Picture the biggest party you can. Maybe you think of a neighborhood block party or perhaps you imagine going to a nightclub in the middle of a bustling city. Whatever you’re thinking, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is bigger. This celebration is a massive deal with huge parade floats and extravagant costumes. I was lucky enough to score my third visit to NOLA, thanks to a sponsorship from the lovely people at New Orleans & Company. During my visit, I got a little taste of everything, from the parades to the museums. Come along with me on my over 60 trip to the bayou!
Parading Around Town
One of the first things I experienced in New Orleans was, you guessed it, a Mardi Gras parade! There are dozens of parades throughout the city, all with a unique vibe. There was no way I could make it to all of them, but I saw as many as possible. On my first night, I hunkered at Gallier Hall to watch the Krewe of Sparta and Krewe of Pygmalion parades pass by. Fun fact—Gallier Hall was completed way back in 1853 and served as NOLA’s city hall for a little more than a century. I had an incredible time at Gallier watching parades, despite being all by my lonesome. I found myself chatting with the people around me and really enjoying the community vibe.
I’m used to mother daughter travel, but traveling alone allowed me to really feel like part of the community. Still, so many of my solo travel tips came in handy in New Orleans! I ALWAYS walk with a purpose, so much so that one man exclaimed, “Don’t beat nobody up—you got that walk!” I power-walked all the way back to my accommodation at Higgins Hotel and got ready to rest after a long and exciting day.
As the sun came up on day two of my New Orleans adventure, the parades were already starting up again! I headed down to Charles Avenue to see the Krewes of Femme Fatale, Carrollton, and King Arthur. Some of my highlights included a performance from St. Augustine’s high school marching band and, of course, collecting all the goodies thrown from parade floats.
If you’re planning your New Orleans vacation for next Mardi Gras, you simply can’t miss the Femme Fatale parade! It’s all-female and all-Black and features gorgeously-painted floats. I definitely got more than my share of beaded necklaces, cups, and candy!
Feeling the Mardi Gras Festivities
Do you have a relative who loves going all out for the holidays? Do they love overdoing a Christmas tree, or can always expect a three-tier cake for Valentine’s Day? No matter how over-the-top they might be, truly no one goes all out like New Orleanians during Mardi Gras season! Before the parades, I took a walk through the Garden District to see all the stunning homes lining the streets. Some people had beads strung along their fences, while others hung banners, set out yard signs, and put up lights. I heard during the pandemic, float designers used their creative expertise to decorate houses! Now that Mardi Gras is back in full swing, some float decorators have continued to liven up homes as well.
Mardi Gras is more than just parades and putting up decorations—it’s also about community and togetherness. I walked past so many families having cookouts that went above and beyond what I expected. Think several tables, a few grills, power generators, and plenty of coolers!
Enough Food to Fill the Bayou
It goes without saying that food is a huge part of the travel experience, and I can safely say that New Orleans cuisine checks all the boxes. The city is home to some top-tier restaurants, and I had the pleasure of dining at several of them. My first stop was Rosie’s on the Roof at Higgins Hotel. There were SO many new-to-me dishes on the menu—crab beignets, cornish hen, and even alligator! I landed on the cornish hen myself, but saw some of the juiciest, plumpest chicken wings leaving the kitchen. YUM!
Next up was Tommy’s Cuisine. It was only a quick walk from my hotel, and the menu featured all kinds of hearty dishes. As I enjoyed my dinner, I had a behind-the-scenes look at where the parades lined up. I loved seeing this glimpse behind the curtain!
Monday-night dinner was at Gianna Restaurant. The food at Gianna was incredible (Italian fare!), much of it sourced from local farmers. But what really sets this place apart is the ambiance and exceptional service. The place was decked out with unique lighting, art pieces, and plant life. By the time my early dinner was over, the restaurant was packed!
Whatever you do, be sure to book your reservation several weeks in advance. During Mardi Gras, restaurants are known to be all filled up, so if you have your heart set on a place, book it right away and double-check your reservation!
