Marais Blogs

Artist Spotlight: Zac Maras

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 17:28:44 GMT

Zac Maras is an Abita Springs-based artist best known for his vibrant and colorful mural works. Zac’s work largely focuses on animals found around Louisiana. Favorites include blue herons, egrets, spoonbills, gators, frogs, and crawfish. Zac has painted many murals that can be found all throughout the city. He is not afraid to bring our big ideas to life and his art style elevates any space he paints. Scroll below to see how the amazing works he's done in our houses and beyond!

"AT THE WATERLINE" HOUSE

"At The Waterline" was created with the intention of capturing the sensation of being between the water and the sky. Zac's expansive wooden cutouts offer an immersive experience. In the dining area, he depicted an alligator between two irises, under a crescent moon. A larger-than-life ibis with an electric blue beak adorns the downstairs bedroom, while three soaring pelicans grace the living space.

THE SYD "SWAMP TO CITY"

This is one of our favorite murals that we love to showcase. In the 10-bedroom, 6-bath suite at The Syd, Zac created a stunning depiction the New Orleans skyline with a blue heron soaring through a live oak tree in the foreground, inspired by the grandfather oak in the pool area. Working on these scaffolds for hours can be challenging, but Zac's skillful spray painting techniques make it all look effortless. See his whole process from sketch to final result below! Look close and you'll recognize that crescent moon from the "At the Waterline" House.

"THE SPOONBILL" HOUSE

Our home is named after the captivating painting that graces our dining room. Zac found an old NOLA traditional style door and thought it would make a great canvas for our Spoonbill. Just across the street, you'll find Central City BBQ, where Zac Maras designed the logo and several striking container murals. He has several smaller framed pieces hung through out this house that we love as well.

AROUND NEW ORLEANS

While you're in NOLA, check out Zac's other works scattered all throughout the city. You can find his art at Ecology Bar, Central City BBQ, Dirty Coast on Magazine, Toup's Eatery and most recently, The Marsh Hotel-- just to name a few!

Keep up with him on his instagram @zmarasart !

Introducing CastleDay

Wed, 21 May 2025 19:55:53 GMT

Outdoor space of The Herald

Introducing CastleDay: Where Private Villas Meet Unforgettable Gatherings

There's a certain magic that happens when you bring people together in the right space. Not in a hotel ballroom with thin walls and neighboring guests. Not in a vacation rental that feels like someone else's home. But in a place designed from the ground up for your group, your celebration, your moment.

That's the vision behind CastleDay.

A New Kind of Retreat in New Orleans

We created CastleDay because we saw a gap in how people gather for the moments that matter most. Weddings. Milestone birthdays. Family reunions. Corporate retreats. These occasions deserve more than compromise—they deserve privacy, space, and the kind of setting that turns a gathering into a memory.

Our three contemporary private villas— The Herald , The Cocodrie , and The Florentine —are located in New Orleans, a city that already knows how to celebrate. But unlike traditional venues or vacation rentals, each CastleDay property offers something rare: an entire villa exclusively for your group, with no shared spaces, no neighboring guests, and no interruptions.

More Than Accommodation. A True Private Retreat.

What makes CastleDay different? It starts with privacy. When you book one of our villas, it's entirely yours. Every bedroom. Every gathering space. The pool. The grounds. Everything. Our villas sleep large groups comfortably—20+ guests in spaces designed to feel both luxurious and livable. Everyone gets room to breathe, while thoughtfully designed common areas draw the group together when it matters.

Our villas feature:

Spacious, modern design that balances elegance with comfort

Multiple gathering areas both indoors and out

Chef-ready kitchens for those who want to cook (or hire a private chef)

Resort-style amenities including pools and outdoor entertainment spaces

Thoughtful details that make hosting effortless

Perfect For Every Kind of Gathering

We've welcomed wedding parties who want everyone under one roof the night before the big day. Corporate teams looking for an inspiring off-site location. Extended families celebrating milestone birthdays. Friend groups marking special occasions or simply wanting a memorable vacation together.

The beauty of a private villa retreat is flexibility. Want to have a chef prepare dinner while your group mingles by the pool? Done. Need space for a small ceremony or corporate presentation? You have it. Prefer to keep things casual with a long weekend of catching up? The space adapts to you.

New Orleans. Elevated.

