Oneika Raymond heads to New Orleans, Louisiana to connect with the people and history of Tremé, one of the oldest Black neighborhoods in the U.S. There, she’ll sit with some of the Tremé culture bearers of music, food and history to build a deeper understanding of the city’s roots. 

Oneika sets off from her hotel, W New Orleans French Quarter. It’s a short commute to her first stop of the day in the Tremé: Kermit’s Tremé Mother in Law Lounge, the last standing jazz lounge in the neighborhood. She meets with Kermit Ruffins, the lounge owner and a beloved musician in his community. He delights Oneika with a song and stories of growing up in the neighborhood where the lively sounds of New Orleans-style jazz were born. 

Next, Oneika heads to the historic Congo Square, once a gathering place for enslaved and free people of color that remains an epicenter of culture within Tremé today. Denise is a seventh generation Creole storyteller and owner of the New Orleans history storytelling company, Our Sacred Stories. Denise gives Oneika a tour of the gathering place nestled in the heart of Louis Armstrong Park to share the customs and traditions born out of Congo Square.

Ready for a meal, Oneika is off to her final stop, the plant-based soul food restaurant, I-tal Garden. There she meets the owner, Chef Joseph “Rah” Robinson for a delicious, home-cooked meal. Chef Rah tells Oneika about his mission to help nourish the bodies within his community by way of his unique, plant-based take on the traditional New Orleans dishes he grew up eating.

Experience the soulful city of New Orleans for yourself. For more about Oneika’s journey — and to get other itinerary ideas — visit Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. To book your stay at W New Orleans, visit the hotel’s website. Book wellness-inspired activities for yourself at Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities. Marriott Bonvoy members earn points on every experience booked through the site.

About the Journey is a podcast produced by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, AT WILL MEDIA, MNTRA, and Oneika Raymond. Listen and follow the show here.

To read full episode transcripts from About the Journey and see photos of each featured destination, head to About the Journey on Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. Starting this season, you can watch full videos of each episode on the Marriott Bonvoy YouTube channel.