Mardi Gras is a fun way to experience New Orleans and is a must do at some for every party-loving traveler, but it’s not the only way to see the town. In fact, visiting New Orleans when it isn’t Mardi Gras can give you the freedom to really soak up more of the local culture, flavors and sights. Here are some of the best things to see and do in this lively city beyond the Mardi Gras hooplah.
1. Eat Calas
Calas are a traditional New Orleans breakfast food that are pretty much guaranteed to put a pep in your step. They are essentially rice beignets, a rice fritter that’s coated in a sugary egg wash, deep fried, and then dusted with powdered sugar and served with coffee. In addition to being extremely delicious, they have a lot of history attached to them. In the 1760s, slaves in Louisiana were given the opportunity to buy their freedom, and for many, making and selling calas was the way they achieved that.
