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: Immerse yourself in an interactive New Orleans history exhibit to gain a deeper understanding of the city's rich heritage. Experience breathtaking views from the observation deck, offering a unique perspective of New Orleans' iconic landmarks. Explore the diverse music genres of New Orleans showcased in an engaging and interactive format. Take in the panoramic view of the cityscape, capturing the essence of New Orleans from a whole new vantage point.

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: Discover the fascinating history and culture along the Mississippi River on a unique cruise experience. Immerse yourself in the charm of small ship river cruises, offering an intimate and personalized exploration of the Mississippi River. Explore the lesser-known, yet captivating attractions that await you on a river cruise adventure. Indulge in delectable and diverse food offerings that showcase the flavors of the regions along the Mississippi River. Capture breathtaking moments and stunning landscapes through exceptional photography opportunities on your river cruise journey. 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 experie

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

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.

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

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: Unearth the transformative journey of the Dew Drop Inn and its rebirth in New Orleans. Gain insights into how the Dew Drop Inn shaped the civil rights movement. Learn how the restoration project is empowering small, disadvantaged businesses. Appreciate the dedicated efforts to preserve the pulsating cultural and musical heritage of New Orleans. Discover how the Dew Drop Inn will serve as an interactive history hub for visitors. "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 Doucett

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 -

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: Experience the raw, real journey of reconstruction following a devastating disaster. Delve into the hidden adversities of weathering Hurricane Katrina and the ensuing recovery.

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

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

In this episode, you will be able to: Immerse yourself in the vibrant rugby culture growing in New Orleans, and find out why it's quickly turning heads. Unveil the links and disparities between rugby and its American counterpart, football, from strategy to spirit. Dive into the historical ties between rugby and American football that have shaped their evolutions. Discover how inclusivity and community are integral to the expanding prevalence of rugby in New Orleans.