So how many beads should a person get before Mardi Gras? Not that I'm wanting to encourage nudity but I was thinking I should do my part to keep up the ol' Mardi Gras traditions. Will four dozen be enough? Were do the locals get their beads??? I don't want to be ripped off.

You wont' be able to buy enough beads CottonEyeJoe. There are so many fine ladies walking around willing to show what they got that you will run out of beads before you run out of willing women.

Its been a while since I was there but I think you ought to check out Blaine Kerns Mardi Gras world if its still around. They had good prices when I was there.

you're not going to be able to have enough beads CottonEyeJoe theres more ladies waiting to show the ta tas than you will have beads! make sure you get a good spot under a happen balcony that's where most of the action is. and take pictures and post them!

Mucho grassyass guys. So the answer is get as many beads as I can carry, find a balcony, start snapping pix. Got it. Next obvious question... how do you get up on a balcony?

Some of the bars let you up for free you just have to push your way up. But the best spots are rented out. I guess just check around and find bars on bourbon st. and go to their sites and see. Maybe some one else knows?