Have you ever heard of Reveillon? These were traditional meals prepared and served after Midnight Mass in the early morning hours of Christmas.

This tradition was carried on in New Orleans until the 1940s when it basically died. In the late 1990s, it was revived by French Quarter restaurants. Today, it is among the most favored holiday traditions in New Orleans.

Listen to my discussion with New Orleans food critic Ian McNulty and learn about Reveillon in New Orleans, where to get a great old fashioned, plus a whole lot more!

Follow Ian McNulty

If you enjoyed my discussion with Ian McNulty, there are lots of ways to get a second helping. Follow Ian on Instagram and Twitter (@IanMcNultyNOLA) to keep up with the latest New Orleans food news.

You can also find his articles over at The New Orleans Advocate.

Ian has written two wonderful books. A Season of Night: New Orleans After Katrina and Louisiana Rambles: Exploring America's Cajun and Creole Heartland.

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Sponsor: Liz Wood Realty

Are you finally ready to move to New Orleans, but don’t know where to start? Let Liz Wood and her team help you find the right place, whether you plan to rent, or purchase the home of your dreams! New Orleans is a terrific city, but choosing the neighborhood that’s the best fit for you can seem overwhelming. 

Liz makes the process fun and easy, and educates her clients along the way. Reach out to her at lizwoodrealty.com and make your dream of living in New Orleans a reality! Phone: 504-236-9685.

Sponsor: Two Chicks Walking Tours

Want to explore the Garden District? Head on over to Two Chicks Walking Tours. They’ve got you covered with a wonderful tour that will provide plenty of history along with fun facts about some of the neighborhoods’ residents, past and present. You also get to learn about our cemeteries because this tour includes Lafayette Cemetery, in the heart of the Garden District.

Two Chicks also offers several varieties of French Quarter tours, as well as tours of St. Louis #1. Whatever you choose, know you will be in great hands and will have a wonderful time. Use code BEYOND and save 15%. twochickswalkingtours.com

Thank You

A big thanks to Ian McNulty for joining me today! A special thanks to our community members who submitted the questions we used as part of the episode. Join us on Facebook if you want to send in your questions for a future show.

Want to Make Your Trip to New Orleans the Best Ever?

Of course you do!

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans and want to cut through all the research we’re here to help. We offer a personalized travel consult. Here’s how it works:

You complete a brief questionnaire to help us get to know you and the experience you want to have in New Orleans. Next, we set up a 20-30 minute phone or video call. During the call, we get to know you a little better. We can clarify any questions and bounce a few ideas off of you to make sure we ‘re on the right track.

Finally, we prepare and deliver a pdf document with our recommendations for your trip. Depending on your needs the report will contain specific places to stay, eat and drink. It will also offer suggestions on things to do and see, all based on your budget and interests.

Sound good? Just go to beyondbourbonst.com/travel for all the details and a link to order the service.

Subscribe to the Podcast

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on

Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play Music or wherever you get your podcasts. If you do enjoy listening, please share Beyond Bourbon Street with someone who shares our love of New Orleans.

Join Us on Facebook

We have a free Facebook group where you can ask questions, share your New Orleans experiences and engage with others who love all things New Orleans! Join us by going to beyondbourbonst.com/facebook.

Contact Us

Got an idea for an episode, have some feedback or just want to say hi?

Leave us a message at 504-475-7632 or send an email to mark@beyondbourbonst.com

Thanks for listening!

Mark

In this solo episode I answer your questions about New Orleans! The questions cover everything from art museums to music education, best snowballs to cheap oysters, and more!

If you want to submit a question for a future Q&A episode, join our free Facebook Group (Beyond Bourbon St Krewe).

Time Stamps

2:56    Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?

4:06    I would love to live in New Orleans!

5:26    Can you recommend some art museums in the area? (NOTE: I missed the art part of the question and talked about several museums, some of which are not focused on art. Oops!

9:08    I would like to know of any good cafes that cater to gluten free needs?

9:41    Who has the best snowballs?

10:43  Can you tell us a little about music education in the schools?

15:06  Could you something about the Yellow Fever outbreaks? (NOTE: we’ll put this on the list for future episode topics)

15:44  Would love to hear your thoughts on street music versus the bands that play in clubs, or pros such as Cowboy Mouth?

20:09  What are some must visit historical spots for those interested in music history in New Orleans?

24:46  Why doesn’t New Orleans advertise itself better, especially as a family 'friendly-ish' destination?

27:14   Most underrated po-boy?

28:26   What is your essential New Orleans food or drink experience?

31:05   Where do we go for cheap oysters?

32:26   Talk about your experience at last year’s Bourbon Fest.

35:16   What is the ultimate holiday Christmas experience in New Orleans?

40:20  What was the city like when the Saints won the Super Bowl in 2009?

43:16   Writers from and about New Orleans?

45:36   Can you please interview Jonathan Weiss?

46:04   Where do people in New Orleans grocery shop?

48:36   Lightning round questions!

Resources

Algiers Historical Society does have free, self-guided walking tours. This ties into the question about historic music-related sites in New Orleans. Click here to visit their site and check out the tours.

Our Instagram feed (@beyondbourbonst) is a great way to see images of New Orleans architecture.

Reveillon menus are found here.

