re: Arkansas fans coming down for Mardi Gras

This is somewhat touristy but it's still fun. Assuming you are young, you need to go to Pat's O's during the day at one point. Spend a day (not during a prime night parade like Bacchus or Endymion) walking around the quarter (not just Bourbon). If youre in that area, you got to try the food at Coop's Place, Verti Marte, or Johnny's (among others).