I’ve been staring at this map of New Orleans for most of the morning. I’m trying to memorize the way the Mississippi River shapes and bends the city. I’m trying to remember the order of the streets in the French Quarter, and the name of that really cool second-hand shop in the Bywater. I’m trying to sort out if the parades run down Claiborne Street or St. Charles Avenue or neither or both. Which side of Magazine Street has the best shops? How many steps from Royal Street in the French Quarter must I walk before I get to Cafe Du Monde?
This piece of paper has most of the answers, holds the music, the characters, and details the bustling life in New Orleans.
I should tell you now… I’M MOVING TO NEW ORLEANS!
The beignets are calling. The music is summoning. The life to be lived is just there!
I’m packing up my beach bike, mixing bowls, all the ripe avocados I can get my hands on, and moving to New Orleans. Come early March, I’ll call the French Quarter my home.
We’ve talked about New Orleans before: Hello, New Orleans! and Hello again, New Orleans!
We’re going to be talking about New Orleans a lot more! As I explore the city, I’ll share the great places I find here. I hope you’ll be along for the ride.
Thank you in advance for your patience this month as I pack up my butter, props, camera, and cat and drive across a few states on this new adventure. I expect those of you who already live in New Orleans to be my friends. How utterly presumptuous of me, but… just let it happen. If you’re visiting new Orleans sometime this year, I’ll write about some wonderful people, places, and food I discover along the way. I like that we’re in this together. Thank you!
Lastly, I’ve told my cat about the move, and he’s slightly worried about frizzy hair: his and mine. I comforted him with the thought of homemade beignets and a parade or two.
Let’s live!
Diane, A Broad
LA is going to miss you, but boy am I looking forward to seeing New Orleans from your lens!
Kayleigh
That is so awesome! We will surely welcome you with open arms! I’ve lived here for a very long time and couldn’t imagine calling anywhere else home! Can’t wait to follow you on this new journey of yours and can’t wait to see how you like (love) it here! Congrats!
Jessica
Welcome to New Orleans! Martine just moved here from San Francisco three weeks ago also. (Another feather in our cap.) Good luck! Enjoy! And reach out if you need any new-resident advice.
maggie
I’m moving to new orleans in may! first thing to do when you get down there: order a sazerac.
Jessica
Want a secret? Best Sazarac in the city is by Dave at Peche. Tell him Jessica sent you :-)
joythebaker
i really will do that!
Christine
Wow Joy–how exciting!! There’s something so amazing about the nervousness & excitement of moving to a new place! Good luck with your big move; can’t wait to hear all of the stories and learn about your adventures in your new home!
Paula
Excellent choice! New Orleans is a national treasure. There isn’t another place in the country that comes close to being like it. You obviously fell in love with that city a special way.
aida mollenkamp
Congrats, Joy! Can’t wait to see all your new adventures unfold!
Tieghan
So exciting!! Congrats!
Beverly
Joy,
I lived in the Big Easy for a little over 6 years. It is like no other place on earth! Good and bad at times, mostly good. It does have magic and I am sure you will feel it and love it. The architecture is as fabulous as the food. Enjoy and Le Bon Temps Roule!
Sue
Forget about Cafe du Monde. Too many tourists. Go to Cafe Beignet on Royal St. Much nicer. You can eat indoors, in their beautiful cafe, or outside in the garden. At Cafe du Monde, eat in a big drafty, crowded tent. Also, Cafe Beignet has a full menu – not just beignets.
joythebaker
i like cafe beignet very much.
Marissa
Sooooooooo excited for you!!! I went to NOLA last year and fell in love with the city! There were parades all over the french quarter and cafe du monde was amazeballs! Loved how easy it was to walk around the French Quarter. Can’t wait to read your posts on living there. Congrats on the new home turf!
Amanda
such exciting news! hope you enjoy your new home city, good luck with the move!
leatitia
Wow! Big move!!! Best of luck! :)
Kiley
Yay!!! Long time lurker, but first time commenter. I’m a fellow California girl moving to New Orleans in July. Can’t wait to see what wonderful things you learn/see!
Jillian @ Newly Bread
I live in Baton Rouge! You will love life in Louisiana! Food & culture paradise!