Would you go to Mardi Gras 2006?

[SunDevil]

I might have a free frequent flyer ticket, free hotel(If it isn't booked already), and discounts on a rental car. The other expenses of this trip wouldn't be much, I wouldn't think.

So, if cost wasn't an issue, would you go? I'm sure they will have done a lot of cleaning up, and Bourbon St. is probably back to normal. The parades might be smaller, but I'm sure there will be just as many people partying.

I've always wanted to go, but was never close enough, or had the money to go.

Here is what is going on right now
http://www.nola.com/bourbocam/classic/

*I did donate money to the Katrina relief fund. If they show me a good time, I might donate more. I'm sure they could also use the tourist dollars.

[winneythepooh7]

Even despite all that happened, I never had a strong desire to go to Mardi Gras so my answer would be neigh.

[SmilesSoSweet]

I went to Mardi Gras when I was little. Of course it was during the day time events. My family used to live in Louisiana when my dad was stationed there. I still remember some of the floats and people throwing beads. But since this was during the day time with a lot of families around it was the G-rated version. I never really thought about going as an adult (even before Katrina hit).

[and1grad]

Think I'd pass on that 1.

[lilyflower]

Sure, why not? As long as there's some semblance of law and order and there's running water and electricity, I'm game.

[Tayl405]

Yeah, why not? Practically a free vacation - how can you pass that up?

[LakeJay]

I always wanted to go to New Orleans,not even so much for Mardi Gras, and with the conditions you presented, I definitely would.

[tina1979]

I was under the impression that the french quarter didn't get much damage. My friend is going down there this weekend for his friend's wedding. I can ask him what it looks like down there, if you are wondering about that.

[Kitty]

The idea of Mardi Gras is not appealing to me in any way...

[pisces2473]

Me neither...still, I would like to see New Orleans, just for the historical stuff.

[Kitty]

The spicy food sounds appealing...

[TheBeve]

I've been to Mardi Gras and was in the French Quarter for New Years 2002. Both times I had a blast and was very glad I went. Just to see that many people drinking and having fun was pretty cool. It's amazing what people will do for plastic beads.

New Years was a lot more tame, but still a lot of fun. I would recommend going during that time if you're not into a big party. They have some great art shops down in the French Quarter (I actually got a good deal on a large print and had it shipped back home; makes for a good story!), not to mention killer hole in the wall bars. The hotel we stayed in was actually haunted, but we didn't see anything.

The food and restaurants in and around the French Quarter were very, very good. I think the area right around French Quarter that isn't as touristy is called Frenchmen Street. I took my girlfriend at the time to a nice, out of the way Italian place that had great food. The next night a group of us were able to find a very cool, laid back jazz club to have some drinks and visit in. I always ask the locals where they recommend going that isn't as tourist trap as the rest of the places, that way you get to see a lot of interesting stuff that most people would miss.

Also, Jackson Square is very entertaining and the church (forgot the name) that is there has its entire ceiling painted (a la Sistine Chapel).

If you do go for '06, try and get an armband early in the afternoon for a random club down there. They get really strict about using the bathrooms and after 2 large beers, it's a loooooong walk back to the hotel. We lucked out and were able to keep going into a club to use the bathroom.

[wtbforever21]

The idea of Mardi Gras is not appealing to me in any way...

Why? I find it kind of strange for twentysomethings to have no interest in Mardi Gras.

[pisces2473]

Why? I find it kind of strange for twentysomethings to have no interest in Mardi Gras.
Why do you think that 20somethings would automatically be attracted to Mardi Gras? Is it b/c of the drinking/partying thing? Not everyone is into boozing it up. Not everyone wants to be forever 21...

[wtbforever21]

Why do you think that 20somethings would automatically be attracted to Mardi Gras? Is it b/c of the drinking/partying thing? Not everyone is into boozing it up. Not everyone wants to be forever 21...

Not necessarily. I'm pretty much a non-drinker, when I do drink it's like a glass of wine or frozen drink. I don't "booze it up" and I love Mardi Gras. I meet a lot of cool people, enjoy tons of free food, watch the spectacular parades, witness public chaos and nudity, and visit lots of cool stores/restaurants/bars. Even for those who go to mardi gras to drink, I don't see anyone wrong with that...even if you're older than 21.