As a travel writer since 1977, Candy Harrington has been writing about accessible travel exclusively since 1996. She’s the founding editor of Emerging Horizons, and the author of the popular Barrier-Free Travel national park series. With thousands of bylines to her credit, Candy hits the road often, in search of new accessible travel finds. Candy and her travel photographer husband Charles Pannell reside in NE Washington, where they tend to their chicken flock and enjoy a rural lifestyle.
A must-stop along Interstate 40 is the Giant Kachina in Gallup, NM. At one time this classic Route 66 icon welcomed weary travelers to Gallup, but sadly the welcome signs are gone today. Just take exit 22 from Interstate 40, drive north on Ford Drive, then make a left on Montoya Boulevard. The statue is on the right, next door to the Fire Prevention Office, There’s plenty of room to park, and a nice level area to get out and take in this beauty. There are even a few covered picnic tables in the parking lot if you’d like to take a longer break. And while you’re in the area, don’t miss the historic El Rancho Hotel emerginghorizons.com/giant-kachina.
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
In 1993 Artist Olin Calk crafted this Recycled Roadrunner at the Las Cruces Foothills Landfill, out of junk salvaged from the dump. It was meant to call attention to “consumption, recycling, and just looking at stuff we throw away.” In 2001 the old junk was stripped away and replaced with new junk, and the bird was relocated to a rest area off Interstate 10. Sadly the harsh desert climate took a toll on the old bird, and in 2014 it was once again refurbished. This time the bird was covered with “new salvage” from recycling centers and thrift stores.
Today the 20-foot tall and 40-foot long Recycled Roadrunner is once again an icon along Interstate 10. Although you can see it from the highway, you can only get a closer look at it from the eastbound rest area. Just take exit 135 and follow the road around to the picnic shelters. Accessible parking is available near the restrooms, and the best view of the roadrunner can be had from the first picnic shelter. Alternatively you can roll out on the dirt for a better view (watch for rattle snakes), but the optimal view of this work of art is actually from afar.
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Factory Tours offer a fun peek into the manufacturing process, and many even give out free samples and substantial discounts at their factory stores. And although not all areas of many factories are wheelchair-accessible, more and more companies are making their factory tours doable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Additionally, factory tours are easy on the the wallet, as many are low-cost or free. With that in mind, here are some fun wheelchair-accessible factory tours across the US.
At the top of the list of wheelchair-accessible factory tours is Ben & Jerry’s in rural Waterbury, Vermont. This fun tour chronicles the story of childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, and details how they started their business by taking a correspondence course on ice cream making.
Accessible parking is available near the information booth (just follow the signs), but if you can’t do distances, there is a drop-off point in front of the main building. There is level access to the lobby, and a wheelchair is available for loan at the tour desk. The entire tour is wheelchair-accessible, with level access to all areas.
The 30-minute tour begins with a movie about the history of the company, then continues to the mezzanine viewing walkway. Although you don’t go directly in the factory, you get a good birds-eye view of the ice cream making process from this overhead vantage point. There are free samples at the end of the tour, but if you’d like more than a sample, there’s a scoop shop outside. And although it’s not on the tour, be sure and visit the Flavor Graveyard outside. There is a small charge for this popular tour, and it’s a good idea to get your tickets online to avoid disappointment.
Hyundai
www.hmmausa.com
For a look at how Hyundai and Genesis vehicles are made, make sure and take the Hyundai Factory Tour in Montgomery, Alabama. There’s plenty of accessible parking in the visitors lot, with level access to the visitors center, where you’ll find a display of newly minted Hyundai and Genesis vehicles.
The 1.5-hour tour begins with a short movie, after which visitors are escorted to a wheelchair-accessible tram. Head sets and safety glasses are issued to everyone, and then the tram begins its trek through the factory. Along the way the tour guide explains the production process as the tram weaves through the stamping shop, welding shop, general assembly shop and engine shop. The tour ends with a short trip out to the test track. It’s a very interesting tour, and although it’s free, advance reservations are required. The tours are offered during the days on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and in the evenings on Thursdays. Sorry folks, no free samples on this one.
