Visiting Wheelchair Accessible Morgan Hill, California

 

It’s been a busy California filled year for me as that state is making big strides in accessibility. My first trip of the year involved three locations. I had the pleasure of sharing each town with different family members.

This first story from that trip is on a place I had never heard of before it was suggested to me. Morgan Hill turned out to be a town that is not only accessible, but it’s welcoming and full of fabulous art and delicious food.

My brother, Mark, and I arrived in Morgan Hill in time for lunch at Cochi’s Kitchen. It’s a small shop with big recommendations. They are deserving. Cochi’s sells breakfast bowls, sandwiches, and salads.

Mark had the special, the Cluck Norris Sando, with buttermilk fried chicken, honey mustard slaw, Cochi Sauce, and pickles, served on a garlic butter bun. I had the brisket sandwich with barbecue sauce. Our food was delicious and the sandwiches were so big we couldn’t finish them.

After lunch, I was able to go to my first Magical Bridge playground. There are currently 13 around the country and each one embraces accessibility. The concept was started in Palo Alto, by Olenka Villarreal. She couldn’t find a place to take her two daughters, Ava, born with disabilities, and older sister Emma. She raised funds and made the world’s first multigenerational playground designed for all abilities and all ages.

In keeping with the format of every Magical Bridge playground, Morgan Hill’s is divided into grouped play experiences. The Play Zones introduce space for creativity and imagination, essential movement, quiet reflection, group play, and non-verbal expression.

 

It was nice for me to wheel around without any barriers and watch all the smiles among the kids playing with each other. Of course, I had to check on the restroom. The bathroom at Magic Bridge is as accessible as you’d expect it to be.

After Magic Bridge, we checked into the Holiday Inn. We had a large accessible room, with a queen bed and a pullout couch. I really liked the bathroom as it had a bathtub with a chair. I can still get into a tub if it is low and has a chair and railings, so it’s a treat for me. The bathroom also had towel shelves that I could reach from the wheelchair.

I put my feet up for a while before we went to downtown Morgan Hill for dinner. It was suggested we go to Rosy’s on the Beach. I loved the décor and we enjoyed the cocktails, but after looking at the menu, we decided to go somewhere else. 

The menu was 95% seafood and I am highly allergic. Even the waiter told us to go when I mentioned my allergy.

We took a walk (and roll for me) down the street. There is no shortage of restaurants in Morgan Hill. We decided on Noah’s Bar & Bistro. The menu looked good and the place relaxing. 

It was an excellent choice. I had the Sausage Penne Pasta, which was flavorful without being too spicy. Mark also picked a great dish, the Pan Seared Mahi Mahi.

As tempting as it was to check out more of Morgan Hill, I was exhausted and we had another full day coming up. We went back to the Holiday Inn to rest.

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.

Quick Pet Friendly Getaway on Riverwalk

My trips are usually planned pretty far in advance. This one was different.

It was toward the end of a summer spent mostly at home and Teddy and I were getting restless. I was also looking for something to talk about for my upcoming CI Living show.

 

Since I live just two hours south of Chicago and the windy City offers endless things to do, it was the obvious choice. I wanted something a bit different this time around. A focus on the Riverwalk sounded like the perfect idea.

Even though Teddy is a service dog and allowed everywhere, I wanted a pet friendly place where people could have the same experience we did. The Sheraton Grand Riverwalk fit all the requirements and it was a hotel I had not previously been to.

 My friend, Kim, came along for the short trip. We checked in quickly and went up to our large accessible room, with a king bed, a pullout couch, and a bed and bowl set up for Teddy that was much bigger than he was.

We also had a welcoming charcuterie plate. It was filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables. We  just nibbled on a bit since we had plans for dinner.

 

When I go to Chicago I usually check out a restaurant I haven’t been to before, having multiple courses and tasting as much as I can. This was planned differently. I wanted a pet friendly experience.

We went downstairs and walked through the large lobby bar and to the Riverwalk, where we entered Chicago Burger Company. This venue is open at the Sheraton Grand in the spring, summer, and fall.

At first it looked just like a fast food restaurant. We soon learned they had a lot more to offer. Along with the usual burgers, hot dogs, fries, and milkshakes, Chicago Burger Company has frozen cocktails, beer, and smoothies. They also have a food menu for dogs.

 

We ordered our food and drinks and went to sit outside overlooking the river. While we waited we did some people – and dog – watching. The area had a bit of a Paris vibe with the waterfront. The Sheraton Grand even has its own dock so you can come and go by boat.

