This local landmark has a fun history, and it’s a nice spot to take a break while driving along Highway 195 in the Palouse. It’s a small site, so if you have an adapted van it’s best to parallel park on the street in front of the tiny park that surrounds the Codger Pole. There’s also standard parking in the Farmers Insurance lot next door. From either point there’s level access to this unusual monument, which also has a picnic table on a cement pad.
The story behind the Codger Pole dates back to a historic 1938 football game between the Colfax Bulldogs and the St. John Eagles. The Colfax team lost, but 50 years later the “old codgers” asked for a rematch, and this time they won. This monument stands to commemorate the resolve and determination of that team. The pole, which is actually comprised of five 65-foot tall cedar poles, was carved with a chainsaw by John LaBenne. It includes the faces of all 51 players along with their original leather football helmets. It’s a fitting tribute to codger-hood.
Planning a family reunion can be quite a challenge, especially if it’s a multi-day event that requires overnight lodging. On the other hand, a large house or cabin allows folks to visit and reminisce for the entire weekend. And although finding a reunion house is one thing, finding one that is wheelchair-accessible can be an added challenge. And in that respect Stanford House (www.conservancyforcvnp.org/experience/plan-your-visit/retreats-lodging/) — which is located in Northeastern Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park (https://www.nps.gov/cuva/index.htm) — fills the bill perfectly.
Historic Stanford House
Located near Boston Mills Visitor Center, Stanford House was built in 1843 and can accommodate up to 30 overnight guests. And the good news is, access features have been added over the years to this historic home, so today it’s a great multigenerational lodging choice.
There’s accessible parking in front of the two-story home, and a barrier-free pathway over to the front porch. The grand old home features wide doorways, wood floors, good pathway access and wheelchair access on the first floor. The home is decorated with vintage wallpaper, stately wood moldings and historic chandeliers; while several comfortable rocking chairs line the accessible front porch.
The living room is furnished with a sofa, two love seats, a settee and a few chairs; and there’s still plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter around the period pieces and reproductions.
Living Room in the Stanford House
The dining room is massive and it includes two long wooden tables which each can each seat 30 people. There’s a small hutch which is filled with cups, plates, glasses and dishes; and the adjacent commercial kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, and just about every small appliance and utensil you can imagine. And if you’d like to dine outside, there’s level access to a picnic table on the lawn, and the nearby fire circle.
Dining Room in the Stanford House
Access Features Galore
Although the bulk of the dormitory style sleeping areas are located upstairs, there’s also a wheelchair-accessible suite located on the first floor. It’s furnished with two 19-inch high twin beds (which can be pushed together) with access on both sides, as well as a trundle daybed. Truly wheelchair-users have their choice of beds in this home. Top it off with a lowered bedroom mirror and you have a nice accessible room.
Ground Floor Accessible Suite
The adjacent bathroom features a full five-foot turning radius and is equipped with a 36-inch square transfer-type shower, with a fold-down shower bench, grab bars and a hand-held-showerhead. There’s ample floor space in front of the shower to transfer to the shower bench, and level access to roll-in to the unit. Other bathroom access features include a roll-under sink, and a toilet with a grab bar on the left side (as seated).
Bathroom in the Ground Floor Accessible Suite
The access features are well done, and truly this wheelchair-accessible suite will work for folks with a wide range of mobility disabilities. Additionally, the home is secluded and private, so your group will have the area all to yourself.
Explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Boarding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Stanford House also makes perfect home base for daily jaunts to some of Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s accessible attractions. At the top of the list is the Canal Exploration Center, which is located on the north end of the park. There’s accessible parking with level access to the front entrance of this former 1800s tavern, which now houses a store and an information center. And since the paved wheelchair-accessible towpath runs right in front of the building, you can take an accessible hike in either direction.
Brecksville Nature Center, which is located near the Station Road Bridge, is also worth a stop. Accessible parking is located next to an accessible picnic table, so pack along a lunch and enjoy a midday break. From there it’s a .15-mile walk on an accessible trail to the nature center. Accessible restrooms are located next door, and there’s level access to the nature center, which features a number of interpretive exhibits. The building also boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the garden bird feeders. It’s an excellent place to sit back and enjoy some of the 200-plus different avian visitors that have been spotted in the park.
