Those of you who are planning to attend this year's Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana:
- 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.
- There may be shuttle availability, be prepared to walk. Those streets will be crroowdded.
- Similar to New York, some New Orleans attractions will be open 24/7.
- 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!
- Have exact change when paying for ticket. 3-Day passes are $9. Resource link: www.norta.com
- There is a public park near Canal Street.
- You may want to dress your kids in same-color attire, etc.
- There are plenty of places to dine. Be cautious in seeking kid-appropriate eating and rest-area venues.
- 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).
- Do you have your purple, black, gold and green beads or decor?
- 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.
- Music lovers visit the Louisiana Music Factory.
- New Orleans-branded items range from $5 - $100.
- Don't forget to purchase a locally-made product or service.
- 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.
- 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.
- Smoking is banned in all public buildings, including restaurants and bars.
- Public nudity and public urination is against the law.
- There is plenty of street lighting in most areas near the main venues.Caution: beyond Canal Street is a little dark.
- 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