Know the new parade rulesThe New Orleans City Council passed new Mardi Gras parade rules in early 2014.  Be sure you know them before you head out to the parades to avoid tickets, and to avoid bringing a bunch of stuff that you'll just have to move later. The new rules are as follows:
 
1 - There can be no ladders or other personal effects, like grills and coolers, closer than 6 feet to the curb.
 
2 - Parking on Napoleon and St. Charles will be prohibited on BOTH sides of the neutral ground this year, not just the parade side, starting 2 hours before the parade.
 
3 - There is now a ban on roping off territory via chairs, tarps, or anything else if you are in the public right of way. This includes neutral ground and sidewalks.
 
4 - There can be no private portable toilets in the neutral ground or other public property.

Our tshirts are back in stock. Hurry before they are gone.

Fat Tuesday is 28 days away!

Don't forget to come visit Oak Alley.

Okay, so it's January, and you decide you want to visit New Orleans on Fat Tuesday.  Should you even try? Yes! It is worth it, but just be prepared to spend a lot of time on the phone. Keep calling. Hotels have cancellations, and there are waiting lists. If you are persistent, you just may find a place somewhere.

And remember, the parades and festivities start well before Fat Tuesday! Hotels often have rooms available when the parades first begin. This is a great time to visit New Orleans if you want to see some parades and get a great Mardi Gras experience without all the crowds.

King Cake season has started and New Orleans is gearing up for the carnival season.