Mardi Gras 2014

I can never figure out how the live-tagging works, but you're supposed to be able to go "@" and then the person's username. Never works for me though.

it's kinda cliche, but you have to do it while in new orleans: eat beignets at cafe du monde in the french quarter

http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-du-monde-new-orleans-6

Whatever you do, stay away from Bourbon Street.

Been to Mardi Gras once and I was literally scared for my life on Bourbon Street. It will full of thugs and trashy people. Felt like a riot.

I can't really remember all the areas I went to and I wish I could tell you more (I was near blackout the entire time obviously). I had a blast. Best advice is to find out from a local where the best parade routes and bars are. The scene changes every day so its good to get a heads up on whats on going before venturing out.

NOLA is one of the best cities i've ever been too, and for my age, i'd say i've traveled pretty extensively. I wouldn't stay on bourbon street, i was in a hotel there and couldn't get any sleep, plus i spent very little time hanging out on bourbon (it's block after block of the same crappy bar and strip club). Plus it smells bad and the road is sticky (i changed out of flip flops after 10 minutes). There's a great restaurant called Cochon that i would highly recommend- great food and cocktails. For areas to go out in, i liked frenchmen street a lot. It's about 4 blocks off bourbon, a lot of good music clubs, and a good mix of locals/tourists.

Okay, I've been summoned. I'm finishing up Bonus Bananas right now, but I'll get back to this thread with a little guidance later today.

My advice: skip Mardi Gras completely. It's nothing but an retardedly crowded sausagefest.

If you want to visit New Orleans on a fun holiday, head down for Halloween.

I haven't forgotten about this thread and I will write something up, but I had to say something about the last post (as a fellow Y'at).

Avoid the Purple Jesus at Lafitte's at all costs. That shit will fuck you up like polio, and I'm a pro. Seriously kids, there's no reason for that shit to even exist. Otherwise Lafitte's is one of the most solid places to drink on Bourbon, with a surprising amount of ass.

After three Mardi Gras, think I've picked up a few tips.

1) Dress warmly, I have never had a Mardi Gras that is during good weather, it is frequently chilly and raining. 2) Don't expect tons of flashing unless you're on Bourbon, where it will be overcrowded/overpriced/dangerous. My friends have heard gunshots, had knives pulled on them, and pick pocketed. Nevertheless, you have to go down Bourbon just to see it once and get pretty trashed. 3) The best time is Friday night, Sat and Sunday night. After that it will slow down and be much more family oriented/boring. 4) Places to go? You definitely have to hit up Pat O's (college staple, full of people from all over the country), and you could think about going to the Cafe du Monde, but it's not that cool and you'll probably be miserably hungover. 5) Strip clubs are going to overcharge, and there are no all nude clubs here, but if you find yourself in one, it's already too late. 6) My favorite thing to do is stay around St. Charles and set up a tailgate (preferably near Superior Grill for their fire margaritas). That way you can hang out, get day drunk, catch some beads, get sloppy with the girls, etc. Afterwards you can make you way towards Bourbon/French Quarter, either by cab or taking a long walk (several miles to walk, but not that far if you're drunk). 7) It is likely you will get the beer shits after 3 straight days of raging. My advice? Drink some pepto. Seals that shit tight. 8) Lastly, don't be a jackass. If you're around a bunch of families, cursing and drinking (underage or not) you're going to find yourself in trouble. Be courteous (relatively), don't get too sloppy, don't get robbed, and party. Cops will give out MIPs if you're obviously underage or really unlucky, but if you're competent enough you'll be fine.

Oh, and best story. I woke up from a complete blackout my freshman year and was squeezing the shit out of some girl's fake tits at at a Bourbon Street bar. Up, down, side-to-side, you name it. Her huge ass boyfriend was standing next to me saying, "Ain't they nice bro? I just paid for them." I was so confused, so I said they were a great job and how nice they were. I shook both of their hands and said thank you, they replied, "No, thank you!" and found my friends.