Next up on our list of wheelchair-accessible factory tours is Abita Brewery. Located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, this Louisiana mainstay brews a healthy selection of craft beers and craft sodas.
There is level access to the factory, except the bottling room, which has one step. Still you can get a good look at the bottling process without entering the bottling room. The informative tour last 30 minutes, after which visitors can enjoy a pint in the Tap Room. Alternatively the family-friendly tour offers a walk or roll through the craft soda section of the brewery. This 20-minute tour offers a close-up look at the brewing process, and includes samples of the sodas brewed there. As with the craft beer tour, this tour also offers good wheelchair access.
There is a charge for both tours, and although tickets are available in advance, spots are also held for walk-ups on every tour. These guided tours are held daily in the afternoons, except on Christmas and Thanksgiving. Closed toes shoes are required for all tours.
If you’ve ever wondered how jelly beans are made, than a trip the the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield, California is a must. There’s a small charge for this self-guided tour, but advance reservations are not required. Accessible parking is available in front, with level access to the building. And if you can’t manage the short walk from the parking lot, there’s also a drop-off area near the front door.
All areas on the self-guided tour are wheelchair-accessible, with an elevator up to the second floor gallery that circles the plant. Employees are stationed along the way to answer questions, and videos detail the whole production process. There are even lowered windows in the viewing gallery, so wheelchair-users get an excellent view of everything.
The sugary confections start out as slurry which is poured into molds to create the jelly bean centers. The centers are then transferred to spinning drums filled with sugar to form the hard outer shell. Finally the beans are polished in another set of drums filled with syrup. After all that, they are stamped with the Jelly Belly logo, packaged and sent on their way.
After the tour visitors can browse through the art gallery, which contains jelly bean mosaics of presidents, rock stars and fashion icons, have a jelly bean shaped burger in the cafeteria, or try some fudge in the chocolate shop. And don’t forget to pick up some tasty treats in the gift shop.
Last but not least on our roundup of wheelchair-accessible factory tours is the Tillamook Creamery. Originally established as a cheese shop in the 1950s, this Oregon cheese factory has offered free tours since 1968. And although it’s probably the most touristed attraction in town, it’s still worth a stop.
There’s plenty of accessible parking in front, with level access to the building. The self-guided factory tour starts in the Farm Exhibit Hall, which focuses on the basics of cow care by Tillamook farmers. After that, visitors take the elevator to the second floor gallery, which offers an expansive view of the factory floor. Videos and touch screen presentations help describe the production process, as the cheese is transported from station to station on conveyor belts. Visitors are able to view the whole process from start to finish, after which they they head back downstairs for a sample of the finished product.
There is level access to the first-floor sample buffet, where you can try the many different varieties of Tillamook cheese. And if you’d like to take home some cheese, there’s also a cheese shop nearby. There’s level access to the adjacent restaurant which features a variety of cheesy treats. And don’t forget to stop by the ice cream counter to order a scoop of Tillamook ice cream. It’s the perfect way to top off a Tillamook Creamery visit.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Road trips are an excellent vacation choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. They offer the freedom to motor through the countryside at your own pace, and stop whenever you want. There’s no tour group to keep up with, no mandatory stops at oddball attractions, and no worries about personality conflicts with other tour participants. You can go wherever you want, and do whatever you choose on a road trip. Additionally, road trips are a great way to explore small towns that are often overlooked on large group tours. Of course road tips require some serious planning and advance research, so here are some tips to help you plan a wheelchair accessible road trip (emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-road-trip-tips/)
Half the fun of a road trip is stopping at quirky roadside attractions along the way. It’s a great way to take a break, get off the highway and get some fresh air. And although you’ll probably not find these fun and funky stops splattered across the pages of high end travel magazines, they are all great spots to take a break and enjoy the local color. So here’s a fun assortment of wheelchair-accessible roadside attractions to consider for your next getaway.
