We met Morgan through a Facebook blogging group where the suggestion was made to collaborate with a fellow blogger. We immediately gravitated to each other’s New Orleans (NOLA) experiences and decided it would be fun to do a little Q&A with one another!
Having spent a significant amount of time in New Orleans in response to the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf, Kat grew very found of the city during the three months that she resided in the Big Easy. Sharing her experiences and hearing from others about theirs is a subject that never gets old. Read on to learn more about Morgan’s experience.
When was the first time you went to NOLA?
Morgan: I’m almost embarrassed to admit it but my first trip to NOLA was in 2019….crazy, right?! I think sometimes I’m more inclined to travel internationally and to overlook all the gems here in the US but I’m trying to balance it all out. That being said I can’t believe it took me that long to visit!
My trip in 2019 was an extended weekend trip over Labor Day for four nights. My girl lives far away from me and she and I had been trying to plan somewhere to meet up for a getaway. New Orleans was our end destination! We were also fortunate to be in NOLA at the same time as the Southern Decadence Festival, which we were unaware of when selecting our dates but was a wonderful surprise. The parade was definitely a trip highlight for me.
What did you expect?
Morgan: I honestly wasn’t sure. My expectations of NOLA were pretty abstract but I knew I was in for a good time. I did know for sure that I would be in for humidity, jazz music and history. I wasn’t expecting the amazing art scene, incredibly nice people or all the exceptional (and diverse) food!
Another expectation/assumption I had was that New Orleans was basically just the French Quarter and historic cemeteries. I was ignorant to the expansiveness of the city and all the individual neighborhoods that make it so diverse.
What was your first impression of Bourbon Street?
Morgan: Bourbon Street is not for me. No shade, but I think that I would have enjoyed it a lot more in my early 20’s. That being said I think you’ve got to check it out at least once while you’re there. I did the Bourbon Street stroll while I was there, grabbing a daiquiri (AKA frozen slushy with liquor) and walking the whole the street.
Overall I’d say it’s loud, diverse and interesting for sure. It was great for people watching, especially during the festival but my time on Bourbon was a really small percentage of my total trip. A lot of locals I spoke to compared Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street, saying that Frenchmen was the grown up version of Bourbon and I can attest to this! If you’re looking for the bustling, music filled streets sans the Bourbon Street frenzy then Frenchmen Street is for you!
How many times have you been back/would you go back?
Morgan: I’ve only been the one time, however I would absolutely go back! I really enjoyed the four days I spent in New Orleans, but felt like I only scratched the surface. There were a bunch of things I didn’t get to see. I also would be interested in going back during a different time of year to get a different perspective.
What is your one piece of advice for a first timer?
Morgan: There are two parts to my “one piece of advice” because I couldn’t decide which was more important. First part: Make a loose plan! I’m not a huge fan of itemized, strict itineraries when traveling but I think NOLA might be overwhelming if you don’t have at least a basic outline of where you want to go and what you want to see.
Second part: I would also recommend getting out of the French Quarter for part of your stay. NOLA is so much more than just the French Quarter and you’ll be doing yourself a disservice if you’re not spending at least a little time exploring what else the city has to offer. I adored the Bywater/Marigny area and spent a lot of time here.
If you had to get one souvenir from NOLA for your favorite person back home what would it be?
Morgan: While you’re visiting Frenchmen stop at the Palace Market Frenchmen and scope out all the local artists. My favorite souvenir from my trip was a photo of some Katrina inspired graffiti. It’s from a local photographer that’s just beautiful. Not into photographs? There were plenty of other artists selling ceramics, jewelry, screen printed shirts, fans and more!
What Cultural Aspect did you Gravitate to?
Morgan: I was particularly moved by an art exhibit, ‘Studio Be’, that I visited. There were a lot of pieces depicting a sense of loss, abandonment and trauma. But there was also a continuous thread of beauty, community and hope. The ugliness of a history of slavery, racial disparity, injustice and the trauma of Katrina were all on display. But the hope, love and resiliency were almost tangible. For me this really represented a part of the culture of New Orleans that makes it so unique. There’s a hopefulness, strength and a sense of being that is really prominent among the people of New Orleans. This is so unique and special that it’s hard to miss.
Morgan’s NOLA faves
TV show/movie? The most recent movie I can think of is “Girls Trip”, which definitely shows some of the rowdiness of Bourbon Street!
Song? I can’t narrow it down to one song but I really love a group out of New Orleans called ‘Tank and the Bangas’!
Street? I loved Frenchmen Street! For me it checked all the boxes I had assumed NOLA would offer: vibrant crowds, good food and jazz music.
Drink? I’m a sucker for a hurricane. At home I’m pretty comfortable with a bourbon neat, but in NOLA I was really enjoying these boozy, fruity and super sneaky drinks (seriously, watch out with these because they’ll get you). Maybe it’s the humidity and heat, maybe it’s the atmosphere of the city, or maybe it’s how good they look – whatever the reason these made their way to the top of my list!
Restaurant? Don’t make me pick one! Seriously, I don’t know if I could even choose just one – I wrote a whole post on everything we ate (and it was a lot ). The best I can do to narrow it down would be to recommend St. Roch Market. This food hall has so many options you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone you’re with.
Dish? OK, if I had to pick one I would say beignets! I don’t typically go for stuff like this but there’s something so comforting (and decadent) about a cup of strong, dark coffee with a bag of these delicious little gems.
What’s your number one “can’t miss” recommendation?
Morgan: Frenchmen Street! Hit the night market, grab some food, walk and take in all the sights then catch some live music.
Who Dat?
Morgan is the founder of Baby Got Balance, a travel and lifestyle website focused on exploration for personal growth and a healthy life balance! Under normal circumstances you’ll find her traveling while working freelance (social media marketing), however she’s currently at home in Rhode Island. While she’s practicing social distancing she’s working on her Japanese, cooking up a bunch of vegan recipes, working in her garden, attempting to finish a puzzle that’s been spread on the dining room table for two months and taking care of her adopted fur babies with her husband.
You can head over to Baby Got Balance to learn more about Morgan and her travels, including her full New Orleans articles, write ups about time spent with her family in Japan and her recent treks through Central America.
Planning your own trip to New Orleans? Make sure to schedule a ghost tour as part of your trip!
This is great! I know so many people who’ve been to NOLA and love it. I haven’t been, but I want desperately want to go. Very informative post- I’ll keep this in mind! 🙂
NOLA is absolutely a must visit, once travel start back up of course. Make sure you give yourself a few days if you can- there’s so much to see. Stay well!
Good to know that works too! It was perfect the first time. I learn so much from you as well! Wow great post.
So glad you enjoyed the post Genesis! We hope you get a chance to explore New Orleans for yourself. Please feel free to reach out to either of us if you have any questions! Safe travels 🙂
I went to NOLA for the first time on a girls trip last year. It was so much fun! There is so much to do and the food is amazing! Great Interview
That sounds like a really great reason to go Nissa! Glad to hear you enjoyed yourselves, and you’re right, there is SOOOO MUCH to do!! Thanks for stopping by 🙂