If you have never experienced New Orleans Mardi Gras or Jazzfest, this may be the year to do it. While last years Mardi Gras was more of a locals’ party, kinda like the show must go on feeling, this year, New Orleans expects an increase in visitors and the quantity and quality should be close to normal. Parades start on Feb. 16 and end on Feb. 20 (Fat Tuesday), Main Street St. Charles and Jefferson Parish is where you will find families and although there are no parades in The French Quarter, it is still the place to view the wild costumes on Fat Tuesday.

It is definately not too early to start thinking about Jazzfest, which is scheduled for the weekends of April 27 and May 4. A rock’in line up with artists appearing for the first time like Norah Jones, Rod Stewart, Steely Dan, Ludacris, Stephan Marley, and ZZ Top joining the veterans like Bonnie Rait, Counting Crows, Danilo Perez, Harry Conick, Jr., Jerry Lee Lewis, Allman Brothers and the list goes on. Jazzfest is offering a premium ticket package called the BIG CHIEF VIP EXPERIENCE and includes Festival admission with re-entry privileges; access to special viewing areas at major Festival stages and in some tents; access to an air-conditioned hospitality lounge; special access to restrooms and beverage concessions; parking, costing $600 per weekend or purchase regular tickets per weekend at $35 plus service charges at ticketmaster.

There are wonderful “original” restaurants not to be missed in New Orleans including, Commander’s Palace (#1 by Zagat for the last 17 years), Galatoire’s, Bayona, and Cafe Du Monde as well as historical hotels awaiting your arrival.