![Bourbon Street is world-renowned for excellent food and entertainment]](https://i0.wp.com/travelingblackwidow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bourbon-street.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
Leave Room for Dessert!
I simply can’t talk about New Orleans cuisine without mentioning the delicious desserts! King Cake is one of the staples of Mardi Gras, and I was so excited to get to try some at Mardi Gras World. Mardi Gras World is known for showing how floats are made, but they also take the cake for this yummy dessert. King Cake is decorated with purple, green, and gold (Mardi Gras colors) and has a plastic baby hidden inside. Tradition says that whoever gets the slice with the baby is the new “king” and has to host the next party where King Cake is served. What a fun way to keep the party going!
Another incredible New Orleans dessert is their famed bananas foster. I got to try the legendary Flaming Bananas Foster at Brennan’s, and they prepared it right in front of me. Just another example of how New Orleanians love their showmanship!
If bananas foster and King Cake don’t quite satisfy your sweet tooth, you can always opt for something simple. I had some tasty beignets at Cafe Du Monde located in the storied French Quarter. A great pick-me-up for exploring this world-famous neighborhood!
Endless Culture and Entertainment Venues
It wasn’t all food and parades in New Orleans! I also got to see a little behind-the-scenes look at Mardi Gras, as well as lots of live entertainment. On my third day, I stopped by Carl Mack’s Mardi Gras Museum. There, I got the royalty treatment! I saw detailed Carnival costumes up close, and even got to try on an extravagant outfit. I can only imagine walking around the streets at home in a glitzy gown and feathered headpiece!
My experience at the museum wasn’t over yet—the owner has his own performance where he displays the history, culture, and impact of Mardi Gras on New Orleans. Definitely a show to remember!
There’s no lack of entertainment in New Orleans, and during my visit, I was so excited to see a jazz concert at Preservation Hall. I was first in line for the show, so I got to check out the venue before it was flooded with other concert-goers. The atmosphere was so unique—some old-world flair juxtaposed with the joy and liveliness of jazz music! The band absolutely killed it, and you can tell they have a passion for performing. I will for sure be coming back on my next visit!
Another entertainment venue I’ll be coming back to is the Polo Club at the Windsor Court Hotel. Every Friday night, they host the Songbird of New Orleans (and my friend!) Robin Barnes. She’s an incredible artist and puts on a show you won’t soon forget.
A Destination I Keep Coming Back To
I’ve been to all kinds of destinations across the world, from quaint North Dakota to bustling Paris. You don’t get to explore dozens of countries by visiting the same places every time! But New Orleans just keeps calling me back. The last times I found myself in NOLA were in 2021 and 2019, and I’m still finding new gems scattered through the city streets.
Back in 2021, I explored lots of places that celebrate Black excellence. I toured Xavier University of Louisiana (a historically Black institution) and dined at Vyoone’s Restaurant (owned and operated by a Black woman). Vyoone’s was truly a highlight of my last trip—they serve French fare with an Afro-Creole twist and have something for every taste! Other culinary experiences I had back in 2021 were a food history tour with Doctor Gumbo and classes at the New Orleans School of Cooking. So much fun! If you’re working on building your USA travel resume, you’ll never run out of things to do in New Orleans!
Until Next Time, NOLA!
My trip to New Orleans was certainly one I won’t soon forget! Whether you visit NOLA during Mardi Gras or another month of the year, anyone can find something memorable to do and see. What makes me most excited is that I haven’t even scratched the surface of what the city has to offer! I missed reservations at Peche Restaurant and a stop at Vue Orleans due to a flight delay, so they’ll definitely be on my next itinerary. I’d also love to go back to the beautiful Sazerac House, which I visited a few years ago. This stop had it all, from complimentary tours to tastings.
New Orleans has it all—food, museums, over-the-top holiday celebrations, and so much more. With no shortage of attractions and cultural marvels, I’m a lifelong NOLA fan!