Glad you’re here for a replay of New Orleans Culture Cuisine and Music. This was an exciting show to produce. I once lived in New Orleans and visiting again after several years was a real treat to wander around familiar places.

Here’s the transcript from the show.  Click above to listen.

Hello, hello, hello and welcome aboard Travel With Annita, where we explore the stories behind the world’s most fascinating destinations — and today, we’re heading somewhere special. A place of history, heart, grit, and music that practically spills out onto the street — we’re going to New Orleans, Louisiana.

Now, I’ve always said, New Orleans isn’t just a city — it’s an experience, one of those rare places that feels alive, as if the sidewalks remember every step taken and every song ever played.

The history of New Orleans is as rich and layered as a good bowl of gumbo — and trust me, it’s just as flavorful.

Let’s take it back to the beginning. The year was 1718 — over 300 years ago. A French-Canadian explorer named Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville planted the flag along the Mississippi River and founded La Nouvelle-Orléans — that’s “New Orleans” in French, of course — named after Philippe II, Duke of Orléans.

But even before Bienville showed up, the land belonged to Native American tribes — the Chitimacha, Houma, and others — who lived along the Mississippi and its bayous. The river was their source of life, just like it remains for the city today.

Bienville and the French saw potential in this low-lying crescent of land — hence the nickname “The Crescent City.” But let me tell you, they also inherited a whole lot of headaches — swamps, hurricanes, disease, and mosquitoes the size of small birds. Yet, they stayed, and they built.

The French weren’t the only ones with their eyes on this prize. In 1763, after the Seven Years’ War, the city passed into Spanish hands. For nearly 40 years, the Spanish ruled, and they’re the reason so much of the French Quarter actually reflects Spanish architecture — those ornate iron balconies, pastel colors, quiet courtyards with trickling fountains — it’s all part of the Spanish legacy.

During that time, two devastating fires nearly wiped out the city — one in 1788, and another in 1794. But like New Orleans always does, it rose from the ashes, rebuilt with resilience, and added more character to its streets.

By 1803, the French briefly regained control of Louisiana, only to turn around and sell it to the United States in what’s still one of the most significant real estate deals in history — the Louisiana Purchase.

Now, I want you to picture this — at the stroke of a pen, the U.S. doubled in size, and New Orleans suddenly belonged to a new country. But let me tell you, the people of New Orleans? They didn’t just toss out their old ways and say, “Sure, let’s be American now.” Oh no, they clung to their French, Spanish, and African roots, their language, their food, their customs — and that stubborn independence still flavors the city today.

New Orleans quickly became one of the most important port cities in the world. The Mississippi River was the superhighway of the 18th and 19th centuries, carrying cotton, sugar, and goods right down to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. That river made fortunes — and it also brought waves of new people.

French settlers, Spanish colonists, enslaved Africans, free people of color, Germans, Irish immigrants, Haitians — they all came, willingly or otherwise — and together, they created the cultural gumbo New Orleans is famous for.

And that word, “gumbo” — it’s more than a stew; it’s a perfect metaphor for the city. African okra, French roux, Spanish spices — mixed together in one pot, simmered, and shared. And, here’s a little trivia…did you know gumbo is French for okra Just like the music, the food, and the people.

Of course, the history isn’t all romance and jazz. New Orleans has seen its share of hardship — slavery, war, segregation, hurricanes — yet through it all, the city has an uncanny ability to dance through the storm. Literally.

By the early 1800s, Congo Square — right outside the French Quarter — became the only place in the South where enslaved Africans were allowed to gather publicly on Sundays. There, they danced, played drums, sang songs from their homelands — blending African rhythms with European instruments. Some historians say that’s the cradle of American music — where jazz was born.

And let’s not forget — during the 19th century, New Orleans was the largest city in the South. It was rowdy, wealthy, diverse, and unlike anywhere else in the country. The architecture, the cuisine, the language — even the legal system, based on Napoleonic code — all reflected its European roots more than typical American towns.

Fast-forward to the 20th century, and New Orleans gave us jazz, the first truly American music. Louis Armstrong, one of the most influential musicians of all time, was born and raised right here in New Orleans. The brass bands, the parades, the street performers — they’re not for show. They’re part of the lifeblood of the city.

But New Orleans isn’t just music and Mardi Gras — though believe me, both are unforgettable. It’s also resilience.

Hurricanes have battered this city, with Katrina in 2005 being the most devastating in modern memory. But in true New Orleans fashion, the city picked up the pieces — slowly, painfully — and carried on, proud, determined, and maybe with an even stronger sense of self.

And here’s something that always strikes me — in New Orleans, history isn’t behind glass in a museum. It walks the streets with you. It’s in the creak of old wooden floors, the aroma of red beans and rice simmering on a stove, the sound of a trumpet wailing in the night.

You can’t help but feel it — that deep, enduring soul that says, “We’ve been through it all, but we’re still here. And we’ve still got music to play, food to share, and stories to tell.”

Alright, folks—if you’ve wandered the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter, dodged a few beads, and maybe had one too many beignets—you’ve likely strolled right past one of the best-kept gems in New Orleans history: The Historic New Orleans Collection, tucked right there on Royal Street.