And don’t miss a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (www.cvsr.org). The three-hour scenic excursion winds through the park, and offers visitors a good overview of the area. Even better, the train has a lift-equipped car with plenty of wheelchair seating, and an accessible restroom. The trip begins at the Rockside Station in Independence and heads south along the Cuyahoga River, before it winds its way down to the Akron Northside Station. After that, it turns around and heads back to the Rockside Station. It’s a great way to explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and you just can’t beat the views.
Created by Jane Orleman and Dick Elliott, this downtown Ellensburg home is decorated in a conglomeration of reflectors and other common items. And it’s more than just a work of art, as Jane still lives there. Sadly Dick passed away in 2008, but his artistic creation lives on in this house that the couple purchased in 1978.
The home is surrounded by a fence with posts adorned with everything from nails and keys, to bottle caps, insulators and even a few cooking implements here and there. A “Life is But a Dream” mural graces one side of the fence, and a nook with a guest book sits near the end. Add in a few insulators on the side, a racy mannequin with reflectors for boobs (Big Red), and a man with a camera for a face and you have everything but the kitchen sink — all artistically done of course. And don’t miss the gigantic hand that adorns the front, near the doorway. Dick and Jane’s Spot is truly a work of art, and everywhere you look, you find something different — and sometimes it’s pretty subtle. Other times, it’s hard to miss.
Access is good around the house, with sidewalks lining the venue, and curb-cuts at the corner. And there’s a little side alley that gives folks access to another aspect of the decorated home. There’s a parking lot that’s adjacent to the house, but there are no accessible parking spaces. Best bet is to park in the accessible street parking spots in front of the police station across the street. If you need accessible parking, set your GPS to 100 N. Pearl Street, as otherwise you’ll be routed through a few parking lots to the side of the house. Worth a quick stop for sure — an excellent photo-op.
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
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 Northwestern Arizona, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep. Carved by the Colorado River and the forces of nature, the majority of this geological formation lies within the borders of the national park. That said, the West Rim, which boasts a horseshoe shaped glass walkway out over the canyon, is located on Hualapai land. But no matter what area of the park you visit, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views at this national treasure.
Insider Tips
For an interesting look at the history of the Fred Harvey Company, El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge, pop into the Bright Angel History Room on the South Rim. Exhibits include artifacts from these two Harvey Houses, as well as old photos, an 1880 Harvey House dinner gong, and even a vintage Harvey Girl uniform. It also includes information and photos from a Harvey Indian Detour excursion, which took train passengers on a five-night trip to nearby Native American sites. Both the canyon entrance and the main entrance of the Bright Angel Hotel are wheelchair-accessible.
All the in-park lodges, except Bright Angel Lodge, have accessible rooms. That said, Kachina Lodge is the only property with an elevator, so it’s a good choice for slow walkers who want an upper floor standard room, but cannot do stairs.
Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines offers accessible flightseeing excursions over the Grand Canyon in fixed-wing aircraft from the Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan. There are six stairs up to the aircraft door, but a portable ramp is available for anyone who can’t manage the climb. Wheelchair-users must transfer to a seat near the aircraft door, and wheelchairs are stored at the airport. It’s a great choice for a scenic overview of the park.
If a Caribbean vacation is in your future, then check out these wheelchair-accessible Costa Rica casitas. Located on the southern Nicola Peninsula in Playa Hermosa, these homes were built to be accessible by wheelchair-user Mark Overson. The Costa Rica homes can be rented together for a family gathering, or separately for a more intimate getaway.
Casa Elios
Casa Elios is the larger of the two homes. This two-bedroom, one-bathroom house can sleep up to five, and features good pathway access throughout the unit. The fully equipped kitchen includes new appliances and all the dishes and utensils you need to whip up a gourmet spread.
