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.
Population 27,008
Located just off Highway 55 in Northern Mississippi, Oxford is an excellent place to get a little dose of art and culture. As the former home of William Faulkner, the author’s Rowan Oak (www.rowanoak.com) mansion tops the list of Oxford, Mississippi must-sees. Although parking is usually not allowed on the grounds, an exception is made for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. And the house itself features barrier-free access on the first floor. Next up is the University of Mississippi Museum which also offers barrier-free access, and is home to the David M. Robinson Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities. Last but not least, plan to stop at the L.Q.C. Lamar House — the former home of the famous congressman who is known for his post Civil War reconciliation efforts. There’s ramp access to the restored home, which includes exhibits about the statesman and his politics. It’s a good way to top off any Oxford cultural visit.
Population 1,307
Fanning Springs is a great place to get away from the city. And there’s no better place to stay than in the Fanning Springs State Park (https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fanning-springs-state-park) cabins. One two bedroom cabin is wheelchair-accessible, and it includes a full kitchen and a bathroom with a roll-in shower. It also has a large wrap around screened porch that’s furnished with a picnic table, a swing, three rocking chairs and a small side table. And for added comfort on warm evenings, it’s also equipped with ceiling fans. There’s also an accessible boardwalk that winds through a cypress swamp, just a short walk from the cabin. The Palmetto Nature Trail, which winds through the forest, may also be doable for some wheelchair-users. And don’t’ miss the 32-mile Nature Coast Trail, which features barrier-free access along its length, with a trailhead just across the street for the state park.
I’m planning to fly from San Francisco to Miami to see my sister next year, and I use a manual wheelchair. I have heard such horror stories about wheelchairs being damaged in the baggage compartment, and I’m wondering if I can store a wheelchair in the aircraft cabin? Is this possible and if so, do I need to make advance arrangements to do this.
What the Law Says
Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), US aircraft with 100 or more passenger seats are required to have a priority stowage space for manual wheelchairs. This can be in the onboard closet or strapped to unused seats.
If the stowage space is in the closet, there must be room for one typical adult size folding chair. The dimensions of that space must be at least 13 inches by 36 inches by 42 inches. If the manual wheelchair does not fit in the prescribed area while it is fully assembled, the wheels or other components may be removed to make it fit. The removal must be done without any tools, and afterwards you can store the removed components with your carry-on luggage.
It should be noted that wheelchair stowage takes priority over all other items, including crew luggage; and it’s the crew’s responsibility to move their luggage and clear the space.
The airline can also opt to use the seat strapping method to stow a manual wheelchair in the aircraft cabin. If this method is used, there must be room for two manual wheelchairs.
At the Airport
There’s no advance notice required to store a wheelchair on the airplane, but it should be noted that priority wheelchair stowage space is only guaranteed if you preboard the aircraft. If you board during general boarding, you will have to compete with the other passengers for the onboard storage space, so it’s extremely important that you preboard.
Additionally, since there is only one wheelchair stowage space per aircraft in the onboard closet, it pays to be the first one to board the aircraft. So don’t wander away from the boarding area, and when boarding time approaches, make sure you are visible to the crew, so you won’t be forgotten.
It’s also important to note that wheelchairs or any other assistive devices are not counted as carry-on luggage.
If you encounter any problems when you ask to store a wheelchair in the aircraft cabin — such as the crew refusing to relocate their luggage — don’t hesitate to ask for the Complaints Resolution Official (CRO). These airline employees are trained to handle disability-related problems, and they will make sure that the ACAA rules are followed. For more information about the CRO, visit emerginghorizons.com/flying-with-a-wheelchair-remember-the-cro/.
Once the headquarters of the Santa Fe Railway, Las Vegas, New Mexico has undergone a cultural rebirth. After the railway offices relocated from Las Vegas to Albuquerque in 2007, merchants moved away, and businesses suffered. Soon shuttered buildings lined the streets, while grand old gems fell into disrepair.
Then in 2014 local developer Allan Affeldt purchased two deteriorated properties — the Plaza Hotel and the Castaneda Hotel. His talented team quickly set to work to restore the properties, and soon other businesses jumped on the restoration bandwagon. As a result, today Las Vegas is the perfect road trip stop for anyone interested in railway history, the Santa Fe Trail, or the old west. And thanks to the inclusive thinking of Affeldt’s design team, wheelchair-users and slow walkers can also explore this historic railroad town.
