Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans

Ever been to Jazz Fest, or want to go? We've got all the insider tips you need to have a great time!

Interested in haunted New Orleans? Ghost stories and other popular and untold legends? This is the episode for you! Join me and guest Orion Couling as we talk about his experience leading haunted tours around New Orleans.

One of the things I really like to do with the podcast is highlight businesses I think you would enjoy that also have owners who seem to do things right. My guest today is one of those. Róbert LeBlanc is the founder of Leblanc + Smith, a hospitality company with several local businesses.

Wondering what to do in New Orleans post-Mardi Gras? We've got you covered in this episode.

Today's episode is your Mardi Gras survival guide. We'll go through everything you need to know to enjoy parade season in New Orleans!

Mardi Gras 2024 Today's episode is our annual discussion of Carnival and Mardi Gras in New Orleans with Arthur Hardy, publisher of the Mardi Gras Guide. We discuss history, anniversaries, impact on the economy, what's new in 2024 and more.

Questions and Answers Today’s episode is a Q&A show with questions from listeners like you. As always, questions from our Patreon supporters come first, followed by those from our Facebook Group. Timestamps 05:10 - Jeffrey Hubbard - French Quarter Fest paid pass 07:02 - Joseph Grillo - 2nd edition of BBS book? Dew Drop Inn 09:00 - Mark Wingfield - Most Romantic places in NOLA 11:15 - Mark Wingfield - March Madness 13:45 - James Redmond - Festivals/events in August 16:35 - Hannah Voss - Busker payment 18:00 - DC Big Papa - Easier Krewes to ride in or join 21:30 - Michael Kaufman - Where else in the US do you want to visit? 22:45 - Eric Boyle - Documentary Films about New Orleans 26:30 - John Nordike - Discuss the process of your book - ep157 27:20 - John Nordike - James Lee Burke interview 28:30 - Maggie Macgyver - photography in your book 31:25 - Christy Johnson - the magic of New Orleans

Happy Holidays from New Orleans In this episode, we dive into many of the things that make this time of year great for a visit to New Orleans! Previous Episodes Mentioned Episode 2 - Winter events in New Orleans Episode 79 - Reveillon Episode 148 - Reveillon Episode 149 - Cafe Brülot Holiday Bars Mentioned Miracle Bar at Barrel Proof Mistletoe @ the Hyatt Latitude 29 in the Bienville House Hotel Snake & Jake's Christmas Lounge Hotel Lobbies Worth Visiting Roosevelt Hotel Four Seasons Ritz-Carlton Hotel Monteleone The Columns Le Pavillon The Chloe

Experience the immersive and interactive Vue Orleans exhibit, where visitors are transported into the history and culture of New Orleans. From interactive exhibits to breathtaking views, the attraction offers a comprehensive experience of the city. You won't find a better way to take in the city from above. The view alone is worth it. - Karen Coaxum In this episode, you will be able to:

Join Scott Eddy and Chris Palmer as they embark on a thrilling river cruise down the iconic Mississippi River. From intimate connections with fellow travelers to capturing breathtaking photography, their journey promises adventure and discovery. In this episode, you will be able to: Slowing down and enjoying the nuances of a place is something we don't do enough of in our fast-paced lives. - Chris Palmer Curated experiences like a river cruise allow you to go beyond the tourist attractions and truly immerse yourself in the local culture. - Scott Eddy Resources The Mississippi River Voyage discussed in this episode was put on by American Queen Voyages. To follow Scott on social media: Instagram (@MrScottEddy) Twitter (@MrScottEddy) Facebook LinkedIn

Creating a More Inclusive Experience: Incorporating Slavery into Garden District Tours with Christine Miller and Karen Fernandez Join tour guides Christine Miller and Karen Fernandez as they dive deep into the history of the Garden District, uncovering the often overlooked role of slavery in its development. From the architectural landmarks built by enslaved people to the complex narratives of the neighborhood, this tour will leave you questioning the stories you thought you knew. Are you ready to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past? In this episode, you will be able to: * Discover the hidden stories of the Garden District that reveal the impact of slavery, shedding light on a crucial chapter of New Orleans' history. * Explore the historical and architectural significance of the Garden District, unlocking the secrets behind its unique charm and beauty.

Get ready to groove with Big Sam, the renowned trombonist and bandleader of Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Join him as he shares his insights on the importance of putting on a show and preserving New Orleans’ musical heritage. Big Sam Williams, the renowned New Orleans musician, has always had a deep passion for music. From a young age, he knew he wanted to do something extraordinary with his talent. His journey began in middle school when he joined the marching band, seeking an outlet for his musical aspirations. Little did he know, this decision would shape his future. Introduced to the trombone by a music teacher named Daryl Dickerson, Big Sam quickly fell in love with the instrument. Despite his initial struggles, he persevered, teaching himself to play by ear and immersing himself in the world of music theory. As he honed his skills, he realized that he had a natural talent for reading music and a deep understanding of musical concepts. In high school, Big Sam and his friends formed their own band, the Stooges Brass Band, which marked the beginning of his professional music career. Through his experiences in various marching bands and collaborations with esteemed musicians, Big Sam found his calling and has since become a celebrated figure in the New Orleans music scene. His story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the transformative nature of music.

