Mardi Gras on the Geaux

OK.... It's here: Mardi Gras weekend! And wherever you're reading this from, just know that Louisiana is ready to party for our annual celebration — it's what makes us...us.

There are lots of "only in Louisiana" things to do this weekend, right up though Mardi Gras day on Tuesday, and what we eat and drink to celebrate is uniquely ours as well. Our friends at MyLafayetteTravel.com have an outstanding list of Mardi Gras Must-Have's, including Swamp Pop Soda, made right here in Lafayette; King Cakes, which you can get everywhere; and the delicious line of Zydeco dips and salsas, that include Sweet Potato, Creole Trinity, and Red Bean.

Zapp's Potato Chips are always at the top of my list, and of course, we have a new distillery here in Acadiana, Bayou Rum, that serves up all your Bayou State spirits. Of course, no Mardi Gras parade route would be complete without boudin and cracklin. So enjoy this wonderful season while you can, and Happy Mardi Gras, Dawgs!