Stroke Smart Magazine
March/April 2009
ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL
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Exploring Historic New Orleans
Easy Access in ‘The Big Easy’
By Candy B. Harrington
History abounds in New Orleans: the Big Easy boasts a
whopping 17 districts recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.
And although historic sites sometimes lack access features, this is not the
case in modern day New Orleans. It’s possible for wheelchair-users and slow walkers
to enjoy many parts of this thriving Mississippi River port. In fact, from city
walking tours to a cruise on the Big Muddy, there’s a bevy of accessible
choices in the Crescent City.
The French Quarter is the most famous historic district in
New Orleans and although some side streets lack curb-cuts, Decatur Street is wide,
level and fairly accessible. This main drag runs parallel to the Mississippi River
and adjacent to the accessible Woldenburg Riverfront. There is level access to
Jackson Square from this street and barrier-free access throughout the park.
The Ann Street Visitors Center, located next to Jackson
Square, boasts a knowledgeable staff and a helpful collection of tourism
resources. Be sure and pick up the useful French Quarter Walking Tour map, as
most of the tour route is accessible and you can do it at your own pace.
Behind Jackson Square, the Presbytere features ramped access
in front and good access throughout the building. This former residence for
clergy from neighboring St. Louis Cathedral is now part of the Louisiana State
Museum. Next door, the Cabildo features level access to the front entrance,
good pathways, elevator access to all floors and a wheelchair available for
loan at the front desk. As the site of the Louisiana Purchase Transfer, this
historic building houses exhibits that highlight the history of Louisiana.
Cafe Du Monde, located across the street from Jackson
Square, is also a must-see. There is level access to this open-air cafe and
it’s the place to get cafe’ au lait and beignets in the French Quarter.
If you’d enjoy a bus tour, check out Gray Line’s Super City
Tour. This narrated coach tour includes historic sites in the French Quarter
and the Garden District, plus a stop at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. Lift-equipped
coaches are available with 48 hours notice and manual wheelchairs can be carried
on the standard coaches.
If you’d prefer a walking tour, sign up for a Friends of the
Cabildo Walking Tour, which operates twice daily except Mondays. The volunteer
guides are knowledgeable and are flexible with their routes, so tours can be made
wheelchair-accessible upon request. Tours start at the 1850 House Museum Store,
next door to the Ann Street Visitors Center.
Last but not least, you can also see New Orleans by boat on
a two-hour tour aboard the Steamboat Natchez. There is ramp access to the boat,
but only stairway access between the decks. It should be noted that the
on-board bathrooms are tiny, so plan ahead. All in all, it’s a great cruise and
a fun way to get a look at historic New Orleans.
Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the
author of 101 Accessible Vacations: Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers.
She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.
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