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It's true - there won't be any parades downtown during the Super Bowl, so mister can't throw you something. But there will be some parades outside the city proper, including in Metarie and Covington. (See a schedule at <a href="http://www.mardigrasguide.com">mardigrasguide.com</a>). You can also catch the carnival spirit at <a href="http://www.arnaudsrestaurant.com">Arnaud's</a> restaurant, (813 Bienville Ave., 504-523-5433), where you can enjoy a romantic meal and then head upstairs to view their Mardi Gras exhibit. Before you return home, sample some authentic king cake, a French pastry served only during Mardi Gras season. Try it at Cake Cafe and Bakery (<a href="http://www.nolacakes.com">nolacakes.com</a>), Sucre (<a href="http://www.shopsucre.com">shopsucre.com</a>) or Haydel's (<a href="http://www.haydelbakery.com">haydelbakery.com</a>). You can even ship the cakes home to help friends or family spice up their Super Bowl parties New Orleans-style.

Celebrate Mardi Gras

( Chris Graythen, Getty Images Photo / February 24, 2009 )

It's true - there won't be any parades downtown during the Super Bowl, so mister can't throw you something. But there will be some parades outside the city proper, including in Metarie and Covington. (See a schedule at mardigrasguide.com). You can also catch the carnival spirit at Arnaud's restaurant, (813 Bienville Ave., 504-523-5433), where you can enjoy a romantic meal and then head upstairs to view their Mardi Gras exhibit. Before you return home, sample some authentic king cake, a French pastry served only during Mardi Gras season. Try it at Cake Cafe and Bakery (nolacakes.com), Sucre (shopsucre.com) or Haydel's (haydelbakery.com). You can even ship the cakes home to help friends or family spice up their Super Bowl parties New Orleans-style.