How to Enjoy Mardi Gras Like a Local

With Mardi Gras soon to be in full swing, locals and tourists alike will pour into the city for the revelry. It’s wild, loud and overwhelming if it’s your first time, and that’s why we’ve put together some tips to make sure you get the most out of your time in the Big Easy.

A big part of any jaunt to the city is taking the time to check out local stores and getting to know the people who live here. We invite you to stop in to Art & Eyes to see some of the best local flavor around—if you’re shopping for unique eyeglasses or sunglasses in New Orleans, LA, you’re sure to find a pair here:

• Enjoy the local beverage customs: By this, we mean grab a to-go cup full of your favorite alcoholic beverage—it’s legal, and it makes wandering through crowds, ducking into local shops and watching the parades even more fun.
• Rent a bike: Traffic during Mardi Gras can be nightmarish, especially with blocked-off streets and thousands of people crowding the throughways. Renting a bike will make street closures easier to navigate, and it’s much easier to stop wherever you’d like—you won’t have to look for parking!
• Look for the art: A huge part of the Mardi Gras experience is the floats, costumes and general artistry you’ll see in the city. Local groups and clubs spend countless hours developing themes and expressing them through elaborate floats and jaw-dropping costumes. We always encourage visitors to wear a costume, or at the very least, dress up in purple, gold and green.
• Try the local delicacies: If you’ve never had authentic Cajun and Creole food in New Orleans, you’re in for a treat. The Friday before Mardi Gras is typically spent dressing up (suits, ties and dresses) and going out for an elaborate lunch at one of the city’s finest dining institutions. Be sure to make a reservation, as this is a popular tradition. If dressing up isn’t your thing, you can’t go wrong sampling the local cuisine at any of the hundreds of local restaurants and bars.
• Take home some beads: Half the fun of Mardi Gras parades is to see how many strands of beads or other accessories you can catch. If you’re traveling with children, you might want to rent a ladder and ladder box so the kids can enjoy the festivities, too.

However you choose to spend your Mardi Gras in New Orleans, we hope you enjoy it like a local!

Find unique eyewear in New Orleans, LA

While you’re in town for Mardi Gras, don’t forget to check out Art & Eyes. We’re New Orleans’ premier eyewear boutique, specializing in unique designer frames. We carry over 1,600 different styles, making it possible for you to find eyewear that doesn’t just improve your vision, but also reflects your own personal style. No matter your budget, you’re guaranteed to find a one-of-a-kind piece that’s right for you. Call or stop by today to discover the perfect pair—and we look forward to seeing you at Mardi Gras. As we say in New Orleans, “Laissez les bon temps rouler!”

Categorised in: Eyewear