A last-minute decision had me road tripping to NOLA for Mardi Gras. But first, let me tell you about the trip down!
Going from Atlanta, Georgia down to the Gulf Coast was not necessarily a drive I was looking forward to. I figured it was going to be flat, repetitive tree-lined highways.
And, well… I was right.
Until I came across a hidden gem along the southwest border of Georgia, leading into Alabama.
Providence Canyon State Park
Known as Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon” this state park is home to a 150 foot isolated canyon that is made from different layers of colorful sand. Just did a quick google search, and it sounded interesting, so I went. Little did I know that it would be so great.
Talk about getting the feeling of being somewhere else. Climbing and hiking through these red rock sand canyons had me thinking I was somewhere in Utah or in the depths of the Grand Canyon (okay, maybe not quite to that extent, but you get the point).
Just another remarkable place to add to the list of hidden treasures that seem to be speckling themselves all over the map!
After a full day of meandering through Providence Canyon, I began heading southwest again. Afterall, I had somewhere to be! I crossed the tip of the Florida Panhandle, and drove along the Alabama and Mississippi coastlines. It really ended up being quite the drive. I decided to stay on a state route that was literally a stone’s throw from the Gulf, instead of taking some fast-paced interstate and being stuck in a trance of highway hypnosis; I got to enjoy the salty air, and seeing the sunshine shimmer off of the blue-green gulf waters.
After a long weekend of driving and exploring… I finally made it!
Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana
With 3 days (in a hotel) to use, and the 2nd being the Mardi Gras, to say it was incredible would be an understatement.
The very first day there I decided to peruse the downtown of NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana), only to find myself on the Bourbon Street about an hour before sundown. Now, I could have done one of two things…
- Walk away from Bourbon Street (knowing I’d be there to party the next day), and continue my exploration of NOLA; most likely returning when the sun drops for some after-dark festivities.
- Continue on down Bourbon Street, because really, I wasn’t trying to get there, so it was a little meant to be. Was it not?
The answer may seem obvious here… but I went with the voodoo gut feeling and continued strolling down Bourbon Street with nothing to lose (except for maybe a few of the Mardi Gras beads I had around my neck, and a couple ounces of my 75oz Hurricane).
Fear not, I made it back to Bourbon Street multiple times over the following couple days. Beads flying and drinks flowing, it was exactly what you’re imagining, and then some. Smelly streets and all.
Let’s be honest though, the highlight of my time in NOLA was the actual Mardi Gras Parade on Fat Tuesday.
The partying was great, but it was so cool to see the intricate designs on each float, and trying to fathom the amount of time and money invested by each ‘krewe’. Plus, the whole scene was a giant party, it’s not like you have to take time off partying to enjoy what Mardi Gras is really all about.
Oh, and for those that don’t know (because I sure didn’t): a “krewe” is just a term given to a private organization who stages festivities. So in other words, they’re the mob of people you see manning (and partying on) each of the parade floats.
And, believe it or not, the entirety of Mardi Gras is not just “drink your face off” and walk around looking at half-naked people doing the same thing. Mardi Gras truly is a unique festival, loaded with culture, and filled with people of all ages and backgrounds, celebrating together through music and art (and some of the best dang food this country has to offer).
I couldn’t even begin to describe how hard we (my friend and I) laughed as we watched these krewes literally wind up and throw beads, cups, stuffed animals, toys, and even coconuts at people. And when I say at I mean exactly that… AT people. If you’re not paying enough attention, you may be leaving with a black-eye as one of your souvenirs.
It was the day after Mardi Gras, and still tired from the night before (NOLA stays in party mode 100% of the way around the clock during this festival season), it was time to partake in the festivities one last time. Afterall, I only had a short amount of time in Louisiana, and who knows if I will ever have the opportunity to be at THE Mardi Gras IN New Orleans ever again. Leaving the hotel with a complimentary Hurricane, it was game time to get as much NOLA in as possible over the next 24 hours.
PS: The Hurricane cocktail was actually invented in New Orleans, and is now recognized as a French Quarter mainstay. Obviously I had to stay true to the culture.. Bottoms up!
And for a personal favorite and palate-pleaser … Real, authentic Cajun-style food. If you know me, you know I like to eat, and I like to eat spicy. And of course I have had “cajun” before, but I’m the kind of guy who likes to get the real deal. Give me the local food, the local way. Whether or not I have had it before somewhere else, I want to eat it from its origin.
Let me tell you… It does not disappoint one bit. Not as spicy as you’d think, but 4 times more delicious. Best part about it, these Creole people do not skimp on portions!
So with a full belly and a neck full of beads, I was ready to once again, make my way to Bourbon Street, and party the night away.
“That’s a lot of drinking and partying, Adam”
Yeah well, when the opportunity presents itself, do as the Romans do. I mean come on, it was freaking Mardi Gras!
Narrowing in on the final hours of being NOLA, the decision was made to knock out some of the tourist staples within the city (yes, drink in hand). Made way over to The French Quarter, and hit a few well-known stops:
Café Beignet
Better known as the “Musical Legends Park”. How can you make your way all the way to New Orleans and not stop to pay tribute to the Jazz legends that helped shaped all music as we know it?
While you’re at it, might as well stop for a bite. This local spot has some top notch grub, and more than likely, some live music to set your chewing tempo.
Jackson Square
Home to the Andrew Jackson monument and the famous St. Louis Cathedral. This place was packed with tourists and locals alike as street performers put on shows throughout the day. Give a quick google search, Jackson Square is one of the most historically significant landmarks in Louisiana. Debatably even the country!
The French Market
One of the most famous markets in the entire world. I can’t think of a better place to get your paws on some real, authentic cajun foods – straight from the source! Also home to a wonderful crawfish-cake po boy (yes, even gluten-free!).
Café Du Monde
I know you have heard of it. It’s Café Du Monde. It is a world-renowned open-air coffee shop in the French Quarter. Known for their beignets. Unfortunately, I was unable to find gluten-free beignets (don’t worry, my friend still ordered plenty to make up for my slack), but I was able to at least get some of their Chicory Coffee (interestingly delicious).
PS: Don’t be fooled. I waited well over an hour just to get an order to-go. But if you haven’t been, I’d recommend it. At least once.
One big checkmark on the bucket list, and my Mardi Gras experience came to a conclusion. It was just as wild, just as weird, and just as awesome as I had always imagined. This is an experience I will hold onto forever, and a story I will gladly share for a lifetime.
#beyourstory
Cheers!
Looking for some specifics on where to go, what to do, or where to eat? Feel free to contact me for the low down.
I doubt you’ll ever experience anything like that again. One more under your belt, anxious to see what the next one brings you.???