Midnight in the Garden of Krewes
By Traci L. Claussen
Brees leads Bacchus apres Super Bowl! ~ Photo Courtesy Bacchus
At New Orleans’ latest Hollywood-South celebrity ~ John Berendt ~ Krewe du Vieux-ing balcony party, the local flavor helped launch French Quarter parade season in full costume-character, even a Bearded Oyster busily recruiting.
Berendt has a fine way of capturing a colorful mystery about charming, historical southern cities, turning them into a best-seller. You may remember one such story set in Savannah: Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil.
After several months researching a slew of juiciness for his next book set on the sustainable streets of New Orleans, John Berendt had us over to celebrate. With any luck, he’ll soon provide a sneak-peek into his plot line, and let this eco-preneur know what planet-friendly factors made the edit. But first, it’s time for a bit of Krewe Dat!
Let’s ROLL!
If you haven’t already, check out the previous post Mardi Gras: show me somethin’ green for help with the first week of must-see parades from Krewe du Vieux through SuperBowl Sunday’s Barkus. GEAUX SAINTS!
Late bloomer? Try these Mardi Gras must-see parades for 11th February through Fat Tuesday:
Thursday, 11th February provides a triple play of political satire, jesters, and utter chaos when Knights of Babylon, Krewe of Muses, and Knights of Chaos roll down St. Charles Avenue back-to-back starting at 5.30p ~ bring a large tote bag, because these Krewes are generous!
Friday, 12th February brings a witty hat trick with the Krewe of Hermes, Le Krewe d’Etat, andMorpheus following the same route as the Krewes from the night before. Show your love of New Orleans all weekend long! Book now, while the hotels along St. Charles still have rooms priced low!
Saturday, 13th February is reserved for Le Grand Krewe of Endymion, the first night of the “Super” floats (some almost a block long with full LED light shows), and the only parade to have a rock star finish in the Super Dome. Rumor has it that this will be their last Super Dome finish, with next year’s extravaganza heading up to the Convention Center. All the more reason to catch what this all-male Krewe is throwin’ down.
Sunday, 14th February New Orleans will spread our love for the Saints, and Drew Brees as he leads the Bacchus parade! Geaux SAINTS! Let’s see if he can outperform a previous Bacchus, James Gandolfini (aka ~Tony Soprano) ~ it’s a Brees!
Monday, 15th February is what locals like to call Lundi Gras. You’ll find everyone in the streets waiting for food at Port of Call on Esplanade to get ready for another super krewe lead by New Orleans born-and-raised Harry Connick, Jr ~ Orpheus. This would be the Hollywood Krewe of Mardi Gras, not to be missed.
Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday, 16th February begins at dawn with enthusiasts searching the secret city corners for the Mardi Gras Indians via bicycle to hook up with Zulu’s for a breakfast of Moon Pies and decorated coconuts. Louis Armstrong and EPA’s leader, Lisa Jackson, are just two of the many famous members of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club. Following Zulu is REX, the King of Carnival. And if you’re still standing, or in need of more beads, navigate over to the Quarter for people-watching at its best on Bourbon Street. The Po-Po’s will shut you down at 2am.
Where to stay
Dog-friendly hotels: La Quinta on Camp Street is offering rooms parade-adjacent for just $99/night
Local eco-faves include the Hotel Monteleone, the Roosevelt, Sean Cumming’s International House, and Loew’s.
Laissez les bon temps rouler!
February 1st, 2010Topic: Eco Travel, Green Street, Live Green Picks Tags: Parade schedule for Mardi Gras in New Orleans
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