Episodes Mentioned

#17 - Garden District with Christine Miller

#48 – Moving to New Orleans, Part I

#50 – Moving to New Orleans, Part II

#61 – Hansen’s Snobliz and the Story of the New Orleans Snowball

#62 – The Ultimate Guide to New Orleans Snowballs

#54 – Slavery in Louisiana – a Visit to Whitney Plantation

#13 – Mardi Gras Indians

#30 – Algiers Point – the 2nd Oldest Neighborhood in New Orleans

#10 – The Family Guide to Exploring New Orleans

#02 – Bayou Classic, Bonfires, Reveillon Dinners & Christmas in the Oaks

#74 – Madame Lalaurie

#76 – Marie Laveau

#68 - How Bourbon Street Happened (w/Richard Campanella)

#53 – Bienville’s Dilemma & the Founding of New Orleans (w/Richard Campanella)

#40 – Abraham Lincoln in New Orleans (w/Richard Campanella)

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Sponsor: Two Chicks Walking Tours

Want to explore the Garden District? Head on over to Two Chicks Walking Tours. They’ve got you covered with a wonderful tour that will provide plenty of history along with fun facts about some of the neighborhoods’ residents, past and present. You also get to learn about our cemeteries because this tour includes Lafayette Cemetery, in the heart of the Garden District.

Two Chicks also offers several varieties of French Quarter tours, as well as tours of St. Louis #1. Whatever you choose, know you will be in great hands and will have a wonderful time. Use code BEYOND and save 15%. twochickswalkingtours.com

Thank You

A special thanks to our community members who sent in questions. Join us on Facebook if you want to send in your questions for a future episode.

Want to Make Your Trip to New Orleans the Best Ever?

Today’s show is our 2^nd annual Small Business Spotlight episode in advance of Small Business Saturday. I am joined by two New Orleans entrepreneurs, both with great stories and wonderful products.

Sweet Olive Soap Works

First up is Emily Manger, owner of Sweet Olive Soap Works. Emily comes from a long line of New Orleans soap makers. She also has an interesting connection to one of our sponsors, plus she and I share a passion for sharing our views of New Orleans on Instagram (check out @thecarrolltonian)

You can also find Sweet Olive Soap Works on Instagram (@sweetolivenola).

NOLA Boards

Next is Mandy Simpson, co-owner of NOLA Boards. What started as a one-off cutting board created for a friend to use as a wedding gift has exploded into a full time business. NOLA Boards was featured by Rachel Ray in her 2015 gift guide, and has since become a thriving business that sells all sorts of kitchen supplies and furnishings, made with Louisiana hardwoods.

Follow NOLA Boards on Instagram (@nolacuttingboards).

If you enjoy the discussions with Emily and Mandy, and are looking for gifts with a New Orleans connection, be sure to check out their websites. You'll find information for where to buy Emily's soaps and Mandy's cutting boards and other goods.

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Sponsor: Liz Wood Realty

Are you finally ready to move to New Orleans, but don’t know where to start? Let Liz Wood and her team help you find the right place, whether you plan to rent, or purchase the home of your dreams! New Orleans is a terrific city, but choosing the neighborhood that’s the best fit for you can seem overwhelming. 

Liz makes the process fun and easy, and educates her clients along the way. Reach out to her at lizwoodrealty.com and make your dream of living in New Orleans a reality! Phone: 504-236-9685

Thank You

Thanks to Emily and Mandy for joining me on this episode!

Marie Laveau, a New Orleans Voudou Priestess

Have you ever been to New Orleans? Have you visited St. Louis Cemetery #1? If so, you've surely heard of Marie Laveau, often referred to as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans.

In this episode we explore the life and the myths surrounding Marie Laveau. Join me as I talk with Carolyn Morrow Long, the author of  A New Orleans Voudou Priestess: The Legend and Reality of Marie Laveau. Carolyn helps us understand the connections between Catholicism and Voudou, and the role Marie played in both during the early 1800s in New Orleans. We talk about some of the common (mis)perceptions about Marie, and you'll learn why the book title uses the word Voudou instead of the more common Voodoo you see today.

Join us and learn all about Marie Laveau, one of the most famous and influential New Orleanians in the 300 year history of the Crescent City!

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Buy the Book

If you enjoyed the discussion, be sure to check out Carolyn's book about Marie Laveau.

You can find it online at Amazon, or at local bookstores in New Orleans, including Octavia Books and Garden District Book Shop. Carolyn also wrote a wonderfully researched book about Madame Lalaurie. If you missed my earlier discussion with Carolyn about Madame Lalaurie, go back and listen to episode #74.

Thank You

Thanks to Carolyn for joining me on this episode! She was also gracious enough to invite me to her home in Washington, DC so we could talk in person.

Fall Festivals in New Orleans, Part II

Today’s show is all about Fall Festivals in New Orleans. It is Part II of our Fall guide. In Episode #71, we covered September and October. Today, we'll cover events in November and December.

By the end of today’s show, we will have you ready to go for your visit!

Like Part 1 of the Fall Festivals Guide, I am joined by my wife, Marie Bologna. If you’ve joined our Facebook group, the Beyond Bourbon Street Krewe, you’ve probably benefitted from her ideas and insights about New Orleans. She helps with ideas, contributes frequently to the group and pretty much keeps me in line.

Festivals in November and December

Click on the links to go to the event's webpage.

