Population 443
If your travels take you through Central Georgia, make sure and stop in Warm Springs — a sleepy little town made famous by President Roosevelt. The president originally sought out the healing waters of the town as a cure for his polio, but he later formed a strong connection to the community, and subsequently established a program to bring affordable electricity to the area. Today visitors can tour Roosevelt’s Little White House (gastateparks.org/LittleWhiteHouse), which includes some personal possessions, a few pieces from the original house, and even a set of hand controls designed by the president. The site also features a museum that includes information on family members, events that occurred during Roosevelt’s presidency, and gifts sent to him by an adoring public. And as you might guess — considering Roosevelt’s disability — most of the site is wheelchair-accessible.
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
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
Angels Rest Wheelchair-Accessible Treehouse Suite at Skamania Lodge, Oregon
Although Skamania Lodge (https://www.skamania.com/) is just a 45-minute drive from Portland, it’s a world away from the trappings of urban life. Surrounded by towering evergreens, the 175-acre property offers upscale amenities in the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Of course the standard lodge rooms and suites at Skamania Lodge are beyond comfortable; however if you want to raise the meter on the exclusivity index, then check-in to their new wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite. Located in an private corner of the property, this luxurious tree-level suite offers comfortable furnishings, first-rate-amenities and more than a few little extras. And even though most treehouses aren’t doable for people with mobility issues, this wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite at Skamania Lodge is an excellent lodging choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
A Wheelchair-Accessible Treehouse
Inside the Angels Rest wheelchair-accessible treehouse suiteThere are Lots of Windows in the Angels Rest wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite
The new treehouse suites are located in a quiet corner of the lodge property that’s reserved for treehouse guests. There’s plenty of room to deploy a ramp in the parking space reserved for the Angels Rest wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite. From there a 300-foot hard-packed dirt pathway leads up to the treehouse. There’s a slight incline to the path near the end, but it’s doable for most power wheelchair and scooter-users. Golf cart assistance is available to anyone who needs it — just inquire at check in. And if you encounter any problems, just call the number that’s included with your room key.
Access features in Angels Rest include wide doorways, lever handles and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter. The main room is lined with windows that bring the outside in — you really feel like you are in a tree. It’s furnished with a 26-inch high king-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, two night tables, a refrigerator and a microwave. And there are two comfy chairs in front of the indoor-outdoor gas fireplace, and a vintage guitar tucked away in the corner. There’s also level access to the spacious deck through two double doors.
Deck outside the Angels Rest wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite
The bathroom is cavernous, and includes a full five-foot turning radius. It’s outfitted with a large roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a wooden shower bench. The toilet, which is located in an alcove around the corner, has grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated). Top it off with a large roll-under sink and a lowered mirror and you have a nicely outfitted and accessible suite.
Bathroom in the Angels Rest wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite
Those Little Extras
And then there are those little extras that are included in this luxurious wheelchair-accessible treehouse. For starters, there’s not just a coffee maker, but a Nespresso machine. Just pop in a pod for a perfectly brewed cup of expresso. Of course if you prefer tea or cocoa, they have that too.
And let’s talk about the robes. Many hotels provide guests with robes and slippers, but the treehouse robe was the softest and plushest one I’ve ever worn. Seriously, I didn’t want to take it off.
There were also some nice extras outside. Not only are there comfy chairs and a table on the deck, but there’s also a Yeti ice chest. And it’s filled with ice, so bring your favorite beverage and enjoy. And although the whole treehouse suite simply oozes romance, the deck is a particularly romantic retreat. There’s also a nice open meadow below the deck, where the deer like to hang out near the end of the day.
Last but certainly not least, there’s the gas firepit that’s located close to the treehouse. There’s level access to the firepit, which is reserved for treehouse guests. And you don’t have to worry about actually starting a fire — just push a button and you’re good to go. Of course you can just sit around the fire and enjoy the evening, or you can whip up some tasty s’mores. And in keeping with the “little extras included” theme, s’more kits are also included in the treehouse suites. Truly they thought of everything.
But Wait, There’s More
Of course the wheelchair-accessible treehouse is just the tip of the iceberg at Skaminia Lodge. Let’s not forget the public spaces. There’s plenty of accessible parking near the main lodge building with a barrier-free path over to the spacious lobby. On the far side of the registration desk there’s a large fireplace, with plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the warmth, and take in the view of the surrounding forest.
The Cascade Dining Room, which is located just down the hall, also offers good wheelchair access. Guests can enjoy eggs benedict for brunch and feast on a rack of lamb at dinner. Lighter fare and gluten-free selections are also available. But one of the best features of the dining room is the expansive view of the forest, with the Columbia River in the background.
If you’d prefer some lighter fare, there’s also barrier-free access to the River Rock Lounge, which is located just down the hall.
And if you’d like to go for a swim, then just take the elevator to the basement and check out the indoor swimming pool. Not only is there good access around the pool, but there’s also a wheelchair lift to get into it. And since it’s protected from the elements, you can enjoy the water year-round.
In the end, not only does Skamania Lodge have all the bells and whistles, but it’s also just a short drive from the Historic Columbia River Highway, where you’ll find scenic vistas, jaw-dropping views and cascading waterfalls. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic retreat. After all a segment of The Bachelorette was filmed there!
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Population 443