Railroad History 101
The best place to begin a Las Vegas, New Mexico visit is at the historic train depot. Constructed in 1899 the current red brick building replaces the former 1881 wood structure. In 2000 the depot underwent a complete rehabilitation as part of a $1.2 million project; and it was subsequently featured the movie, All the Pretty Horses.
In addition to the Amtrak waiting room, the depot also houses a visitor information center. There’s accessible parking in front, with barrier-free access to the depot. Take some time to look around the trackside of the building after checking out the restored interior. Then pick up a map and head out to explore the city.
Before you hop back in your car, follow the brick walkway on the trackside of the depot over to the Castaneda Hotel (emerginghorizons.com/the-castaneda-hotel-a-wheelchair-accessible-harvey-house/) next door. From there an accessible pathway winds around to the side, where there’s ramp access up to this renovated 1898 Harvey House. Even if you don’t spend the night, take some time to explore the stately lobby, or stop in to have a drink at the bar. Train buffs will also want to consult the Amtrak schedule, as the Southwest Chief still stops in Las Vegas, New Mexico twice daily.
The Castaneda Hotel In Las Vegas, New Mexico
Don’t miss the restored Rawlins Building, which is located across the street from the Castaneda Hotel. Once a Harvey Girls dormitory, this 1898 gem now houses upstairs apartments and a downstairs retail space. And the outside of the building boasts an impressive restored Mesker sheet metal facade.
A Blast From the Past
City of Las Vegas Museum and Rough Rider Memorial Collection
For a good primer on the background and lifestyle of some of Las Vegas’ more colorful settlers, stop in at the City of Las Vegas Museum and Rough Rider Memorial Collection (www.visitlasvegasnm.com/things-to-do/rough-rider-museum/), which is just a short drive from the Castaneda Hotel. Accessible parking is located on the side of the building, with barrier-free access to the front door of this 1940 Works Progress Administration Project building.
Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter around the downstairs galleries, which contain exhibits about the city’s past and present residents. From old WWII gear, a model of a typical Northern New Mexican adobe home, to information on the Santa Fe Trail and even an old 1855 bell that once hung in the chapel of La Conception, there’s something for just about everyone in this hometown museum. Top it off with a collection of vintage hats, quilts and fashions, and you have a comprehensive look at Las Vegas of yesteryear.
One of the most interesting galleries in the museum features gear, photographs and documents of Theodore Roosevelt’s 1st US Voluntary Calvary Regiment, also known as the Rough Riders. The collection includes items from the Cuban Campaign of the 1898 Spanish-American War, as well as the first reunion of the unit, which was held in 1899 in Las Vegas. Interestingly enough, Roosevelt was one of the first guests at the newly constructed Castaneda Hotel at that reunion. And don’t miss the touching hand-written letter from Eleanor Roosevelt to the last surviving member of the unit.
Explore the Plaza
Front entry to the Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico
Last but certainly not least, no Las Vegas visit is complete without a stop at historic Plaza Park. Located just a few miles from the Castaneda Hotel, the stately Plaza Hotel (www.plazahotellvnm.com) is the cornerstone building in this historic district. Built in 1882 by land baron Benigno Romero and associates, it was one of the fanciest hotels in the Southwest. Overlooking Plaza Park, the three-story brick structure sports 14-foot ceilings, while fanciful scrolls adorn the plaza-side windows. Although the property was operational when Affeldt purchased it, he preformed needed repairs, added upgrades and expanded the hotel to the adjacent Charles Ilfeld Building.
Take some time to explore the main-floor lobby and public areas of this historic structure, which now has ramp access up to the front door. There’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter around the lobby area; and an accessible family restroom is located near the gift shop. Don’t miss the massive walnut staircase that dominates the lobby, which was where Javier Bardem cornered Woody Harrelson in the 2007 flick No Country for Old Men.
There’s also barrier-free access to The Prairie Hill Cafe, which is located in the hotel. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant features a menu filled with local flavor. Alternatively if you’d like to enjoy an adult beverage, stop by the equally accessible Byron T’s Saloon on the lobby level.
Save some time for a stroll through Plaza Park, which is just across the street from the hotel. Accessible sidewalks crisscross the park, and there are a number of benches to sit and enjoy the ambiance. There are also a few sculptures and a gazebo located in the park. Not only is it a grand people-watching venue, but it’s also a very relaxing way to top off a historic Las Vegas, New Mexico visit.
