Ironworks is Much More Than a Your Usual Hotel

I needed to make two trips to Indianapolis when I was dealing with the IPhone debacle. The mall where Apple is located is not near the downtown area I am used to in the city. It’s also about two hours from my house, making it a long roundtrip to do in a day.

On my first trip there with my friend, Amanda, I noticed Ironworks Hotel when we got off the highway. It was a hotel I had wanted to go to for a while. I arranged an overnight stay for my next trip to Apple.

Ironworks is located in the Keystone complex. It’s filled with businesses and restaurants. Since it was a Sunday, most of them were closed and we decided to eat before we went there.

It doesn’t take much to convince me to go to Cheesecake Factory—we don’t have one at home. Amanda took the waitress’ recommendation and ordered the fish tacos. I’m someone who loves to try different things, but I always get the same dish at Cheesecake Factory. It’s because it’s so unusual and something I don’t have anywhere else.

The Soft Corn Tamale Cakes consist of three polenta cakes, topped with sour cream, avocado, and two types of salsas. It’s actually considered an appetizer, but I can rarely finish it as my full meal. I did this and we had to take the cheesecakes to go for a snack later.

We then headed to the Ironworks Hotel. I knew it was special as I had been to its sister property nearer to downtown Indianapolis, Bottleworks. They are both part of the Geronimo portfolio.

Ironworks is the only boutique hotel in that area. It’s luxurious while maintaining a casual atmosphere. I am not the only one who feels that way. Ironworks has received a Michelin Key, AAA Four Diamond Award, and TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Award.

The hotel’s design is a dedication to the industrial period, which is even shown in the black and white photograph in the elevator. Their theme is work hard and play hard and Ironworks makes it all easy.

It’s always nice to get a suite, but it’s been a rarity since I’ve needed a wheelchair accessible room. We had one at Ironwood. It was huge and as unique as the hotel. It was styled as a loft, in a corner, filled with windows, and a television that could be accessed from the bedroom and the living room.

The room also had a large, wheelchair accessible bathroom. The walk-in shower was bigger than most, and they had the hose easy to reach by the chair, but not the shampoo and conditioner (something I encounter a lot). The closet had lowered bars, and we found two comfortable robes in there too.

Teddy came along on this trip. The hotel accommodates dogs and left him two bowls, one with bottles of water and the other with a bag of treats with an Ironwoods bandana! He wasn’t the only one. We had a welcome basket with wine, chocolates, water, and snacks. It was not just any wine, but a Grateful Dead Anniversary edition of Gnarly Red.

 

Before we left in the morning, we ordered breakfast from Rize, which was right downstairs. The breakfast sandwiches were large and went well with the lobby coffee, which even has an assortment of flavored syrups and milks.

 

 

I was hosted for this stay, but opinions are my own.

Girls' Getaway Weekend in Atlanta-Day One

I have flown through Atlanta more times than I can remember, but it has been about 10 years since I got out of the airport. My niece, Moriah, decided to get her MSN in nursing at Emory and I had another good reason to go.

The flights to Atlanta, Georgia, went well. I used frequent flyer miles for this trip. There is a direct flight close to here in Bloomington, Illinois. I did not have enough miles for that roundtrip so I and took American Airlines from Champaign, through Chicago, to Atlanta.

It was the first time I was texted a photo of my wheelchair being unloaded from the plane and it was reassuring. I have previously had issues in Chicago with getting wheelchairs and having mine delivered to me in a reasonable time.

Before the trip I did what I always do first after booking: I make sure I have transportation to the hotel. It turned out to be more difficult than I expected. There is a train from the airport to downtown, but my flight was getting in right at rush hour, and I was worried about traveling alone in my powerchair—with my luggage—through the crowds.

 

I called a few places that either did not have an accessible van or did not have one available. Someone finally recommended an individual named Clyde Fleming. It was the night before my trip when I finally got the information, and I booked him for $90 and hoped it worked out.

