The Original New Orleans Movie Tours
With so many movies and television shows being filmed in New Orleans lately, the city has been dubbed “Hollywood South.”
While I am reluctant to advocate canned driving tours in any city, and would much rather just walk around and see what there is to see, The Original New Orleans Movie Tour is one tour that is worth taking.
In their comfortable ten-passenger van, you are taken through the Garden District, the Warehouse District, the French Quarter, the CBD, Treme and more, visiting over thirty different locations where famous scenes from well-known films had been shot.
[click to read more…]
Lucky Dog Cart on Bourbon Street, New Orleans
Anyone who has strolled down Bourbon Street knows that if you’re hungry, or need a little food in your belly before heading out for a serious night of indulgence, you want to head for the nearest Lucky Dog cart.
Lucky Dogs, with their ubiquitous hot dog-shaped cart, have been entwined in the French Quarter experience for the last fifty years. Ignatius Reilly, the hero of A Confederacy of Dunces, famously worked as a Lucky Dog vendor.
The carts and vendors are iconic, and during peak partying times on Bourbon Street, you are likely to find one on every corner. The menu is simple: hot dogs. To be fair, they also sell a spicy smoked sausage, but it is the hot dog that most people order.
Your choice of condiments is limited, but ordering a Lucky Dog is really more about the experience and less about the food. A Lucky Dog is no Nathan’s Coney, but it will fill you up and do the job of providing the ballast you will need to counteract the Hand Grenades from Tropical Isle.
[click to read more…]
Mardi Gras Do's & Don'ts To Keep You Out of Trouble
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a time when people let their hair down, release their inhibitions and engage in all sorts of revelry.
But, despite what MTV would have you believe, there is a limit to what is permitted and what isn’t. Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts that should help you stay on the right side of the law.
While we allow you to drink in the streets, and — if you aren’t breaking other laws, NOPD will usually not arrest someone solely for public drunkenness — drinking until you pass out is never a good idea. An unconscious person laid out on the sidewalk or propped in a corner is just an invitation for robbery, or worse.
Getting Those Beads
Everyone has seen the clips of young ladies lifting their shirts for beads. It’s become a cliche’. The fact is, you don’t have to. Most people on balconies will throw the beads anyway, and if they don’t, buy your own. In my opinion, a girl should not sell herself for plastic. Besides, it is illegal. If a policeman spots you, you will be arrested.
[click to read more…]
Mardi Gras Can Offer Family Fun Entertainment
Mardi Gras in New Orleans brings to mind for many a wild time of revelry and debauchery.
You can certainly find plenty of that among the crowds on Bourbon Street, but what do you do if you find yourself vacationing in New Orleans during Mardi Gras with your children?
Never fear — there are plenty of parades that are family-friendly, and will allow the little ones to enjoy all that a New Orleans Mardi Gras experience has to offer.
The Krewe of Carrollton
The Krewe of Carrollton is the fourth oldest parade in the history of Carnival, behind Rex, Proteus and Zulu, and they have the distinction of being the first parade to have their floats drawn by tractor rather than horses. They are known for their punctuality and pride themselves on starting exactly on time. Carrollton rolls rain or shine along their uptown route on February 12, promptly at 12 noon.
The Krewe of Tucks
Another fun and family-friendly parade is the Krewe of Tucks parade. Started by two Loyala students back in 1969, Tucks has grown into a full-scale Mardi Gras parade, with grand floats showcasing a satirical theme. This year’s theme “Tucks Gets Culture” promises to be one of their best. You can see Tucks roll along their uptown route on February 18. Get your spot early — this parade starts at 10 a.m.!
The Krewe of Iris
The Krewe of Iris holds to traditional Carnival attire and the distinguished roots of Carnival since its founding in 1922. The beautiful floats carry all-female riders and you won’t see any drinking in this parade, making it a truly family-friendly event. Iris will follow the Tucks parade on the same route, starting at 11 in the morning, so keep your spot!
Don’t be concerned about bringing your children to New Orleans for Carnival! It is a tradition you might want to continue year after year. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a spectacle that your children will never forget, and will likely talk about for years to come.
Krewe Du Vieux - Crimes Against Nature
When you think of Mardi Gras parades, most people have heard of the Bacchus parade, with their celebrity Kings, or the Rex parade, the symbol of traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras. But do you know about the best known of the lesser-known Krewes?
Krewe du Vieux has long been known by locals as the first parade of the Mardi Gras season. Although it is not listed in the traditional parade lineup, it is one of the most fun and festive parades.
Krewe du Vieux rolled this year on February 4, 2012, which puts it outside of the “traditional” Mardi Gras parade roster. Being outside of the legal window that is permitted parades of the 12 days before Mardi Gras gives Krewe du Vieux an edge that other parade krewes don’t have.
[click to read more…]