Get ready to groove with Big Sam, the renowned trombonist and bandleader of Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Join him as he shares his insights on the importance of putting on a show and preserving New Orleans’ musical heritage. Big Sam Williams, the renowned New Orleans musician, has always had a deep passion for music. From a young age, he knew he wanted to do something extraordinary with his talent. His journey began in middle school when he joined the marching band, seeking an outlet for his musical aspirations. Little did he know, this decision would shape his future. Introduced to the trombone by a music teacher named Daryl Dickerson, Big Sam quickly fell in love with the instrument. Despite his initial struggles, he persevered, teaching himself to play by ear and immersing himself in the world of music theory. As he honed his skills, he realized that he had a natural talent for reading music and a deep understanding of musical concepts. In high school, Big Sam and his friends formed their own band, the Stooges Brass Band, which marked the beginning of his professional music career. Through his experiences in various marching bands and collaborations with esteemed musicians, Big Sam found his calling and has since become a celebrated figure in the New Orleans music scene. His story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the transformative nature of music.

Louisiana Lens: A Visual Journey Louisiana with John Lawrence Discover the captivating history of Louisiana through a lens in John Lawrence's new book. From the elegant autochrome process to the timeless allure of Mardi Gras, these photographs transport you to a bygone era. Now, after four decades of curating historic New Orleans photographs, he unveils Louisiana Lens, a captivating book that takes you on an immersive journey through time. In this episode of Final Cuts, host Mark Bologna sits down with John Lawrence, the former curator of the Historic New Orleans Collection's photography holdings. Lawrence recently released a book called Louisiana Lens, which showcases a hundred photographs from the collection. Lawrence's passion for photography led him to become the curator of photographs, shaping the growth of the collection over the years. The goal of his book was to select 100 photographs that represent the development of photographic technology and offer individual interpretations to each viewer. Through images accompanied by narratives, the book allows readers to explore the multilayered nature of each photograph, weaving together the immutable characteristics of the image, its historical context, and the personal interpretation of the viewer. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply interested in the history of Louisiana, this episode provides a deeper understanding of the state's rich history through the lens of photography. So grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and dive into the captivating world of Louisiana's history through the camera lens. "A photograph needs to be appreciated for what it was then at that moment, but also through the lens of today." - John Lawrence

Absinthe Resurgence: From Ban to Boom - A Conversation with Marielle Songy Have you ever heard the myths surrounding absinthe? Myth #1: Absinthe can make you hallucinate. Myth #2: It was banned for being a dangerous drug. Myth #3: The Green Fairy was a mystical presence associated with absinthe. In this episode, our guest Marielle Songy will reveal the truth behind these intriguing tales and unravel the fascinating history and culture of absinthe. Step into the captivating world of absinthe, where the threads of history intertwine with the allure of a mysterious elixir. Join Marielle Songy as she uncovers the secrets behind the enigmatic Absinthe Frappé, a cocktail that holds the key to New Orleans' vibrant past. With every page turned, immerse yourself in the tales of bartenders and bans, controversies and creativity. Marielle Songy, a food and culture writer from the New Orleans area, found herself captivated by the rich history and cultural significance of absinthe. When approached by LSU Press to write a book for their iconic New Orleans cocktail series, she was drawn to the Absinthe Frappé, a unique cocktail that originated in New Orleans. With a love for absinthe and a desire to delve into its intriguing past, Marielle embarked on a journey to uncover the origins and stories behind this enigmatic spirit. From the invention of the Frappé to the controversies and bans surrounding absinthe, Marielle's research allowed her to explore the deep connections between absinthe, art, and literature. Through her writing, she brings to life the vibrant history and cultural significance of absinthe, inviting readers on a journey of discovery into the world of this beloved and misunderstood spirit. Absinthe has touched so much throughout history, in art and writing and things like that. It has a connection to New Orleans because of its French connections. - Marielle Songy In this episode, you will be able to:

Honoring Musical Legends: Curtis Doucette and the Restoration of the Dew Drop Inn Does the story of a forgotten cultural landmark, at the crossroads of history and music, resonate with you? Preservationist developer Curtis Doucette breathes life into the historic Dew Drop Inn, fighting to restore its musical legacy and create a space that honors the past while embracing a diverse future. In this episode, you will be able to: "Our goal with the Dew Drop Inn project is to restore it to its former glory and be as close to what it used to be as possible." - Curtis Doucette

