by
Rachel L. MillerIt
all comes down to word association, really. Mardi Gras makes most of us think
of New Orleans, of drunk exhibitionists, clamoring (and doing more lascivious
things) for lengths upon lengths of plastic beads. We picture twenty-somethings
climbing balconies, drinks in hand as elaborate floats slowly drift down the street. It's
never really been my cup of tea -- the crowds and outrageous hotel prices and
lack of any sign of order. It could just be because I'm getting older. Or maybe
it's just because I've been made aware of other places to celebrate Mardi Gras,
places where one can enjoy traditional festivities without being swallowed by
claustrophobia...and being "accidentally" fondled by yet another wasted
frat boy. Simply
put, Mardi Gras is a big thing for residents of the Gulf Coast cities below. There
seems to be an never-ending argument about which community is home to the first
Mardi Gras celebration, but one thing is certain -- loads of family-friendly fun
is just about guaranteed at any of these destinations.
| MOBILE,
ALABAMA | |  The
city of Mobile claims to be home to the first U.S. Mardi Gras celebration, dating
back to 1703, when Societé de Saint Louise was founded...and they've been
celebrating it ever since. The city prides itself on having a family-friendly
atmosphere, which means you can bring the kids without having to blindfold them
-- thankfully, there's no "Girls Gone Wild" New Orleans-style debauchery
on the streets of Mobile on Fat Tuesday. Just old-fashioned, crazy-costumed fun.
If you
select Mobile as your Mardi Gras destination, your stomach is in for a treat.
The food in the city is simply delicious. From Roussos Seafood Restaurant near
the old fort downtown to Wintzell's Oyster House (named best place for oysters
in the country by Willard Scott) to absolutely perfect Southern barbecue at Saucy-Q,
you won't have to look far to find satisfying cuisine.
The
month of February is full of parades and activities
with five different parades. For more information on
Mobile's Mardi Gras schedule, visit http://www.mobile.org/mardigras.html
[READ
OUR FULL STORY ON MOBILE]
(CONTINUE...) |
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