Clyde was there when I got out of the airport and we instantly hit it off. He is a veteran who was ready to build a business providing wheelchair accessible rides. He wanted to make it as affordable as possible and was just waiting to get approval on a purchase of vans that could hold 14, including wheelchairs. (His company, CFJS Safe Travels, did come to fruition and has been doing well in the months since.)

 

The Visit Atlanta team set me up at The American Hotel. It was a terrific location, just a couple of blocks from Centennial Park. That is the ideal area to stay in when in Atlanta as all the main attractions we planned to go to the next day are there.

My room had the accessibility I needed. A small, vintage, red refrigerator was within the dresser. It was easy to get around, and the bathroom was large enough to turn around in my wheelchair. The shower was accessible and had a seat. The bathroom was also well-stocked with easy to find towels, lotions, and tissues.

 

My favorite amenity was the digital key, which made room entry much easier for me. This was the first time I had one in a hotel that actually worked. You could also use it in the elevator, so you don’t have to dig for a key when going to the room.

I wanted to pick somewhere special for our first night. I asked around and Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint came up often. It offers Southern food and live music and is just a short wheelchair ride away from the hotel. I made reservations, which are highly recommended as the place fills up.

 

Sweet Georgia’s was an excellent choice. We started with Hush Puppies and cocktails. I had Miss Ceely’s Punch, with cherry moonshine and pineapple juice. (It’s available with your choice of moonshine.) Moriah had the Sneaky, Sneaky, with sweet tea moonshine, lemonade, and lemon.

For dinner, I chose the Braised Short Rib Brisket. It was tender and delicious and was served with mashed potatoes and Bourbon Glazed Sweet Potatoes. Moriah had the Stewed Oxtails, with Red Rice and green beans. It was her first experience with oxtail, and she enjoyed it.

 

Both Clyde and the receptionist at the hotel said we must have the Peach Cobbler, and we did (with ice cream, of course). I agree it is worth raving about.

The band played throughout our dinner and they were excellent. Carlton & One Nation Express was a cross between Blues and Jazz, danceable while easy listening.

 

The one thing I did not love about the restaurant was the two-hour limit on the table. I thought they might let us stay longer, but we were asked to pay our bill and leave, albeit politely, when the time came. It wasn’t bad because we were both exhausted from a long day.

Moriah walked me back to my hotel and went back to her apartment. We had a big next day planned and it was time for me to get a good night’s sleep.

I was hosted for some of this trip by Discover Atlanta and Atlanta Airport District, but opinions are my own.

An Unforgettable Hotel Before Surgery

I was able to sleep late in the morning because my surgery wasn’t until the afternoon. It was the first time I had been told before surgery that I could even drink clear liquids until a few hours before I went in. I was in the right place for the best coffee, and to spend a free morning.

Have you ever walked into a hotel and just said out loud, “I love this place?” That was the reaction the first time I walked into The Verb. I booked it because it looked unusual and accessible, but it certainly went beyond expectations. I have never been in a place quite like it and I doubt I ever will.

 

The Verb is all about the music, mainly Rock. It’s about the feeling of relaxation through the music and how music and life intertwine. You’ll see it everywhere: in the lobby which looks like you remember the 70s, with colorful couches and tables; on the walls full of pictures from concerts and moments of the stars you’ll never forget.

The check-in area looks more like a bar top. You can take music with you in the form of albums available you can borrow to listen to on your room’s record player. Instruments are also located throughout the place.

 
Photos, concert posters, autographs, and murals are everywhere. I spotted Alice Cooper, the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Nirvana, The Beatles, and Tina Turner, within just the first few minutes. Over my bed was a magazine cover about Pearl Jam & Eddie Vedder.

Beyond the music is the vibe. Steam comes from the outdoor heated pool you can see in the center courtyard, which my room overlooked. Ramps took me around the whole property and the pool. Although there was an area in my accessible room that was tight to get around, when I mentioned it to the manager, she said she would look into re-arranging it.

 

It’s a good place to enjoy a coffee setup you’ve never quite seen in a hotel. You’ll have your choice of (complimentary) cold brew, nitro, flavored, or regular, always available in the lobby of The Verb. In the next room is a rock and roll tavern, with a twist that Hojoko serves sushi, sake, and Japanese small plates.