Now, don’t let the word “collection” fool you. This isn’t some dusty room full of knickknacks your Aunt Irene might keep. This is a living, breathing archive of everything that’s made New Orleans…well, New Orleans. The history, the art, the scandal, the culture—the good, the bad, and the jazzy.

Let’s start with how it all began. Back in 1966, General L. Kemper Williams and his wife Leila—two locals with a serious love for preserving Louisiana’s legacy—decided to do something about it. They didn’t just collect antiques or family heirlooms. No, they went after rare maps, priceless manuscripts, historic paintings, Mardi Gras treasures, and even old jazz records. Basically, they gathered everything that tells the wild story of this city.

Fast forward to today—their passion project has grown into what we now call The Historic New Orleans Collection or THNOC, with a campus spread across several beautifully restored French Quarter buildings, dating as far back as 1792. The architecture is truly New Orleans – You know the French Quarter: wrought-iron balconies, lush courtyards—it’s like walking onto a movie set, but this place? It’s the real deal.

And here’s what makes it a must-visit—besides the fact that admission is absolutely free, which in New Orleans is about as rare as finding a parking spot.

Inside, you’ll find the Louisiana History Galleries, thirteen of them to be exact, taking you on a deep dive from Native American life before the Europeans arrived, all the way through French and Spanish colonial rule, the Louisiana Purchase, the Civil War, up to Hurricane Katrina and beyond. Artifacts? They’ve got ‘em. You’ll see an original letter discussing the Louisiana Purchase, 18th-century musical scores from the Ursuline nuns, and historic Mardi Gras costumes that make today’s parade outfits look downright subtle.

We always ask about ghost stories when visiting the Big Easy …. And there’s no shortage of ghost stories around these old buildings. This is New Orleans, after all.

But hey, even if history class wasn’t your favorite back in the day, I promise THNOC keeps it lively, accessible, and downright fascinating. You’ll walk away with a new appreciation for how this city came to be—and maybe a stronger sense of just how much gumbo, grit, and gumption it took to get here.

I recently had a chance to visit The Historic New Orleans Collection while a steel pan event was taking place. Not only was this location a true gift to visit, but the steel pans we phenomenal. I will have more about that in an upcoming show. 

While there I sat down with Amanda McFillen, Director of Audience Engagement. I asked about the center and also who they got involved with the fabulous steel drums event which you’ll hear in the back ground. Amanda shares how Royal Street’s got a lot of glitter, but this is where the gold is—the stories, the people, the roots of a city that’s seen it all and still throws the best party on Earth.

Stick around, folks—coming up next, we dive into the top ten things you’ve got to see and do in New Orleans. Spoiler alert: some come with a side of jazz, history, or powdered sugar.

Amanda McFillen Director of Audience Engagement over at The Historic New Orleans Collection on Royal street 

So that’s New Orleans — founded by the French, molded by the Spanish, shaped by Africans, Haitians, immigrants, and indigenous people — stitched together by history, hardship, and celebration.

Coming up next, I’ll tell you the top ten things you must see and do when you visit the Big Easy. And trust me, you’ll want your walking shoes and your appetite.

Stick around — more Travel With Annita after this.

Segment Three: Top Ten Things to See and Do in New Orleans

Alright friends, lace up those walking shoes, loosen your belts, and keep your ears open—because I’m about to walk you through the real New Orleans. This city isn’t for sitting still—it’s for wandering, listening, tasting, and soaking up centuries of history. So here we go—my top ten must-see, must-do, absolutely-can’t-miss experiences in the Big Easy… and yes, I snuck in one bonus for the true culture chasers.

1. The French Quarter —
We’re starting where every story in New Orleans starts—the French Quarter. The city’s oldest neighborhood and still its wildest at heart. Imagine narrow cobblestone streets, buildings painted in bright pastels, intricate iron balconies dripping with flowers, and the flicker of gas lamps at dusk.

You must swing by Jackson Square—that’s the people-watching capital of the South. Street performers, tarot card readers, artists with their easels, all set against the backdrop of the stunning St. Louis Cathedral—one of the oldest continuously active Catholic cathedrals in the United States. This isn’t just sightseeing—it’s stepping back in time.

2. Bourbon Street —
Look, I know Bourbon Street gets a reputation—but love it or leave it, you can’t come to New Orleans and notexperience this stretch of neon and noise. Even if you’re not there for Hurricanes in plastic cups, the atmosphere is electric. Live jazz drifts from open doors, beads hang like forgotten souvenirs from balconies, and there’s that “anything can happen” hum in the air. Tip: stroll during the day to admire the historic architecture, then come back at night if you’re feeling brave.

3. The Garden District —
Take the streetcar down St. Charles Avenue—it’s a ride through living history. The Garden District is dripping with Southern charm—ancient oak trees line the streets, Spanish moss sways, and stately mansions sit behind intricate wrought-iron fences. You’ll feel like Scarlett O’Hara might walk out on the porch at any minute. Look for the Lafayette Cemetery, film locations from movies like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and historic homes of the rich, famous, and a few ghosts.

4. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 —
Speaking of ghosts, you can’t skip St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. It’s the city’s most famous burial ground, and because of that swampy New Orleans soil, all the tombs sit above ground like little stone villages of the dead. Pay your respects to Voodoo queen Marie Laveau and hear stories of mystery, magic, and local legend. It’s haunting, but beautiful—a true reflection of this city’s layered soul.

5. Frenchmen Street —
Now, for live music with less chaos and more character—head to Frenchmen Street. This is where locals go when they’re craving brass bands, smoky jazz clubs, funky dive bars, and soulful street musicians. Places like The Spotted Cat or d.b.a. host music nearly every night, and the vibe is pure New Orleans—welcoming, a little gritty, and entirely unforgettable.

6. The National WWII Museum —
History buffs, buckle in. The National WWII Museum is world-class—seriously, folks travel from across the globe to visit. This isn’t your high school history lesson; it’s immersive, emotional, and told through personal stories, artifacts, and multimedia exhibits. From D-Day to the Pacific theater, it’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made—and the resilience that defines our nation.

7. Steamboat Natchez Cruise —
See the Crescent City from the water aboard the Steamboat Natchez. This paddlewheel beauty glides along the Mississippi River, and if you close your eyes, you can almost hear echoes of Mark Twain-era riverboats. The calliope music, the skyline views, and that Southern river breeze—pure magic. Book a daytime ride or opt for the dinner cruise with live jazz and let the good times roll.

8. Mardi Gras World —
Can’t make it for Carnival? Don’t fret. Mardi Gras World gives you backstage access to the biggest party of the year—minus the crowds and beads to the face. Tour the giant warehouses where the massive parade floats are designed, built, and painted. These creations are bold, bizarre, and downright impressive. It’s a rare peek at the creative heart behind the spectacle.

9. Café du Monde —
Warning: powdered sugar will be everywhere. But that’s part of the charm. Café du Monde has been frying up their famous beignets and brewing chicory coffee since 1862. It’s open 24 hours, because beignets don’t keep regular hours, and neither does New Orleans. There’s no shame in having beignets for breakfast, lunch, dinner—or all three.

10. City Park & New Orleans Museum of Art —
Need a break from the buzz? Head to City Park—1,300 acres of green space, walking trails, and ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss. It’s peaceful, romantic, and sprawling enough to get lost for an afternoon. And tucked within the park, you’ll find the New Orleans Museum of Art. Gorgeous collections of classic and modern art, plus an outdoor sculpture garden that’s a masterpiece in its own right.

BONUS — The Backstreet Cultural Museum
Alright, culture seekers, this one’s off the beaten path but absolutely essential. The Backstreet Cultural Museum in the Treme neighborhood is a love letter to the real heartbeat of New Orleans—its Black Mardi Gras Indian tribes, Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, second-line parades, and jazz funerals. This is where you learn the stories behind the feathers, sequins, and brass bands. It’s small, grassroots, and packed with authentic, vibrant history that doesn’t always make the guidebooks—but trust me, it’s unforgettable.

There you have it—the must-see, must-hear, must-taste checklist for your next New Orleans adventure. But listen, the thing about this city? You could live here a lifetime and still uncover new corners, new sounds, and new flavors every day. That’s the beauty of New Orleans—it’s history that never stays still.

Stick around—after the break, we get to the heart of it all: food and music. Two things New Orleans does better than anywhere else on Earth. Be right back.

Welcome back, travelers. We’ve talked history, sights, but now — let’s get to what really makes New Orleans irresistible: the music and the food.

First up — the music. New Orleans invented jazz. That’s not me being dramatic — that’s a fact. At the turn of the 20th century, a mix of African rhythms, European horns, and Caribbean influence simmered together, and jazz was born right here on these streets.

Legends like Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, and later, Dr. John, Trombone Shorty — they all came up through this city’s clubs, parades, and second-line dances. Even today, jazz, brass bands, zydeco, blues, gospel — it’s everywhere. You hear it in the street performers, the tiny clubs on Frenchmen, the church choirs.

Now the food? Well, I hope you’re hungry. New Orleans cuisine is a world of its own — a spicy, soulful blend of French, African, Spanish, and Native American flavors. It’s where gumbo isn’t just soup — it’s a statement. Where jambalaya, étouffée, red beans and rice — they all tell stories of survival, celebration, and soul.

Don’t forget po’boys stuffed with fried shrimp, or oysters Rockefeller, or a muffuletta sandwich packed with meats and olive salad. And for the sweet tooth? Beignets, bread pudding, and pralines — that’s how they do dessert in the Big Easy.

What makes New Orleans a true culinary destination is that it’s not just about eating — it’s about gathering. You don’t rush through a meal here — you savor it. You listen to the music playing down the block, you laugh with strangers, and for a moment, you’re part of something timeless.

So that’s New Orleans — history, music, food, and soul. It’s a place that gets under your skin — and trust me, you’ll be planning your next visit before you’ve even left.

Thanks for traveling with me, Annita, today. Until next time — keep exploring, keep savoring, and never stop chasing the stories that make life worth the trip.