Location matters, and New Orleans brings its own energy to any gathering. Our properties give you a private sanctuary while keeping you connected to one of America's most vibrant cities. Explore the neighborhoods, experience the food scene, soak in the culture—then retreat to your own private villa where the celebration continues on your terms.

Your Gathering, Your Way

At CastleDay, we believe the best gatherings happen when people can truly be present with each other. No checking out by 11 AM. No worrying about noise complaints. No navigating hotel lobbies in formal wear. Just your people, your celebration, and a beautiful space designed to make it all effortless.

Whether you're planning a wedding celebration, organizing a corporate retreat, or gathering the people who matter most, we'd love to help you create something extraordinary.

Ready to explore our villas? Visit castledayretreats.com to discover The Herald, The Cocodrie, and The Florentine, and find the perfect setting for your next gathering.

Celebrate in Style: Hosting the Ultimate Bachelorette Party with Marais in New Orleans

Sun, 18 May 2025 17:56:05 GMT

New Orleans is a city built for celebration—and when it comes to unforgettable bachelorette weekends, the setting matters as much as the itinerary. At Marais, we offer more than just a place to sleep. We provide immersive, locally rooted spaces where your group can connect, relax, and revel in the spirit of the Crescent City.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend with your closest friends or an extended escape for a larger crew, here’s why Marais is the best place to host your bachelorette party in New Orleans.

Curated for Connection: Homes That Feel Like Art Installations

Every Marais property is a living gallery. Instead of cookie-cutter decor or generic furnishings, our homes feature art and design sourced directly from New Orleans creatives.

Local artwork in every room: From hand-painted murals and mixed-media installations to custom lighting and furniture by local makers, your space will be layered with visual storytelling. Each piece was chosen not only to beautify the space, but to honor the culture and character of this city.
Instagram-worthy vignettes: Our interiors are designed with both aesthetic and atmosphere in mind—ideal for capturing group photos, getting-ready moments, or just enjoying the view with a glass of bubbles.
No two homes are alike: Whether you book a modern Bywater compound or a timeless Creole townhouse, the textures, tones, and ambiance of your space will reflect the unique history and soul of its neighborhood.

Lush Outdoor Living, Designed for Celebration

New Orleans’ climate invites you outside nearly year-round—and our homes make the most of it.

Private courtyards, heated pools and spas, and tropical gardens give your group room to breathe, toast, and unwind between outings.
Almost all of our homes include outdoor dining setups and heated pools, offering the perfect backdrop for sunset hangs or post-party chill time.
With ample seating and ambient lighting, these spaces feel like your own private oasis in the city—intimate, beautiful, and perfect for celebrating milestones.

Spacious Group Stays That Don’t Feel Like Group Stays

We know bachelorette parties come in all sizes and styles. That’s why our properties are flexible by design:

Sleep up to 30 guests comfortably in thoughtfully configured bedrooms and communal areas.
Enjoy full kitchens, large dining tables, and open-plan living rooms ideal for hosting game nights, brunches, or pre-dinner drinks.
Want separate spaces for different parts of the group? Ask us about adjacent homes or multi-unit options that offer privacy and togetherness.

Planning Tips for Your Marais Bachelorette Weekend

Book early, especially for spring and fall dates (festival season!).
Explore our recommendations page for hidden gems, dining guides, and experiences tailored to your crew.

Ready to Pop the Bubbly?

Your bachelorette party deserves more than a basic Airbnb. It deserves a setting as inspired, joyful, and unique as the people you’re celebrating with.

Explore our full collection of homes at staymarais.com and let the good times roll—with style, soul, and a whole lot of love from New Orleans.

How to Host Your Own Crawfish Boil

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 18:14:37 GMT

Host an Authentic NOLA-Style Crawfish Boil at one of our homes!

As the weather warms in New Orleans, so does anticipation for one of our favorite seasonal traditions - crawfish boils! Crawfish season typically runs from late January through June, peaking in April and May. And our homes, with their great outdoor spaces, provide an ideal setting for hosting your own authentic NOLA-style crawfish boil this season!

What’s a Crawfish Boil?

