Visit New Orleans anytime from January 6th through February and even into March, and be a part of Carnival,"the greatest free show on earth."
"Twelfth Night," an elegant debutante ball, kicks off the festivities on the night of the 6th. Afterward, a hand-full of Carnival devotees calling themselves the Phunny Phorty Phellos, throw a less aristocratic bash on what else but, a street car. For one to two months the city is nothing but marching bands and balls -literally, balls in every hotel, motel, and bar. Parades run the gamut day and night, paid for by the members of private clubs called krewes.
Fat Tuesday, known world wide by its French name, Mardi Gras, is the last day of Carnival. Mardi Gras is recognized as an official holiday and is the only day that it is legal to wear masks, face paint, and costumes in the streets. The day after Mardi Gras is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.
Whenever you come to New Orleans you are certain to have a ball, Maybe not a Carnival ball, but a good time nevertheless.
Audubon Park - 10 lighted courts. Located directly off Tchoupitoulas Street.
504-895-1042
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City Park - Pro-shop and 34 lighted courts.
1 Palm Drive
504-482-4888
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Coconut Beach Volleyball Complex - Located near Lake Pontchatrain, is an excellent open-air court, where for a small fee you can spike and volley all day long. Call to make sure there are no tournaments going on.
7360 W. Roadway
504-287-0333
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Creole Nature Trail - Take Route 27 south of Lake Charles. All south Louisiana swamp tours feature alligator watching.
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English Turn - Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the PGA's Freeport-McDermott Golf Classic is held here. Hwy., 406, East Canal, West Bank.
One Clubhouse Drive
504-392-2200
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Evangeline Downs - On I-49 just one mile north of I-10, has Thoroughbred horse racing April through Labor Day. "Ils sont partis," They're off!
P.O. Box 90270
318-896-7223
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Lacassine Refuge - 11 miles south of Lake Arthur , on Route 3056 is another bird watchers paradise.
209 Nature Road
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Rockefeller Refuge - Another fantastic place for bird watching.
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The Sabine Wildlife Refuge - Fantastic place for bird watching, especially since Louisiana is host to more then 300 species of migratory birds.
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The Tournoi - Fully costumed knights on huge hoof-stomping horses charge one another with long poles aimed at knocking the hell out of the other fellow , and hopefully knocking him off his steed. The event takes place during the annual Cotton Festival in Ville Platte, 40 miles northwest of Lafayette.
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Visit New Orleans anytime from January 6th through February and even into March, and be a part of Carnival,"the greatest free show on earth." 
