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Exploring Hidden New Orleans Are you an urban exploration enthusiast? Do you want to uncover lesser-known New Orleans treasures while also preserving their historical significance through respectful exploration? Meet Nathan Norsworthy and Kris Norsworthy, a fearless pair of urban explorers who love to uncover the mysteries of New Orleans’ forgotten spaces. With Nathan’s passion for unearthing the stories behind these hidden spots, and Kris’ talent for photography, they’ve managed to document some of the city’s most fascinating and lesser-known locations. From abandoned hospitals to eerie cemeteries, these two have seen it all, and they’re here to share their adventures with us. Urban Exploration Urban exploration, also known as urbex, involves visiting and investigating abandoned structures and locations. Enthusiasts of this practice value the unique insights and emotional connections that come from discovering the untold stories of these places. Abandoned sites can serve as powerful reminders of the past, provide glimpses into history, and offer a sense of adventure and mystery.  I think exploring abandoned places is like going to a museum, just to see it, to walk around, to photograph it. It’s really just for fun. - Nathan Norsworthy Resources Instagram:  Homes of New Orleans and Abandoned New Orleans Social media platforms enable urban explorers to share their findings and connect with like-minded individuals. Nathan Norsworthy showcases his photography of New Orleans’ architecture and homes on his Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok accounts called Homes of New Orleans.  Kris Norsworthy uses his Instagram account, Abandoned New Orleans, to document his explorations of the city’s abandoned sites.  Through their social media presence, Nathan and Kris have reached a broader audience and fostered communities that appreciate the history and beauty of both active and abandoned locations in New Orleans. Here’s some other accounts worth following: www.instagram.com/noladeej www.instagram.com/sweeterdo www.instagram.com/new_orleans_ghost_hunter www.instagram.com/alexconners_

Are you ready to explore the vibrant streets of New Orleans by bike, but worried about your safety? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Join Allene La Spina and Chris Parker as they reveal the truth (good and bad) about exploring New Orleans by bike and staying safe in a city where biking is a way of life for many. Allene and Chris have dedicated themselves to advocating for safe and accessible biking for all. But as they reveal, progress is slow and challenges persist, leaving them with a question: how can we make the streets safer for everyone? In this episode, you will be able to: Grasp the critical role of advocating for better biking infrastructure in New Orleans and its potential impact. Discover exciting ways to experience the Big Easy on two wheels and prioritize personal safety while doing so. Identify the obstacles and openings present for cycling enthusiasts in New Orleans and how to navigate them. Delve into recent advancements and ongoing efforts in making the Crescent City increasingly bike-friendly. Understand the necessity for data-driven methods and the power of community contribution in promoting cycling culture.   Resources Bike Easy.org - your resource for classes, safety information, group rides, and more. Bike Uneasy  - a Facebook group whose mission is to take a stand against the dangers faced by vulnerable road users, like people who walk and people who ride. Blue Bikes Nola - New Orleans Bike Share

What if I told you there was a way to fall in love with New Orleans without breaking the bank?  From the sounds of local music in Lafayette Square to the delicious cannolis at Angelo Brocato’s, I’ll reveal the unexpected and affordable ways to experience the magic of the city - so get ready for an adventure! In this episode of my podcast, I dive into the fantastic world of budget-friendly activities in New Orleans.  As a local, I’ve discovered many hidden treasures and affordable experiences that can make a trip to this charming city enjoyable and wallet-friendly.  I share my top picks for things to do that are either free or nearly free, including delicious food options like Central Grocery muffulettas, Roman candy, and snowballs from various locations.  I also highlight various picturesque spots for exercise and exploration, such as City Park, Bayou St. John, and the Couturie Forest. The affordability and accessibility of many of these activities make it easy for visitors to explore and enjoy the city without breaking the bank.  So, if you’re a budget-conscious traveler seeking local experiences, this episode is a must-listen. Listen to today’s episode and walk away with dozens of things to eat, see, do, and explore. I do have one confession… well, two actually. First, we cover far more than 52 things. It is probably more like 152 if you added up every festival and every variation, but who has time for that? Second, not everything we discuss is free. I set a threshold of $6. Why $6, you ask? Listen to the episode and find out!

Vance Vaucresson's story is an inspiring testament to the power of resilience - no matter the odds, he stayed true to his roots and overcame incredible adversity to reinvent the family business. Little did he know, his journey would take a surprise turn, leading him to contribute to the revitalization of his local community... Vance Vaucresson, a third-generation entrepreneur and CEO of Vaucresson Sausage, is a passionate advocate for the preservation of Southern culture, history, and food. Born into a family of butchers, Vance has dedicated his life to carrying on the legacy of his father and grandfather, overcoming numerous challenges along the way. With a strong commitment to community, Vance has been instrumental in revitalizing the 7th Ward in New Orleans, offering affordable housing and a unique dining experience that celebrates the rich Creole culture of the region. Join host Rudy Rayfield Jr. as he welcomes Vance Vaucresson to discuss the trials and triumphs of Black-owned businesses in a competitive market.