Although California’s Central Valley can be dreary during winter, the migrant Sandhill Cranes have an entirely different view of it. To them it’s paradise; as it boasts abundant food, a temperate climate and a suitable habitat. It has everything a Sandhill Crane could want. That’s why every September they hit the Pacific Flyway in droves, and head south to their winter nirvana – the marshes and wetlands near Lodi, California. And although they have specific habitat requirements, they’re easy to find if you know where to look.
Consumnes River Preserve
Sandhill Cranes at the Consumnes River Preserve
Located between San Francisco and Stockton, just off Interstate 5, the Consumnes River Preserve (www.cosumnes.org) is an excellent place to spot the wintering cranes. It makes a great day trip from San Francisco or even a nice diversion on a longer road trip.
If you’re traveling south on Interstate 5, take the Twin Cities exit, turn east and drive for a mile until you reach Franklin Boulevard. Turn south on Franklin Boulevard, drive 1.7 miles and look for the visitor center on your left. Northbound traffic should take the Walnut Grove -Thornton Road exit, turn east on Thornton Road and drive for about 2 miles. You’ll spot the visitor center on your right, just after you cross the Thornton-Franklin Bridge.
There’s plenty of accessible parking in the upper lot next to the visitor center, and ramped access to the front entrance. Inside you’ll find a number of interpretive exhibits, along with an information desk. The building itself overlooks a wetlands area, and there are also several accessible picnic tables on the deck.
Wetlands Walk
Wetlands Walk at the Consumnes River Preserve
Directly behind the visitor center, you’ll find the trailhead for the Wetlands Walk. This one-mile loop begins with a boardwalk though the wetlands, then continues on a paved level trail. There are several viewing areas along the way, and also a secluded accessible picnic table after the first boardwalk. Near the end of the loop, a half-mile boardwalk branches off to the right. It’s wide, level and nicely accessible, with a large viewing platform that overlooks the marsh. It’s an excellent place to spot Great Egrets, Northern Pintails, Red Winged Blackbirds, Turkey Vultures and — in season — Sandhill Cranes.
And if you just want to enjoy the boardwalk, but can’t manage the Wetlands Walk, there’s also accessible parking by the boardwalk next to an accessible pit toilet. This parking area is located north of the Visitor Center on the opposite side of Franklin Boulevard.
It should be noted that the rangers close the boardwalk at dusk, as it’s a favorite night roosting spot for the Sandhill Cranes. That said, the best time to visit this area is early evening, just before dusk, as it’s a beehive of activity then. Visitors are welcome to bring lawn chairs and just sit back and enjoy the show.
After the boardwalk, the Wetlands Walk winds past one final viewing platform and returns to the visitor center. Alternatively, if you’d just like to check out the last viewing platform, there’s also accessible parking and an accessible vault toilet in the lower parking lot at the visitor center. From there, a level sidewalk leads across Franklin Boulevard to the platform.
Woodbridge Ecological Reserve — The Basics
Another good place to get a look at the Sandhill Cranes is at Woodbridge Ecological Reserve (www.wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Woodbridge-ER ), which is located just south of the Consumnes River Preserve. To get there, follow Franklin Road south to Woodbridge Road, then turn east. The reserve is divided into two sites, across the street from each other — the North Unit and the South Unit.
The South Unit is open to the public, but the North Unit can only be visited on docent-led tours. A CDFW Lands Pass is required to visit either unit, for all visitors 16 years of age and older. You do not need a pass if you have a valid California hunting or fishing license. You can purchase a CDFW Lands Pass online at ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/, then print it out prior to your visit.
Visit Woodbridge Ecological Reserve
The South Unit of the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve has accessible parking near the entrance gates, and a short cement path out to a viewing area that overlooks a wetlands area. It’s a great vantage point to spot the cranes, and there are also a few benches there; however for the optimal Sandhill Crane viewing experience, try to visit right before dusk. For the best daytime crane viewing, continue along Woodbridge Road, and look for the birds feeding in the surrounding farmland.