Barrier-Free Travel
Utah National Parks for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Perched high above the namesake mountain lake, Crater Lake Lodge (explorecraterlake.com) has been welcoming visitors since 1915. And although the historic lodge evokes memories of a kinder and gentler time, this National Register property also boasts modern-day access upgrades. As a result this lakeside retreat is the perfect overnight choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers who want to extend their stay in this scenic national park. So pack your bags and get ready to explore Crater Lake, with an overnight or two at wheelchair-accessible Crater Lake Lodge.
Wheelchair-Accessible Crater Lake Lodge
Crater Lake Lodge
Although steps grace the front entrance, there’s ramp access on the left side of Crater Lake Lodge. Accessible parking is located around the corner near the side door, which is just steps from the accessible room. And there’s also a drop-off area in front, for folks who can’t manage distances.
Inside, there’s plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair around the cavernous lobby, which is dominated by a massive stone fireplace. There’s also a barrier-free pathway to the front desk, and to the accessible room just down the hall.
Accessible room 107 features a wide door with a lowered peephole, and plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair or scooter inside. It’s furnished with a 26-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, a desk with a chair, and a side chair.
Room 107 at Crater Lake Lodge
The bathroom is equipped with a tub/shower combination with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down tub bench. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and the bathroom also has a roll-under sink. And like the bedroom, the bathroom is very spacious, with plenty of room for a wheelchair or scooter.
Bathroom in room 107 at Crater Lake Lodge
Additionally, in keeping with the ambiance of days gone by, the guest room is pleasantly devoid of a phone and a television — as are the remaining guest rooms.
Pleasant Public Areas
There’s also good access to the public areas of the lodge, including the great hall, the terrace and the dining room. Guests can enjoy a selection of beverages, appetizers, soups, salads and desserts in the great hall or on the terrace; or indulge in a full menu of Northwest specialties in the dining room.
The terrace offers the best views of the lake, but you’ll also get an eyeful if you snag a window table in the dining room. And for an even better view of the lake, take a stroll on the accessible paved trail behind the lodge. Just take the ramp down from the terrace, and you’re good to go.
Even if you don’t spend the night, Crater Lake Lodge is definitely worth a stop. Sit back and enjoy a cocktail on the terrace and watch the sunset over the lake. It’s the perfect — and very accessible — way to end a day at this scenic Oregon national park. Keep in mind though that wheelchair-accessible Crater Lake Lodge is only open from May to October, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Sunset view from the terrace at Crater Lake Lodge
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Barry Dobner was looking forward to his birthday vacation in Greece with his wife and a friend. Sadly he never got further than the Manchester airport. Dobner, who is 79 years old, uses a wheelchair due to a stroke. And according to the Dobners, they informed easyJet of this when they made their booking.
And it all seemingly went well when they boarded their flight in Manchester, as Dobner received the required assistance to transfer to the aisle chair and then transfer to his aircraft seat. And then this wheelchair-user was denied passage on easyJet.
So how did the issue arise that led to him being deplaned? Well apparently either the flight attendant or a passenger overheard someone in Dobner’s party talking about a portable urinal that was stowed in a carry-on bag. Subsequently a flight attendant approached the Dobner party to question them about it; and his wife subsequently informed the flight attendant that yes, they were indeed carrying a portable urinal.
The flight attendant left, and then returned a few minutes later and asked if Mr. Dobner could walk to the toilet. When he replied that he couldn’t — remember he was boarded in an aisle chair — he was told that he would have to deplane.
So What Happened?
Why was this wheelchair-user denied passage on easyJet?
Well according to easyJet it was because he couldn’t get to the lavatory. Now granted they did have an aisle chair on board the aircraft, but according to easyJet, the flight attendants cannot assist with transfers inflight,. They can however push the aisle chair to the lavatory.
It’s unclear if the flight attendant ever asked Dobner if he could transfer unassisted to the aisle chair. Instead she asked if he could “walk to the bathroom”. And quite frankly those are two total different questions. Although Dobner could not walk to the bathroom, he may have been able to transfer to the aisle chair by himself, or with assistance from someone in his party. But apparently that question wasn’t asked.
Generally speaking most flight attendants don’t ask if you can walk to the bathroom if you board in an aisle chair. But apparently the discovery of the portable urinal escalated the issue, and prompted that discussion.
easyJet subsequently issued an apology to the Dobner party for the denied boarding, and then issued a full refund.
