Tramping Around The 504 (New Orleans)
Hey Cuties,
I’m fresh off an amazing five days in New Orleans and still sorting through over a thousand pictures. Three days of Essence Festival that was so freaking major. It was so much going on I didn’t even do half of the activities and still had a ball. I posted tons of pictures and videos on IG and Snap as promised. Even with all of that I still have so much to share. I’m going to do a five party harmony, five party harmony.
Part 1: Tramping Around New Orleans Part 2: Essence Festival Recap: Actors Edition
Part 3: New Orleans #FatSnacks Part 4: Essence Festival Recap: Music Edition Part 5: New Orleans Music & Culture
Some people dream of exotic islands for their dream vacation. For the past 11 years New Orleans has been that place for Babe and I. We’ve watched all of the Katrina Documentaries and loved the show Treme. We used to do couples trips as a way to recharge our relationship and ourselves. After having baby #2 {now 4 years old} we put our couple trips on hold. Last year we did a couples trip for the weekend and had a great time. This year we turned it up a bit more, we did another couples ski trip with five other couples. Last month the two of us went to Philly for the day and last week we left for New Orleans for FIVE DAYS!
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is a really cute little historical park. You almost miss it when you walk by because it has a small entry way among-st a row of store fronts. It is a cute a cozy little space with really cool greenery that looks like it needs some serious looking after from a company in the city similar to these Certified Los Angeles county Tree Service Experts to stop it from getting overgrown, since it’s in quite a small space. But do you see how big these leaves are?!
Because we were such big fans of the show Treme we were familiar some popular areas and landmarks. Jackson Square was one of them, according to wikipedia Jackson Square is a historic park in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960, for its central role in the city’s history, and as the site where in 1803 Louisiana was made United States territory pursuant to the Louisiana Purchase. The St. Louis Cathedral is the perfect backdrop for my photo-op. I look like a total tourist.
Bourbon Street (French: Rue Bourbon) is a street in the middle of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood, in the French Quarter. It is about 13 blocks and runs from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue. It is known for its night life. Aka a tourist trap, they have a variety of clubs and street entertainment. You can easily run into celebs on Bourbon Street, especially while Essence Festival is going on. Babe got a really dope shot of me, that color is popping.
Because we love cute landscaping and iron gates. The extreme humidity kept out skin looking all dewy and glowy and what not.
I need to go ahead and put Babe on the payroll. He has such a great eye and I took full advantage. We wanted to capture the essence of New Orleans and the look and style of their homes. Growing up in the Bronx it gave me a great appreciation for a stoop. New Orleans had so many natural backdrops.
See what I mean, we were just walking and came upon this empty lot. One might consider it an eye sore but it makes for dope photography. I freaking love the columns, I want some of these in my next home. I told you he does dope work.
See what I mean, he made me look 10 feet tall. They’re levels to this thang, so much so I had to get in on the action. The wind was totally blowing the bottom of my dress and I was here for it, in this picture at least. It totally Marilyn Monroe’d me a time or two. I went for a comfy cute look the entire time; we did a lot of walking. No seriously I should have worn a pedometer, but it didn’t go with my outfit.
We had to snap a pic, I mean it is New Orleans. It tried to eat Babe’s arm.
This gator isn’t the most lady like I mean with her legs spread and all. I’m not judging her one bit, it is hot in N’awlins. I had a blast checking out the local shops, they had so many cool things in there.
We decided to take in the view a bit before taking the Trolley back down to the River Walk. The boats were coming and going, the gentlemen in the picture was playing a tune and Babe and I were just taking it all in.
We took these pictures on the side of the New Orleans Mint. We just happen to stumble upon it, we had no idea. This location was a branch of the United States Mint from 1838 to 1861 and from 1879 to 1909. Not sure what the break was about but yeah. Fun Fact: This mint produced over 427 million silver and gold coins.
Babe had to get in on the action. Plus he was giving me photography tips and such. The trees look so cool, that is what caught our initial attention. More about the Mint…
The New Orleans Mint has since been decommissioned and designated a National Historic Landmark. They also used the building as a fallout shelter; it was also damaged during Hurricane Katrina. It would take them two years to complete all of the repairs. The museum presently holds music exhibits that include instruments used by some of New Orleans’ famed jazz musicians along with pictures, and posters. It is said to open as the Louisiana Music Museum.
Okay, so not really. We both had on our camo Chuck Taylor’s so I had to get a dope shot of them. His were part of his Father’s Day gift.
“All I need in this life of sin, is me and my boyfriend.
Down to ride ’til the very end, it’s me and my boyfriend. ” – Beyonce
Babe and I loved everything about New Orleans and look forward to coming back again. There is so much we still want to see and do. We flew back home on 4th of July and Ronald Reagan National Airport had this cute photo-op waiting for us. This was as festive as it got for us since we returned home to 71 degrees and rain.
