The Women of New Orleans: PBS TV Episode on the Culture, Cuisine, and Changemakers of the Big Easy
New Orleans is a city like no other—a place where history isn’t locked away in museums, but lives and breathes on every street corner. It’s in the rhythm of the music, the elegance of the architecture, the soul of the food, and the spirit of the people. And when I travel to New Orleans, I want to do it all: eat, drink, listen to live music, stroll historic neighborhoods, and experience the events and traditions that make this city unforgettable.
In this episode of Travels with Darley on the Women of New Orleans, I explore New Orleans through the eyes of the dynamic women shaping its future while honoring its past—modern-day changemakers carrying forward a legacy built by generations of powerful women before them.
A City Rooted in History—and Living It Every Day
We begin with one of the simplest and most iconic New Orleans experiences: riding the streetcars. These beautifully preserved cars—many dating back to the 1920s—are living history, maintained by master craftsmen who keep this essential part of the city’s identity rolling forward. Riding the streetcar is more than transportation; it’s a connection to the past.
That connection deepens in New Orleans City Park, one of the most beautiful urban parks in the country. Walking beneath ancient oak trees—some more than 800 years old—with Rebecca Dietz, President and CEO of City Park Conservancy, I’m reminded just how much stewardship matters. City Park is a place locals and visitors alike cherish, and it’s also home to a less-crowded outpost of the famous Café du Monde, where you can enjoy beignets with serene park views instead of bustling crowds.
Mardi Gras for the Mind
From there, I ride the streetcar to Tulane University, where the New Orleans Book Festival is in full swing. Co-founded by Cheryl Landrieu, former First Lady of New Orleans and an accomplished author, the festival celebrates creativity and ideas. Cheryl calls it “Mardi Gras for the Mind”—a perfect description of an event that brings together authors, thinkers, students, and curious minds in the spirit of intellectual celebration.
A Taste of New Orleans—Past and Present
No visit to New Orleans is complete without exploring its legendary food scene. In the Garden District, I visit Commander’s Palace, a landmark restaurant dating back to 1883. Now led by Ti Martin—daughter of culinary icon Ella Brennan—and Chef Meg Bickford, the restaurant continues to define modern Creole cuisine. Sitting at the coveted chef’s table, I get a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry behind iconic dishes like turtle soup, prepared over several days with extraordinary care.
Just down Magazine Street, Lauren Haydel shares how her brand Fleurty Girl became a cultural phenomenon—rooted in New Orleans pride and fueled by a moment that united Saints fans and locals alike.
Hospitality, Festivals, and the Heart of the City
Hospitality runs deep in New Orleans, and Lisa Miller, General Manager of One11 Hotel, embodies that spirit. The hotel—repurposed from an old sugar factory near the French Quarter—is a perfect example of how New Orleans reinvents historic spaces while honoring their stories.
Along the Mississippi River, I meet Emily Madero, President and CEO of the French Quarter Festival, the largest free showcase of Louisiana music and culture in the world. For four days each spring, the city comes alive with sound, flavor, and celebration—an experience travelers should absolutely add to their itinerary.
Understanding the Food—and the Stories Behind It
At the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, Liz Williams walks me through the history behind New Orleans’ most beloved dishes, from po’boys and pralines to King cake and Tabasco. It’s a reminder that food here isn’t just something you eat—it’s something you learn, understand, and appreciate on a deeper level.
I also meet Chef Dee Lavigne at her Deelightful Roux School of Cooking, where she continues the legacy of legendary New Orleans chef Lena Richard. As only the second African American woman to own a cooking school in the city, Chef Dee is preserving history while empowering the next generation.
Women Making History—On Every Front
The stories continue at The National WWII Museum, where curator Kim Guise highlights the critical roles women played on the home front and in wartime production—stories that are too often overlooked but essential to understanding American history.
Sports fans get a rare behind-the-scenes look at the New Orleans Saints with Shaneika Dabney-Henderson, the first Black woman Vice President in franchise history. At the Saints’ practice facility, she shares what it means to work for the team she grew up cheering for—and why Saints games are about so much more than football.
And finally, music brings us full circle at Preservation Hall, where I meet jazz musician Caroline Brunious. Originally from Sweden, Caroline followed her dream to New Orleans, drawn by the city’s jazz legacy and the music of Louis Armstrong—proof that New Orleans continues to inspire dreamers from around the world.
Why the Women of New Orleans Matter
New Orleans has always been shaped by strong women—leaders, artists, chefs, historians, and visionaries who preserve the city’s soul while pushing it forward. Experiencing the city through their stories offers a richer, more meaningful way to understand what makes the Big Easy truly unforgettable.
Watch for this episode coming up on Louisiana Public Broadcasting and on your local PBS TV station, part of Season 13 of Travels with Darley.