Jan. 1, Polar Bear Dip. Run from white as snow sands around the infamous Flora-Bama Lounge into the bracing, blue Gulf! Steaming bowls of lucky black-eyed peas, hot music and New Year’s toasts! Perdido Key, FL, 800-874-1234; info@florabama.com (www.florabama.com)

Jan. 6-Feb. 6, Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana. Festivities begin with the Twelfth Night celebration and feature 43 krewes and 2,000 royalty members in seven colorful parades. Special events for kids and seniors. Lake Charles, LA, 800-456-7952; info@visitlakecharles.org (www.visitlakecharles.org)

No Comments | Read full story »