KEEP ON CELEBRATING! Maison DuBois Bed and Breakfast would like to wish you a Happy New Year & Happy Mardi Gras! Thursday January 6th “Twelfth Night” began, kicking off weeks of king cakes, parades and Mardi Gras celebrations all leading up to Fat Tuesday on March 8th. Mayor Mitch Landrieu, accompanied by New Orleans clarinetist Pete Fountain, on Thursday served up slices of king cake, the traditional Carnival pastry, at historic Gallier Hall where the mayor greets parading royalty on Mardi Gras Day. The first parade was the Phunny Phorty Phellows on Thursday night. The group rides a St. Charles Avenue streetcar on Twelfth Night — which for some Christians marks the end of the Christmas season — to kick off the debauchery associated with Carnival. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Call now to reserve a room for one of many Mardi Gras celebrations.		Maison Dubois is convenient to all New Orleans celebrations!
NOTABLE NOTATIONS • Travel + Leisure recently announced that New Orleans was voted the number one urban destination in the country for New Year’s Eve, Neighborhood Joints and Cafés, People-Watching, Singles/Bar Scene, Cocktail Hour and the overall category of Nightlife in the 2010 America’s Favorite Cities survey. • According to the latest Zagat survey, New Orleans is the most affordable dining destination in the country. Zagat surveys more than 375,000 diners from around the world in order to help consumers make informed decisions about restaurants, hotels and attractions. . Click here for more exciting area information.		N'awlins Cuisine.
STROLL THE VIEUX CARRÉ Nothing is better in the cool breeze of Fall than to wander along the narrow streets of the Vieux Carré (aka the French Quarter) and view its historic antiquated buildings, look upon beflowered patios and flagged courtyards, or inspect the ancient wrought- and cast- iron railings that line the balconies of centuries-old Creole homes. Perfect for those who want to know authentic histories of these priceless relics of a city’s romantic past. The social life, traditions, history, romances, and intrigues of old Creole days may be relived as one leisurely strolls the quaint streets into what seems to be a curious old-world of bizarre color and customs. Either on your own or escorted by one of the local companies, saunter into the evening time and explore the grim and ghostly deeds of the old French Quarter. Secret and sinister events, ghosts and spirits still haunt the legendary Vieux Carré. Book now and enjoy the atmosphere that the French Quarter offers.		There's nothing like a carriage ride.
FEEL LIKE A CHAMPION There's a brand new event venue in New Orleans that will have you feeling like a champion. And what better time to check it out than now as the Superbowl draws near? Champions Square opened in August and serves as a game day gathering spot for Saints fans due to its location right next door to the Louisiana Superdome. A built-in stage comes equipped with a video control room, wireless microphones, high-tech audio system, a 32'x18' LED screen, VIP green room and more . Explore everything New Orleans has to offer!		Champions Square holds all types of events.
LEARN THE LINGO: NEW ORLEANS STYLE Twelfth Night and King Cake Goodbye to the Holidays and Hello to the Carnival season. New Orleans has said so long to the holidays and used the Twelfth Night observance to kick off the Carnival season — which will be extra long this year. Until Carnival celebrations wrap up March 8, about 100 parades will roll through area streets or float down waterways. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu visits with Mardi Gras Indian Kenya DeArmas, 2, during a ceremony to mark the beginning of carnival season in New Orleans. What's a King Cake, you ask? The King Cake tradition came to New Orleans with the first French settlers and has stayed ever since. Like the rest of Mardi Gras during those early days, the King Cake was a part of the family's celebration, and really didn't take on a public role until after the Civil War. In 1870, the Twelfth Night Revelers held their ball, with a large King Cake as the main attraction. Instead of choosing a sacred King to be sacrificed, the Twelfth Night Revelers used the bean in the cake to choose the Queen of the Ball. This tradition has carried on to this day, although the Twelfth Night Revelers now use a wooden replica of a large King Cake. The ladies of the court pull open little drawers in the cake's lower layer which contain the silver and gold beans. Silver means you're on the court; gold is for the Queen.		Maison Dubois is your homebase for New Orleans indulgence!
ENTER TO WIN A FREE NIGHT STAY AT MAISON DUBOIS Win a free night stay in New Orleans. Come see us and celebrate! Your visit will not only ensure you the unique cultural travel experience but you will also be a part of the REBIRTH of New Orleans. So here is hoping that we will see you soon and be able to say Bienvenue New Orleans. Click here to enter. This month's winner: David Shannon Walker, Vandiver AL.		Click here to enter.