lexi dawn warren: falling for nola

This will be my fourth Mardi Gras in the great city of New Orleans. I fell in love with the city that first year, but our love grows deeper and differently every year. My parents have blessed with me with a love of traveling and lit the fire within me to have adventures. I love trying new food, walking around the city, listening to great live music, and being present in those moments with my family.

Contrary to the usual Mardi Gras experience, my favorite memories of Nawlins are the ones we have made in restaurants, watching my Dad ride in the Bacchus parade, and walking the French Market. The culture of the city is so rich and full of flavor, jazz, and art. Jackson Square is in the heart of down town and surrounded by street artist trying to make a buck.

We have stayed at the Hilton on the River, the Hotel Monteleone, and the Ritz Carlton. I highly recommend staying down in the French Quarter for the full experience. Save your money up and splurge on dinner at Commanders Palace. Eat breakfast and have dessert at Brennan's. Don't count calories and eat a couple of those world famous beignets and cup of cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde, you won't regret it. Take a tour of the city and see the lower ninth ward, garden district and everything in between. Do a buggy tour in the French Quarter and walk the cemeteries.

The best part of going to this great city each year is that it is unpredictable. My first year, the weather was colder than it was at the winter Olympics. Last year, it poured a couple days and was 75 degrees the next day. You have never seen anything like the people you will see in New Orleans. All walks of life. You will turn a corner and there is two incredible musicians just playing for hours, then further down the street are literal gypsies just doing their street show thang. It's amazing. It's unpredictable. It is something I recommend to everyone, go and experience this great city that much life and unique charm.

I didn't take too many of my own pictures last year, but here are a couple of my favorites.