I was able to have some of the hazelnut cold brew in the morning. Unfortunately, I couldn’t have anything from one of the best complimentary buffets I’ve ever seen. There were eggs and yogurts, bagels and breads, and a ton of fresh pastries that looked like they just came out of a bakery oven.

 
I took one of the muffins for later, because I know how long it can be before hospital trays arrive in your room. In the meantime, I mellowed in coffee and music before my Lyft WAV arrived.

Surgery on my upper arm to remove a nerve stuck in a muscle (from the fall that broke my humerus eight months earlier, went well. I stayed overnight in the hospital. My trip home wasn’t quite so good thanks to a blizzard.

 
It took two days to get home from Boston. Traveling alone after surgery is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I was tired and in pain and am incredibly grateful to the Boston Logan Admirals Club staff for helping me get comfortable.

While I wasn’t anxious to come back for a post op check-up in two weeks and additional surgery in six months, I was excited about seeing more of Boston.

 

 

 

 

Festival and Ferry for the Last Day in Southwest Michigan

 

It was the final day in Michigan for my friend, Lynn, and I. It had been a wonderful adventure along the coast of Lake Michigan. We were prepared to spend the day with even more of it.

We started with a breakfast meeting with Nick Nerbonne, Media & Digital Director at Pure Michigan. We met at The Coffee Factory for great lattes and breakfast sandwiches, and to talk about the mitten state and accessibility.

Nick is interested in making the state as accessible as possible, knowing it has to be done place by place. He’s proud of the beach chair initiative and the continued efforts. He eagerly listened to my suggestions about hotels, transportation, and other accommodations.

We went back to the Delta Hotel to pack up and check out. We still had until evening in Muskegon. After leaving our suitcases with the front desk, we walked the three blocks downtown to Hackley Park, where a Polish Festival was going on. Along the way we spotted murals and sculptures throughout the well-kept city.

The Polish Festival, a yearly event in the town, was a lot of fun. It celebrated that countries heritage, food, and culture. We watched the dancing and listened to the music while deciding what to eat from the very tempting booths.

Lynn went for a platter with kielbasa, cabbage, pierogies, and potato pancakes. She said it was authentic and fantastic. I went for something a little less ordinary, but equally good: Paczki stuffed with pulled pork.

We walked back to the Delta Hotel and relaxed for a while before it was time to leave and drive to the port. Instead of driving back to Illinois, we had decided to take the Lake Express Ferry and spend a night in Milwaukee before driving to Champaign from there.

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The ferry was large with plenty of space for me to get around in the wheelchair. I didn’t go outside, though. It was windy and I decided to stay warm inside. Lynn went out for a few pictures.

The trip across Lake Michigan was scenic and much shorter than driving. We got off quickly and were ready to start our 24 hours in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It had been a few years since I’d been there, and it was Lynn’s first trip.

I was hosted on this trip, but opinions are my own. Thanks to Pure Michigan for their hospitality.

Enjoying the Day in Muskegon

I had never been to Muskegon and, honestly, it wasn’t on my radar before. I had started hearing more about it and the representatives of Pure Michigan told me it was a lakefront town making strides in the wheelchair-friendly arena.

Muskegon has had a big resurgence from the cruise industry which has led to growth in the town. In addition to the ferries that go across Lake Michigan (which we would be taking), three cruise lines are now making stops in Muskegon: Pearl Sea Cruises, Victory Cruise Line, and Ponant Great Lake Cruises.

The town was building and improving for the influx of cruise passengers and the feedback on the port stop has been positive. This town would continue to thrive.

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Since we had a late lunch and skipped dinner the night before, we were ready for a big breakfast. Mr. Bs Pancake House was the perfect place. This local favorite has been around over 50 years. The portions were huge and the omelets, pancakes, and hashbrowns we had were delicious.

After breakfast, we went to the Muskegon Museum of Art. I was extremely impressed that this seemingly small town had such a large art museum with extensive collections. In fact, it is in the process of being enlarged even more.