November

10/25 - 11/03/18

• Scout Island Scream Park

11/02 - 11/03/18

• Bayou Bacchanal

11/03/18

• Algiers Folk Art Festival

11/02 - 11/04/18

• Bucktown Seafood Festival

11/09/18

• Boudin, Bourbon and Beer

11/09 - 11/11/18

• Bayou Road Balloon Festival

11/10/18

• Wine on the River

11/14 - 11/18/18

• Hell Yes Fest

11/17/18

• Fête des Fromages

11/17 - 11/18/18

• Treme Creole Gumbo Festival

11/23 - 01/01/19

• Celebration in the Oaks
• Audubon Zoo Lights (ends on 12/30/18)

11/24/18

• Bayou Classic

December

12/01/18

• Winterfest @ Deutsches Haus

12/06 -12/09/18

• Luna Fête

12/06 -01/01/19

• Polar Express

12/22 - 12/31/18

• NOLA Christmas Fest

12/24/18

• Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Thank You

Thanks to Marie for joining me on this episode. She has been such a behind the scenes supporter of Beyond Bourbon Street and for me personally. It it always great fun to get Marie on the microphone.

Madame LaLaurie

On April 10, 1834 a fire broke out at the LaLaurie residence on Royal Street in New Orleans. A crowd assembled, and quickly rushed in. What they found was beyond description.

In this episode we learn about what happened on that day. We'll also explore the life of the infamous Madame LaLaurie and her gruesome acts.  Join me as I talk with Carolyn Morrow Long, an author who wrote the book Madame LaLaurie, Mistress of the Haunted House.

If you’ve been on a haunted tour of the French Quarter, you undoubtedly stopped in front of the LaLaurie mansion and heard tales of the infamous fire. Today, you'll learn the truth...

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Buy the Book

If you enjoyed the discussion, be sure to check out Carolyn's book. You can find it online here, or at local bookstores in New Orleans, including Octavia Books and Garden District Book Shop.

Thank You

Thanks to Carolyn for joining me on this episode! She was also gracious enough to invite me to her home in Washington, DC so we could talk in person.

Talking New Orleans Food with Ian McNulty

Today’s show is all about New Orleans food! I'm joined by local writer, reporter, and food critic, Ian McNulty. We talk about the New Orleans food scene, past and present. Ian and I discuss changes post-Katrina, warning signs you might be in a tourist trap, and a whole lot more!

By the end of today's show, you'll be hungry! You'll also have a long list of places to check out.

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Follow Ian McNulty

If you enjoyed my discussion with Ian McNulty, there are lots of ways to get a second helping. Follow Ian on Instagram and Twitter (@IanMcNultyNOLA) to keep up with the latest New Orleans food news.

You can also find his articles over at The New Orleans Advocate.

Ian has written two wonderful books. A Season of Night: New Orleans After Katrina and Louisiana Rambles: Exploring America's Cajun and Creole Heartland.

Thank You

Thanks to Ian McNulty for joining me on this episode. It was so great to hear his take on the New Orleans food scene. I expect it will not be his last appearance on Beyond Bourbon St, at least not if I get a vote ;)

In today's episode, we explore the language of New Orleans. A dictionary and pronunciation guide for visitors to the Crescent City. You'll get a flavor of the city, learn a little about the history, and know what you’re getting into when you come to visit!

Fall Festivals in New Orleans

Today’s show is all about things to do in New Orleans in the fall. We did a Summer episode (#63) that was very popular so we decided to follow up with a guide for the later months. There are so many fall festivals in New Orleans, we had to break it into two parts. Today's episode covers September and October. In a follow-up episode, we'll cover November, December, and New Years.

We’re going to talk mostly about festivals and things to do, as well as our tips for how to make the most of your time.

By the end of today’s show, we will have you ready to go for your visit!

Like the summer show, I have a special guest. If you’ve joined our Facebook group, the Beyond Bourbon Street Krewe, you’ve probably benefitted from her ideas and insights about New Orleans. This person is the backbone of the podcast. She helps with ideas, contributes frequently to the group and pretty much keeps me in line. She is my wife and my partner, Marie Bologna!

Festivals in September and October

For today's discussion, we focused on the time period from just after Labor Day through the end of October. Click on the links to go to the event's webpage.

September

09/07/18

• Farm & Table Chefs Taste Challenge
• Gleason Gras

09/08/18

• Downriver Fest

09/10 - 9/16/18

• Restaurant Week New Orleans

09/15/18

• Irish Fest
• Fiesta Fest

9/20 - 9/23/18

• Burlesque Festival
• NOLA Horror Film Festival

09/21/18

• Martini Madness

09/22/18

• National Fried Chicken Fest
• NOLA On Tap

October

10/04/18

• Scales & Ales

10/05/18

• Treme Fall Fest

10/06/18

• Beignet Festival

10/07/18

• Muffuletta Festival

10/12/18

• Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
• Gentilly Fest
• WWII Air, Sea and Land Festival

10/13/18

• Northshore on Tap

10/17 - 10/25/18

• New Orleans Film Festival

10/20/18

• Zombie Run
• Mac n Cheese Fest
• Krewe of Boo

10/26 - 10/28/18

• Voodoo Music + Arts Experience

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Thank You

Thanks to Marie for joining me on this episode. She has been such a behind the scenes supporter of Beyond Bourbon Street and for me personally. It it always great fun to get Marie on the microphone.

National WWII Museum in New Orleans

Did you know the National WWII Museum is in New Orleans? What's the connection to WWII and New Orleans? Come along as we explore the museum and learn the answers to these questions and more!

Today's guest is Dr. Robert Citino, Senior Historian at the National WWII Museum. Dr. Citino is an award-winning military historian and scholar. He published ten books and numerous articles about WWII and 20^th century military history. Dr. Citino also taught at West Point for one year and for two years at the U.S. Army War College.