But that doesn’t erase the fact that this incident happened. easyJet has had a number of denied boarding incidents for disabled passengers over the years, so it certainly wouldn’t be my first choice for an airline. That said, if you do fly them, it’s a good idea to keep quiet about the portable urinal you may or may not be carrying.
Play it safe — mums the word, when it comes to a portable urinal. Especially on easyJet! And for more tips about flying with a wheelchair, visit www.EmergingHorizons.
Opened in 1898, the historic Castaneda Hotel (castanedahotel.org) was the flagship property of the newly christened Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railway. After a successful opening of this Las Vegas, New Mexico Harvey House, the railroad proceeded to build more trackside hotels across the Southwest. These properties were run by hospitality entrepreneur Fred Harvey, who successfully operated trackside restaurants along the line. Harvey subsequently recruited Midwestern women to move out west and become Harvey Girls to staff his restaurants. And just like that, the rail travel era in the west was born.
And although the Harvey Houses prospered for decades, the Great Depression and the the rise of the popularity of automobiles ultimately took its toll on the trackside hotel business model. The Castaneda Hotel was closed by the railway in 1948, and sat largely unused for the next 70 years. That’s when a modern-day Fred Harvey — Allan Affeldt who also restored Winslow’s La Posada to its former glory — came on the scene. Affeldt and his artist wife, Tina Mion, purchased the Castaneda Hotel, along with the historic Plaza Hotel, and ignited the rebirth of Las Vegas.
After an ambitious renovation, the Castaneda Hotel reopened in 2019. And although the restored property has the ambiance of yesteryear, modern-day access features were also added, so today wheelchair-users and slow walkers can overnight in a well appointed wheelchair-accessible room in this grand old gem.
A Grand Transformation
Designed by architect Frederick Louis Roehrig, the Castaneda Hotel was built in the Mission Revival style, with an original price tag of $105,000 — an impressive sum for the time. It had 37 guestrooms, plus an 108-seat dining room and a 51-seat lunch counter. The railroad also had their offices on the first floor.
The guestrooms were most often described as cozy — today we would call them downright tiny — and they were spartanly furnished with a bed, a radiator, a dresser and a sink. There were only six bathrooms at the hotel, which were shared by overnight guests — a common practice of the time.
Today the property boasts 22 spacious suites, all equipped with equally spacious bathrooms. And if you look carefully in the rooms, you can see the vague outlines of the former room borders on the floors. The hallway doors to the original rooms were also left intact — some now go to storage rooms, while others are merely decorative.
Furnishing the historic property was a project in itself, as Affeldt networked with antique dealers across the country to find Victorian-era furnishings. And luckily he also found some era-appropriate furnishings in the Southwest, to give the property a real local feel.
Tina Mion played an equally instrumental role in the design of the property, as many of her provocative paintings hang in the guestrooms and public spaces of the Castaneda Hotel. She also crafted a series of stained glass windows for the guestroom transoms, which each depict a different endangered Southwestern animal. Her collective work serves to unify the theme of endangered treasures — both buildings and animals — that can be saved.
Wheelchair Access And More
Entrance to the Castaneda Hotel In Las Vegas, New Mexico
Although the Castaneda Hotel was not originally designed to be wheelchair-accessible, the renovation allowed Affeldt to add access upgrades to the property. And he did an excellent job of providing modern day access features, while still retaining the historic Harvey House charm of the property.
There’s accessible parking located in the front and on the side of the property, with barrier-free access to a ramp that leads up to the front porch. From there, a wide door leads into the large lobby, which has wood floors and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter over to the registration desk. A grand staircase dominates the stately lobby, but there’s also elevator access to the second floor, where the accessible guest room is located.
There’s good wheelchair access to the public spaces of the property as well, including the second floor sitting area which features Mion’s art work. Downstairs there’s barrier-free access to the lobby, the bar and the dining room. Enjoy a drink or have a meal, and take in the view of the nearby restored depot. Then, take a walk around to the trackside of the property — just follow the accessible path — to see the facade that greeted folks as they disembarked from their long train journeys.
Wheelchair-Accessible Guest Room
Room 204 at the Castaneda Hotel
Located on the second floor, room 204 has a bevy of accessible features that were unknown in Fred Harvey’s days. Access features include wide doorways, lever handles, wood and tile floors, and excellent pathway access. The room is furnished with two 28-inch high open-frame queen-sized beds with wheelchair access on all sides.
