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.

 

 

 

 

Boston Trip 2: Busy Day Back in Boston

 

My second trip to Boston in the 21st Century was for surgery. I wasn’t going to waste a trip to a city I Ioved, so I arrived two days early, and filled the schedule with as much as I could. It was a cross between being dedicated to seeing more of Boston and trying not to worry too much about my upcoming surgery.

It was just before the holidays, and the downtown hotels were pretty expensive. I found a deal at a hotel in the Fenway Park area that looked interesting. It turned out to be directly in front of Fenway Park and interesting was an understatement.

 

I had arranged an accessible ride with Go Airport Shuttle. The driver was waiting for me at Logan Airport when we arrived and took me to The Verb. An attendant greeted us. There were no steps to get in, and I wheeled right into the lobby.

Soon after I checked in, I went out to explore. I couldn’t be this close to the iconic Fenway Park and not check it out. I was told the tour was not accessible—but you can get accessible seating during the season. I still walked around the outside and could see just how special this place was.

I hadn’t eaten since my early morning flight and grabbed a Mediterranean bowl at Cava. The Fenway area is much different than downtown Boston. The cobblestones were missing and there was a more modern feel.

 I  took a short nap after my exploration and decided to forego the Lyft WAV and wheel the mile to The Prudential Center, where I was meeting my friend, Amanda. It was an unusually warm day for December, and it looked to be a scenic ride.

I went through the Fenway Victory Gardens and through the Back Bay Fens. Like just about everything else in Boston, there was history all around me. I passed a statue of “Poet Patriot” John Boyle O’Reilly, and the location of the Massachusetts Historical Society. 

I hit those famous cobblestones and got bounced around a bit, but I saw The Prudential Center in front of me and knew it would be better in there.

The Prudential Center is a modern mall, with wide and smooth walkways that are perfect for wheelchairs. They even had a huge accessible bathroom. I love a bathroom I can easily turn my wheelchair around in, then be able to get myself up holding on to properly placed rails. 

I knew we were having dinner, and I didn’t want to fill up, but I was early and decided to stop at Eataly for a latte and a cannoli. They make them fresh and they are delicious.

I met up with Amanda about an hour later in front of the entrance to The View Boston. I expected to just go up to the top floor for view of the city, but it was so much more. We found multiple floors with displays, history, and videos about Boston. There were also 360-degree views and miniature maps explaining everything you are seeing.

The Stratus, Boston’s highest bar, was decorated as a winter wonderland. We were tempted to stay for a drink, but it was crowded and we had reservations for dinner at the restaurant. Stratus has a patio too. We went outside to catch the view, but it was too cold to stay there.

The Beacon had a creative cocktail menu that included Spirit Free and Zero Proof drinks. Amanda had a Boston Garden Fizz, with vodka, strawberry-basil shrub, and soda water. I did the Southside, with zero-proof gin, mint, and soda. With all the botanicals in the gin, I couldn’t even tell that it was alcohol-free. After all, I was having surgery the next day.

The food at The Beacon was as good as the menu made it sound. We started with sharing the wings and meatballs with ricotta. They were both flavorful, but not too spicy. I had the sausage and cavatelli with burrata for a main course.

 

We enjoyed our meal before it was time to go. I was surprised to find out when we got downstairs that it was raining hard. I didn’t want to get soaked so I called a Lyft WAV to take me back to The Verb.

I had thought I’d eat something again and stay up late because I couldn’t eat in the morning and surgery wasn’t until the afternoon. I was just too tired and drifty off to sleep quickly.

 

Bourbon & Beyond 2024-Day Four

It was the final day of the Bourbon & Beyond Festival, and I was ready for an exciting one, with interviews to do and bands new and old to see.

My brother, Mark, and I checked out of our wheelchair accessible room at the Tru Hilton Louisville South and headed to the Kentucky Exhibition Center. The weather was still warm and humid, but it looked like we might be heading for some rain.

 One of the acts I was most looking forward to was first up at Bourbon & Beyond. I had always been a fan of actor Kevin Bacon and was looking forward to catching his performance with his brother, Michael.

The Bacon Brothers were fantastic, with Kevin as the lead singer. He also showed off his dance moves, especially when performing the title song from his most famous movie, “Footloose.” The growing crowd was dancing and singing along with them. It was quite a show.

After they were done, I went back to the press area for a while to get my questions ready for upcoming interviews.

I had met and interviewed Megan and Rebecca Lovell, a.k.a. Larkin Poe, at the 2018 Bourbon & Beyond Festival. It was their first time performing at the event. They had just started gaining recognition and they quickly won over those who hadn’t seen them before.

They remembered the last time well. We reminisced about how the festival has changed and talked about their latest accomplishments, which included a Grammy Award. (You can read the full interview here.)

It started to rain just about the time when they went on stage. I had a poncho that covered me and my wheelchair. I was invited into the VIP area, so it wasn’t bad. 

Larkin Poe was even better than I had remembered. The one thing that hadn’t changed at all was how comfortable the two sisters were with each other.