In this episode we talk about the museum's founding, and its placement in New Orleans. We discuss Stephen Ambrose (Band of Brothers, and Eisenhower biographer) and Nick Mueller, the two who led the charge to create the National WWII Museum. We learn about Andrew Higgins and his landing craft.

Dr. Citino takes us on an audio tour of the museum where we learn about exhibits including:

• The Arsenal of Democracy
• Road to Tokyo
• Road to Berlin
• The D-Day Invasion of Normandy

We also discuss the 4D movie Beyond All Boundaries, and discuss ways to approach your visit to the museum Trip Advisor ranks as the #2 museum in the world.

All this and more on today's show. I hope you'll join us for this discussion!

Resources

To plan your visit to the National WWII Museum, be sure to visit their website. Be sure to visit their profiles page to read some of the stories of the brave men and women who were a part of what Tom Brokaw coined as the Greatest Generation.

You can  follow the National WWII Museum on Twitter (@WWIImuseum).

For information about Dr. Citino's books, check out the museum bookstore.

Thank You

Thank you to Dr. Rob Citino for sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm about telling the stories of WWII, D-Day, the home front and the Greatest Generation.

A special thanks to Mr. Keith Darcey, Public Relations Manager. Keith showed me around the museum, arranged the interview with Dr. Citino, and offered insights and suggestions that helped bring the discussion to life.

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just a short walk to the museum. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Lagniappe, part II - email a copy of your reservation to mark@beyondbourbonst.com and I'll send you my pdf guide of what to eat, see and do in the Warehouse District.

Subscribe to the Podcast

If you enjoy the show, please listen to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you do enjoy listening, please share Beyond Bourbon Street with someone who shares our love of New Orleans.

Contact Us

Got an idea for an episode, have some feedback or just want to say hi?

Leave us a message at 504-475-7632 or send an email to mark@beyondbourbonst.com

Thanks for listening!

Mark

In this episode we answer more of your questions about New Orleans. We received so many questions for episode 67 that we decided to do another Q&A show. This time  I am joined by Julie Couret, whose roots run to the earliest days of New Orleans. She is a New Orleanian, a mom, a co-parent, the owner of a small business, and a blogger over at NOLA Mom's Blog (phew!).

The questions cover everything from what are the biggest mistakes tourists make, to where New Orleanians like to go on vacation. We also talk about Tales of the Cocktail, garbage collection at Mardi Gras, how to survive the Summer heat, and lots more!

Time Stamps

Resources

Find out more about Julie's consulting services over at 7602 Business Performance.

The NOLA Moms blog is a great resource for parents in the New Orleans area.  You can also find Julie's musings on being a parent and more.

Follow Julie on Twitter (@JulieTCouret). If you want to check out the @BeingNola Twitter account both Julie and I curated, it is still available online.

Episodes Mentioned

11 Questions About New Orleans - Episode #67

How Bourbon Street Happened

Baseball in New Orleans, Past and Present

Exploring the Bayous, Lakes, and Trails Beyond New Orleans

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Lagniappe, part II - email a copy of your reservation to mark@beyondbourbonst.com and I'll send you my pdf guide of what to eat, see and do in the Warehouse District.

Thank You

Thanks to Julie for joining me on this episode. It was fun to connect in person and to get her perspective on New Orleans.

A special thanks to John Price and Lisa Miller over at the Old 77 Hotel for providing us a space to record the episode.

Want to Make Your Trip to New Orleans the Best Ever?

Today's episode is about the most infamous street in New Orleans.

I originally planned this show as an April Fools' edition, since the podcast is called Beyond Bourbon Street. As I started my research, however, I quickly came to the realization there wasn't much written about the actual street.

I was about to shelve the idea when I realized local author, historian, and geographer Richard Campanella found the same lack of information and was inspired to write a book called Bourbon Street: A History.

Join me as I talk with Richard about (arguably) the most important street in New Orleans. We discuss its transformation from just another street to its present day status as one of the most infamous streets in the world. Along the way, you'll learn about entrepreneurship, the creation of New Orleans as a tourist destination, and more.

We also discuss the invention of the go-cup and how present day Bourbon Street can be explained through the Huge Ass Beers available for purchase along this fifteen block stretch of excess!

You'll learn about the architecture, the people, and the importance of Bourbon Street post-Katrina.

All this and more in today's episode of Beyond Bourbon Street!

Resources

You can find Richard on line at richcampanella.com. You'll find excerpts from all of his books, as well as a wonderful collection of images of New Orleans.

Richard’s books are available at local New Orleans booksellers, including Octavia Books, Garden District Book Shop and Maple Street Book Shop. You can also find Bourbon Street: A History on Amazon.

Links and show notes for today's episode can be found at http://beyondbourbonst.com/68

Thank You

Thank you to Richard for sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm. This was an entertaining and educational discussion, and I hope the first of many!

A special thanks to you for allowing me into your ears every other week. I truly enjoy sharing this city we both love!

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Lagniappe, part II - email a copy of your reservation to mark@beyondbourbonst.com and I'll send you my pdf guide of what to eat, see and do in the Warehouse District.

Subscribe to the Podcast

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play Music or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you do enjoy listening, please share Beyond Bourbon Street with someone who shares our love of New Orleans.

Contact Us

Got an idea for an episode, have some feedback or just want to say hi?