The master bedroom has an adjustable king-sized bed, while the second bedroom has three single beds. The bathroom has a Continental-style shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. It’s also equipped with a roll-under sink and an accessible toilet. Even better – all of the furniture in the house was custom built to be wheelchair-accessible.
Casa Tranquil
The adjacent home — Casa Tranquil — is equally accessible. It features good pathway access throughout the unit, and it can sleep up to three people. There is a queen-sized futon on the main level, and an additional sleeping loft that can accommodate one or two people. It’s also equipped with a kitchen and a small dining table.
The bathroom has the same access features as the one in Casa Elios, including a Continental-style shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. It also has a roll-under sink and an accessible toilet with grab bars.
As an added bonus, Casa Tranquil is surrounded by trees for privacy, so it’s the perfect choice for a couples getaway. And both homes have secure parking, air conditioning and high-speed internet.
The Public Spaces
Both wheelchair-accessible Costa Rica casitas share a tranquil public space, which includes a large deck with private pool in a tropical garden setting. There’s barrier-free access around the pool, which is equipped with a pulley style lift. Says Mark’s wife Susan, “We had to buy all the equipment in the states and then take it to Costa Rica and install it.”
The houses are close to the beach, but it’s best to bring a wheelchair with fat tires for easier rolling. There’s also a surf camp nearby that can provide adaptive surf lessons and equipment. And if you’d like to try yoga, the Oversons can recommend an instructor who will work with you.
As an added bonus, Mark and Susan are happy to help guests plan an accessible getaway to Costa Rica, as they have been visiting the country for many years, and they’ve developed some good local contacts that can lend an accessible hand. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to Costa Rica, or hitting the surf – or both – Mark and Susan can help make it happen.
For more information about these wheelchair-accessible Costa Rica casitas visit airbnb.com/rooms/24129359.
And if you have any questions about the units, then give Susan Overson a call at (952) 270-3027 or drop her an e-mail at oversonlanding@yahoo.com. She can also send you a drone video of the house and the surrounding area. So start planning your wheelchair-accessible Costa Rica getaway today.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
If a trip to Portugal is on your travel wish-list, then check out this wheelchair-accessible villa in the Algarve. The four-bedroom unit can accommodate up to seven adults and two toddlers. It’s equipped with an accessible bathroom that’s outfitted with a with a roll-in shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. A shower-commode chair and a toilet-riser are also available; and the bathroom also has an accessible vanity area as well as a lowered mirror. There’s good access to all the public spaces including the fully equipped kitchen and the patio and BBQ area. And the swimming pool is even equipped with a battery-powered lift.
Airport transfers from the Faro airport are also included with this wheelchair-accessible Portugal villa rental. They are available in a wheelchair-accessible Renault Kangoo. There are two of these vehicles, and one can accommodate four passengers and a wheelchair, while the other can take three passengers and a wheelchair. Both vehicles have ramps and tie-downs. And although they do not rent the vehicles, they are available for use with the rental of the villa.
There is also a variety of medical equipment available for rent. The list includes, power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, an alternating pressure mattress, a bath lift, an electric hoist and oxygen equipment. And if you need nursing care, that can also be arranged. It’s a very accessible and inclusive rental package.
This local landmark has a fun history, and it’s a nice spot to take a break while driving along Highway 195 in the Palouse. It’s a small site, so if you have an adapted van it’s best to parallel park on the street in front of the tiny park that surrounds the Codger Pole. There’s also standard parking in the Farmers Insurance lot next door. From either point there’s level access to this unusual monument, which also has a picnic table on a cement pad.
101 N. Pearl Street
If a trip to Portugal is on your travel wish-list, then check out this wheelchair-accessible villa in the Algarve. The four-bedroom unit can accommodate up to seven adults and two toddlers. It’s equipped with an accessible bathroom that’s outfitted with a with a roll-in shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. A shower-commode chair and a toilet-riser are also available; and the bathroom also has an accessible vanity area as well as a lowered mirror. There’s good access to all the public spaces including the fully equipped kitchen and the patio and BBQ area. And the swimming pool is even equipped with a battery-powered lift.