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Sherlene Stevens: New Orleans: Mardi Gras Week

Those of you who are planning to attend this year's Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana:


  1. There are a variety of parades to enjoy. Some will last for a few minutes to a couple of hours. Most of the main-traffic streets will be blocked off.
  2. There may be shuttle availability, be prepared to walk. Those streets will be crroowdded.
  3. Similar to New York, some New Orleans attractions will be open 24/7.
  4. Purchase an all-day public-transportation ticket or a Jazzy Pass ($3.00), even if you think you will only need to use it for a couple of stops. You can use your ticket for their in-town street cars and public buses--New Orleans Regional Transit Authority. Have correct change, and the nice thing is that you can purchase your ticket on any street car within Orleans Parish!
  5. Have exact change  when paying for ticket. 3-Day passes are $9. Resource link: www.norta.com 
  6. There is a public park near Canal Street.
  7. You may want to dress your kids in same-color attire, etc.
  8. There are plenty of places to dine. Be cautious in seeking kid-appropriate eating and rest-area venues.
  9. Pancake day is on Shrove Tuesday. Eat those pancakes, and afterward begin fasting with my audience family and me (our hosted theme for month of March).
  10. Do you have your purple, black, gold and green beads or decor?
  11. Before they run out of stock, purchase a New Orlean's decorative mask ($7 - $50). Some locals worked laboriously just to bring out-of-towners, guests, pleasure.
  12. Music lovers visit the Louisiana Music Factory.
  13. New Orleans-branded items range from $5 - $100.
  14. Don't forget to purchase a locally-made product or service.
  15. There are Walgreen and CVS stores in the area that will be open. You may want to check times for pharmacy and prescription pickups, refills, etc.  
  16. If you drink a little too much, if that's what you do, then ask your bartender to call you a cab. Otherwise, it's legal to drink on the streets of New Orleans, provided your beverage is in a plastic container rather than a bottle or can.
  17. Smoking is banned in all public buildings, including restaurants and bars.
  18. Public nudity and public urination is against the law.
  19. There is plenty of street lighting in most areas near the main venues.Caution: beyond Canal Street is a little dark.
  20. It may be a little cool near the water; you may want to carry along a jacket. The weather will be between 70 - 80 degrees during the day and the 60s at night. 

Photo Credit: Unknown

Attractions
  • Aquarium; butterfly insectarium; zoo
  • Casino; gay clubs (be cautious if you're the straight-and-easily-offended kind); other dance clubs
  • The gay and transsexual squad will be out, okkaayy! :) 
  • Jazz market; live entertainment lounges
  • Art centers; museums and galleries