New Orleans Accessible Roll & Stroll Tour
Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in New Orleans!
Louis Armstrong Park
Why Visit?
**Accessible Day Out in Louis Armstrong Park, New Orleans** Embark on a vibrant and accessible journey through the heart of New Orleans with a visit to the iconic Louis Armstrong Park. Located in the Tremé neighborhood, this park is a tribute to the jazz legend Louis Armstrong and the rich cultural heritage of the city. **Getting There:** Louis Armstrong Park is situated at 701 N. Rampart Street, easily reachable via Rampart/St. Claude streetcar line which offers accessible service. Get off at the St. Ann Street stop which is a short, smooth roll away from the park entrances. The park’s pathways are mostly flat and well-maintained, making it easy for those on wheels to navigate. **Start Your Tour:** Enter through the impressive arched gate at the main entrance. The paths are wide and paved, perfect for wheelchairs and scooters. As you move forward, you"ll first encounter the prominently placed statue of Louis Armstrong, a great spot for a photo. **Cultural Exploration:** Continue to the Congo Square, historically significant as the meeting place where enslaved Africans would gather on Sundays to dance, sing, and maintain their cultural heritage. This area is commemorated with plaques that are positioned at a readable height for those seated. **Relax and Enjoy:** Wheel along to the serene duck pond located centrally within the park. The paths around the pond are level and offer unobstructed views of the water and the surrounding lush greenery. It’s a perfect spot to pause and enjoy a moment of tranquility. **Interactive Fun:** Don’t miss the chance to visit the interactive musical sculptures scattered throughout the park, designed to be accessible for everyone. They provide a playful experience where you can create your own jazz tunes. **Planning Your Visit:** Louis Armstrong Park is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. Entry is free, ensuring it’s accessible in every sense. Restrooms are wheelchair accessible and located near the entrance. Enjoy your day soaking in the musical history and cultural vibrancy of New Orleans at Louis Armstrong Park!
Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.
LaLaurie Mansion
Why Visit?
**Wheelchair-Friendly Tour to the LaLaurie Mansion, New Orleans** Embark on an enthralling journey back in time with a wheelchair-friendly tour of the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, nestled in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans. This itinerary ensures accessibility and an unforgettable experience for those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. **Starting Your Day: Arrival in Style** Begin your day at Jackson Square, a fully accessible area with paved pathways and stunning views of the Mississippi River. Conveniently, the RTA (Regional Transit Authority) provides accessible public transportation that can take you close to the French Quarter. For those driving, accessible parking is available nearby at the French Market parking lot. **Morning Exploration: French Quarter** Wheel through the vibrant streets of the French Quarter, where smooth sidewalks make for pleasant navigation. Along the way, enjoy the district"s iconic architecture and street music. Accessible restrooms are available at several visitor centers and restaurants. **The Highlight: The LaLaurie Mansion** Arrive at 1140 Royal Street to behold the eerie beauty of the LaLaurie Mansion. Although the interior of the mansion is not open to the public, its storied exterior offers plenty to engage with. Here, you can delve into the chilling tales of Madame LaLaurie, whose notorious legend involves horrifying tales of mistreatment and mystery. The mansion"s facade, with its ironwork and haunting aura, is perfectly visible and can be appreciated from the sidewalk, which is flat and offers unobstructed views. **Lunch and Reflect** Just a short roll away, enjoy a Creole lunch at a nearby accessible restaurant like the Court of Two Sisters, which offers an entrance ramp and an accessible restroom. **Afternoon Delight: Riverfront Roll** Post-lunch, take a leisurely roll along the accessible Moonwalk Riverfront promenade. Enjoy the river breeze and the bustling street performances. **Wrap Up the Day** Conclude your exploration with a cup of New Orleans’ famous chicory coffee at Café du Monde, enjoying the live jazz that fills the air, before heading back to your start point via accessible RTA services or your parked vehicle. This tour not only immerses you in the rich history and culture of New Orleans but does so with utmost consideration for accessibility, ensuring a delightful and hassle-free experience.
Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.
Jackson Square
Why Visit?
**Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Jackson Square, New Orleans** **Morning: Arrival and Café du Monde** Begin your day in New Orleans" vibrant heart at Jackson Square, a historic park that"s completely wheelchair accessible. Arrive via the RTA, which offers wheelchair-friendly buses. Get off at the Decatur St. stop, just a brief roll away from your first stop. Indulge in the famous Café du Monde, adjacent to the square, where you can savor beignets at an accessible table. Their outdoor area offers excellent maneuverability for wheelchairs and scooters. **Mid-Morning: St. Louis Cathedral** Next, wheel over to the stunning St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States. The main areas are accessible, featuring flat entrances and plenty of space to navigate. Attend a mass or take a self-guided tour to admire the majestic interior and stained glass windows. **Lunch: Muriel"s Jackson Square** For lunch, visit Muriel"s Jackson Square, just steps from the cathedral. The restaurant provides an accessible entrance and a clear path to tables with a view of the square. Enjoy some Creole cuisine like shrimp and grits, which perfectly encapsulate the local flavor. **Afternoon: The Cabildo and The Presbytère** Post-lunch, explore the neighboring Cabildo and The Presbytère, both part of the Louisiana State Museum. These historic buildings flank the cathedral and are accessible, offering elevators and ramps. The Cabildo was the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies in 1803 and showcases exhibits about Louisiana’s history. The Presbytère focuses on local culture, including Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina. **Late Afternoon: Relax in the Square** Finish your tour with some relaxation back in Jackson Square. The paved pathways make it easy to navigate and enjoy the vibrant street performances and the iconic view of Andrew Jackson on horseback surrounded by lush greenery and historic buildings. **Departure** Exit the square through the Decatur St gate, where you can catch an accessible taxi or bus back to your accommodation, filled with the rich history and culture of New Orleans.
Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.
Oak Alley Plantation
Why Visit?
**Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Oak Alley Plantation** Embark on an accessible journey through time at the Oak Alley Plantation, where the rich tapestry of American history is draped in the enchanting embrace of 300-year-old oak trees. This stunning anteballum estate, located in Vacherie, Louisiana, is a marvel of accessibility and historical charm. **Getting There:** Oak Alley is easily reachable by car, just about an hour"s drive from New Orleans via the scenic Great River Road (LA-18). Parking is free, with designated accessible spots available near the visitor center. **Start Your Tour at the Visitor Center:** Begin at the visitor center, where you can rent a wheelchair if needed. The center provides maps specifically highlighting accessible routes. Here, you can also watch an informative introductory film, offered with captions, setting a historical context before you explore further. **Explore the Big House:** Guided tours of the Big House, which showcase rich architectural details and tales of the plantation’s past, start every half hour. The ground floor of the Big House is wheelchair accessible, offering a glimpse into 19th-century plantation life. Note that the upper floors are viewable via a photo album for those unable to navigate the stairs. **Stroll Down the Oak Alley:** The iconic quarter-mile long alley of towering 300-year-old oak trees, after which the plantation is named, offers a flat and firm pathway suitable for wheelchairs and scooters. The majestic canopy provides a picturesque backdrop, perfect for capturing memorable photographs. **Visit the Slavery at Oak Alley Exhibit:** This thoughtful exhibit is fully accessible, providing a profound insight into the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation. The displays are at an accessible viewing height and include detailed narratives and artifacts. **Relax at the Café and Gift Shop:** Conclude your visit with refreshments at the café, which has accessible seating. The adjacent gift shop is also wheelchair-friendly, offering unique soujevenirs to commemorate your visit. Oak Alley Plantation not only offers a peek into the grandeur of the Old South but also ensures that its rich history is accessible to all visitors, making it a fulfilling experience for everyone.
Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.
Garden District
Why Visit?
**Accessible Adventure in New Orleans" Garden District** Embark on a captivating journey through the Garden District, one of New Orleans" most picturesque neighborhoods, renowned for its stunning antebellum mansions, lush gardens, and historical charm. This wheelchair-friendly tour ensures everyone can enjoy the beauty and heritage of this iconic area. **Starting Point: St. Charles Avenue** Begin your tour with an easy ride aboard the accessible St. Charles Streetcar, which offers a scenic route into the heart of the Garden District. Board at Canal Street and disembark at Washington Avenue. The streetcars are equipped with ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs and scooters. **Historic Mansions and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1** From the streetcar stop, head to Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, one of the city"s oldest cemeteries, established in 1833. Although paths can be uneven, the main avenues are navigable. The cemetery offers a peek into the city"s history and the unique above-ground tombs characteristic of the area. **Strolling Down Washington Avenue** Roll along Washington Avenue to admire the opulent homes that line the streets, including the famous Briggs-Staub House and the commanding presence of the Brevard-Rice House, known for its rumored hauntings and stunning architecture. These roads are lined with accessible sidewalks, making for a smooth ride. **Break at Commander’s Palace** Treat yourself to a sumptuous lunch at the legendary Commander’s Palace, known for its Creole cuisine and the birthplace of jazz brunch. The restaurant offers accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for all. **Shopping and Relaxation at Magazine Street** Conclude your tour with a visit to Magazine Street, just a short roll away. This bustling shopping hub features numerous galleries, boutiques, and cafes, all accessible, providing a perfect end to your day in the Garden District, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ charm and vibrancy. Enjoy the blend of accessibility and allure in New Orleans" Garden District, making it a delightful exploration for visitors on wheels!
Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.