Draft:Two Chicks Walking Tours

  • Comment: Please make sure to fix the reference templates.
    The tone is still very promotional. bonadea contributions talk 17:35, 22 July 2024 (UTC)
  • Comment: this has a very promotional tone. Theroadislong (talk) 15:52, 5 November 2023 (UTC)

Two Chicks Walking Tours is a New Orleans based walking tour company operating since 2014. Two Chicks Walking Tours showcases the city’s diverse neighborhoods to locals and visitors alike as part of the travel and tourism trade. Staff includes archivists, city planners, preservationists and authors.

History

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Two Chicks Walking Tours was founded by Loyola University New Orleans graduate Christine Miller in 2014. Miller was inspired by Dr. Stephen Ambrose during her time at the National WW2 Museum to view history on a more personal level and share stories from a variety of perspectives. Miller initially gave tours casually developing her skills and obtaining a city permit. What started informally evolved into a small business as Miller began to produce regularly scheduled activities and employ a roster of tour guides. A specialized catalog of experiences emerged encompassing themes often overlooked by larger companies such as the history of the sex trade as well as burlesque. Early offerings included cemetery tours of Saint Louis #1 and Lafayette Cemetery #1. Central to the business model is sustainability as supported by smaller guest counts which result in a less intrusive presence in the neighborhoods.

During the COVID-19 pandemic Miller was approached by the US Chamber of Commerce to comment as a small business owner navigating the global pandemic.

"COVID devastated my business and my industry. Walking tours were not in the same league as, let's say, pharmacies or groceries. I initially grappled with canceling tours, refunded all sales for future activities plus communicated with my employees on the various operational concerns. At this time, I'm the only person left and with the inconsistent business environment, I haven't resumed leading tours. I plan to return when public safety concerns are managed. I'm currently focusing some energy on developing my social media presence and researching new content for future tours. The future of my business relies on the enduring spirit of New Orleans and I have no doubt that visitors will return."[1]

Since travel restrictions were lifted, Two Chicks Walking Tours has resumed daily operations.

As of 2024, Miller still serves as CEO and leads tours while Two Chicks Walking Tours employs expert guides from related fields of study.

Tours

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Two Chicks Walking Tours provides primarily historical walking tours through the French Quarter and Garden District neighborhoods.[2] Tours focus on a range of topics including the unique building and architectural style of New Orleans visiting notable structures with Greek Revival and Italianate details by well known local architects such as Henry Howard and James Gallier.

Evening tours trace the social history of prostitution from the founding of the city through the Storyville District and beyond. Subjects such as infamous Madams such as Lulu White and Josie Arlington are highlighted for their enduring legacy.

Tours typically meet near major tourist attractions to orient guests and educate them on the rich cultural heritage of the Crescent City.[3] Each year hundreds of public tours are scheduled. Custom tour programs are custom designed for individuals and organizations such as the American Battlefield Trust.

Awards

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Best New Orleans Tours - US News and World Report[4]

Two Chicks Walking Tours has received the 2024 Travellers Choice Award from Tripadvisor.[5]

Earned Media

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Harper's Bazaar recommended Two Chicks for their storytellers who have an impressive knowledge of local myths, legends and facts, communicated in an engaging way.[6]

Marie Claire recommends Two Chicks Walking Tours for their small-groups, in small groups you can really make the most of your guide's knowledge.[7]

Southern Living recommends Two Chicks Walking Tours to guide you through the French Quarter or the mansions of the Garden District.[8]

Travel Guide Book Inclusion

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Frommer’s included Two Chicks Walking Tours on their "New Orleans Organized Tours" listing saying the tour company adds a dollop of sass to their tours,and are informative and entertaining.[9]

Travel Magazine Inclusion

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AFAR mentioned Two Chicks Walking Tours as a walking tour of the Garden District’s historic landmarks in their Aug. 2023 issue.[10]

Sunday Times Travel Magazine – June 2019

References

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  1. ^ {{Cite web|url=https://www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/growth-studio/impact-of-coronavirus-small-business-owner-interview
  2. ^ {{Cite web|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Garden-District-insights-Two-Chicks-walking-tour
  3. ^ Cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107230703/http://www.neworleanscvb.com/static/index.cfm/contentID/555/sectionID/1/subsectionID/0
  4. ^ {{Cite web|url=https://travel.usnews.com/features/the-best-new-orleans-tours
  5. ^ "Two Chicks Walking Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)". Tripadvisor.
  6. ^ {{Cite web|url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/travel/a24848851/new-orleans-city-guide/
  7. ^ {{Cite web|url=https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/life/travel/new-orleans-travel-guide-593384
  8. ^ {{Cite web|url=https://www.southernliving.com/travel/romantic-winter-getaways-every-southern-state
  9. ^ {{Cite web|url=https://www.frommers.com/destinations/new-orleans/organized-tours
  10. ^ {{Cite web|url=https://www.afar.com/magazine/new-orleans-garden-district-guide-what-to-see-eat-and-do
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