Other furnishings include two night stands, a secretary, a table and two easy chairs — including one chair that is 14-inches high. There’s also a roll-under sink with a lowered mirror located on the far end of the room, but even with that addition there’s still plenty of room to maneuver even the largest wheelchair or scooter around the room.
The bathroom is equally accessible, and it boasts a full five-foot turning radius. It’s equipped with a custom-built roll-in shower with grab bars and a fold-down shower bench. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated); and the right wall also has a vertical grab bar in addition to the standard horizontal one.
Bathroom in room 204 at the Castaneda Hotel
The room includes lots of homey touches, including two antique headboards, a pair of bedside lamps made from coffee earns, vintage windows that actually open, and one of Tina Mion’s transom pieces — and endangered squirrel. Add in some modern conveniences such as a TV and internet access and you have a very comfortable room — one that Harvey House guests of 1898 would surely envy.
All in all, the Castaneda Hotel features the charm of the yesteryear, and the comforts and access features of today. And that’s a winning combination in any book!
Tina Mion’s stained glass transom
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Although there are many contenders for the World’s Largest Peanut, the true winner resides in Ashburn, GA. You can spy the stately goober from I 75, just south of exit 82 on the west side of the highway. And if you’d fancy a closer look, then take the Washington Drive exit and turn west, then make a left on Sylvia/Whittle, between Zaxby’s and the Pizza Hut. The big nut can be found on a small service road on the left, about a half-mile from the turn. Although it was knocked from its perch in Hurricane Michael in 2018, it was replaced and renovated in 2023. During that interim phase, several other peanuts claimed “largest” status, but after the replacement the Ashburn giant regained the title.
There’s a small paved parking lot, and although it’s not striped it is level and seems adequate for the amount of traffic the peanut gets. There’s level access over to the nut, but if you are expecting a big peanut gift shop filled with tasty treats, coffee cups and t-shirts, you will be sorely disappointed, as the only thing at this stop is a commemorative plaque, and the World’s Largest Peanut. Still it’s a fun stop, and there’s a journalistic twist to the nut too, as it was erected in memory of Nora Lawrence Smith, the former editor and co-publisher of the Wiregrass Farmer, Turner County’s award-winning newspaper. So why a peanut? It is of course Turner County’s most important agricultural product. As an added bonus, if you hit this site after dark, it’s also lighted.
Cano’s Castle is constructed almost entirely of beer cans. Owner Donald “Cano” Espinoza actually claims that God constructed this masterpiece. The main structure — a four story house (the king) — was damaged by a fire in 2022. The towers (the queen and the rook) survived undamaged, and they are covered in beer cans, hubcaps and scrap metal. The whole property is surrounded by a structure called the crown, and everything is covered in shiny — sometimes blinding — scrap metal. According to Espinoza, this monument serves as a thank-you to the powers-that-be for sparing his life during the Vietnam War. He also notes that he received his inspiration for the structures from Vitamin Mary Jane and Jesus. It gets pretty strange after that, and let’s just say that if you happen to run into Cano, he will give you an earful. Cano’s Castle is located on State Street, between 10th Avenue and 11th Avenue, about three blocks east of Highway 285. Although it’s not wheelchair-accessible, there’s room to pull of and take a few photos.
Located in the middle of the California desert midway between Barstow and Las Vegas, the World’s Tallest Thermometer makes a nice stop on the way to Sin City. The brainchild of local businessman Willis Herron, the 134-foot tall thermometer was constructed in 1990 as a tribute to the record high temperature in the US — 134 degrees in nearby Death Valley. Unfortunately Herron didn’t account for the high winds in the area in his original plans, and as a result a strong gust brought the monument down, smashing a nearby gift shop that was under construction.
Undaunted, Herron rebuilt the thermometer and filled the second model with concrete to keep it steady. And although the thermometer was shut down for a while after Herron’s death, today it’s up and running again. It’s easy to find too — just take the Baker exit on Interstate 15 and follow the main drag until you see it on the south side of the street. To be honest, you can see it towering over the hamlet long before you even exit the freeway.
The best vantage point is from the fast food restaurant parking lot next door, because once you pull up too close to the thermometer, it’s hard to get a good photo. There’s lots of accessible parking is available in that lot, and it’s a nice level roll over to the far end, where you’ll get a good view of it all. After you’ve gotten your photos, you can just roll on over to the thermometer, go inside and check out the gift shop and photos of the construction of the thermometer.
Population 27,008
