Population 1,233
Located 90 miles north of Atlanta in the heart of the Blue Ridge foothills, this Northern Georgia town is a bit off the main tourist track, and that’s reason enough to stop there. It’s the perfect place to get away from the city, and take a relaxing ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (www.brscenic.com). The train features lift access to an open-air car . The lift that can accommodate a total weight of 1.000 pounds, and there’s also an accessible restroom on the train. The train follows the Toccoa River and travels at a very leisurely pace, so the 26—mile journey takes about an hour. It pulls into McCaysville around noon, and departs for Blue Ridge two hours later. Passengers have plenty of time to explore the town, and even walk up the street to the twin border town of Copperhill, Tennessee. All in all, it’s a very relaxing way to spend the afternoon.
Population 4 Located near the East Entrance of the famed national park, Death Valley Junction has just four (and sometimes fewer) full time residents. That said, during the borax mining boom in the early 1900s there were 300 people living there. In 1960 New York City ballet dancer Marta Becket had a flat tire there and fell in love with the desert. She later transformed the former dorm and recreation hall into the Amargosa Hotel and the Amargosa Opera House (www.amargosaoperahouse.org/).She painted murals throughout the hotel, and even painted an audience on the walls of the opera house. Today the murals still grace the walls of the hotel, and tours of the opera house are available. Both venues have level access so it’s a nice stop 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
Located 100 miles southwest of Boston, Mystic, Connecticut was a major shipbuilding center during the 1600s. Today the streets of this quintessential New England village are dotted with an eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, souvenir shops and eateries. But Mystic is more than just a spot to load up on tourist tchotchkes. This coastal village is also home to two top attractions — both of which focus on the ocean. The Mystic Seaport Museum highlights the maritime and shipbuilding history of the area, while the Mystic Aquarium focuses on creatures and ecology of the sea. And the good news is, both of these popular attractions offer good access for slow walkers and wheelchair-users.
The Historic Seaport
Historic Buildings at the Mystic Seaport Museum
The Mystic Seaport Museum (www.mysticseaport.org) is a required stop on any Mystic visit. This 19-acre open-air museum focuses on maritime history and is filled with shipyard exhibits, historic vessels and maritime galleries. And it’s all built around a replica of a 19th century seafaring village.
Accessible parking is available in the south lot, with ramped access to the Sanger Visitor Reception Center across the street. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the front desk, and a large accessible restroom is located in this building. And the good news is, disabled guests and one companion receive a 50 percent discount on admission.
The seafaring village is filled with over 40 historic and reconstructed buildings. The roads through the village are mostly unpaved but level. The one exception is the area around the Children’s Museum and the Treworgy Planetarium, which has a slight incline. About a third of the village buildings feature level access but many have a step or two at the entrance, narrow doorways and very tight quarters inside. That said, there’s still lots to see for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Take some time to roll through the shipyard, and have a look at the drug store, chapel and shipsmith shop, all of which are accessible. There’s also an accessible path out to the replica of the Brant Point Lighthouse at Lighthouse Point. And don’t miss the Charles W. Morgan Whaleship. Although there’s only stairway access to the vessel, you can still get a good look at it from the dock.
There’s also barrier-free access to most of the inside exhibits, which feature everything from ship carvings and folk art to silver trophies, shop figures and even a rare carousel hippocampus. There’s plenty to see and do — for everyone — in Mystic Seaport.
Under the Sea
Beluga Whale at the Mystic Aquarium
For a slightly different perspective of the sea, head on over to the Mystic Aquarium (www.mysticaquarium.org), where you’ll find everything from sharks and manta rays, to seals, sea lions and even Beluga whales.
There’s barrier-free access to the aquarium, with level access over to the Gift Store and the Saltwater Cafe. Accessible family restroom are located next to the Saltwater Cafe, and loaner wheelchairs are available at the front gate. And, if you are visiting with a personal care assistant, there’s no charge for their admission. Contact the admissions office for more information.
