I'm planning a short stay in New Orleans as part of a bigger trip next year. I'd really like to see the true New Orleans, so should I go during Mardi Gras or is it better to go in March? Are there other festivals in March?

I love New Orleans, but you couldn't pay me to go for Mardi Gras. Way too crowded, and the hotel rates are way high. I don't know about March, but French Quarter Festival in April is lots of fun and the music is great. Jean

I second Jean's reply - if you haven't been there yet maybe Mardi Gras isn't exactly the best time to start. It isn't the true New Orleans you're looking for anyway, that's a massive celebration time! Just pick any weekend and go, it's always fun.

I "third" that. We used to live in New Orleans--if you want to see the true New Orleans, do not even think about going for Mardi Gras. The krewes have parades for over a month, however, leading up to Mardi Gras Day, and it might be fun to catch one of those--just don't be there Tuesday and probably not the weekend before.

Thanks. That's settled it - we'll go after Mardi Gras finishes.