The Krewe of Zulu will be rolling soon!
If you are reading this I take it you have survived parade season! Congratulations, you have made it to the lightening round called Mardi Gras 2011! These last few weeks have been like training for a marathon waiting for the big show happening on Fat Tuesday.
The all day parading is a serious New Orleans sporting event. It takes strategy and energy to prepare for the Mardi Gras throws of Zulu, Rex and the Truck parades. Just to ensure you have enough practice Lundi Gras awaits you to get some final training in!
Mardi Gras Gear
To get your body in top shape to do a lot of walking and people watching on Mardi Gras day, start your Monday on Magazine Street. For you caffeine lovers, take a visit to Rue De La Course coffeehouse for a yummy local drink and pastry to get you pumped up and ready to start the day as you look out at Magazine and all the wonderful shops to visit in the area.
Next, stop by Fleurty Girl to get your Mardi Gras gear. You need a t-shirt or flag that specifically states if you are on the neutral ground or sidewalk side of a parade. I mean, how else will anyone know how to find you? A couple stores over check out the Funky Monkey to pick up some cool sunshades to keep some of the sunny moments out of your eyes on Mardi Gras Day.
Take an early lunch with one of my favorite places for a sandwich, Gott Gourmet! Gott Gourmet makes some of the best meats and soups around – definitely go for the Cochon De Lait Cuban Panini that has braised pork and Dr. Pepper baked ham! You can’t go wrong with this combination! To walk it off a little, ladies you can visit Frock Candy and Shoe Nami and check out some cute dress and shoe buys straight out of New Orleans.
Guys, you can check out some used buys at Buffalo Exchange and some cool t-shirts at Storyville. The K&B purple tee will make you look extra special along the parade route, trust me. After getting a little shopping in, it’s only right to get yourself a dessert. You won’t be disappointed in a visit to Sucre, make the moment special with some Mardi Gras macaroons and the yummy gelato that I guarantee will have you ready to do your happy dance!
Which side are you on? Neutral Ground or Sidewalk Side? (Photo Credit: fleurtygirl.net)
More Mardi Gras Parades!
After the excitement of your dessert, you are now prepared to attend Lundi Gras parades which include the Krewe of Proteus and one of my favorites, the Krewe of Orpheus. End the evening with a great dinner at Ste. Marie inspired by the champagne houses of France. Treat yourself to the crab cannelloni.
Make sure to get some rest or don’t sleep at all to be up early to catch two of the most dynamic parades Zulu and Rex! Rolling first is the Krewe of Zulu whom has been around since the 1900s with their great throws such as the infamous Zulu medallion and most importantly the coconuts!
Getting a coconut is almost like receiving a Nobel peace prize, well maybe just to me. Following right after is the Krewe of Rex who first paraded in 1872. The beautifully crafted floats will definitely put a smile on your face and just maybe have you singing their anthem “If Ever I Cease to Love. “
If you aren’t worn out after these parades, get ready for the Elks Krewe of Orleanians who will throw way more stuff than you possibly can carry, so make sure to bring a bag. If you are a teddy bear lover, this is definitely the huge parade for you. The day will end with the Crescent City trucks parade with many creative decorated trucks loaded with people and great throws!
Make the last two days of the season great! Have fun and Laissez Bon Temp Roule; Let the good times roll!
Check out the parade schedule!
FREE Weekly Roundup!
Enter your email address for updates on all the best things happening in New Orleans.
Follow Along!