The North Unit of the reserve can only be seen on guided tours, which are held during the Sandhill Crane wintering season. Advance reservations are required for these docent-led tours, which begin 90 minutes before sunset. The tours begin at the South Unit, with a brief presentation. Afterwards, participants drive to the North Unit in their own vehicles, to view the birds from an accessible shelter. Since there’s very little walking involved, it’s a great option for wheelchair-users. Slow walkers, or folks who have trouble standing for a few hours may want to bring a camp chair. More information about these tours — when available — can be found on the reserve website.
Finally, if you happen to be in the area in early November, be sure and check out the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival (emerginghorizons.com/enjoy-the-lodi-sandhill-crane-festival/). It’s a full weekend filled with presentations, art, speakers and tours. Not only will you learn more about the Sandhill Cranes, but you’ll also be able to take special tours to see the cranes descend en masse to their overnight roosts. It’s a great addition to any Central Valley birdwatching visit.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
In days of yore, visitors would flock to Yosemite on summer evenings to witness the splendor of the Yosemite Firefall. A naturalist’s nightmare in this day and age, the 1960s firefall was created by park concessionaires tossing a burning rubbish pile off of Glacier Point. And to the delighted crowd gathered below, it appeared as if a fire waterfall was tumbling down over the rock face. For obvious reasons this ritual is no longer performed.
That said, today park visitors can experience a more natural — and just as spectacular — version of a firefall at Horsetail Fall. Every February when this waterfall is backlit near sunset, a vibrant orange glow emanates and mimics the appearance of a waterfall on fire — minus the rubbish pile. And although conditions have to be just right to witness this natural phenomenon, the firefall attracts visitors in droves for the possible opportunity. Of course whenever there are crowds, there are also rules and regulations. So here’s what you need to know — including where to find the accessible viewing areas — to experience the Horsetail Fall lightshow.
Yosemite Firefall Basics
There are several basic requirements for a good Yosemite Firefall. First and foremost you have to have water. A good fall rainfall is helpful for a robust firefall.
Second, you need clear skies so the sun can reflect off the granite behind the waterfall. And although this is up to Mother Nature, it also helps to keep an eye on the weather. If it’s overcast, cloudy or foggy, it will probably be a no-go. Of course you have to hit it at the right time of day — sunset — for an optimum firefall experience. Sunset times range from 5:30 PM to 5:51 PM from February 8 to February 28.
Finally, there’s the location. The best place to view Horsetail Fall is near the El Capitan Picnic Area. Best bet is to try and snag a parking spot at Yosemite Falls, and walk 1.5 miles on Northside Drive to the viewing area. If Yosemite Falls parking is full, park in Yosemite Village or Curry Village and take the free shuttle to Yosemite Falls.
Even if you can’t manage the level walk, you can still enjoy this majestic show. Although one lane of Northside Drive will be closed to accommodate the large number of pedestrians, people with an accessible parking placard are allowed to drive to and park in the El Capitan Picnic Area. They are also allowed to park in any of the turnouts on the north side of Northside Drive. That said, it’s important to note that on busy weekends, Northside Drive may close completely for about an hour after the firefall. And if nature calls, remember there’s an accessible vault toilet in the El Capitan Picnic Area.
Reservation Information
Due to the popularity of the Yosemite Firefall, park entrance reservations are required for the following weekends in 2025.
February 8-9
February 22-23 (Presidents’ Day Weekend)
February 24–25
These reservations are required even if you don’t plan to visit Horsetail Fall. Reservations can be made online at www.recreation.gov, and although there is no fee for the reservation, there is a $2 service charge. Entrance fees are not included with the reservations, and you need a reservation even if you have a national park entrance pass (emerginghorizons.com/how-to-get-a-lifetime-national-park-pass/). The reservations are valid for seven days.