Welcome to episode #180 of Beyond Bourbon Street. In today’s episode, we have a special guest, the creator of a new podcast that delves deep into the Flavor Down South. Host Rudy Rayfield Jr. explains the concept of this new venture and how he hopes to bring attention black owned restaurants and hospitality businesses throughout the Southern United States. Connect with Rudy and the Flavor Down South Podcast FACEBOOK  https://www.facebook.com/flavordownsouth/ INSTAGRAM  https://www.instagram.com/flavordownsouth/  FANBASE  https://app.fanbase.app/flavordownsouth  Subscribe to Flavor Down South: APPLE PODCASTS  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flavor-down-south-podcast/id1677056667  SPOTIFY  https://open.spotify.com/show/7jPwxp343vHgr7R3LXcwz5 If you have questions of episode ideas for Flavor Down South, reach out to Rudy Rayfield Jr. by email at: rudy@flavordownsouth.com.

Today's episode is all about the differences between French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest. We'll give you the ins and outs, the good and bad, and help you decide which is best for you. For more about French Quarter Fest, check out episode #8. While it's many years old, it still covers the basics and will help you plan. For Jazz Fest, you're going to want to listen to our essential guide. NOTE: New for Jazz Fest 2023, all vendors will be cashless. There will be places on the grounds where you can exchange cash for a card to use at the food booths, but this is a new development for this year.

Today’s episode is a Q&A show with questions from listeners like you. As always questions from our Patreon supporters go to the top of the list, followed by those from our Facebook community. Timestamps Patron Questions 4:38 - What are your favorite venues on Frenchman st. and which are your favorite artists to see in those venues? 7:58 - Where do you recommend to go for a great breakfast in the Quarter and why? Any must-have breakfast menu selections that are classic NOLA? 9:15 - I was wondering if there was a theatrical agency who provides actors in NOLA? I am in need of 2 male actors for a music video. 9:57 - I remember you once gave listeners a heads up that you might be starting up a whisky/bourbon podcast at some point. Any updates on that? 12:03 - What are some New Orleans bands/musicians that you’re following these days? Do any of them have ongoing residencies anywhere in town? 13:41 - What do you think about the current state of affairs in New Orleans? NOLA was hit with the pandemic then, just as things were getting a little better, Hurricane Ida hit. Are things rebounding from a residents perspective? Is the current political leadership up to the challenge? 17:46 - Saba is one of my favorite places to go every time I am in New Orleans (with one of the best Sazeracs in town). That said, are there any other treasures you recommend at places one wouldn’t expect? 19:40 - We love French Quarter Fest; began attending in 2017, and find it more enjoyable than Jazz Fest. We would love to try some of the other festivals; do you have particular favorites that you can suggest? 23:53 - I’d like to hear an update on your travel guide. Do you expect sales will really grow as FQ Fest and Jazz Fest are coming up? Anything specific fans and the community can do to help promote? 26:00 - Is Jazz Fest still worth attending now that the vendor for Crawfish Bread has bowed out? (Just kidding, but I’m crushed and I wonder what you will fill your foil lined pockets with now :-) 28:58 - When is it okay to join a Second Line. There seems to be different etiquette for funerals than for, e.g., weddings in the Quarter…   Facebook Questions 33:50 - If you don’t have a brass pass from WWOZ, can you still buy their WWOZ gear at Jazz Fest? 34:53 - You can eat free at any 5 restaurants in Nola for the rest of your life but that’s the only 5 restaurants you can ever eat at again. What’s your 5? 37:10 - What’s your favorite local beer/brewery ? 38:12 - Can you share the best top places that are wheelchair or mobility scooter friendly! Also what is the best transportation for the same, are the streetcars wheelchair accessible? 40:43 - What is your favorite quote about New Orleans? 42:27 - Being a graphic designer, I’ve always wondered why does Rex use the phrase, “The School of Design?” 44:11 - If you could host a roundtable discussion with any five New Orleans celebrities, who would you host and what would you discuss? Think music, art, food and bar scene, sports, politics… 49:01 - Can you suggest the best hotel or area to look for my wife and I as we come for our sixth visit together in a few months? We have loved our stays at Place d’Armes, Bourbon Orleans and Hotel Monteleone, but are ready to stay somewhere outside the FQ. We like a lively bar/touristy/people-watching/easy-to-leave-the-hotel-and-walk-to-something-fun vibe…what are you thoughts? 50:39 - Have you ever taken a cooking or mixology class in New Orleans? Any good recommendations? 51:32 - It’s widely know that Derek Carr went to Chipotle for his first meal as a New Orleans Saint. Bad move, but maybe he just didn’t know any better…If you are tasked with spending one day with Derek Carr, taking him to one breakfast, one lunch, one dinner and one late night activity to acclimate him to his new home, where are you taking him? 55:38 - I’m a big stand up comedy fan. I hear a lot comedians who are from New Orleans like Theo Von and others say it’s not the best comedy scene. Where are the good places for stand up or open mic nights?

