new orleans w/ a senior
 

Am planning trip for elderly mom first wk of March, but am concerned that it will be too crazy and crowded. Also, she is not much of a walker. Is this a terrible trip in the making?
(her idea)

I would not say it is a terrible trip in the making, HOWEVER, you really need to be a walker to see New Orleans right. So many back streets and areas to sneak into when walking.

You must be careful walking the streets of the French Quarter as the sidewalks, curbs, walkways can be very uneven and in need of repair. There is a tripping/falling hazzard.

Downtown Fargo, North Dakota is celebrating Marti Gras this year. There are no cracks in the sidewalks and it is sure to be a really great time for old folks.

Go to New Orleans and have a good time. Your mother will love it! Its her idea.

I agree that the sidewalks are in very uneven. You could limit your walking to Royale Street. Take a carriage ride or more than one. There are areas where you can sit but not a lot. We also took the trolley thru the garden district just to sightsee plus took a bus tour to a plantation. The New Orleans Cooking School is several hours of sitting and will appeal to non-cooks as well. Kevin, the chef, talked a lot about Louisiana culture and had a great sense of humor. But a lot of the fun was encountering street performers and wandering through wonderful shops. It will help to take cabs to restaurants instead of walking to everything like we did. If your mother is reluctant now, it might be a good idea to go someplace else.

I agree with dfrostnh. Take a carraige ride and maybe you can convince your driver to take you to places they may not normally go and allow you to see more sights. It's worth a try! Also, try a riverboat cruise, you will see some sights, learn some history and the weather should be great at that time.

We just returned from NO and if this her idea I would make it happen. Some tips: Yes the streets are not for walking with the elderly. Sidewalks are uneven making a fall likely if not careful. Many people walk in the streets. I would recommend tours by Isabell. It was a wonderful tour we took to several plantations. It will get you out of the french quarter plus give you some fascinating history you wouldn't find elsewhere. They also have other tours of the city, etc. reducing walking around. The carriage rides are only 30-40 minutes but worth a try. Jacksons square, and those shops in River Walk are inside and nice for walking around. You can take the streetcar, up to St. Charles as all ready said. I was not that impressed with Magazine Street. I had heard a lot about it, but I must have invisioned it somewhat different. The cooking schools is another great option, I would include this for sure. The Riverboat cruise, I think it is as doable as any other planned vacation with her. Have a good time. Try and eat at Murials. Very good around Jackson Square.