There is good access throughout the campus, with accessible pathways outside, and barrier-free access to the inside exhibits. The spacious indoor gallery features a 35,000-gallon tank filled with eels, pufferfish, sharks and rays. There’s also a ray touch pool, an interesting Amazon exhibit and a large collection of jellyfish. Best of all, you can wheel right up to the glass tank in the main gallery for an up-close-and-personal look at the inhabitants.
Outside, there’s also an impressive collection of marine exhibits. At the top of the list is the Beluga whale exhibit. You can roll right over and get an eye level look at these giants. And don’t miss the incredibly cute African penguins. The excellent Roger Tory Peterson Penguin Pavilion offers visitors an up-close-and-personal look at these comical creatures, both above and below the water.
Finally, check out the 200-foot Marsh Trek accessible boardwalk, for a close look at a variety of freshwater species including mallards, herons, bullfrogs and turtles. And make sure and stop at the seal pup play space on your way out. They are almost as entertaining as the African penguins, and it’s the perfect way to top off any Mystic Aquarium visit.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Romantic retreats come in all shapes and sizes, but truly there’s nothing better than toasting your sweetheart as you both enjoy a magical sunset on the rugged Northern California coast. Picture it — the waves crash against the rocks, there’s a slight breeze in the air, and the sun slips slowly beneath the colorful horizon. What could be more perfect? And although this idyllic moment may seem like something that can only be created on a Hollywood soundstage, truly it’s well within your reach. As with real estate transactions, the key ingredient here is location; and in this case, that location is the Little River Inn (littleriverinn.com) in scenic Mendocino County. And the great news is, it’s also an excellent choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
The Wheelchair-Accessible Mendocino Coast Inn
Perched on a hillside with a commanding view of the Pacific Ocean, the Little River Inn is one of the oldest properties in the area. It was built in 1857 by Ole Coombs, and it remains in the family today. In fact, the Combs family is very proud of their “five generations in the hospitality business”. And their experience definitely shows in their excellent customer service.
The 65-room property, which is set on 225 wooded acres, now also boasts luxury suites and spacious cottages, along with a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts and even a salon and day spa. Access upgrades have also been added over the years; in fact the Coombs family did a great job of preserving the ambiance of this historic property, while making it an attractive and accessible choice for customers with mobility issues.
The office and registration area is located in the historic building near the front of the property. Accessible parking is located close to the front door; however there are steps up to the front porch. Best bet is to pull around on the left side to access a ramp that winds around to the front porch. From there, it’s a piece of cake, with ramp access to the office, and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair inside.
The Room
Room 166 at the Little River Inn
Room 166, which is a accessible deluxe oceanview room, is located near the back of the complex, well away from the main road. Standard parking is located just steps from the front door, and with two spaces reserved for the room, there’s plenty of room to park an accessible van and deploy the lift or ramp. There’s level access to the front door with excellent pathway access in the spacious room. Other access features include wide doorways, lever handles, a lowered clothing rod, drapery wands and low-pile carpet for easy rolling.
Furnishings include a 27-inch high king-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, two night tables, and a desk with a chair. A table and two chairs are strategically positioned by the picture window, and two easy chairs sit near the gas fireplace. Top it off with a wet bar with a refrigerator and a coffee maker and you have everything you need.
Toilet in room 166
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Toilet in room 166
The spacious bathroom includes a full five-foot turning radius, and is outfitted with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a built-in ceramic tile shower bench. The well designed shower is extremely user-friendly, with the bench located close to the shower controls, and plenty of room for transfers. There’s also a separate 22-inch high Jacuzzi tub with grab bars in the bathroom. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and a lowered mirror hangs above the roll-under sink.
Room 166 at the Little River Inn, (view 2)
It’s a comfortable room with excellent access, and a spectacular ocean view from the balcony. There’s level access out to the balcony through a large sliding glass door, and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair outside. And if it’s stormy, there’s also a beautiful view from just about any spot in the room.
The Cuisine
Of course the accommodations at this wheelchair-accessible Mendocino Coast inn are only half the story, as the Little River Dining Room is also the perfect choice for a romantic dinner. Located next to the office, the restaurant features barrier-free access, with plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair. And you just can’t beat the serene ocean and garden views.
