We have vacation time for a brief (5 day, 4 night) vacation in February and are trying to choose between Key West and New Orleans. We would arrive on the Thursday after Mardi Gras, but I'm wondering if that's a bad time to visit. This would be our first time visiting and I'm concerned that the energy of the place would not be at its usual level if people are still recovering from the party the week before. We are not interested in staying up late and drinking heavily, but do like to soak up atmosphere; and if the streets are still filled with beads and confetti and musicians are sounding slightly hung-over, I'm thinking it won't be as much fun.
Any thoughts?

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In the streets? Not likely.
Caught in trees and wrought-iron banisters? You can find them all year round.

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Not likely to be a problem.

By Thursday after Mardi Gras, they city may be quieter, but not dead.

I love both places, but since your time is limited, I'd be sure and factor in the travel time. We can get to NO pretty easily, but (for us) the trip to Key West takes nearly a full day. And by the way, Key West should be beautiful in February, but it's high season and accommodation prices will reflect that.

NOLA is fun all year. It's really nice after MG. Go and enjoy your trip. Stay in the FQ so you can walk to all the great restaurants and shops. Take the Streetcar to the GD and Uptown and visit the neat shops and restaurants there. Visit the WWII DDay Museum. NOLA is a great city.

Thanks all. We're made the plane reservations for NO and are excited about going.