I never dreamed that Mardi Gras would be so much fun. I flew down to Mississippi's Gulf Coast for the festivities last year and was lucky enough to attend the black-tie coronation ball and ride on a parade float. Although I enjoying throwing beads to the screaming masses, I loved catching them even more...and the Mississippi Gulf Coast was the perfect place to experience my very first Mardi Gras parade.

The locals are extremely friendly, the seafood is fresh...and there are 26 miles of beach to explore. Add in casino-gaming and top-notch entertainment, and you've got quite a destination.

Parades are numerous and BIG. Start your party off right by attending the Gulf Coast Carnival Association Coronation Ball on the 23rd -- get all dressed up and dance the night away following the crowning King d'Iberville and Queen Ixolib. The pageantry of it all is really quite something to see.

February 23rd and 24th are jam-packed with activities, including a great night parade (Gulf Coast Carnival Assocation Night Parade) on the 24th. Just be careful when vying for those beads in the dark -- some of the floatriders throw them with enough force to cause quite an impact on your forehead if you don't move fast!

For more information on the festivities on Mississippi's Gulf Coast, visit: http://gulfcoast.org/

[READ OUR FULL STORY ON BILOXI/GULFPORT]

Just down the coast from Biloxi is Pensacola, which is hosting three major parades for Mardi Gras this year. The Krewe of Lafitte Parade starts at 8 p.m. on Feb. 20, in Downtown Pensacola and is the season’s only illuminated parade.

Next is the Grand Mardi Gras Parade at 2 p.m. on Feb. 21, also in historic Downtown Pensacola. Nearly 200 floats roll down Palafox Street showering parade-goers with “throws” such as beads, moon pies, cups, and doubloons. More fun awaits at the 25th annual Krewe of Wrecks Parade at 2 p.m. on Feb. 22, at Pensacola Beach, followed by a celebration on Quietwater Boardwalk. (CONTINUE...)