Have you been to New Orleans, what was your experience like? Chat with me in the comment below or FB, IG or Twitter.
Awesome to have you own personal photographer to be with you in NOLA! The Saints are my husband’s favorite team. He has been trying to figure out how to get there to see a game! I am more into the history and architecture. Great photos 🙂
I know right, he had no idea what he signed up for. lol OMG you should totally take him.
It looks like there is a lot to see and do in New Orleans. I’ve never been to New Orleans, but I’d love to visit! It sounds like a great place to bring the whole family!
Jenn it was a really nice place but I know my kids would hate the humidity. It is SUPER hot, I would have to take them during the cooler months.
Looks like you had a great time in NOLA! I love NOLA, there’s so much to see and do.
Pam, it really is. That is why I have to go back again.
I haven’t been to New Orleans in years, but your fun photos make me want to go back soon. They have the best food and so many fun things to do.
Alli, I’ve got to go back to really experience the food. I didn’t get to eat enough.
I LOVE NOLA. Glad you were able to go to Essence Fest. My cousin lives down there and I definitely want to go again. The energy there is so live!
Yes Joanna, the energy is contagious.
He did take great pics! I have been wanting to visit NOLA for a while now. Mainly for the food (I’m so greedy) but also because of the rich history.
Thanks Marsha, nothing wrong with food first. I like the way you think. lol
I’ve never been to New Orleans but you guys look like you had a blast. I’ve heard so many people say how much they love going to NOLA. I guess I’m just going to have to add that to my list.
Mellissa, you should totally add it to your list. At least once…
What a fun city to explore!! I love the history and culture of New Oreleans, can’t wait to see how the rest of your trip was!
Me too Vera, more so than I even realized.
It looks like you had a blast. This is where my daughter wants to go on her senior trip. She and I both love the history, food, and music. Cannot wait to book out vacation.
Oh nice Chrishelle, that is a great place to go for a senior trip.
These are great pictures. I love the one of you on the steps. This sounded like a great visit so far!
Thanks Liz, Babe has such a great eye. It was a good time for sure.
NOLA is such a gorgeous city, it looks like you had such a fabulous time! Such gorgeous pictures too! Thanks for a great guide! : )
Thanks Kendall.
The history is SO rich in New Orleans – I love that! I’ve never been and need to get there ASAP! Gorgeous pics, I hope you had the best time!
Thanks Bella, I took full advantage with the pics.
New Orleans has a rich culture and no matter what they’ve been through they will always remain as lively and as thriving as they were in the past. I love everything about that place and it would be nice to be able to visit! I’m so glad you were finally able to go after planning for such a long time.
Amanda they have proven to bounce back time and time again.
It sounds like you had a fantastic time indeed in New Orleans. I have never been there but hope to get there in the next few years. There is so much to see and do there along with so much history. Thanks for sharing your amazing experiences and great photos.
Thanks Rebecca.
Looks like such a fun place to check out, so much to offer in New Orleans for scenery and culture!
Sarah you are so right.
I’ve heard a llot about New Orleans and how it is just a great place to visit. I hope I can visit all the places you’ve been to. Love the photo with the croc.
Hahaha, Thanks Peachy. This is a place rich with history and lots of fun.
Looks like you had a great time at Essence! Can’t wait to see parts 2-5.
I did Tia, I can’t wait to share.
I watched you on Instagram. It looks like you enjoyed yourself. I need to make a visit there. I haven’t been since I was 16.
Thanks Kim, oh wow. You need to go back.
I’ve never been to New Orleans! It looks like such a fun trip!
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
It is one to experience for sure.
Looks like you had an amazing time! I want to visit New Orleans! What a fun city to explore
We did, there was so much to see that we didn’t have time to experience.
New Orleans is on my travel bucket list. Maybe next year we can get there. This looks like a fun place to visit!
It was a lot of fun Jennifer.
DAG so this has been added to the places to visit. You two are so cute. Traveling is such a great learning experience.
Thanks Nay, I love to travel.
Yes! You looked like you had a BALL and He’s a natural photog. Tell him to send tips to my boo.
Hahahaha, that was hilarious. He really is.
Yo, these pics are beyond dope. Let me find out I need to start hiring Reau for photography! LOL It looks like you guys had a fab time. NO is definitely on my list of places to go and I definitely plan to attend Essence Fest next year.
Right, he has been holding out. hahahaha Yes, for Essence next year.
I love love the photos. I’m obsessed of course with my favorite cities and i love living vicariously through anyone who goes there. And your hubby did an awesome job.
Girl, I do the same thing.
Thanks, I’m going to put him to work.