Seeking suggestions for solo independent powerchair user visiting first two weeks of June in New Orleans
[ Edit: Edited on 2 Jun 2024, 10:17 GMT by Tysadventures ]
Independent wheelchair Accessable in June in New Orlens
I have only been to New Orleans twice - once in 1950 when I was 12 and once in December 2004. The second time was before Katrina, and I was still walking and not using a scooter. Looking back on the trip, I don't have any handicapped accessible tips to give you. I don't think you can ride the streetcars. And New Orleans is not a place for a rental car - parking is too expensive.
Thank you
I did write up eachday of the trip starting with a list of local vocabulary. I don't have any information on hotels- there is a website called Sage Traveling which might be able to help.[
[ Edit: Edited on 3 Jun 2024, 01:16 GMT by greatgrandmaR ]
Been to NOLA a couple of times - most recently in Jan, of last year - but don't have any personal experience with wheelchair/powerchair travel. Did a little looking about for useful info; this from the official NOLA tourism website might be a great place to start?
https://www.neworleans.com/plan/accessibility/
As far as specific attractions, here's info from the websites of a couple of the most-visited attractions:
National WWII Museum: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/accessibility
This is a terrific museum if interested in the subject. It's also VERY large; in hindsight I wish we'd purchased the two-day ticket as we pooped out before covering it all.
Cabildo and Presbytere:
Both are must-do's for visitors interested in NOLA history, and both are fully wheelchair accessible.
https://louisianastatemuseum.org/museum/presbytere
https://louisianastatemuseum.org/museum/cabildo
You might want to visit one of NOLA's cemeteries? St Louis Cemetery #1, the oldest and probably its most well-known - can only be visited with a tour, and the tour FAQs state that it won't be difficult in a wheelchair. I've done others (on my own) but this one is closest to the French Quarter, where you'll likely be spending a chunk of your time.
https://cemeterytourneworleans.com/tour/experience/
Preservation Hall -
Gotta hear some classic NOLA jazz! Go to a session at historic Preservation Hall; here's the website and accessibility info:
https://www.preservationhall.com/faq/
https://www.preshallfoundation.org/accessibility
REALLY like jazz? Get thee to Frenchman Street! Multiple venues here, and some are free in the afternoons to hear some up-and-coming talent. The Spotted Cat is ALWAYS free (1-drink minimum each set to hang out), no reservations, and you shouldn't have an issue getting inside. Take a look at some of the others too, and reply #10 on this TA thread about disability access to the music venues should be helpful:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60864-i34-k14603163-Disabled_travelers_seek_advice-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html
https://www.spottedcatmusicclub.com
https://www.frenchquarter.com/frenchmen-street/
Please contribute to the tip jar: it's the only income some of these musicians have to live on.
This reddit thread regarding navigating streets in old parts of city and access to older buildings is likely to be useful too. I'll agree that some sidewalk sections are uneven/narrow/blocked by construction, and crowds in parts of the Quarter will likely be a bit of a pain to work through; pack your patience.
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNOLA/comments/1afas9a/wheelchair_accessible/
Other than the crowds, you shouldn't have an difficulties browsing the French Market:not sure why their own website won't load for me:
https://www.neworleans.com/listing/french-market/193/
Just a start....Wish I had PERSONAL wheelchair experience for you but hopefully these "tools" are better than no information at all?
Thank you