comin down for mardi gras! advice?

[gfr4656]

[funkybutt]

1. Could you be a little more specific?

Generally my advice would just be to pace yourself, hydrate during the day, party at night. Don't forget to eat.

I could get more specific if you wanna give more insight on your situation. Like the general area you'll be staying, whether or not you have any children with you. Which weekend, if not both, that you'll be staying at. What kind of experience you're looking for could determine whether or not you belong on Bourbon St. or somewhere uptown on St. Charles.

[markus]

2. I'll be more specific in my question

Ok, my first Mardi Gras in the Quarter was, uh, sometime after I was born in 1957 and the first I think I remember ('61 or '62). My great aunts Gert and Sadie Folse lived on Royal St. in an apartment that is now the Hove' Parfumier.

The last Mardi Gras I was at was '86. Long story.

I'm coming back with my kids, and I'm torn over whether to take them uptown for parades all day, or -- after however many parades we can stuff into Friday - Monday, I should take them to the Quarter. I have friends in Kosmic Debris and St. Anne's. As my sister says, "why watch another parade when you can be the parade?"

So, Uptown or Downtown. They're nine (son) and twelve (daughter). My friend who usually marches with KD (but will join St. Anne's this year at his wife's insistance) always brought his daughter.

I know I don't want them anywhere near Bourbon St. Hell, I had more sense than to do anything but possibly cross Bourbon St (if I had to) for a long time. From what I hear, it's worse.

But, that's my question: Uptown or Downtown with the kids?

I'm leaning toward Downtown. (We have a place or two in the Quarter where we can use a bathroom).

[funkybutt]

5. In your case, I think you have it figured out

If you've got a place to stay friends downtown with places to use the bathroom, ect. PLUS KD and St. Ann's, I'd think you should enjoy downtown. If it gets too crazy for ya, head uptown for an evening to get a break. I see kids downtown every year. I think they can handle it (not Bourbon, of course). Sounds like you know your way around and have enough experience to make this a good time for the whole family.

[markus]

7. Yeah, I been gone for a long while

but I'm an old Quarter Rat from way back.

[ronzo]

3. Two things.

These are so old, they may be new again.

1) You don't need a ticket for the parades, but I can sell you some. These are the real deal...

2) Never take a bet about where you got your shoes.

bonus: think about where you're going to take the next pee well in advance. It pays off.

[gfr4656]

4. feb 4th weekend

me and three other people. we've got a hotel. just need some tips for a good time.

[funkybutt]

6. Is your hotel Downtown?

B/c the experiences Downtown and Uptown can be quite different. Although both would qualify as the "good time" you're looking for.