the Vieux Carre.
Instead head Uptown and enjoy a parade or two traveling down St. Charles like a local. The crowds are a little bit more manageable, plus it’s a more welcoming atmosphere and family friendly.
Any spot along St. Charles is a great place to see a parade, but some of our favorite spots Uptown are at the intersection of St. Charles and Napoleon Avenues or in the Garden District around Washington Avenue.
Visit Jackson Square
Of course, there’s more to see and do in New Orleans than the parades. The most photographed spot in the Big Easy and maybe the world is Jackson Square. It’s a beautiful park that mixes the history with the excitement that makes New Orleans. Take a break here, take lots of photos and peruse the artists that line the perimeter of the park.
Stop In Café Du Monde
Kitty corner to the park is the establishment called Café Du Monde. It’s one of those spots that you just have to check off before you can leave. Stop there to get a New Orleans favorite called beignets, which makes for a perfect parade day breakfast or really a delicious snack anytime. Of course pick up a coffee with chicory or a coffee au lait in order to stay caffeinated all day long.
Shop The French Market
Just down the street from Café Du Monde is the French Market. It’s a farmers/flea market where you can find everything from local treats to the perfect souvenir to bring home and just about everything else in between. This is another great spot to find the work of local artists.
Explore Frenchmen Street
Frenchmen Street is the local’s favorite lined with restaurants, jazz bars and more. Marigny Brasseire is a great place to start out the evening with a meal of local seafood and farm produce. Then head down to any of the many places that feature live music every night for an amazing concert put on by talented local musicians like Kermit Ruffins and Ellis Marsallis.
Take a Cemetery Tour of New Orleans
Ok, so this one is a bit weird, but hey, that’s New Orleans. One of the top tourist attractions in the city of New Orleans are the cemeteries.
Take a Swamp Tour
A popular activity in New Orleans is to take a Swamp Tour, perhaps popularized by modern-era TV shows that depict the way of life of “swamp people”.
Visit Vue House
If you’re looking for something a little different to do in New Orleans, and love historic properties, then a visit to Longue Vue House and Gardens should definitely be near the top of your list.
Go on a Steamboat River Cruise
Take a Steamboat Cruise on the mighty Mississippi River, aboard the Steamboat Natchez, which is the only steam powered river cruise operating out of New Orleans, and one of only two steam powered stern-wheel boats on the entire Mississippi River.
Eat King Cake
Ok, onto serious topics. When you’re in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you basically have to eat King Cake. This is a brioche style dough covered in sugar, with the twist being that there’s a figurine of a baby inside. The theory goes that whoever finds the baby in their slice of cake, has to throw the next party.
And last, but not least: make new friends and have a great time! Just remember that you’re a visitor and rules/laws exist for a reason, so stick to them. Cheers and laissez les bon temps rouler!
The Original Hurricane Drink
THE ORIGINAL HURRICANE
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Light Rum
- 2 oz. Dark Rum
- 2 oz. Passion Fruit Juice
- 1 oz. Orange Juice
- 1/2 Lime
- 1 Tbsp Simple Syrup
- 1 Tbsp Grenadine
- Garnish: Maraschino Cherry and an Orange Slice
Directions:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, squeeze the juice from half a lime.
- Pour the remaining ingredients into the shaker.
- Shake well, until the outside of the shaker tin becomes frosty.
- Strain into a hurricane glass.
- Garnish with the cherry and orange slice.