 

Although I can’t say his food looked overly appealing, Teddy loved the CBC Burger. Kim was equally satisfied with the Chili & Cheddar Burger and her side of fried pickles. I decided to go meatless with a Mushroom Swiss Impossible Burger and sweet potato tots. It was the right choice.

 

We also tried out the frozen cocktails It was a Mango Rum for me and a Lakeshore Lemonade for Kim. Teddy stuck with the water.

 

After we ate, Kim and Teddy walked while I rode my wheelchair along the Riverwalk. It was a beautiful scene at night as it had been during the day and I found it to be very accessible.

 

We slept very well at the Sheraton Grand. As expected, Teddy preferred my bed to the one set up for him on the floor. In the morning, we had coffee and the rest of that delicious charcuterie plate before heading home.

I received complimentary accommodations and food on this trip, but opinions are my own.

Furry Fun at StayPineapple in Chicago

I've been to many Chicago hotels, but StayPineapple is one of my best discoveries in years.

I love pineapple and was very intrigued about a hotel built around the fruit. When I heard they were very dog friendly, I knew I had to go. I brought my friend Kim and my Yorkie Teddy along to enjoy the fun for a quick trip.

Even though Teddy is a service dog and is welcome everywhere, I try to take him to pet friendly places so he gets the dog perks. We received welcome drinks (Sauvignon Blanc for me and pineapple beer for Kim), pineapple shaped cookies, pineapple water, and, of course, dog biscuits for Teddy, as soon as we arrived at the hotel.

My corner suite was perfect, with a king bed in the large bedroom, and a couch, chair, and second television in the living room. Kim had the room next door to herself. We had a beautiful view from the window. 

Teddy had a bed set up for him and bowls for water and food next to it. In his goodie bag was also a yellow container with a clip, filled with poop bags (there are areas nearby where you can walk your dog).

 

Both rooms had the consistent pineapple theme throughout. Our robes were yellow with pineapples. Even the bathroom had toilet paper designed as a pineapple! I could detect the faint smell of pineapple in the air. 

I enjoyed my wine while I was spread out on the couch with my feet up. It was nice to chill in this environment. Teddy was happy he wasn't needed and ran around and explored the entire place. He finally settled in comfortably on my bed, between all the pillows with pineapple pictures.

 The hotel amenities are definitely more than you see in most Chicago hotels. In addition to what I’ve mentioned, all guests get complimentary internet, unlimited bottled water and coffee/tea in the room, and bikes for borrowing. The cookies and pineapple water are also always available free of charge in the lobby.

After the rest, we went downstairs to have dinner at the hotel’s Atwood Restaurant. We took full advantage of the pineapple filled menu, starting with a Naked Experience cocktail (brown sugar bourbon, pineapple, lemonade & Luxardo cherry) for Kim, served in a pineapple shaped container, and a tequila and pineapple juice for me.

We had shared the  Pineapple Teriyaki Wings, which had chunks of pineapple, and cheese-filled Nachos with a pineapple salsa for our appetizers. The kitchen also sent us the spicy wings to try. Kim had the steak and polenta special for a main course, and I did the BBQ Pork Sliders, which had a sweet and tangy pineapple Cole slaw.

 

Dessert was a dark chocolate skillet brownie with raspberry sauce and a Pineapple Whip, a soft serve that would definitely make Walt Disney jealous. Everything we had was delicious and obviously made with fresh ingredients.

 Teddy had plenty of bones – and a few morsels that might have fallen on the floor, where he sat during our dinner. After he went for a walk, he was content to go back to the room to rest, though he didn’t prefer my bed over his.

 

After a good night’s sleep, we were back at Atwood for brunch. Kim had the Loaded Breakfast Potatoes, with bacon, sausage, and sunny side eggs over crispy potatoes. I had a tomato and cheese omelet, with the potatoes. We were as pleased with breakfast as we have dinner.

As for accessibility, inside it was incredibly good, and the staff was very accommodating. The doors were too heavy for me to manage on my own, though. I am looking forward to seeing more Chicago establishments installing automatic doors.

 

StayPineapple is just a few blocks between Millennium Park and Grant Park. It is also a short walk to the Chicago Theater District so the location is a good one.

It’s rarely I get to relax, eat, and drink all in one place. It was a short getaway, but I really good one I would definitely do again