You're listed to Beyond Bourbon Street, an insider's guide to New Orleans.

Beyond Bourbon Street is the podcast where we explore the food, music, culture, places, and people that make New Orleans unique.

Whether you are planning a trip, living in New Orleans, or simply wanting a taste of the Crescent City from wherever you are, you've come to the right place.

And now, your host, Mark Bologna.

Hey, y'all, this is Mark. Welcome to episode 220. Today's episode is a recap of 2024 and a bit of looking ahead to what's in store for the show in 2025. The last show is all about Mr. Bingle, a beloved New Orleans Christmas character. If you missed it, go back and give it a listen. I think you'll enjoy it. Before we jump in,

let me talk about the people that make this show possible. Accidental Cajun experiences.

Accidental Cajun experiences is a boutique travel company, offering guided culinary tours and

custom dining experiences, unique cultural experiences, and photography services from award-winning chef, writer,

and photojournalist James Cullen. Too often, visitors to New Orleans never stray outside the

French Quarter or the typical tourist destinations, and get incomplete and inaccurate idea

about the true nature of the city. Accidental Cajun experiences offers a different option that

customizes itineraries to your

taste. Whether you want to learn the roots of Creole cuisine in the seventh ward, go to a second line,

see altars and black masking Indians on St. Joseph's night, or wake up with the Skull and Bones gang on

Mardi Gride Morning. They offer an alternative to the status quo. They also offer travel photography services, whether it's couples or family photos, or your own

personal paparazzi service to document your trip so you can relax and enjoy it.

You get professionally edited photos that preserve your memories.

Accidental Cajun experiences is also committed to giving back to New Orleans.

Their sponsors of this show and WWZ New Orleans. And they also donate $5 from every booking to

the roots of music, a musical education program for at-risk New Orleans youth. Accidental Cajun

experiences cuisine, culture, community, above ground, and below sea level. Check them out.

James Cullen, the founder, is also a contributor to my book, the second edition of which,

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