Around the Press in 80 Books: New Orleans: The Underground Guide

In celebration of LSUP’s 80th anniversary the staff selected 80 of our most memorable titles. Adding to our “Around the Press in 80 Books” blog series, Designer Barbara Bourgoyne writes about New Orleans: The Underground Guide.

WelchNEW_sketch.inddNew Orleans—the Big Easy, the Crescent City, the Birthplace of Jazz, or whatever nickname you choose to call it—is a city unlike any other. It draws in upwards of 9 million tourists a year to its famed streets looking to pass a good time. Many of whom head straight to the French Quarter to eat and drink the day—and night— away. Countless trips to New Orleans later, and I’m happy, albeit sad, to admit I was one of them.

I’ve lived an hour away from New Orleans my entire life, and yet somehow I always managed to get stuck. Stuck in the New Orleans that was filled with throngs of people and tourist traps. And honestly, that’s just not as much fun as it sounds. I longed for more. I longed to see the places that the locals actually go. I knew they existed, but I was in desperate need of guidance.

In the spring of 2013, I found that guidance while visiting Tulane University’s bookstore with an old friend. We happened upon New Orleans: The Underground Guide. We didn’t think twice. We had to have it. I wasn’t completely thrilled with the way it looked, being a designer and all, but it contained a wealth of information. Quirky neighborhoods, family friendly events, music venues of every kind, some delightfully sketchy locales, and, of course, out-of-this-world cuisine—this book contained them all.

Fast forward a few months, and I was thrilled to find that very same book on our spring list. The task of redesigning and updating (every two years) now ours—or mine as it turned out.

I couldn’t be more excited to have a hand in making this information available to all of those people wanting to step away from the lure of Bourbon Street, those hoping to find an out-of-the-way gem, and those longing to experience the real New Orleans and everything it has to offer.

Buy this book now for 20% off and get free shipping on all orders over $50, use code 0480FAV at checkout.