The menu highlights fresh local fare and includes offerings such as salads filled with local greens, luscious bowls of clam chowder and Thai inspired rock cod. And if you’d like some pub fare, they also offer fish and chips and cheeseburgers. Add in an extensive wine list and you have everything you need,
Although the restaurant offers an equally enticing breakfast menu, room service is also available. Choose from Eggs Benedict, Huevos Rancheros, a bevy of traditional breakfast favorites and even Swedish Hotcakes. Plus you just can’t beat the ocean view from your room.
All in all, the Little River Inn is the perfect place to steal away with your sweetie for a wheelchair-accessible Mendocino Coast getaway. And if you forget the name of the property, just think of romance and you’ll remember their phone number — (888) INN-LOVE.
Sunset view at the Little River Inn
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
The Great Northern Railroad played an essential role in the development of the infrastructure of Glacier National Park (emerginghorizons.com/glacier-national-park/). After the park was established, the railroad quickly promoted “America’s Alps” and built Swiss chalet style accommodations to house the well-heeled park visitors. Of course these chalets had plenty of western touches on the interior to remind folks that this was truly an American experience. Gladly many of those properties have survived over the years and still welcome guests today.
Historic West Glacier Train Station located across from the Belton Chalet
Belton Chalet (glacierparkcollection.com) is one of those properties. Built in 1910 — the same year that Glacier National Park was established — this property is conveniently located across the street from the historic West Glacier Train Station. Now a National Landmark, Belton Chalet makes a great stop for rail buffs, and a comfortable overnight stay for everyone. And although the historic building exudes a definite charm of yesteryear, it’s also equipped with modern day access features. As a result, wheelchair-users and slow walkers can now take a step back in time and spend the night in this historic national park chalet.
Belton Chalet
The property is located in West Glacier, off of Highway 2, behind the Belton Tap Room. Just look for the train station across the street. There’s accessible parking with ramp access up to the front door, and plenty of room to roll around on the deck. Inside, the lobby is dominated by a large stone fireplace, with good pathway access over to the front desk. There’s also a large accessible family restroom located near the front desk.
Room 21, which is an accessible queen, is located just off the lobby. It features wide doorways, and wood floors for easy rolling. It’s furnished with a 25-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair access on the left side (as you face it), a desk, two chairs, a chest of drawers and a bedside table. Add in the wooden windows, vintage coat hooks, and the transom over the bathroom door for that early 1900s charm. And there’s a real door key — no plastic key cards for this property. As an added bonus, there are no TVs or other electronic distractions in this vintage room. Additionally, Room 21 is especially suited for slow walkers, as it’s just a short distance from the parking area to the room.
Room 21 at Belton Chalet
The oversized bathroom includes a full five-foot turning radius, and is equipped with a large transfer-type shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower bench. There is about a three inch lip on the shower pan, but there’s plenty of room to transfer to the shower bench from the bathroom. Other access features include toilet grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated), and a roll-under sink.
Bathroom in room 21 at Belton Chalet
The Extras
This property is a must-see for anyone who is interested in railroad history as the hallways are lined with vintage posters and calendars of the Empire Builder. And there’s level access to the deck, where you can see — and hear — the trains pass through. As an added bonus the accessible room is located on the quieter back side of the property; however ear plugs are provided should the passing trains present a problem.
Next door, there’s also level access to the Belton Tap Room from the accessible parking spot. Even if you don’t have dinner there, you’ll want to make sure and listen for the evening Empire Builder train, as the staff lines the restaurant balconies to welcome arriving guests. It’s a page out of railroad history. The train usually rolls in between 9:30 and 10:00 in the evening, but delays are always possible. And if you do decide to have a bite to eat a the Tap Room, reservations are highly recommended.
Add in the little extras like chocolate chip cookies at check-in and coffee and pastries in the morning, and Belton Chalet makes great home base for any Glacier National Park visit. Give it a try on your next visit.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Population 1,233