Leave us a message at 504-475-7632 or send an email to mark@beyondbourbonst.com

Thanks for listening!

Mark

11 Questions about New Orleans

In this episode we answer your questions about New Orleans! My wife, Marie, as well as our friends Jennifer and Chris Marshall join me on the podcast. Longtime listeners know that Jenn is the person who came up with the name of the podcast, Beyond Bourbon St. They also happen to be new New Orleanians.

The questions cover everything from where to eat and drink, to what life in New Orleans is like post-Katrina. We also talk about Huey and Earl Long, potholes, last meals, and more!

Time Stamps

1:47    What are some things you don’t like about living in New Orleans?

6:47    Why is there no good Chinese food in New Orleans?

8:40    One meal left on Earth. Where will you go and what will you eat?

15:56  Why did they build much of modern New Orleans below sea level?

19:00  How do you think New Orleans has changed for the better?

22:36  Favorite thing to eat, drink and do in each neighborhood?

34:09  Has New Orleans changed for better or worse post-Katrina?

35:30 Why do New Orleans Mardi Gras and Cajun Mardi Gras differ so much?

42:30 Why are so many politicians and government agencies crooked?

43:03  Where is the deduct box?

44:30  Are there any neighborhoods you avoid because you don’t feel safe?

Resources

Richard Campanella's article about New Orleans being above or below sea level is a great read.

Episodes Mentioned

History of the Irish in New Orleans - episode #7

Chef Frank Brigtsen; Chasing Flavor with Paul Prudhomme  - episode #38

Hansen's Sno-Bliz and the Story of the New Orleans Snowball - episode #61

Top Ten Things to Do on Your First Visit to New Orleans - episode #39

Drink Dat - Where and What to Drink in New Orleans with Elizabeth Pearce - episode 49

Great Places to Eat Vegan and Vegetarian in New Orleans - Episode #31

Who Invented Mardi Gras? - episode #56

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Lagniappe, part II - email a copy of your reservation to mark@beyondbourbonst.com and I'll send you my pdf guide of what to eat, see and do in the Warehouse District.

Thank You

Thanks to Marie, Jenn and Chris for joining me on this episode. Chris and Jenn thought they were coming over to day drink and ended up on a podcast!

A special thanks to our community members who sent in questions. Join us on Facebook (see below) if you want to send in your questions for a future episode.

Want to Make Your Trip to New Orleans the Best Ever?

NOTE: Today’s discussion involves some gruesome descriptions of what happened on the night of Sunday, June 24, 1973. You may wish to listen to this one when your little ones are not around.

On June 24, 1973 an arsonist set fire to a gay bar in New Orleans called the Up Stairs Lounge. Within moments fire engulfed the bar, and ultimately claimed the lives of 32 people. It was the largest massacre of LGBTQ individuals in the United States until the Pulse Nightclub shooting in 2016.

My guests today are Robert “Bobby” Fieseler, and Clayton Delery. Bobby authored a new book about the fire entitled, Tinderbox, the Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation.

Clayton Delery is a native of Metairie, LA just outside of New Orleans. Clayton’s 2015 book about the fire, The Upstairs Lounge Arson: 32 Deaths in a Gay Bar, was recognized by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities with a Book of the Year Award.

Join us as we talk about the fire, about life in New Orleans during that time, and about the impact of the fire on New Orleans and its citizens in the 45 years since.

I also owe a word of thanks to John Price and the Old 77 Hotel. When John heard about this topic, he quickly offered a space for us to record. The Old 77 actively supports all members of our community, and I am honored to have them as a partner.

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay. The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Lagniappe, part II - email a copy of your reservation to mark@beyondbourbonst.com and I'll send you my pdf guide of what to eat, see and do in the Warehouse District.

Want to Make Your Trip to New Orleans the Best Ever?

In today's episode, we explore the history of the New Orleans poor boy. We trace the birth of the poor boy from the streetcar motormen strike of 1929 through today.  You’ll be introduced to Benny & Clovis Martin, former motormen themselves who created the first poor boy.

You’ll also learn how the name poor boy came into being, and why the term po-boy is not quite correct!

Along the way, we’ll explore the restaurants and people that helped the poor boy become the New Orleans icon it is today.  We’ll stop in at Parkway Bakery & Tavern, Domilise’s, Johnny’s Po-Boys and Mother’s Restaurant.

You also get to hear from my Dad – he and my Mom owned Teddy’s Grill, a neighborhood po-boy place, for 36 years.

All this and more on today's show!

NOTE: This show is being released just before Father’s Day 2018. Because of this, I’ve decided to replay an early discussion I had with my Dad about the history of the po-boy in New Orleans. Most of today’s episode was previously released back in episode #6, but it does include some updates. My Dad was the first guest on the show, so this one will always be special to me!

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Lagniappe, part II - email a copy of your reservation to mark@beyondbourbonst.com and I'll send you my pdf guide of what to eat, see and do in the Warehouse District.

Thank You

Thanks to my Dad, Vincent Bologna, for joining me on this episode! Thanks also to my Mom - together they raised me (and my brother and sister) while they were also starting a new life together, and figuring out how to run a business.

Want to Make Your Trip to New Orleans the Best Ever?

In today’s episode, we explore New Orleans through the lens of architecture and time.

Leading our expedition is Katrina Horning, founder of New Orleans Architecture Tours (nolatours.com). We'll explore Faubourg Marigny and the French Quarter, then head uptown to the Garden District and beyond.