If you arrive at the park Monday through Friday (except Monday February 17) and then leave, you will not need a reservation to gain re-entry on the following weekend, as long as you have your park entrance receipt. Pedestrians, cyclists and people who ride YARTS will not need an entry reservation. Additionally, people who have lodging or camping reservations in the park or in Wawona, Yosemite West or Foresta will not need a reservation. No walk-in camping will be available in February.
Unlike the summer entrance reservations of previous summers, these entrance reservations are required 24 hours a day. Vehicles arriving without entrance reservations on the specified weekends will be turned away. Visitors are allowed to book one reservation, and the person named on the reservation must be in the vehicle. Be sure to print our your reservation, and be prepared to show your ID at the park gate.
Fifty percent of the entrance reservations were released on November 18, 2024, and are available on a first-come basis. The remaining reservations will be released at 8 AM PDT two days prior to the reservation date. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/yose.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Located 120 miles south of San Francisco, Carmel-by-the-Sea simply oozes charm. This one-square-mile European-style village boasts Bavarian architecture, quaint shops, galleries of all sorts, and one of the most beautiful beaches in Northern California. Often described as a storybook setting, this Northern California enclave is the perfect place to unplug, relax and recharge. And there’s no better lodging choice than Hofsas House — a historic property with modern access upgrades and an owner with the right attitude.
Hofsas House
Located just a few blocks from the town center, Hofsas House (www.hofsashouse.com) is a great lodging pick for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Although this property dates back to 1947, owner Carrie Theis has proactively made access upgrades over the years. And thanks to her efforts, guests with mobility disabilities can now truly enjoy this Carmel-by-the-Sea gem.
Although there are two steps up to the front office (and absolutely no room for a ramp), Carrier offers in-car registration for guests with mobility disabilities. After that, you can drive around and parallel park right in front of accessible room 37. And if you need help, luggage assistance is also available. There are a few slight half-inch lips along the pathway to the room, but all-in-all it’s pretty doable.
Access features in the room include wide doorways, good pathway access, and level access out to the spacious back balcony. Since the property is built into the hillside, this street level room is actually on the third floor, so there’s a great ocean view from the balcony. There is wheelchair-access to both sides of the 25-inch high open-frame king-sized bed, and the room is furnished with two easy chairs, a small table, a microwave and a refrigerator,
The bathroom has a full five-foot turning radius, and it’s equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. The toilet has grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated); and there’s a roll-under sink with a very spacious counter located just outside the bathroom.
Bottom line — it’s a comfortable room with good access and a great view.
(click image to enlarge)
Room 37 at Hofsas House
Toilet and Shower in room 37 at Hofsas House
Vanity in room 37 at Hofsas House
But Wait — There’s More!
Of course there’s more to Hofsas House than just the room — they also go above and beyond in the service department too. For example, since there are two steps up into the hotel lobby (where the Continental breakfast is served), Carrie will happily arrange for breakfast delivery to your room if you can’t manage the steps.
In the end, Carrie is constantly finding ways to make her historic property more accessible. Previously the pool area was not accessible to wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Now, thanks to Carrie, there’s an accessible path to the pool from the lower parking area, and the pool also has a lift. So now everyone can enjoy some pool fun.
Says Carrie, “If we can accommodate folks, we will; but I encourage people to call us and discuss their access needs, so we can provide them with the right room.” A long-time business owner in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carrie adds, “I know every property in town, and if our place won’t work, I will suggest one that will.”
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
I have a accessible parking placard that was issued to me in CA, and I’d like to take a few road trips out of state. First I’d like to hit the road and travel across the US and visit some national parks along the way. After I have the hang of a road trip, I’d like to fly to Europe, rent a car and explore Germany, Austria and Switzerland. My one big question is, can I use my parking placard in other US states as well as in Europe, or do I need to get other permits? Also can you tell me where I can find out about accessible parking regulations in Europe?
