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

Since 1961, Preservation Hall has been the epicenter of traditional jazz music in New Orleans. In today's episode, we visit with Ben Jaffe, the band leader of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. After a visit to New Orleans on their honeymoon in 1961, Ben's parents Allan and Sandra Jaffe created Preservation Hall. Along the way, they helped ensure this original American music form would have a place...

Small Business Spotlight Today's episode of the Beyond Bourbon Street podcast is all about shopping local in New Orleans. It was inspired by Small Business Saturday and a desire to support some of the wonderful makers and business owners in the New Orleans. Have you ever wanted to purchase something to remind you of your visit to New Orleans? Are you looking for a gift for the holidays? Do you liv...

Moving to New Orleans Have you ever thought about moving to New Orleans, but didn't know where to start? We're here for you!   This is the 2nd of our two part series all about moving to New Orleans! If you missed the first part back in episode 48, check it out on our website , Apple Podcasts , or Stitcher .   In today's show, I sit down with Chris Smith, one of the top realtors in New Orleans. Chr...

Drink Dat - Where and What to Drink in New Orleans Do you ever wonder where the locals go for a cocktail in New Orleans? On today's show, my guest, Elizabeth Pearce, helps answer that question for you!   Elizabeth is a storyteller, a cocktail historian, and a New Orleanian. She is the presenter of the Drink and Learn Tour , and the author of two books about drinking in New Orleans.   On today's ep...

Moving to New Orleans Have you ever wanted to move to New Orleans? Wonder where to start and what you need to consider? This is the episode for you!   In today's show, I sit down with three people who made the leap and moved to New Orleans.   Jennifer is a married mother of two young boys. She and her husband Andrew made the move in 2016 and are enjoying raising their kids as New Orleanians.   Ter...

Halloween in New Orleans What better place to enjoy Halloween than in America's most haunted city? Today, we'll be talking about the many fun ways to enjoy Halloween in New Orleans. On today's episode Mark is joined by Brian Kern, who puts on the Carnival-style Krewe of Boo, and by Sidney Smith, owner of Haunted History Tours. You'll learn all about the Krewe of Boo, including how you can take par...

Exploring the Bayous, Lakes, and Trails Beyond New Orleans Today's show is the first one where we venture beyond New Orleans! We'll be traveling to the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain, where we'll focus on the outdoors. Come along as I explore Cane Bayou by kayak with Chad Almquist and Matt May of Canoe and Trail Adventures. Have you ever wondered what it was like to paddle along a Louisiana bayo...

Solo Travel to New Orleans Have you ever wanted to travel to New Orleans by yourself? If so, today's episode is for you! Join Mark and his guest, Lorrie Shaw, as they discuss the ins and outs of exploring New Orleans on your own. The two cover all you need to know, including.... How to select the best time of year to visit Three locations to consider when choosing a hotel Places to eat as a solo t...

New Orleans has never had a major league baseball team, but it does have a rich history with the national past time. Join Mark and his panel of guests as they explore the rich history of baseball in New Orleans from its earliest days through today. Today's guests include… * Tim Grubbs, announcer for the Baby Cakes and Director of Team Travel * Ron Swoboda, announcer for the Baby Cakes, and former...

Today's episode is about one of our most-requested topics: movies and television filmed in New Orleans! Do you know which was the first film made in New Orleans? How about the fact Elvis, James Dean, and Roger Moore all appeared on the silver screen in movies made in the Crescent City? In this episode we visit with Jonathan Ray, tour guide and owner of New Orleans Movie and TV Tours. Join us as we...

18 Fun Facts About New Orleans On this episode of Beyond Bourbon Street, we dive into 18 fun facts about New Orleans, its history, and the people who call it home. What do ice, dental floss, and pharmacies have in common? How about opera and the game of craps? The Superdome and the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway bridge? Next, we talk about some of the interesting New Orleans characters you've never h...

Southern Food and Beverage Museum On this episode of Beyond Bourbon Street, we explore the Southern Food and Beverage Museum. The museum may be small, but it houses a large variety of artifacts and stories, dedicated to the culinary history of the Southern United States. The Southern Food and Beverage Museum is also home to the Museum of the American Cocktail. While the cocktail may not have been...

