I really like the parades, both in New Orleans and in the Mobile, Fairhope, Foley and Gulf Shores AL area. All the Alabama parades are children friendly. I am very careful where I keep my money/credit cards as the crowds are pretty heavy. Cafe du Monde has the best coffee and donuts ever. I'm not much on drinking or even food so I can't help you there. I think the fun for me is just looking at the people in New Orleans, we were just there for 3 weeks camping and I just plain love that city. The French Quarter is the most unique city in America.