Jon Hansen, in for Dave Plier, takes a trip to The Big Easy for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and is joined by Kia Robinson Hatfield, Director of Programs, Communications & Initiatives. Kia paints a vivid picture of the eight jam-packed festival days with 14 stages of music that ranges from jazz to rock, country to gospel, reggae to soul, and more. Taking place at the historic Fair Grounds Race Course in the Gentilly neighborhood, Kia highlights the blockbuster acts performing for thousands of fans including Eagles, Stevie Nicks, T-Pain, and plenty of beloved local acts. To experience this magical, Caribbean-flavored American city where music, food, and history spill into the streets, Kia tells listeners that the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation is the best way for first-timers to feel like honorary New Orleanians.

For festival tickets, schedules, and travel info, visit www.nojazzfest.com

Joining Jon Hansen, in for Dave Plier, is Lyndsi Hale, Assistant Hotel Manager of Mountain Lake Lodge, the picturesque mountaintop resort in Pembroke, Virginia where much of Dirty Dancing was filmed. The property, which stood in for Kellerman’s, embraces its movie legacy while also offering a one-of-a-kind Blue Ridge getaway. Hale shares the rich 1800s history, the cabins and cottages, farm-to-table cuisine, hiking trails, and sweeping views. And for fans of the iconic 1987 film, Mountain Lake Lodge provides Dirty Dancing-themed weekends all spring and summer as well as a Dirty Dancing Days Festival on August 15, 2026 featuring lookalike contests, dance parties, live music, a watermelon race and eating contest, and a VIP experience for fans.

For tickets, lodging packages, and festival details, visit www.mtnlakelodge.com

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier chats with Jason Lesniewicz from Choose Chicago about the best spots in town to celebrate Easter Sunday with a fabulous brunch or enjoy a memorable Passover dinner. Whether you’re planning a festive feast or just looking for the perfect place to relax with family and friends, Jason has all the insider tips you need. For more delicious ideas, visit ChooseChicago.com.

Katie Anderson from Anderson’s Candy joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to share all the delicious details about their Easter goodies! From chocolate bunnies to handmade chocolate bars, learn about the perfect treats to fill your Easter baskets. Sweeten up your holiday and visit Andersonscandyshop.com for more!

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier is joined by Ward Miller, Executive Director of Preservation Chicago, to discuss the group’s annual list of Chicago’s most endangered historic structures. Among the buildings highlighted this year are the Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room, several historic Chicago River Bridge Tender Houses, and St. Mary of the Assumption Church. You can learn more at www.preservationchicogga.org.

This week on On The Map, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier is joined by the team at Chicago’s #1 Irish pub Chief O’Neill’s, Siobhan, Anluan and Etain to talk about the legend of Chicago Police Chief O’Neill, the art of pouring the perfect pint of Guinness, their classic Irish cuisine, private label scotch, beer, music and their events schedule for the weekends leading up to Saint Patrick’s Day. For more information, visit chiefoneillspub.com. Plus, Paul O’Callaghan from Teeling Whiskey joins the show to talk craft, character, and what makes a great Irish whiskey. For more, visit teelingwhiskey.com. Then, Dave welcomes Edward Galvin and John Joe Horan shares this year’s Chicago Irish Film Festival. For tickets, visit chicagoirishfilmfestival.com.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier is joined by Peter Greenberg, travel expert and host of WGN Radio’s ‘Eye On Travel,’ to highlight the upcoming Chicago and Adventure Show. Then, Peter reveals the most peaceful international destination to visit right now, breaks down the growing competition between United Airlines and American Airlines, and shares insider travel strategies to help you book smarter, travel safer, and make the most of your next trip.

Landis Beverly, general manager of Caché 310 located at 310 S. Canal St. in BMO Tower, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to share details about the 1920s Paris-inspired moody, red-hued cocktail lounge opening on Valentine’s Day in Chicago’s beloved West Loop.

Wendy Snyder, sitting in for Dave Plier, welcomes Bess McCoy, St. Louis Mardi Gras Organizer, who breaks down the everything you need to know about Mardi Gras in the Midwest! Bess covers The Bud Light Grand Parade, The Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball, the Bud Light Party tent featuring country star Chris Janson, and The Party Zone featuring high-voltage music from The Jersey Shore‘s DJ Pauly D! If you’re unable to make it to New Orleans to celebrate, why not check out the long weekend of activities at St. Louis Mardi Gras, a tradition that gets bigger every year. Get your tickets and plan your trip at https://stlmardigras.org/

Wendy Snyder, sitting in for Dave Plier, welcomes Andrew Booth, Director of Communications for Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Andrew covers all things Daytona 500, the twenty-three miles of beaches around the area, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Florida, Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure, restaurants and entertainment, and even gives Wendy his expert review on her Dolphin impression. To find out more about the once-in-a-lifetime experience of Daytona 500, or just enjoying all that the surrounding area has to offer, you can visit www.daytonabeach.com to use as a guide when planning your next adventure.