Everything Mardi Gras – Enjoying the Big Easy (New Orleans)

Greetings from American Airlines flight 2297 where we are southbound and down to New Orleans! I’m excited to be headed back for another weekend.  Even more so, I am thrilled to share the excitement of Mardi Gras with Jim for the first time.  Despite many trips to the Big Easy, he has never been at this time of year.  I can’t wait to share everything Mardi Gras with him.

We’ve shared some of our best Mardi Gras tips in the past here on Jetsetter’s Homestead.  In 2015, guest blogger Rachel shared the quintessential “everything Mardi Gras” guide in a two-part “locals” series.

How to Mardi Gras Like a Local – Part I – Basics From Krewes to King Cakes

How to Mardi Gras Like a Local – Part II – From Bourbon Street to Parades

We’ll be following her guide to maximize our weekend.  This was not a long-planned getaway.  I volunteered to attend a health law conference for work before checking my calendar (oops!)  I realized after that it not only backed up to our anniversary weekend but also was in the middle of the Mardi Gras season.  This gave us the perfect excuse for a weekend escape to the Big Easy.  We booked ourselves into the JW Marriott and started making plans.

We’ll get to enjoy a few parades, dine at some of our favorite restaurants, and recharge our batteries.  Jim is hopeful we will squeeze in some crawfish although the season is barely starting.  I just want to sport my purple, green, and gold with the locals.  No matter what we do, it will be fun.

Don’t forget to check out some of our other favorite past posts about New Orleans and this time of year:

Crawfish Season – Enjoy While You Can!

Ash Wednesday While Traveling – How to Be Observant

Hurricane Katrina – Ten Years Later, A Traveler Reflects

New Orleans Food and Wine Festival (and Other Events with SPG Moments)

Do you enjoy visiting the Big Easy?  Have we missed any essential “Everything Mardi Gras” content?  Sound off in the comments and we just might share your tips!