Photo: St. Louis Dog Parade

Jet off to St. Louis? Huh? Why? St. Louis lost out to Detroit in 2007 as the most dangerous city in America, but judging from the amount of tourist that swarm the city during Mardi Gras you would think it was New Orleans. The week before Mardis Gras, St. Louis hosts a pet parade where thousands of dogs and their owners dress up and parade before throngs of revelers. Set in the heart of historic Soulard district, this quirky parade attracts dog lovers from all over the country. Cats are welcome too.