While we were at the museum, we were able to see an exhibition on American artist John Steuart Curry, who was a leader in the Regionalist Art Movement. Although that exhibit was temporary, they do have quite a few pieces that are permanent by the artist as part of its over 4,000 selections.

We spent a few hours at the museum, which was easy to get around in my power chair. (They also had wheelchairs available for those who needed to borrow.)

Another place with wheelchairs to use is Muskegon State Beach. These are track wheelchairs to ride on the sand. Just like the ones at the other state beaches, they were free to use, though I suggest reserving them in advance. We had another clear day for the beach, and I was able to ride a smooth path that went almost to the actual water.

After the full day, we decided not to go back to the Delta Hotel by Marriott and instead went straight to dinner. There were many options in Muskegon, but we had passed the Bear Lake Tavern, and it looked like a popular spot. As soon as we walked in, we could see it was filled with a lot of locals. That’s always a clear sign of a good place to eat.

Lynn ordered the steak sandwich and said it was delicious. I went for their beef stroganoff, which was also incredibly good. I had it with a Cucumber Mule, which Bear Lake Tavern made perfectly.

There was a place in town we hadn’t made it to yet that was on our schedule, and it seemed like the perfect time on this warm evening, Norm’s Ice Cream. They had a wide selection of soft serve flavors, and I had my favorite parfait, with peanut butter and hot fudge!

We headed back to the hotel in time for yet another stunning Muskegon sunset. What a way to end a day.

Recap of the day...

A Sweet Day Through Holland, Grand Haven and Oz to Muskegon

My Southwest Michigan trip with my friend, Lynn, had been going well. We were enjoying the waterfront along Lake Michigan, the Dutch heritage, and lots of tasty food. We were excited to explore even more places in the region, but first we had a couple more things to see and do in Holland.

We started with breakfast at Deboer Bakkerij. This popular spot has been a staple in Holland since the original owner came from Nederland in the 1950s. Five generations later, the authentic Dutch recipes are still being made.

Everything on the menu sounded delicious. Lynn had an omelet and I, as I typically do, leaned toward something sweeter with the Blueberry Bliss pancakes. It was the perfect choice. I did my best to finish them, but it wasn’t possible since the portion was so big.

When we were done, we headed to a spot I was looking forward to while planning the trip. It is a little-known fact that L. Frank Baum, author of the Wizard of Oz, was a frequent vacationer to Holland, Michigan. Rumors have swirled around the possibility that he actually wrote that infamous  book here. A tribute to that is the Wizard of Oz Sculpture Garden in downtown.

Although the brick isn’t quite yellow, we followed it through Centennial Park and across the street to the library. There we found bronze sculptures of all the main characters in Oz. It was a whimsical way to start our exit from this creative town.

First there was another attraction to see. Windmill Island Gardens is a beautiful display of Dutch heritage among a perfectly manicured landscaping of flowers and windmills. I found it to be a picturesque site that was accessible for me to easily wheel through.

We didn’t have a tight schedule and decided to take advantage of the spare time to stop at Grand Haven State Beach after leaving Holland. It was another warm summer day along Lake Michigan. Lynn walked the beach looking for shells, stones, and gems. The heat was getting to me, and I decided to enjoy the scene while staying in a shady area.

It was already into the afternoon, and we stopped at my favorite Michigan chain, Grand Traverse Pie Company, for lunch. I could never get enough of their food, and I was excited about the stop. I had made a habit of visiting one of their locations whenever I was in the state.

Grand Traverse Pie Company has a Combo special that can’t be beat. It includes a pot pie or slice of quiche, salad or soup, and slice of pie. We both decided on the Chicken Pot Pie,  Chicken Noodle Soup, and Cherry Ganache Pie. It was all as good as I remembered. I couldn’t finish it all and saved the soup for later.

We were only a half hour from our next stop, Muskegon, where we would spend the next two nights at the Delta Hotel. It was a huge property in this small town, which offered a different atmosphere, though still on the lake.

By the time we got settled in the room, we were exhausted. We decided to skip going out to dinner and stayed in to rest. It turned out to be the ideal night to do it as we had an incredible sunset right outside our window.