A crawfish boil is a communal event centered around batches of crawfish boiled up with Cajun spices. The star ingredient - fresh Louisiana crawfish - are dunked live into vats of seasoned boiling water infusing them with flavor. Once boiled to perfection and bright red, the crawfish are dumped onto newspaper covered tables for everyone to dig into. Traditional must-have accompaniments for soaking up spice include boiled potatoes, andouille sausage, onions, garlic, lemons and plenty of cold beer. While some restaurants will service crawfish, a traditional crawfish boil is done in peoples homes and parks.

Our Homes are Perfect for Crawfish Boils

With spacious backyards, our homes make for the perfect setting for a crawfish boil. Spend the day lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun, and peeling piles of crawfish with your friends or family. We can’t think of a better way to spend a spring afternoon in New Orleans!

Don't want to DIY your crawfish?

No problem! New Orleans has no shortage of great vendors that can supply seafood and fixings then handle the cooking.

Crawfish Boil Company Recommendations

While there are many great crawfish boil companies, here are a few we recommend:

Will's Seafood Catering 504-220-2641

NOLA Boils nolaboils.com

Buggin Out Boils bugginoutboils.com

Book your stay!

Crawfish boils are a quintessential New Orleans spring tradition. As the weather warms up in the coming months, take advantage of crawfish season by planning a getaway to stay in one of our homes! With plenty of room for guests, amazing outdoor spaces, and New Orleans ambiance, our homes provide the perfect backdrop for hosting your own crawfish boil. Book your stay now and prepare to host a great crawfish boil!

All of our homes are great for crawfish boils (except The Uptown) but here are a few of our favorite backyards for a boil...

Hosting a Hibachi Dinner

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 22:00:13 GMT

Host a memorable Hibachi night right in the Backyard!

Hosting a Hibachi lunch or dinner at the property is fun and easy to do. If your group is looking for a break from New Orleans food, we think it’s a great option! Sam did it with his friends this past spring and they all had a great time.

There’s very little you have to do other than book it - they’ll bring the ingredients and cooking equipment. The cooking / eating will take place outside and our backyards are great venues for it.

The hibachi show lasts for about 90 minutes and it’s a very similar experience to Benihana or any other hibachi restaurant - the meal is in stages and they’ll do all the classic tricks.

Book Your Hibachi Experience

We’ve used Hibachi2U and recommend them!

Check out their website for more information: https://hibachi2u.com/new-orleans

Great Properties for Hibachi

Reserve some of our awesome, hibachi ready properties below!

Visiting the Whitney Plantation

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:16:17 GMT

Planning a visit to the Whitney Plantation?

Here's everything you need to know for a smooth and enriching experience:

Tips Before Going:

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, as you'll be exploring both indoor and outdoor areas. Prepare for the weather, and consider bringing sunscreen and a hat.

Distance from Downtown New Orleans:

The plantation is about 50 miles from downtown New Orleans, which is roughly a 1-hour drive. It's an easy and scenic trip that gives you a glimpse of Louisiana's beautiful countryside. While finding an uber to the plantation is easy, it can be difficult (if not impossible) to find an uber ride back but many tour companies can provide transportation.

Visit https://whitneyplantation.org/plan-your-visit/ for more information.

Duration:

Allocate 2-3 hours for your visit. This includes time to tour the slave cabins, the Field of Angels memorial, and the museum.

Cost:

General admission is $25 for adults. There are discounts available for children, seniors, and students, so check their website for detailed pricing.

Plan a trip today at https://whitneyplantation.org/

Carpenter Spotlight: Chris Owens

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 17:17:14 GMT

Chris Owens ( @oxdesignco ) is a master carpenter that has put together many amazing custom furniture pieces, facades and finishes for homes across Southeast Louisiana. Here he's pictured with parts for the custom beds he built for The Syd.

The Satsuma House

This home is one of our favorites built to accommodate ten guests. Chris graced us with his talents and constructed beds with custom paint and slotted headboards and an 8-seater round outdoor table.

The Syd

The Syd is our biggest project to date that Chris and John have taken on for us. They built almost all of the furniture including all the amazing custom beds with under storage for luggage, the wall hooks, huge 15+ seater conference style dining tables, and custom bunk beds, that have been perfect for our bigger parties. Not to mention the unique, behind-the-couch bar tops for extra seating. All the wood in this project came from local lumber species, like 'sinker' Cypress (cypress debris fished out from rivers or swamps and repurposed), and Pecan.

