New Orleans, LA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/23/2016 -- Following recent acts of vandalism, The Archdiocese of New Orleans mandates permitted licensed tour guides and their groups into popular cemetery. In response, Nola Tour Guy is crafting the only free tour service in the French Quarter.
In March 2015 of last year, one of New Orleans' most historic cemeteries and the burial place of Marie Laveau became restricted to visitors–only an accompanied tourist would be allowed into the St. Louis Cemetery by a licensed tour guide. While many tour guide service in New Orleans have emerged since then, Nola Tour Guy has reinvented the idea of tour services with a "pay as you feel" model for tourist groups.
As it stands, licensed tour guides have to register with the archdiocese and pay $1 per person they bring into the cemetery. This money goes towards preserving the cemetery. This particular business model is one that owner David G. Hedges fully supports.
"I wanted to share my passion with those that have come to New Orleans as a traveler– but many existing tour companies are out of state and offered only a cookie cutter, watered-down version of New Orleans' unique history," comments Hedges. "My walking tour gives people real insight into the background of the French Quarter: the oldest and most vibrant neighborhood in the city."
The St. Louis Cemetery is a 2-hour walking tour of the over 300-year-old and most popular New Orleans cemetery. The tour covers the complete background of the French Quarter which includes:
Pirates Alley
Jackson Square including The Cabildo and The Presbytere
Royal Street
History of Bourbon Street and Storyville
Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner Homes
Historic St. Louis Cemetery Number 1 including–the tombs of Notable New Orleanians Marie Laveau and Homer Plessy
Following the tour, Nola Tour Guy ask guests to generously tip their guides, typically between $10-20 a person to help keep the tour and business operational, with a portion going back to pay the archdiocese for each permitted cemetery guest brought in by the guide.
The tour is scheduled to run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11AM with the starting point at La Divina Gelataria at 621 St. Peter Street. Reservations are required for admission to the walking tour in New Orleans and can be made directly at: http://www.nolatourguy.com/book-a-tour/.
About David G. Hedges
David G. Hedges is an adventurous, fun-loving Chicago native who considers New Orleans his true home. At the age of 19, David traveled to New Orleans via hitchhiking and freight trains despite not knowing anyone in the city. He quickly became enamored with New Orleans and after finishing up college in Chicago, decided to move there permanently. In 2011, David pursued his tour guide license and started his own tour company. Nola Tour Guy was born, imparting captivating history with grace and good humor that gives real depth to a complex, diverse city. Hedges aims to make these tours fun and engaging for those visiting New Orleans.
For media inquiries regarding Nola Tour Guy, individuals are encouraged to contact founder David G. Hedges directly at (504) 300-9489 or via email at nolatourguy@gmail.com.
To learn more about the company, please visit: http://www.nolatourguy.com.
David G. Hedges
Owner
Nola Tour Guy
2454 N. Galvez
New Orleans, Louisiana
(504) 300-9489
nolatourguy@gmail.com
http://www.nolatourguy.com