This year's Mardi Gras! Galveston festivities kick off Jan. 29 and run through Feb. 9. That's when crowds of locals head to the island to laissez les bon temps rouler for just a weekend or two. Other Texans, however, live in true New Orleans style every day. Get in the Mardi Gras spirit by touring some of the the Lone Star State's most beautiful New Orleans-style houses: