Holiday Packages and Last Minute Specials Now Available on 1st Choice
Choose from Last Minute Booking Specials, Skiing and Golf Packages, Holiday Discounts, and much more! Visit 1st Choice's newly launched My1stChoice to search the entire database of specials!

Celebrate Mardi Gras Across the Nation Mardi Gras in the United States began when French explorers settled in the New Orleans area in the early 1700's. Masked balls and festivals were common in New

Orleans while under French rule. When the Spanish took over, dancing and street parties were banned. Under United States rule, in 1827 the Americans restored the right to party in mask. Mardi Gras meaning “Fat Tuesday” has always been celebrated 47 days before Easter; the last day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. The Mardi Gras season starts January 6th and became know as a period of abandon and merriment that preceded the penance of Lent. The 2004 Mardi Gras holiday falls on Tuesday, February 24. While Mardi Gras is celebrated in dozens of locations across the United States, below are a few of our favorites: New Orleans! There are many Mardi Gras or Carnival celebrations in locations across the nation, but no one does it like New Orleans! With a number of parades falling on the days during the week prior to Fat Tuesday, and the weekends prior to that, the varying routes gives many a opportunity to get into the sprit of the holiday. The media often presents Mardi Gras from the French Quarter, but no parades occur there. By planning ahead and knowing the routes, the city and suburban parades can be a great time for families. Businesses located on the various parade routes often offer packages of food and a front row parade viewing. During the day shop the French Quarter or the Riverwalk while taking in some Jazz. Choose from a number of condos, homes and B&B’s in or near New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2004! Galveston, Texas Each year, more than half a million people gather in the streets of Galveston Island to participate in the largest Mardi Gras celebration in Texas. For 12 days and 11 nights the island is electrified by the sounds of live music, spectacular parades, elaborate masked balls, and flamboyant costumes. This year, Mardi Gras! Galveston salutes "Rock n Roll," beginning February 13 - 24. More than 30 bands will captivate spectators on three grand stages located in the heart of the Strand Downtown Historic District. In addition to live music, the celebration includes several exciting parade processions accompanied by local Krewe members dressed in extravagant costumes, a culinary salute to Rock n Roll, intriguing art exhibits, stimulating sports events, plus an assortment of elaborate masquerade balls to entice the black-tie senses. 1st Choice has a number of condos and homes situated Gulf front or in the historic district of Galveston or nearby Surfside Beach.