At the same time, we'll hop in the wayback machine and travel from the earliest days of New Orleans, through the French and Spanish periods. We'll see the impact of the new Americans after the Louisiana Purchase, and learn about the Haitian refugees and their contributions to New Orleans architecture.

All this and more on today's episode of Beyond Bourbon Street!

Resources

For information about Katrina's tours, be sure to check out New Orleans Architecture Tours (nolatours.com). While you're there, take a look at the blog page and read the entry about the De La Torre house!

If you want to see beautiful images of New Orleans architecture, be sure to follow both me (@beyondbourbonst) and Katrina (@nolaarchitecturetours) on Instagram.

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Lagniappe, part II - email a copy of your reservation to mark@beyondbourbonst.com and I'll send you my pdf guide of what to eat, see and do in the Warehouse District.

Thank You

Thanks to Katrina for joining me on this episode. Be sure to let her know you listened to 'her' episode on the Beyond Bourbon Street podcast!

A special thanks to Shirley at the Henry Howard Hotel for allowing us to record on their shaded patio. We also really enjoyed the private tour afterwards! If you are looking for a boutique hotel in the Garden District, check 'em out.

Want to Make Your Trip to New Orleans the Best Ever?

Summer Festivals in New Orleans

In today’s episode, we jump into the warm weather and help prepare you for Summer festivals in New Orleans!

I am joined for the first time by my wife Marie Bologna. Together, we'll walk you through nearly two dozen Summer festivals and events in New Orleans. You'll learn about Bayou Boogaloo, the Creole Tomato Festival, Essence Fest, and many more.

We give you all the details you need, including dates, locations, things that make the event special, and our own experiences. We'll talk about what to expect, and how to beat the heat. By the end of the show, you'll be ready to pack your bags and join us in New Orleans!

Festivals from May through Labor Day

For today's discussion, we focused on the time period from the middle of May (just after Jazz Fest) through Labor Day. Click on the links to go to the event's webpage.

May

Wednesdays at the Square 

• March - May, 5-8 pm

Jazz in the Park

• Late April - June 7th (this year) & again in the Fall

Bayou Boogaloo 

• May 18-20th (Fri-Sat-Sun)

Mother’s Day - Irma Thomas at the Zoo

• May 13th

New Orleans Food and Wine Experience

• May 23-27

Greek Fest

• May 25-27

Bayou Country Super Fest

• May 25-27

June

New Orleans Oyster Festival

• June 2-3

New Orleans Pride Festival

• June 8-10th

Yacht Rock on the Lake

• June 9th

Creole Tomato Festival

• June 9-10

Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival

• June 23-24th 

July

4th of July Events

• Go 4th on the River
• Crescent Park
• Algiers Point - across the river

Essence Festival

• July 5-8

Bastille Day Fete

• Friday July 13th in 2018

Running of the Bulls (San Fermin)

• July 13-15th

Tales of the Cocktails

• July 17-22nd

Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo

• July 23-26th

August

Satchmo Summer Fest 

• Aug 3 -6, 2018

White Linen Night

• August 5th

Dirty Linen Night

• Saturday the week after White Linen Night

Red Dress Run

• August 11th

September

Southern Decadence 

• Labor Day weekend

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Lagniappe, part II - email a copy of your reservation to mark@beyondbourbonst.com and I'll send you my pdf guide of what to eat, see and do in the Warehouse District.

Thank You

Thanks to Marie for joining me on this episode. She has been such a behind the scenes supporter of Beyond Bourbon Street and for me personally. It was great fun to get Marie on the microphone. I hope we get to do it again soon!

Want to Make Your Trip to New Orleans the Best Ever?

In today’s episode, we visit with author and snowball aficionado Megan Braden-Perry. Her book, Crescent City Snow, the Ultimate Guide to New Orleans Snowball Stands is our roadmap as we explore snowball stands across New Orleans. Learn about what to expect and what to order - from unique flavors to the snowball combo meal, and more!

• Do you know the difference between a snow cone and a snowball?
• Ever hear of a stuffed snowball?
• Want to know where to get terrific seafood and an awesome snowball, in one stop?

By the end of this episode, you'll want to hop in the car and wander from place to place. Below, you'll see a list of places we discussed, but if you want to be an insider, purchase a copy of Megan's book and keep it with you at all times!

This is a fun discussion. If you are listening in New Orleans, you'll have some great new places to try. If you're planning a visit, you're sure to find a snowball stand close to where you'll be staying. And if you are living vicariously through us, you'll enjoy the stories and learning about the varieties of snowballs and other treats available at these iconic New Orleans stands.

New Orleans Snowballs - Places to Visit

Here are a list of places we discussed on the podcast. To get the complete details, purchase Megan's book. It is the sweetest $15 you'll ever spend :)

Gentilly

• Pontilly Sno - Christian place, indoor and outdoor seating
• Brother Martin - nachos, Frito pie

New Orleans East

• Rodney’s - gummy bears in snowballs
• Brain Freeze - right next to Castnet, the seafood place

Midcity

• Ike’s - good snow, new flavors, boudin, outside seating
• Pandora’s

7th Ward/Downtown

• Big Chief Snowballs - no frills, pink building
• Downtown 504 Snoballs (Broad Street)
• Baby's Snack Box - snowballs, yakamein

Jazz Fest

• Plum Street
• Cee-Cee's SnoBalls

Warehouse District/CBD

Uptown

• Hansen’s Sno-Bliz
• Plum Street Snoballs
• Sno-La Snoball Lounge
• Sno-Wizard

Metairie

• Casey’s Snowballs
• Sal’s Sno-Balls
• Ro-Bear’s
• Mr. Frank’s Snoballs

West Bank

• Van’s Snoballs
• ABear's Snoball Stand
• Buck’s Sno-Wiz
• Scuba Steve’s
• Snow World Sno-balls

Chalmette

• Mom & Pops Snowballs and Hot Tamales
• River Breez Sno Balls
• Goody’s Sno-Balls

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you are ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Lagniappe, part II - email a copy of your reservation to mark@beyondbourbonst.com and I'll send you my pdf guide of what to eat, see and do in the Warehouse District, including how to get to Hansen's Sno-Bliz!

