Another Wheelchair Accessible Trip to Boston

 

I had traveled back and forth to Boston, Massachusetts, for a year to see a surgeon to repair nerve, muscle, and tendon damage in my arm. It all happened when I fell and broke my humerus in two places in April 2024. I looked all around the country for someone to do the repairs.

My second surgery was extensive and I came back to Boston a few weeks later for a post operative appointment. On my previous six trips I had stayed in the downtown area, near the hospital and doctor’s office. Many hotels were sold out or expensive this time and I decided to stay in Cambridge.

 I arrived in Boston early afternoon and took a Lyft to my hotel, the Royal Sonesta Cambridge. One of the things that made these trips easier was the fact that Boston has Lyft and Uber WAV available and fairly easy to get at that airport.

The hotel was huge and had a welcoming lobby, complete with cider from local apples and warm cinnamon donuts. I passed that time as I had already ordered food from Uber Eats to be delivered any minute. If I didn’t have a restaurant previously arranged, I would do this on each trip. There was always enough food for two meals and a Mike’s Pastry order for two days.

 

My room was a little tight to get around in, but there were lots of outlets and USBs on the night table and the bathroom had room to wheel around. I also had a tub with plenty of railings and a chair. I love bathtubs and my one at home is too deep for me to get in so I love having one in a hotel.

I enjoyed my pasta from Alfredo’s and chocolate covered cannoli from Mike’s. I then headed outside and took the smooth path across the Charles River Walk to the Museum of Science.

 

My dad was a scientist and loved taking the family to the Museum of Science in Boston. The last time I had gone was probably twenty five years ago. It’s certainly expanded and changed with the times, as told by the exhibits.

It was all impressive, unusual, and hands-on. The exhibits at the Boston Museum of Science are ever-expanding and give kids and adults a lot to think about. It was also easy for me to wheel around. In fact, accessibility is important here.

 

The Museum of Science offers AIRA Explora support for those with sight impairments, as well as braille, and audio tapes. They also have virtual ASL (American Sign Language) help available. For those with sensory differences, the museum offers noise cancelling headphones, low sensory viewing, and quiet areas.*

The museum is huge and I saw as much as I could before they closed. I spent time in the exhibits for Climate Change, Robots & AI, Arctic Adventure, Hall of Human Life, and an interesting display on the history of cancer studies. Along the way there were many hands on experiences for kids and a look at the earth and space program.

 

I missed the Boston Red Sox Exhibit, the Planetarium Show, and the Live Animal Presentation. You need two full days there if you want to see it all.

I walked by the large Food Court on my way out, remembering that I had food left from lunch. I also enjoyed a beautiful view of the Charles River from the museum.

 

I rolled back to the Royal Sonesta just before dark. I took my food out of the refrigerator and heated it in the microwave, both in my room. I was ready to put my feet up and relax. I would get to see a lot more of Cambridge the next day, after my doctor’s appointment.

 

*For details contact the Boston Museum of Science, accessibility department before you go: accessibility@mos.org or 617-723-2500.