Mardi Gras Madness // Louisiana Trip Recap
I experienced my very first Mardi Gras in New Orleans this past February! My travel buddy/friend Kara is from Louisiana and invited me to her hometown for all the festivities, good food and fun! I had SO MUCH FUN! Louisiana is full of life! I went to the Zulu Ball, ate beignets, explored Bourbon Street and got beads at a parade! There was always something happening or going on and there are so many amazing places to eat! I ate more fried food then ever but never had one bad meal the entire time!
Our first stop was CC's Coffee House in New Orleans! I got the whole wheat triple berry muffin and a dragon well green tea! It was delicious!
I got my makeup airbrushed for the first time at WINK Eyelash Bar & Makeup Studio. I felt so FANCY! It was cold, but super cool! I LOVED the end results and it lasted all night!
The Zulu Ball was EVERYTHING! #BlackExcellence was in full affect! It was fun to get dressed up and go out to a fancy event! Everyone there was in a gown or suit! Everybody sparkled or shined in some way! I felt like a certified queen in an all black and gold gown, faux fur and dreaded bun crown. En Vogue, & Bell Biv Devoe performed during the ball and a brass band closed out the night! I danced and enjoyed myself the entire time!
I had brunch at the Ruby Slipper! I enjoyed the mardi gras pancakes (which were the special that day seeing as how Mardi Gras was happening during the time) but there were so many other amazing options! OH! & the mimosa's and drink specials were EVERYTHING! I got the ruby slipper mimosa (BECAUSE if you're at the ruby slipper restaurant for the first time it just makes sense to try it!) but I would've tried them all if i had the chance lol! Everything tasted wonderful!
You can't go to Louisiana of course without experiencing Bourbon Street or the French Quarter! There was a whole lot of life there! (That's the best way for me to put it!) There were so many people and so many things going on! From the beads, to the music, to the bars, and the food --- it was constant LIT-ness (if that's even a word). YOU! MUST! GO!--- if you ever get the chance!
OH! I caught a super cool parade too! I loved how the performers and floats were dedicated to still putting on a show even though it was raining and muddy. The parades are definitely a must see! The floats are super extra, the energy is awesome and there's all kinds of cool things that you can catch while standing in the crowd- if you stand close enough! It was wet, muddy, but FUN nonetheless, Don't forget to get a king cake at Antoines before you go, and some cracklin or boudin balls for the road!
Hoping that if and when you make it down to Louisiana, it will be as good to you as it was to me!
XoXo,
-B
Watch the recap video up on my YouTube channel to see all my adventures!