Follow Megan Braden-Perry

As you heard on the podcast, Megan is both knowledgeable and funny. Be sure to follow @CrescentCitySnow on Instagram for lots of snowball pictures. Don't forget about the snowball hotline, too! (504-51SNO4U or 504-517-6648)

You can find Megan's book, Crescent City Snow, the Ultimate Guide to New Orleans Snowball Stands on Amazon, and at Garden District Book Shop and Octavia Books. If you've visiting New Orleans, one or both of those bookstores should be on places to stop anyway!

Thank You

Thanks to Megan for spending an afternoon talking snowballs with me! A special thanks to Susan (@nolamaven on Instagram and Twitter) for making the introduction. Susan is a must follow on the Instagrams and the Twitters if you love New Orleans.

Want to Make Your Trip to New Orleans the Best Ever?

Hansen's Sno-Bliz and the Story of the New Orleans Snowball

In today’s episode, we head over to Hansen's Sno-Bliz on Tchoupitoulas Street, in uptown New Orleans. We visit with Ashley Hansen, granddaughter of Ernest and Mary Hansen, and the current owner of Hansen's Sno-Bliz.

Hansen's is the oldest snowball stand in the United States, and is currently open for its 79th season in 2018. In the 1930s, Ernest Hansen created the first machine to shave ice into the snowy powder essential for a terrific New Orleans snowball. That machine is still put to daily use in the shop today!

Mary Hansen ran the business, while Ernest was working as a machinist on the ships docked along the Mississippi. In their later years, the Hansen's ran the snowball stand together. As they got older, their granddaughter Ashley was their to assist, and ultimately to continue the tradition.

"There are no shortcuts to quality” - Mary Hansen

Mary Hansen uttered these words frequently, and ran her business by this code. Today, Ashley continues setting the standard, making the syrups from scratch each day, and using the best possible ingredients. Mary's words are all over the shop - on signs and on every plastic cup sold at Hansen's today.

Listen in and learn all about Mary and Earnest Hansen, and the ubiquitous treat New Orleans claim as their birthright today. You'll hear great family stories, and tales of New Orleans traditions. By the end, you'll be ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans this summer and stop in at Hansen's for a delicious snowball!

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you are ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Lagniappe, part II - email a copy of your reservation to mark@beyondbourbonst.com and I'll send you my pdf guide of what to eat, see and do in the Warehouse District, including how to get to Hansen's Sno-Bliz!

Visit and Follow Hansen's Sno-Bliz

If you want to drive yourself crazy with snowball envy, be sure to follow Hansen's Sno-Bliz on Instagram. Go ahead, you know you want to!

Check out their website (snobliz.com) for more history about Hansen's and to be sure they are open for the season. You can also get updates on their Facebook page.

Better still, visit Ashley and the team over at Hansen's in person.

Hansen's Sno-Bliz is located at 4801 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA.

Tchoupitoulas is pronounced CHOP-i-TOO-LAS, but you would already know that since you listened to episode #11 - the Language of New Orleans. You did listen to that episode, right? :)

Hansen's is open from 1-7PM, Tuesday-Sunday, when they are in season. Be sure to check before you go, and don't go on Mondays - they will be closed.  Mondays in New Orleans are for red beans and rice anyway.

Thank You

Thanks to Ashley Hansen for talking with us on a busy afternoon in the middle of snowball season. I went to meet Ashley and learn about the snowball business. What I got instead was a love story, and a new friend!

Thanks also to Paul Broussard who works with Ashley and helped set up our interview!

Thanks to our newest sponsor, the Old 77 Hotel. Nearly a year ago, I thought the Old 77 would be a good fit with the show because I kept recommending it to listeners like you over and over again. I am thrilled they saw the fit, too!

Finally, thanks to Patti Dunn over at Tchoup Industries for sponsoring the Jazz Fest ticket giveaway. They make wonderful handmade bags, including the bag I use to carry all my podcast gear!

Want to Make Your Trip to New Orleans the Best Ever?

In today’s episode, we head over to the Historic New Orleans Collection in the French Quarter, and explore their newest exhibit, titled, New Orleans, the Founding Era.

The exhibit is part of the tricentennial of New Orleans celebration and is a great way to envision what the city was like at the very beginning. It brings together a vast array of rare artifacts from the Historic New Orleans Collections holdings, and from institutions across Europe and North America to tell the stories of the city’s early days.

To help us explore the exhibit, I am joined by the exhibition curator, Erin M. Greenwald. Erin is currently the Curator of Programs at the New Orleans Museum of Art, but was previously the Senior Curator and Historian at the Historic New Orleans Collection. She was the lead curator in putting New Orleans, the Founding Era together and shares her stories and insights about what you'll see when you visit the exhibit.