Today’s episode is all about riding in a Mardi Gras parade. As we close out Carnival 2023, I’ve gotten a lot of questions about this topic. Today, I’ll take you through the ins and outs of it. We'll cover how parades are put on, how you join, what to expect, costs, and more!

Today’s episode is all about King Cake. Think you’ve eaten a lot? Wait until you har about the experiences of my guest. We’ll dive into that, the history of king cakes, and the variety on the market today.

Today’s episode is all about burlesque in New Orleans. We’ll explore a bit of the history and the current scene. The art of burlesque has a storied history in New Orleans, and thanks in large part to my guest today, has undergone a resurgence in the years since Katrina. Trixie Minx has been a part of multiple productions, created her own company, and now teaches others how to perform burlesque. Join us for a titillating discussion!

Today’s episode is all about the experiences of people that have chosen to make New Orleans their home. Questions about moving here are among the most frequent I get, so I thought we’d talk to three people who’ve done just that, and have been here long enough to share their experiences.

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, what's new in 2023, and more. To purchase the 47th annual edition of the Arthur Hardy Mardi Gras guide, click here.

Today’s episode is a bit unique. As you probably know the New Orleans economy is heavily focused on tourism and hospitality. Today, I wanted to dive into a question I sometimes get about entrepreneurship and the tech community in New Orleans. To do that, we’re going to talk about something called The Idea Village as well as an annual event called New Orleans Entrepreneur Week.

Today’s episode is about things to do right now in New Orleans. These questions get asked a lot in our Facebook group and in other online forums, so I thought I’d give you my thoughts on what to do between Thanksgiving and the start of Carnival.

Today’s episode is about Economy Hall, an organization founded in the 1800s to create and preserve a society for free men of color. It became so much more than that, including a hotbed of a new form of American music known as jazz. To help us dive into the topic, I’m joined by the author of the book named Economy Hall, Fatima Shaik. Once you've listened to our discussion, order a copy of Economy Hall online or stop by the Historic New Orleans Collection during your next visit.

Today’s episode is a question and answer show where I answer questions from listeners like you. These are always fun and cover a wide range of topics. I like to do Q&A shows about once a quarter. We get so many new listeners, as well as members of our Facebook group and Patreon community, that it is a good chance to get you involved. I also find them challenging, and sometimes, they result in ideas for future episodes. As always, one perk of being a Patron is that your questions come first on these episodes.

Today’s episode is all about a new exhibit at the Historic New Orleans Collection. The exhibit is titled Spanish New Orleans and the Caribbean and highlights Spain’s impact in Louisiana. Starting on October 20, 2022 and running through January 22, 2023 the Historic New Orleans Collection will present an exhibit entitled Spanish New Orleans and the Caribbean. While we call the original city the French Quarter, there is an amazing amount of Spanish influence here. The exhibit includes more than 125 pieces from THNOC's own collection as well as from other museums in the United States and Spain. To discuss the Spanish and Caribbeans influences on New Orleans, I am joined by Mr. Alfred Lemmon, Director of the Williams Research Center at the Historic New Orleans Collection.

Today, we’re headed across Lake Pontchartrain to the town of Abita Springs where we’ll discover some history, places to eat and drink, and a wonderful Fall Festival. Joining me to discuss all things Abita Springs is Anthony Essaied, owner of the Abita Brew Pub and co-founder and President of the Abita Fall Fest. Jamie Foster is a volunteer with Abita Fall Fest and the owner of Solid Web Service. Evette Randolph is a Councilwoman in Abita Springs and a local actress. Together, they'll help us learn about Abita Springs and the Fall Fest.

Today’s episode is all about a family owned Italian roadhouse on the West Bank of New Orleans. We’re joined by Lisa Mosca, who along with her mom, keeps the family tradition alive at Mosca’s. Founded in 1946 in Avondale, Louisiana on the West Bank of New Orleans, Mosca’s has been serving a blend of New Orleans and Italian food, family style, for decades. Those in the know expect to walk into a dining room filled with music from the jukebox, raucous energy from the crowds of people, and tables full of dishes like Oysters Mosca and Chicken a la Grande. Join us as we relive the past, dive into platters of food, and talk about why Mosca’s should be on your list of places to visit Beyond Bourbon Street!

Today, we’re going to learn about the American Italian Cultural Center, and the history and impact of Italians on New Orleans. I’m joined by the Chairman of the Cultural Center, Mr. Frank Maselli.