The Canopy

Here, Chris build the beds, kitchen island, floating desks and an amazing statement dining table. We have been loving the texture these half fluted round dowels have. Most of the wood in this house is White Oak which is known for it's sturdiness and good value. The wood was then stained with a mahogany finish to match the dining table top.

The Zen House

For our Zen House, Chris did a more minimal design for the beds, headboards, and ledge desks. We even had Chris put together the trapezoidal wood panel for the art in the living room painted by artist @swietstuff . His most notable piece in this house, however, has to be the dining table that dons a gorgeous live edge slab of oak for it's top .

The Afro Future

In collaboration with the New Orleans African American Museum, Chris lent us his skill to create these stunning mahogany-stained white oak beds , custom frames for our curated pieces, floating desks and this sleek simple dining table .

At The Waterline

Sam's favorite beds are the ones Chris built at this house. They're not just pretty but are the sturdiest beds he's ever built (maybe!). He also made a great indoor dining table and an equally great outdoor dining table , both stained a beautiful black walnut.

Like what you see? You can catch up with Chris' work on his instagram page @oxdesignco !

Tubing on the Bogue Chitto River

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 16:25:31 GMT

Here's everything you need to know for a smooth and enjoyable experience on the Bogue Chitto River:

Preparing for your Tubing Trip:

Bring sunscreen, water shoes, and a waterproof bag for your belongings. Consider packing snacks, drinks and a cooler (they provide a tube just for your cooler) to enjoy while floating down the river. There are two ways to go down the river, the long way which takes 4 hours and the shorter way which takes 2 hours. You can also bring or rent a kayak if that’s more your speed.

Traveling from New Orleans:

Bogue Chitto State Park is about 75 miles from where our houses are in New Orleans proper, approximately a 1.5-hour drive. The journey offers beautiful views of Louisiana's countryside. Be sure to follow the directions to the park as the website lays out; sometimes the country roads can get confusing to navigate.

Cost:

Tube rentals are available and typically cost around $20 per person. The entrance fee to Bogue Chitto State Park is $3 per person.

More Info:
Check Bogue Chitto Tubing or Louisiana River Adventures for detailed pricing, directions and tubing/kayak rental information.

Bayou Boogaloo: A Fest on Bayou St. John!

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 16:52:42 GMT

While 'festival season' in New Orleans is considered to end on the last day of Jazz Fest, one of our favorite festivals happens just two weeks later - Bayou Boogaloo!

Bayou Boogaloo takes place on Bayou St. John and features three music stages, local food, and art vendors. While most people watch from the banks of the Bayou, you can watch on the Bayou itself - you'll see kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, floaties, and even makeshift barges. If you don't have access to a kayak, we recommend watching on the bank!

Bayou Boogaloo is a laid back and easy festival - you can either spend the entire weekend there or just a couple hours. Unlike Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest, it's much more oriented for locals and it's a great way to explore this part of the city.

All of our homes are within a 10 minute Uber ride from the festival and our Mid-City homes are just a 3 minute drive away.

Bayou Boogaloo 2024 takes place during the weekend of May 17-19th, 2024, beginning at 5 pm (doors at 4:30 pm) on Friday and 11 am on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, check out their website: https://thebayouboogaloo.com/

Here’s where we would stay for the perfect Bayou Boogaloo weekend:

The Bird of Paradise

The Swamp House

How to do French Quarter Fest!

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 16:37:38 GMT

What's French Quarter Fest?

French Quarter Festival (French Quarter Fest) is a free, four-day music festival that takes place in the heart of New Orleans' historic French Quarter. The festival features over 20 stages showcasing local and regional musicians, playing everything from jazz and blues to rock and funk. In addition to the music, the festival also offers a wide variety of food and drink options from some of the city's best restaurants and vendors.

We Love it!

We always tell our out of town friends and family to come for French Quarter Fest - it's a great way to see local music, eat great food, and explore the French Quarter. It's also often fantastic weather - April in New Orleans is usually dry with temperatures in the 70-80s.

A Few Tips

We recommend bringing a folding chair to the festival - a cheap $5 one from Walmart or Academy Sports will be perfect. Having a chair will allow you to walk around and have a guaranteed seat at all the stages!
Make dinner reservations. A lot of locals come into the French Quarter for the weekend and restaurants fill up. The Festival ends daily at 8pm - we recommend going out for a later dinner!