Questions and Answers about New Orleans In this episode, Mark is enjoyed by guest Chris Masrhsall. Together, they answer listener questions about New Orleans. Timestamps 05:05 - Top 5 Restaurants in Bywater/French Quarter or walking distance? 07:50 - Advance ticket sales for New Orleans Museum of Art? 09:25 - Connection between New Orleans and French Wine? 12:15 - Where do you beat the heat in CBD/Marigny for a drink or bite to eat? 14:05 - Do you see New Orleans population growing dramatically? 18:00 - Ways to help the Unhoused population 21:35 - Bars/restaurants in Lakefront area? 25:55 - Celebrating 25th anniversary in NOLA what 2 restaurants should they choose? 29:10 - Sailing Clubs on Lake Ponchartrain 30:40 - A 2nd Edition of the BBS Book? 31:50 - Growth of Vietnamese influence in New Orleans food 35:30 - Restaurants/Bars that locals avoid still worth a visit? 39:30 - Mark hosting a Book Club? 41:00 - New Orleans Thanksgiving plans 41:30 - Taking kids on adventures outside of New Orleans 44:45 - Any breweries that serve cocktails as well? 47:50 - Safety in the French Quarter 50:50 - How to Be a “good tourist” in New Orleans 53:40 - Streetcar episode? 54:10 - Historic ships to tour? 54:50 - What is the best seafood restaurant not fried in the French Quarter? 56:10 - Asian Market in New Orleans? 57:30 - What can ages 18-20 do when traveling to New Orleans? 1:00:10 - Lingua Madre

Piecing It Back Together: Drew and Kathleen Ramsey's Unwavering Dedication to Rebuilding Hubig's Pies Discover the incredible story of Drew and Kathleen Ramsey as they face unimaginable challenges in their mission to revive Hubig's Pies. From surviving Hurricane Katrina to rebuilding after a devastating fire, their determination and resilience will inspire you. But will they be able to overcome their latest obstacle and bring back the iconic dessert? Find out in this gripping podcast episode. "We didn't know what we didn't know. It was a complete loss, but we salvaged what we could and rebuilt from scratch. We put in the time and effort because we wanted to preserve the legacy of our pies and the relationships we've built with our community, suppliers, and customers". - Kathleen Ramsey In this episode, you will be able to:

Draining New Orleans, with Richard Campanella Discover the hidden tale of New Orleans' battle against water, where an unexpected twist shaped the city's destiny. Journey alongside Richard Campanella as he unravels the secrets of its transformative drainage system, revealing a startling revelation. Brace yourself for a revelation that challenges everything we thought we knew about this historic city. This captivating exploration will leave you questioning the past, present, and future of New Orleans' water management. Geography and Topography's Influence The influential role of topography and geography on drainage strategies in New Orleans was a significant point of discussion. Being positioned below sea level, the city has had to innovate and overcome floods and water management difficulties over time. Accordingly, the understanding and effective handling of the city's unique geographical context is vital for combating current and future water-related issues. Economic and Public Health Motivations Behind the establishment and progression of New Orleans' drainage systems were economic interests and pronounced public health concerns. Disease outbreaks such as the 1878 epidemic and the resulting public health crisis brought to the fore the need for an effective drainage system. In modern times, ensuring efficiency in water management is equally important for supporting the city's infrastructure and maintaining the health and safety of its residents. In this episode, you will be able to: "Let's embrace the path of progress and make the necessary investments in drainage to ensure a better future for generations to come." - Richard Campanella

Jan Bologna, a lifelong New Orleans resident, reflects on the city's growth and changes while sharing her love for the unique culture, discussing the challenges of raising a family, and revealing her favorite local experiences in this captivating episode of Beyond Bourbon Street. In this episode host Mark Bologna interviews his mother, Jan Bologna, who shares her experiences and insights growing up in New Orleans and raising a family there. Jan discusses various topics such as the changes in the education system after Hurricane Katrina, the positive developments in the city, the influence of her family's French and Italian cultures on her cooking, and her favorite New Orleans restaurants and cultural experiences. Jan's personal perspective offers a unique insight into the growth and changes in New Orleans over the years. She expresses her love for the city and shares her favorite moments and traditions that make it special. Her reflections on education, culture, and culinary influences paint a vivid picture of the city's evolution and provide valuable insights for listeners. If you are interested in hearing firsthand experiences from someone who has lived and thrived in New Orleans, this episode is a must-listen. Jan's passion for the city and her deep connection to its history and culture shine through in her stories and anecdotes. From the challenges of running a restaurant to the joys of Mardi Gras, this conversation promises a fascinating glimpse into life in the vibrant city of New Orleans. "Childhood was a lot less encumbered by all the outside things...we had to invent our own toys, our own games. Kids today sometimes miss out on that." - Jan Bologna About Hurricane Katrina "We survived it because we learned in the midst of that...we had each other. That was an immense difference." - Jan Bologna