by Scott Craig
I have been to a lot of places in my life, but New Orleans is now my favorite city and only beats out Rome, because it’s right in my backyard! Once we landed, the Big Easy vibe and hospitality was everywhere. Emily, from Team Gleason, had arranged transportation and hotel for me and my caregivers, including having a Hoyer lift delivered to my room ahead of time. Very nice touch!
Since we arrived late, we opted for delivery, Cajun style, and got jambalaya and shrimp etouffee that was incredible and a teaser of what was to come! What happens in New Orleans, stays in New Orleans, but I can tell you a few of the PG-13 details.
After breakfast at Mothers, we visited the World War Two museum and it was incredible! Very impressive and a great way to spend a rainy morning. Once the clouds parted it was time to head over to Bourbon Street and see what the fuss was about. Since we were there to see my Detroit Lions play the Saints, it was so much fun seeing so many Lions fans enjoying the party. I even brought some Lions beads for my crew!
The music was amazing and calling from every open door! A few people came up to take pictures with me and I was mistaken for “The Man Himself “ Steve Gleason, many times. Probably because we’re both so incredibly handsome! But we introduced ourselves and made new friends everywhere we went. For a quadriplegic, I always feel a little vulnerable, especially in a new place, but everyone was so kind and respectful that we had the time of our lives. Between Lions fans, Saints fans, and people just being generous, I don’t think I paid for a drink all weekend.
The next day, Sunday, was more of the same! As we walked to the Superdome, the crowds grew larger and the excitement was palpable. And still the hospitality continued ! Go here, go there, cut in line and make way… and then we were in! So much fun ! We immediately set out to find the Steve Statue and walked all the way around the stadium (only to realize we were right next to it and looking the wrong way) duh. But we found it and bonded a little with the city and The Man Himself and took a few pictures. Since we were guests I won’t spend any time gloating about the Lions, but WOW, what a great game!
Then we had dinner at some ridiculously cool restaurant called Muriel’s. Over the top great! Ran to catch the last jazz cruise of the weekend and had the boat to ourselves. Just beautiful! Absolutely stunning, and the Irish coffees were pretty good too.
As we wandered around trying (not very hard) to get back to our hotel, we found a hole in the wall bar called the Chart Room and I insisted on a night cap. Turns out the lions fans had the same idea and we started making more new friends! To top off the trip in a way that only New Orleans could manage, a local guy went to grab his guitar and we sat on the sidewalk with a beverage and listened to one of the greatest guitarists I have ever heard.
Amen!
Thanks, Emily for putting this together.
Thank you, Steve and Team Gleason for the opportunity.
Thank you, New Orleans for showing us the true meaning of southern hospitality!
Gratefully,
Scott Craig
Typed with my eyes
Adventure Details:
FLIGHT: American Airlines, Tulsa → Dallas → New Orleans
LODGING: Residence Inn New Orleans French Quarter | Mobility Accessible Room with Roll-in Shower