Here are some of our favorite restaurant vendors:

Addis NOLA

Afrodisiac Nola

Ajun Cajun

Bao Mi

Cafe Beignet

Cochon King BBQ

Crabby Jacks

Fritai

Loretta’s Pralines

Miss Linda the Yakamein Lady

NOLA Crawfish King

Nori Guys

Phobang NOLA

For more info visit https://frenchquarterfest.org/

Take a look at some of our properties that are within walking distance to the fest!

The Bird House

The Syd C: Rhythm of New Orleans

By The River

Stay the Week between Jazz Fest weekends!

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 16:19:40 GMT

Why staying for both Jazzfest weekends and the week in-between is the ultimate NOLA vacation!

Thinking about hitting up New Orleans for Jazz Fest?

Here's a tip: consider staying the week between the festival weekends, you can catch both weekends of Jazz Fest and use the time in between to explore the best of NOLA! Here’s a taste of some of the events in New Orleans during the week in between fests.

Our houses make the best resting spot between Jazz Fest weekends. Don't get it confused, just because it’s the week in between Jazz Fest doesn't mean things are boring. It’s easy during Jazz Fest to have your days be taken over by the festival, so it’s nice to have a few days in between to explore New Orleans’ culture and have the most quintessential NOLA vacation.

Our houses are all within a 10 minute car ride to the festival and are centrally located, so it’s the prime location to take advantage of all the between Jazz Fest week day events happening around the city. Even though the main events pause, local spots have live music, including surprise shows by some Jazz Fest musicians. Frenchmen are always lively with music every week anyway!

Here’s what’s going on that week:

NOLA crawfish festival

Monday Apr 29, 2024 at the Broadside.

Dragon Smoke ft. Ivan Neville, Eric Lindell

Tuesday, April 30 at 9:00pm at Tipitina’s

Wednesdays at the Square

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - 5:00pm Lafayette Square (OUTDOORS) 602 Camp Street

This time in between fest weekends is the perfect time to reserve at some of the best restaurants in NOLA. Some of our favorite, and most memorable dining experiences can be found on our Recommendations page!

Reserve your home today to cover you for both weekends and the week between!

A Great Place to Stay for Tulane Graduation

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 21:57:23 GMT

Graduating from Tulane is no easy feat (just ask the two Tulane grads on our team), and it marks a significant event for Tulane grad families. We're proud to have hosted many alumni and their loved ones during Tulane Commencement and want to offer you some key do’s and don'ts to ensure your graduation trip goes smoothly!

The event will take place at 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on May 18th, 2024 at the Yulman Stadium on Tulane’s campus. Do not be too hasty in planning activities during the day. The days leading up to the Unified Commencement will be filled with various ceremonies for each school within Tulane. To see the full Tulane graduation schedule, click here: https://commencement.tulane.edu/schedule .

All of our properties are within an easy 10-minute Uber to Tulane Commencement and are fantastic gathering spots for before or after the ceremony. You can organize Crawfish Boils, private meals, and Hibachi2U at the house or simply relax by the pool! For larger parties, a private chef can actually be a less expensive and more delicious alternative!

Check out our uptown homes that we believe would be the perfect place to stay during Tulane Graduation!

The Satsuma House

The Secondline House

The Uptown

How to do French Quarter Fest

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 21:38:13 GMT

French Quarter Fest: Food, Music and Culture!

The French Quarter Festival of 2024 is a great few days of music, food, and dancing. This year the festival goes from April 11th to 14th and the festival’s theme is "Living Legends", with performances from New Orleans' most long-standing talent! Our personal "can't miss" performers are outlined below.

Line Up:

https://frenchquarterfest.org/music-schedule/

Food:

As foodies, what we look forward to the most is the plethora of all the 100% local food vendors. It’s the perfect festival if you are looking for many samples of all the cuisine NOLA has to offer– we advise you come hungry!

Here are our favorites:

Addis NOLA

Afrodisiac Nola

Ajun Cajun

Bao Mi

Cafe Beignet

Cochon King BBQ

Crabby Jacks

Fritai

Loretta’s Pralines

Miss Linda the Yakamein Lady

NOLA Crawfish King

Nori Guys

Phobang NOLA

Southern’s Food Truck

For more info visit https://frenchquarterfest.org/

Where to Stay:

Here are some of our properties that are within walking distance to the fest!