The Historic New Orleans Collection

The Historic New Orleans Collection is open Tuesday-Saturday year round, and offers both permanent and rotating exhibits. There is no admission charge to the view the exhibits. There is a small charge of $5 for non-members if you would like to tour the Williams Residence.

Located at 533 Royal Street, it is a nice destination when you want to escape the heat and the crowds. Be sure to let them know you heard about the museum from Beyond Bourbon Street!

The Historic New Orleans Collection is also a wonderful resource - I use it frequently when researching topics for the podcast. If you have a particular interest about New Orleans and want to learn more, try the research desk!

Additional Resources

You can follow the Historic New Orleans Collection on Instagram (@visit_thnoc) 

They also publish a quarterly magazine with historical essays and information about exhibits. You can download free copies of the current and past issues at their website.

Related Episodes

Today's show was the 3rd one we've done we done with the Historic New Orleans Collection team. Here are the others:

• 34 – Guidebooks to Sin, with Pamela Arceneaux - the guidebooks are the blue books that listed the names and details about the prostitutes who worked in the Storyville District of New Orleans
• 35 – Madams, Music and Musicians of Storyville - this discussion was about a now-closed exhibit that explored the Storyville District. While the exhibit is gone, this episode will give you a glimpse into that infamous red light part of New Orleans.

If you want to learn more about the founding of New Orleans, I strongly recommend you check out my discussion with author Richard Campanella, in episode #53 - Bienville's Dilemma and the Founding of New Orleans.

Thank You

Thanks to Erin Greenwald for talking with us about the exhibit. Erin is extremely busy with both the exhibit and her role as the the Curator of Programs at the New Orleans Museum of Art, not to mention being a mom. (Erin - I hope the performance of James and the Giant Peach was splendid!)

Thanks to the team at the Historic New Orleans Collection for inviting me to the sneak preview of New Orleans, the Founding Era, and for reaching out about the interview. A special thanks to Lauren Noel and Eli Haddow for pulling everything together!

John Thomas Griffith, Rock n Roll Guitarist

Born in Texas, John Thomas Griffith lived in a handful of places before he landed in New Orleans. The son of an engineer, Griff fell in love with music at an early age. He was part of the 1980s punk band Red Rockers who had a hit with the single "China," before teaming up with Fred Leblanc, Paul Sanchez, and Paul Clement to form Cowboy Mouth.

Today, John, Fred, Matt Jones, and Brian Broussard are Cowboy Mouth. As Fred likes to proclaim, "the name of the band is Cowboy Mouth, and we are from New Orleans, Louisiana."

In this episode, Mark sits down with John Thomas Griffith (or JTG or Griff) to talk about his life in music. The two wander through an incredible history of music influences, from a man his parents invited over to dinner when Griff was a child to playing alongside Chuck Barry and Bo Diddley.

Along the way, we learn about the various influences and how they affect Griff and the band today. If you are a fan of rock n roll music, you'll love this trip through history. If you love Cowboy Mouth, you'll appreciate the chance to learn about the guy who makes a living rocking out on the left side of the stage 150+ times a year.

And, if you simply love New Orleans, sit back and enjoy learning about how this city and her music got into the veins of one of the best guitar players around!

Note: we recorded this interview while aboard the Rock Boat, with Sister Hazel, Barenaked Ladies, Cowboy Mouth and a host of other bands and music lovers.

Resources

You can find John's music and information about what he is working on at his website. You can also purchase his music on iTunes.

Follow Griff on Twitter (@JTGWorld), too.

For all things Cowboy Mouth, head on over to their webpage.

Thank You

Thanks to John Thomas Griffith for taking time out of his vacation to sit down with me and talk music. It was an absolute pleasure. Special thanks to his girlfriend Kim for putting up with the two of us at the expense of enjoying a drink on the pool deck!

The Myrtles Plantation

Resources

Thank You

Cemeteries & Traditions in New Orleans

Resources

Who Invented Mardi Gras?

In today's episode, we tackle a controversial subject - who invented Mardi Gras? Mobile or New Orleans?

My guest is Ted Flotte, with the Historic Mobile Preservation Society and Joe Cain Marching Society. Ted and I explore the history of Carnival and Mardi Gras in both Mobile and New Orleans.

On today’s show, you’ll learn...

• About the many things Mobile and New Orleans share in common, including their founders
• The history of Carnival and Mardi Gras in both places, and
• How to look for the tell tale signs someone walking down the street may be a member of one of Carnival's most secret organizations!

All this and more on today's episode of the Beyond Bourbon Street podcast!

Thanks to Liz Maute Cooke of Lionheart Prints for providing a space to record the episode. After we recorded, Liz decided to become our first sponsor - yay! Check out all the fabulous hand lettered cards, prints, and handmade goods made by New Orleans artists. Shop online or in person and use the code BEYONDBOURBON to get 5 bucks off any t-shirt. I am currently loving my "Who's Your Crawdaddy" shirt with a design hand drawn by Liz.

Louisiana Plantation Country - a Trip Along River Road

In today's episode, we visit Louisiana plantation country. We'll travel along the stretch of river road from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. Along the way, we'll visit twelve plantations.

On today's show, you'll get...

• An overview of each plantation, and an idea of what to expect.
• Pointers for how you might approach the trip, depending on the amount of time you have to explore and what you hope to get out of your visit along the Mississippi River.
• All the ins and outs of where to go, what to see, and how to get there.

Time Stamps