In the spring and summer of 2017, the headlines in New Orleans newspapers dealt with the proposed removal of four statues honoring the Confederacy. Ever wonder how we got to this point? I did, and it led me to Abraham Lincoln and his surprising connection to New Orleans. Today's show is about Lincoln, his visits to New Orleans, and how they shaped his thoughts on slavery and reconstruction as the...

Planning your first trip to New Orleans? Wondering what should be on your list of things to do, eat, and see? We answer those questions and more on episode #39 of the Beyond Bourbon Street podcast! This list includes the top things every first time visitor to New Orleans should experience. We also provide the insider tips that will help make your visit memorable. Grab a pen and a notepad, because...

Chasing Flavor with Chef Frank Brigtsen In this episode, I sit down with James Beard award winner Chef Frank Brigtsen. He and his wife Marna own Brigtsen's, one of the best Creole Bistros in New Orleans. Tucked into the Riverbend neighborhood just blocks from the streetcar, Brigtsen's has been serving delicious Creole cuisine since 1986. Chef Frank and I talk about Chef Paul Prudhomme and his infl...

Ten Places to Eat Like a Local Ever wonder where the locals eat? Today, we answer that question. At least from this local's perspective! In episode 37 I cover ten places in New Orleans I frequently recommend. Some of these are well known. Others are off the beaten path. This list includes neighborhood restaurants and a trio of New Orleans Creole Bistros. You'll find a steak house and a Thai restau...

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 Campanell...

Madams and Musicians - Storyville, New Orleans In 1897, New Orleans leaders created Storyville, the infamous red light district of New Orleans. For the next twenty years, Storyville was the legal center of prostitution in the Crescent City. Storyville was the workplace of madams and prostitutes.  Patrons might spend an evening at Lulu White's Mahogany Hall or at Josie Arlington's place. Here, they...

Guidebooks to Sin: the Blue Books of Storyville, New Orleans In 1897, New Orleans leaders created Storyville, the infamous red light district of New Orleans. For the next twenty years, Storyville was the legal center of prostitution in the Crescent City. The blue books were small guides that listed the 'finer' bordellos and even the individual prostitutes. The idea was likely cribbed from various...

Top Ten Things to Do in City Park  In the last episode, we covered the history of City Park. Today, we dive into the top ten things to in the park. In addition to things to do and see, we also discuss how to get to New Orleans City Park and what you should bring with you. We'll explore the park together. Along the way, we'll wander through the oldest grove of oak trees, and share an order (or two!...

In this episode I talk with John Hopper, the Chief Development Officer and Director of Public Affairs for New Orleans City Park. We dive into the history of one of the largest urban parks in the United States. City Park in New Orleans was first envisioned as a public place in the mid-1800s, but as you'll learn, the land was first inhabited by Native Americans who found the land along Bayou Metairi...

In this episode I talk with Jessica Parker, a New Orleanian in spirit and a frequent visitor who also happens to be a vegan. Together, we dive into great places to eat vegan and vegetarian  in the Crescent City. Along the way, we discover plenty of places to eat where vegans, vegeterians and meat lovers can all break bread together. Even if you are not a vegan, you'll find plenty of ideas for plac...

In this episode, I talk with Mark Rosenbaum, the owner and artist behind Rosetree Blown Glass. Mark and I discuss Algiers Point, New Orleans' 2nd oldest neighborhood. Mark is a resident of the Point and an active member of the community. Never heard of Algiers Point? It's located just across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter and is the only portion of New Orleans on the West Bank, or "...

In this episode, I talk with Ed Branley, author, historian, podcaster and contributor to GoNOLA.com. Together, we dive into the Battle of New Orleans. Imagine you are standing in Jackson Square. You look up at Andrew Jackson atop his horse and wonder why he's there. Sure, you know about the battle of New Orleans, but what was New Orleans like in the period leading up to the War of 1812? As the bat...

In this episode, I talk with Arthur Hardy, founder and publisher of Arthur Hardy's annual Mardi Gras Guide. His guide is THE resource for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It contains everything you need to help you enjoy the Carnival season, including parade maps, history, insider tips and more. Listen in as we discuss the history of Carnival and how to get the most out of your experience. Do you know w...