The Bird House

By The River

Which Mardi Gras Parade Tracker App Should I Use?

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 20:51:54 GMT

Which Mardi Gras Parade Tracking App will get you in that number?

This is a short but important post! With so many Mardi Gras parades, it can be hard to keep track of them all. Luckily, over the last few years, there have been two apps that have made a huge difference in helping keep track of the parades. We’ll refer to them from here on out as “Tracker Apps”.

Should I Download a Parade Tracker App?

Yes! Mardi Gras parades can be delayed or changed - being able to track them in real time is very handy.

What are the options?

There are two parade tracker apps: WWL Mardi Gras Parade Tracker and WDSU Parade Tracker

WWL Mardi Gras Parade Tracker

The WWL Mardi Gras Parade Tracker App is a solid option. Beyond parade routes and real time tracking information, it has some basic information on each parade, including the theme and number of floats. It also is sponsored by Popeyes and so it’ll always show you the closest Popeyes :)

WDSU Parade Tracker

The WDSU Parade Tracker App is also a good choice. It too shows parade routes and real time tracking information. We think the interface is a little cleaner as compared to the WWL app but it lacks some parade details.

So which one should I choose?

Either app will work well. As you can tell, there is very little difference between them. We slightly prefer the WWL app as it gives a little more information on the individual parades but you can’t go wrong!

Chewbaccus! Float Parades vs Walking Parades

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 20:22:24 GMT

Chewbacchus Is Coming Up: Let’s talk Float Parades vs Walking Parades

Mardi Gras season in New Orleans brings parades of spectacular floats, flamboyant costumes, lively music provided by marching bands, and streets flooded by flying beads and festive throws. But the parades actually fall into two distinct categories - the well-known float parades held along grand avenues uptown and downtown, and intimate walking parades that meander through various neighborhoods.

Float Parades

The float parades put on by the old-line krewes are what you likely envision when you think of Mardi Gras pageantry - massive, multi-level floats decorated according to annual themes, costumed krewe royalty waving from atop floats, dance teams performing choreographed routines, marching bands blaring brass, and thousands of riders on floats tossing prized beads and plushes to screaming fans craning to catch their attention.

The float parades require intensive coordination to organize each year by the exclusive clubs that put them on for members. Catching their specialty throws and signature medallion doubloons is very competitive among the throngs of spectators that pack the parade routes after saving prime spots all day long.

Walking Parades

In contrast, walking parades like those held by Krewe of Chewbacchus involve participants elaborately dressing up in DIY costumes centered around specific satirical themes selected annually by each sub-krewe. They parade on foot through various neighborhoods alongside small musical bands. Without having towering floats, the walking parades allow for closer interactions.

The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus

Founded in 2010, The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus parade imagines a futuristic universe where sci-fi characters from cult favorites like Star Wars and Star Trek co-mingle during an intergalactic Mardi Gras celebration. Their colorful, DIY costumes and floats envision a bemused Chewbacca serving as the krewe’s “titular figurehead” as they wander from bar to bar spreading nerdy joy through the Marigny and Bywater.

When is Chewbacchus?

The parade takes place on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 7 p.m. The date may change considering the Super Bowl will be in New Orleans on February 9th. For more information on the parade, check out: www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/krewe-of-chewbacchus .

Should we go?

Yes! It’s a short but really fun parade. While different from the grand float parades later in the season, Chewbaccus is an authentic Mardi Gras parade and has a really nice local vibe.

Should we eat Dinner Before or After Chewbacchus?

Most locals will eat dinner before the parade so they can head to the bars afterwards. But scheduling a 9pm dinner reservation would be a lot of fun: parade → dinner → bars sound like a great night to us!

Come Stay with Us!

Chewbacchus is a great weekend to come to New Orleans! While it’s a relatively new parade, it’s quickly become a favorite among locals. Coming for Chewbaccus weekend gives you the best of both worlds - getting to experience New Orleans while also getting a flavor of Mardi Gras. It’s one of our favorite weekends of the year so come stay with us!

