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!
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 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!
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.
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.
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 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!
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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! It is also where you can get Marie's advice and see the articles she shares about fun things to do in the Crescent City. Join us by going to beyondbourbonst.com/facebook.
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