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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
First Mardi Gras!
I am so excited to celebrate my first Mardi Gras! I am also having some houseguests for the long weekend. I know some of the parades that I want to attend: Endymion, Bacchus and Orpheus(uptown). Just wondering if anyone can offer suggestions of great events to attend and things to do/see. I want to keep my guests entertained 
Thanks for any suggestions!
Thanks for any suggestions!
Re: First Mardi Gras!
Those are the best parades!!! Muses (uptown) is also one of my faves. It's an all ladies krewe and they throw high heeled shoes and stuff. Super cute and pretty. They also have the "rolling Elvi" and it's a bunch of guys dressed up like Elvis on mopeds.
Where are you watching the parades?? I'd suggest the beginning for Endymion on Orleans/Carrollton. They have a stage set up all day with bands. I'd stay uptown on St. Charles for all others. Avoid Lee Circle and Canal street where the crowds are a little rougher and less family friendly. I also suggest going out early to claim your spot and just enjoy people watching and drinking in the street. We like to go around Superior Grill on St. Charles since they usually have a DJ for the bigger parades and you can use the bathroom.
I personally HATE the FQ at Mardi Gras. Some love it, but most locals avoid it like the plague. It's gross and everything is doubled in price. I like to stick to neighborhood bars we can walk to from the parade route.
Other fun things to do that aren't parades is the Abita Brewery Tour (free beer!). That's all I can think of. Have fun!
Ok thought of other stuff- haha- didn't take long
Swamp tours are fun. Honey Island Swamp in Slidell is a lot of fun if the weather is nice.
Another thing about parades- be prepared to park and walk a mile. Bring an ice chest or if you prefer to be more mobile- get a camel-back and fill it with your beverage of choice. Tell your friends flashing is illegal- haha.
Oh yes definitely stay uptown lol Much more family friendly and I think it is a lot tamer than the FQ. That being said if freaky and crazy is what you want then head to the quarter
Are you going to see Zulu and Rex on Tuesday? Those are the two biggest I believe on that day. Super fun. Especially if you can catch a treasured Zulu coconut.
Honey Island Swamp tours are a great idea! Great suggestion cm! I've done I think 3 now with them and they've all been fabulous.
Like cm said be prepared to walk and for a lack of restrooms. We found a church in uptown that was taking donations for use of the bathroom haha! It was for a good cause so we paid it
Oh also, if you plan on catching beads I'd say bring a bag of some sort to carry them in. My mom came down to visit last year and ended up wearing all hers around her neck during the 2 mile walk back to the car and her neck hurt so bad at the end lol And don't pick up beads off the ground, I've been told that's bad luck