Enjoying Another Accessible Day in Morgan Hill

 

My brother, Mark, and I arrived in Morgan Hill the day before and were quite impressed. The town proved to be as wheelchair accessible as I was promised. It was also the ideal place for a foodie like me.

We only had one more day with Visit Morgan Hill before I was off to my next California location. It was packed for us to see—and eat—as much as possible.

 

We left the Holiday Inn in the morning and drove downtown to MOHI Farm Restaurant. Most of the ingredients here come from one of the many farmers in the area. Their menu changes to present the freshest ingredients.

I felt immediately welcomed with the ♿ symbol on the front door. The place was large and wide, so I eased into a table, where I ordered a latte while we looked over the menu.

Everything sounded delicious, but I was ready for some carbs and chose the French Toast with blueberry compote and mascarpone. Mark went for the Croissant Egg Sandwich, with bacon and pesto, served with fruit and potatoes.

The food was as good as it sounds, and we lingered for a while. Although we didn’t imbibe with a long day ahead of us, MOHI Farm also offers specialty cocktails, martinis, beer, wine, and a bar for freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices.

We had time before our next stop, so we walked/rolled around downtown, checking out the buildings and restaurants before coming across The Granary, a new complex of restaurants, shops, and offices. It was still under construction, but I was ready for more caffeine, and we decided to go to Barrel & Bean.

It was a bit of a maze to get inside. They had a plan set up to get into it in a wheelchair. It took a long time to roll and an elevator to make it to this coffee house. It was worth it when I tasted their Iced Pomegranate Green Tea.

Next, we went to Cura Contemporary. The design of this art studio was as creative as the art itself. It also excelled in accessibility, with an elevator to the second floor, where we saw a colorful selection of pottery, jewelry, paintings, and even needlework.

Cura Contemporary changes its exhibitions monthly and, at the time I went, featured over 40 artists, local and from across the country. They also have a bar and restaurant, but we already had plans set for lunch.

Our lunch spot was equally innovative. Luxe Flower Bar is a floral studio, event spot, and restaurant. It has quite the atmosphere with a tree in the middle and champagne everywhere, even in a vending machine!

Lunch was a variety of small plates with ingredients sourced through Mohi Farm. I could eat the Beet Salad with goat cheese every day and Mark had a beautiful Beet Hummus with a plate full of seasonal vegetables. The owner tried to get us to have some dessert. We were too full but took a fresh blueberry muffin to go.

We went from a champagne filled spot to a place that actually makes champagne, Guglielmo Winery. The 50-acre, family-owned estate is on the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail even though it is nothing like any California winery I’ve ever been to (and I’ve been to many).

Guglielmo looks like it belongs in an Italian village. Outside, you’ll find plenty of spots to sit, drink, and relax. Inside, the tasting room is filled with Interesting Italian products and photos showing the history of the family. The wine is filled with unexpected varietals, quite a few we really liked.

The biggest surprise was Emilie’s California Champagne, grandfathered into the French champagne rules. I thought it was quite tasty, not too dry, and not too sweet. Mark liked the 2022 Grignolino so much he bought a bottle.

We weren’t very hungry for dinner when we arrived at Ladera Grill. Thoughts of getting something light disappeared when we saw the menu, mixed with chef specialties, locally sourced ingredients, and comfort food.

Although I am not a big meat eater, I’m always ready for a well-cooked Short Rib and there’s fitting the bill. Mark picked the Seafood Pasta, another good choice. We ended up having half our meals packed up, along with some cannoli.

I was off to meet my younger niece and nephew in Santa Cruz and figured accurately they would be ready for some extra food.

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.

Another Side of Atlanta

 

It was my final day in Atlanta with my niece, Moriah, and I decided to plan something a little different. I had a late flight going home and I arranged for us to spend the day near the airport. It wasn’t the experience you’d expect,

 

The Atlanta Airport District promotes airport hotels and activities around the area, with ease in getting to the airport. It’s a different look at where to stay in Atlanta without just your typical quick stay hotels without the amenities you don’t often see at airport hotels.

Since my flight wasn’t leaving until 9:00 pm, I had a lot of time after our noon checkout at The American Hotel downtown. Moriah met me at the hotel, and I rolled and she walked to the MARTA train station.

 

Downtown has very convenient MARTA stations. There were actually four within a few blocks of the hotel. The only problem was that the elevators for handicap access were not next to the entrance. It took us a while, and help from a police officer, to figure out how to get to them.

Once we were at MARTA, it was extremely easy to use the automated ticket machines and find the train. I also had no issue getting on the train with my wheelchair. To get to the hotel we were heading to, we needed to change trains at the airport, but it was quick and easy.

 

The Marriott Gateway Atlanta Airport was just an elevator ride down from the train and right in front of us. We had a room for the day to use the amenities and relax. It is a large hotel, but it was Sunday afternoon and quiet. We checked in quickly.

A basket filled with goodies, including snacks, was waiting for us. The room was wheelchair accessible and it was easy for me to get around in. The bathroom was also large, and the shower had a chair in it.

I was most excited about using the pool. Getting in the water is freeing for me because I can “walk” in the water without fear of falling (I’ve had serious falls on the ground). The indoor pool also had a lift to make it easier to get into.

We relaxed in and out of the pool for a while. The sun was coming through the window and kept us warm, even though I couldn’t sit directly in the sunlight. After the pool, we took a walk through the Marriott Fitness Strength Center. It is one of the biggest hotel gym’s I’ve seen.

 

Our dinner wasn’t scheduled until later in the evening, but we were really hungry and decided to go early. The restaurant was Hickory & Hazel and just across a small street at the Renaissance Marriott Atlanta Airport.

The Cast Iron Peach Cornbread immediately caught my eye and we ordered it. It was delicious and we could have finished it all, but there was a lot more food to come. We continued with the Southern cooking theme and were not disappointed.

 

It was hard to decide on an entrée, so we got the two we were thinking about and shared: Buttermilk Fried Chicken, with Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, and “Chow Chow relish,” and Braised Lamb Shank, with Cheese Grits, and Brussel Sprouts. The portions were huge and everything was delicious.

Dessert was Red Velvet Cake and that was also fantastic. We had lots of leftovers and Moriah took them home. I went back to the Marriott Gateway to put my feet up before heading to my flight.

 

It was an easy one stop ride on the train to the airport. From there, I just rolled over to the check-in area. I usually fly American from Champaign, but Delta has a direct flight to Atlanta from Bloomington-Normal (CIRA) Airport. The schedule didn’t work out for me heading there, but it was perfect for going home.

This was my first time flying Delta in the wheelchair, and it went very smoothly. It was an incredibly fun trip to Atlanta and I’m sure I will be returning soon.

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...