How to Do Krewe du Vieux

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 01:49:59 GMT

Krewe du Vieux

Founded in 1987 within the historic Faubourg Marigny area, their parade creatively mocks the extravagance of float parades and uptown krewes by opting for dark, eccentric humor and handmade touches instead of mass-produced throws and effects. Both the parade sub-krewes' themes and satirical floats highlight sociopolitical issues, celebrities, and anything else within their crosshairs for that year. Krewe du Vieux has historically been the first big parade of Mardi Gras season. While there are now a few parades that roll in the weeks before, to many locals, Krewe du Vieux signals the start of Mardi Gras and is followed by Krewedelusion’s surrealist floats!

When is it?

Krewe du Vieux will take place at 6:30pm on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

For information on the parade, check out: www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/krewe-du-vieux

Where to Watch?

Anywhere along the route is great but we recommend watching in the first half of the route - either in the Marigny (it’s less crowded and mainly locals ...you might even see Sam out there!) or the French Quarter. While you should be able to get a good spot without showing up early, we recommend coming a little early (30 min+ before the parade starts) to get a spot and hang out. We recommend bringing a cooler and your own drinks (you’re allowed to drink outside in New Orleans!). Afterwards, grab dinner or hit up the local bars in the Marigny and then head to Frenchman and the FQ.

Should we eat Dinner Before or After Krewe Du Vieux?

Most locals will eat dinner before the parade so they can head to the bars afterwards. But scheduling an 8:30pm or 9pm dinner reservation would be a lot of fun: parade → dinner → bars sound like a great night to us!

Stay with Us!

Krewe du Vieux is a great weekend to come to New Orleans and experience Mardi Gras. While it’s not Mardi Gras day, Krewe du Vieux is a great, less-touristy Mardi Gras experience. It’s a favorite among locals and it’s always a lot of fun.

How to Do Endymion

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 01:03:57 GMT

How to Watch Endymion: The Ultimate Mardi Gras Parade

The Endymion parade is one of the most spectacular and largest parades of the entire Mardi Gras season in New Orleans. With massive floats, thousands of riders tossing prized beads and throws, and spectacular laser lights and effects, Endymion brings the party every year on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday (also known as Mardi Gras day).

About Endymion

When it comes to New Orleans Mardi Gras, one parade stands out from the rest as the biggest and boldest of them all – the krewe of Endymion!

Founded in 1966, Endymion has blossomed into one of the most spectacular parades of Carnival season, second only to Bacchus in size. It’s known for its magnificent, giant floats stretching upwards of 50 feet long and several stories tall! As you wander the parade route dazzling floats will tower over you with vibrant, elaborate designs and animations that seem to defy physics.

Riding along these hand-crafted floats are many of Endymion’s celebrity grand marshals. In the past, dynamic headliners like Elton John, Diana Ross, Nick Jonas, and Maroon 5 have led the festivities.

Leading the activities is the parade’s legendary captain, Extravaganus I, standing tall as a centerpiece float while he rolls through waving his glowing scepter and orchestrating the party. Talk about King of Carnival!

With over 37 incredible floats, hundreds of distinguished gentlemen riders throwing souvenirs, two dozen dance teams bringing the beat, talented marching bands like St. Augustine’s, and thousands of revelers, Endymion knows how to get NOLA shaking on a Saturday night!

After the parade, Endymion throws one of the largest balls of the year in the Superdome: Endymion Extravaganza! Sting performed at the 2024 ball.

When is Endymion?

Endymion rolls on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 4:15 p.m.

How to Watch Endymion

As one of the most popular parades of Mardi Gras, we recommend arriving early if you want to get a good spot. Some people will arrive very early in the morning to reserve a large spot for their group (think folding chairs, bbq, tables, the works!). If you don’t mind standing a couple rows back, you can get there closer to the parade start. No matter what time you arrive - even in the middle of the parade - you’ll never be more than a few rows back!

What to Bring to the Parade

We recommend bringing folding chairs and a cooler (full of drinks!) to the parade. If you want to reserve a larger space, bring a tarp and a folding table too. If you’re flying in, Walmart is a great place to shop (there’s an entire Mardi Gras section).

For more information on Endymion, check out their website: www.endymion.org

Two Great Homes By the Parade Route

While all of our homes are within a 10 minute drive of the parade, we have two amazing homes that are just a 2 min walk to the parade route! Both have private heated pools, outdoor grills, spacious living areas, and comfy beds. And the perennially Mardi Gras question “where do I go to the bathroom?” is solved! These homes are the perfect home base for watching Endymion. See Below!

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