If you’re a fan of spooks and specters, enjoy a nighttime tour of New Orleans with Bloody Mary’s Tours, featured in the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States. On the French Quarter Supernatural Tour + Ghost Hunt, you’ll conjure spirits and search for spooks with a real Voodoo priestess. History and haunts come to life as your guide entertains you with stories about 19th-century vampires Marie Laveau and Madame LaLaurie.

Since 1993, New Orleans has gone to the dogs in the days leading up to Mardi Gras. Each year, Mystic Krewe of Barkus invites four-legged “pawtiers” to dress up and walk in the Barkus parade and attend a pet-friendly festival with vendors and live entertainment. In 2021, the event has gone virtual so no matter where you are, you and Fido can join in the fun on February 7 at 2 p.m. CST. This year’s theme is “Bone Alone: Barkus at Home But Not Alone.” Get out those dog costumes and join the parade from your home, porch or yard!

Just across Lake Pontchartrain in Covington, Louisiana, dogs and their owners usually celebrate Mardi Paws each year. Although this year’s parade has been cancelled, the fun will still go on. From January 23 until February 21, you and Fido can join in the celebration with giveaways, costume contests, flagship floats, pop-up events and more. Throughout New Orleans, residents are decorating their homes as floats, so you can take Fido on a drive to admire the creative works from the comfort and safety of your car. And for residents in the Covington area, Mardi Paws is encouraging pooches and their humans to do the same, and unleash their creativity by turning their dog houses into works of art. Check doghousefloats.com to find out where these festive doggie abodes are located so you and your pooch can drive by.

While parades and parties will be missing this year, there are still many ways to get your fill of excitement and traditions in the French Quarter. Visit pet-friendly art galleries like Gallery Rinard and pick up a Barkus 2021 print, or Rodrique Studios, home of the famous Blue Dog Series. Grab a seat outside at Cafe Beignet and order a King Cake, beignets or both. While you’re exploring the Crescent City, stop by Southern Paws to pick up Mardi Gras treats, toys and apparel for Fido.

For a less spooky look at New Orleans, climb aboard the pet-friendly Algiers Ferry and enjoy incredible views of the city as you and your pooch travel to Algiers Point. While you’re there, stop in for a pint and a snack at The Crown & Anchor, which welcomes pups inside and out.

When your pup’s belly starts to growl, head to the outdoor courtyard at Flamingo A-Go-Go and order her the Doggie’s Delight with shredded chicken, white rice, black beans, corn, and cucumber. It’s one of several options on their Puppy Plates menu. If the weather doesn’t allow for outdoor seating, stop by Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar and Restaurant, where your pooch is welcome in the indoor/outdoor dining area. She’ll have a hard time deciding between the Canine Kahuna and the Hot Diggity Dog from their Sur-Fur menu.

When you check in at The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, a boutique property located just a few blocks from New Orleans’ French Quarter, Fido will be treated like the VIP (very important pet) that he is. He’ll be greeted with treats, a pet bed, bowls, and ID tags during his stay. When it’s time to go for a walk, beautiful Lafayette Square is just around the corner.

If you prefer a pet-friendly vacation rental in the Big Easy, this handsome, three-story luxury residence sleeps six and is located in the heart of the French Quarter.

Ready for a Road Trip?

The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the best pet-friendly activities across the country in our new book - Ruff Guide to the United States.

Now in its second edition, the book features over 365 of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. Pre-order your copy today and save 50% off the retail price when you use the discount code BARKUS.