Using an Accessible Parking Placard in the US
For the most part, a parking placard issued in any US state is good in all 50 states. The one big exception to this rule is New York City. Although out-of-state placards are good in New York state, you cannot use them to park on the street in New York City. You can however use out-of-state placards in accessible spaces in off-street lots in New York City.
In order to park on the street in New York City, you need a New York City Parking Permit for People with Disabilities (NYC PPPD). This permit allows people with a severe permanent disability to park at most curbside locations in New York City. It is available to both city residents and non-city residents who have a severe disability that affects their ability to walk. This permit is generally for people who are unable use public transportation, and require the use of a private vehicle.
In order to obtain a NYC PPPD your disability must be certified by your personal physician, as well as a New York City physician designated by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Medical Certification Unit. For more information about the NYC PPPD, visit nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/pppdinfo.shtml.
Your parking placard is also valid in Europe, so definitely take it with you. In 1997 the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) passed Resolution No. 97/4, on Reciprocal Recognition of Parking Badges for Persons with Mobility Handicaps. As of Jan. 1, 1999, travelers from associate countries, including the USA and Canada, are also included in this resolution.
The resolution requires permit holders to “display a document that shows the international symbol for persons with disabilities, as well as the name of the holder of the document,” in order to receive reciprocal parking privileges in ECMT countries. And most European countries honor this reciprocal agreement.
Accessible parking rules and regulations vary from country to country, but disabledmotorists.eu/en/home/ offers a good overview of the major rules in the different European countries. It also gives a state-by-state over view of the accessible parking regulations in all 50 US states. It’s a great resource to consult before you hit the road.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Downtown Dillsboro, North Carolina, in Jackson County
Although Jackson County North Carolina may look a little rugged at first glance, there are plenty of accessible options for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Located in the southwest corner of the the state, this county includes the mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylvia. And thanks to the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority, this area now boasts an online Jackson County Access Guide.
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking mountain views, magnificent waterfalls, and secluded fishing holes in this often overlooked slice of North Carolina. And this access guide highlights accessible attractions, fishing spots, waterfalls and lodging choices. Even better, the access guide includes descriptions of the sites — including possible barriers — instead of just saying that something is or isn’t accessible. That way visitors can decide for themselves if an attraction will work for them. So check out the Jackson County Access Guide at discoverjacksonnc.com/attractions/accessibility/ and start planning your trip to this scenic North Carolina mountain region.
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Have you ever become frustrated at not being able to find wheelchair-accessible taxis in New York City? Well, your not alone. And this problem goes back decades. In 2011 a group of disabled advocates finally got together and decided to do something about it. At that time only 2% of active taxi medallions were assigned to accessible vehicles in New York City. So a class action lawsuit was filed against the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) for their failure to adequately provide wheelchair-accessible taxis in New York City.
Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis in New York City Ruling
And the result of this litigation was a groundbreaking settlement agreement on May 30, 2014. The settlement agreement required the TLC to make at least 50% of its fleet wheelchair-accessible by 2020. And 2020 seemed like a long way away in 2014. Six years later when the deadline rolled around, guess what? Only 42% of New York City cabs were wheelchair accessible.
So off to court they went again. This time the plaintiffs (Taxis for All, Dr. Simi Linton, United Spinal Association and the 504 Democratic Club) filed a motion to enforce the original agreement, while the TLC filed a motion to be relieved of it’s obligations under the agreement.
And the result was a decision that was released on August 29, 2024. The TLC was ordered to make 100% of all new taxis wheelchair-accessible, until that original 50% requirement is met. The plaintiffs also asked for a “Special Master” to be appointed to “determine what additional steps defendants can and should take to accelerate the accessibility of yellow taxis.” This was denied; however the judge stated that they may renew this request if the TLC fails to meet the Active Medallion Requirement by March 31, 2025.
So although access to taxis in New York City has greatly improved since 2011, it still has a ways to go. Thanks to all the advocates and their counsel (Disability Rights Advocates and the law firm of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter and Hampton) for pushing forward for this much needed access.
827 Montoya Boulevard
