- Eat Breakfast!
This tip is at the top of any list when discussing day drinking festivities. It may seem obvious, but so many people still don’t eat breakfast before they start drinking! Take it from me, I have witnessed the good and the bad of day drinking. Bad things always result from an empty stomach! Save yourself and eat a piece of toast, a bagel or some eggs (kegs+eggs).
- Go To Soulard
Some underclassmen may be wary of Soulard because of the long metro ride, the cold, and the unknown. But did you know that St. Louis has the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country? Take advantage of it! Soulard has blocks and blocks of fun, music and activities to partake in, and you usually run into some pretty unforgettable characters along the way.
- Take the Metro
Getting to Soulard via public transportation may seem like a pain…and it is. But it is really the only affordable, smart and safe way to get there. Plan ahead with your friends and set a time to leave the frats or your apartment so you can get there early and leave before dark (AND BRING CASH). Beware: the crowds will be huge and almost everyone will be very drunk, so know where you’re going before you get on a random train! Here are some directions to help you.
- Get some cool beads! But don’t show your boobs…
You definitely will need some purple, gold and green beads to get into the Mardi Gras spirit, but you don’t need to flash to get them. It won’t be hard to get a bunch of beads for free from food and drink servers and random people on the streets. If you make the drunken decision to get a little naked on Soulard, it’s up to you. I’m all for the YOLO attitude, but only if you’re prepared to live with the possible regret.
- Take advantage of the local fare
One of the best parts of Mardi Gras on Soulard is the food and drinks. Not only will you find restaurants and bars on every block of Soulard, you will be amazed by the food and drink tents and stands set up outside on the streets. You can eat anything from big turkey legs to meat on a stick to everything fried. Drinks include tasty shots and huge beers (be careful of using fake IDs, though). Of course, after you EAT BREAKFAST, there will be room in your stomach a few hours later to try these amazing carnival treats.
Enjoy this day to the fullest! Take advantage of what St. Louis has to offer on this special occasion and get ready to get funky!
Image courtesy of Abstraktmg.com