The vibe, the sights, the food, the music all make New Orleans a great destination any time of year. But no time is more exciting than Mardi Gras—“Fat Tuesday”—the day before the season of Lent begins. In a town that knows how to party, they blow the doors off for this one — February 28th this year.
Café du Monde
Is the quintessential place to start your day; it’s the original French Market coffee stand first opened in 1862. The brews are incredibly aromatic, and Louisiana’s version of the donut—the Beignets–are scrumptious. Just don’t dress in black, as it’s easy to wind up wearing the powdered sugar dusted on the tops of these pastries!
For Great Jazz
Be sure to visit Maison Bourbon or Preservation Hall, both in the French Quarter. You’ll be snapping your fingers and tapping your feet to the early-jazz-vibe, but do go early, as these places fill up fast.
Authentic Creole food
And Southern hospitality are showcased at Commander’s Palace, voted the best restaurant in New Orleans four years running. Be sure to sample the signature Bread Pudding Souffle – topped with a whiskey sauce.
Nightlife abounds
And one of the hottest, and most dizzying spots, is the Carousel Bar and Lounge. It’s not just your imagination; the bar here is actually spinning! So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, while listening to nightly live jazz and sampling one of their craft cocktails.
Lounging about
On the veranda is one of the great Southern pastimes. Be sure to schedule in a happy hour on the sprawling porch of the The Columns, and imbibe America’s original cocktail, called the Sazerac. It was invented in the French Quarter, and contains a potent mix of whiskey, absinthe, bitters, sugar and lemon peel. Tasty Louisiana crab cakes or a spicy shrimp and grits dish pairs well.
For the best stay
Book a hotel right in the heart of the French Quarter. The Bourbon Orleans Hotel is a perfect location for exploring the whole city. Try for a room with a balcony, for world-class views during Mardi Gras, and the best people-watching year round.
Let All Star Travel help you plan and book your flight or rental car to get you to New Orleans, and let us help you book your stay when you are there. Our exclusive travel club offers discounts and perks that you just can’t get anywhere else. And our prices can’t be beat! Check out our satisfied customer reviews, and get packing for a memorable trip to New Orleans – for the Mardi Gras, or anytime!