New Orleans

Mardi Gras. That's what you're going to hear most in relation to this town. The two are synonymous with one another. However, there's MUCH more to this place. There are other events, like Jazz Fest. There's traditional Voodoo, Cajun and Creole shops and activities. There's bars with live Jazz, others with Zydeco. The French Quarter, the French Market, the Garden District. Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral. Historical homes. The cemeteries filled with above ground vaulted graves. History Tours. Ghost tours. Vampire tours. (Don't let the ghost and vampire tours fool you, you'll still get a lot of history during the tour.) 

With the famous Mardi Gras celebration, keep in mind, even though New Orleans has made an effort to make Mardi Gras more family friendly...the later it gets...and the further down Bourbon Street you go, it isn't family friendly at all. If you're there with kids, stick to the parades on Canal Street and don't go down Bourbon after dark. Seriously, too many blocks down Bourbon, and the leather chaps come out, with no pants underneath! Get a peak at what's going on at Bourbon Street right now by looking at their cam. Your kids will be happy with Canal Street though, the parades are a lot of fun, filled with music, good food, extravagant floats, and even more extravagant costumes and masks! If I haven't emphasized enough for you to be aware that Bourbon Street has ADULT themes, alcohol is sold on the sidewalks, people are flashing for beads, some of those extravagant costumes...on Bourbon...are just paint and NO clothes, and there are plenty of "dancing" establishments. So, know your kid and what they AND you are comfortable with before proceeding.