After Larkin Poe, I had fun, fun, fun watching the Beach Boys. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve seen them perform. The first time I was actually covering one of their concerts I was actually a teenager in college! 

Although all of us are moving a lot slower these days, it’s hard not to smile and sing during a Beach Boys concert.

When they finished, I headed to the press area to warm up with some coffee before Mt. Joy’s performance. I didn’t know much about them, but Mark told me they were my niece’s favorite group, so I was ready to learn. I accepted an opportunity to interview them after their performance.

I enjoyed watching Mt. Joy. They are an alternative rock band with roots in Philadelphia. They drew a huge crowd.

The rain caused some delays and Mt. Joy had to cancel our interview. I was disappointed, but ready to hit the road after a highly successful Bourbon & Beyond. Next year’s lineup looks just as exciting.

Bourbon & Beyond 2024-Day Three

My brother, Mark, and I both agreed we wanted to enjoy a good Kentucky barbecue meal in Louisville before we got started on the day at Bourbon & Beyond. I went online and searched for reviews. One place kept coming up: Shack in the Back.

It was clear we picked the right place when we saw the crowd at 11:00 am on a  Saturday morning. It was even clearer when we tasted the food.

I had a brisket sandwich, with a side of mashed potatoes and a side of corn. Mark went all out with the Sampler. It included brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and wings. He chose the mac and cheese and the green beans to go with it.

We didn’t make it through all the food, though it wasn’t for a lack of trying. We had to get to the festival as I had interviews to do and music to watch.

My first appointment was at Eastern Light Distilling. I was intrigued with this company and even more so after meeting with the owners. 

 
Eastern Light is not “a” bourbon company. It is a group that is locally owned in the foothills of Eastern Kentucky. This area is not an easy place for individuals to operate a bourbon distillery on their own. Instead, those interested in producing their own product have joined together to share one production building.

We met with Founding Partners Caleb Kilburn, who is the Master Distiller, and Cordell Lawrence, the CEO. They explained how bringing this option to a rural part of Kentucky has brought jobs and opportunities.

Eastern Light’s Oxmoor was on display with two cocktails for the event: Summer Punch, with Oxmoor Private Stock Kentucky Straight Bourbon, black tea, lemon, and spices; and 19^th Century Cocktail, with Oxmoor Private Stock Kentucky Straight Bourbon, sweet vermouth, Crème de Cacao, and lemon. 

We tasted the bourbon straight first and it was quite impressive, and really good with these unique drink combos.

We then headed over to see the pop duo Royal Otis on the Yonder Stage, one of the smaller (but, definitely not small) stages. I enjoyed them for a little while, but I was due in the press tent.

I arrived a little early for my interview with Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum and Young the Giant was there finishing up photos.

This was not the first time I had met with Dave Pirner and Soul Asylum. I saw them nine years previously at the House of Blues in Chicago. You can read all about my Bourbon & Beyond interview with Pirner here.

After the interview, I went over to a very packed Yonder Stage to watch Soul Asylum. I think the concert producers underestimated the fan base this band still had. The show was as good as I remembered.

The audience  cheered and sang, especially when the mega hit “Runaway Train” was performed. I confess I was singing then too.

The crowds were getting bigger, and the heat and exhaustion was getting to me. Mark offered to take me back to the hotel and then come back to see Zach Bryan. I did not object. I am not a huge country music fan anyway.

I took a bath and was resting in bed within the hour. In the meantime, Mark found a deck at Bourbon and Beyond to be able to see and hear Zach Bryan over what was a record producing crowd. After seeing the picture he sent, I knew I made the right choice staying in.

I was long asleep when he came back. He really enjoyed the last show of the night, and I got the rest I needed to make it through a busy final next day at Bourbon & Beyond.

Bourbon & Beyond 2024-Day Two

After all the problems with hotels the day before, we were settled into the Tru Hilton in Louisville and getting ready for a busy day at Bourbon & Beyond. I had made appointments between all the music. I was looking forward to it all.

My brother, Mark, suggested lunch at Waffle House. He said it was on his bucket list. I hadn’t been in years and I’m never one to turn down waffles. It was actually very good, with big portions and reasonable prices.

 

We had no problem parking in the handicapped area and made it onto the grounds in time to pick up coffee in the press tent and watch Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, followed by Bruce Hornsby. It was a good way to start this bright day.

We then headed to the Big Bourbon Tent. We arrived a little early for our appointment with Tyler Rothenberg of Chicken Cock Bourbon and enjoyed the bluegrass while we waited.

Tyler set us up with the two cocktails made especially for Bourbon & Beyond:

  

Wildflower in Paris- Chicken Cock Bourbon, peach liqueur, iced tea, lemon juice, mint syrup, and candied syrup.

Bardstown Buck-Chicken Cock Bourbon, ginger ale, bitters, cane sugar reduction, and strawberries.

Both were so good we happily accepted seconds as Tyler told us about this small batch bourbon, which is actually one of the oldest bourbons in the country. It was originated in 1856 and has been reincarnated into this award-winning whiskey.

 

Next, I was excited to see Melissa Etheridge for the first time. It was one giant singalong as she had the crowd on their feet. She certainly knows how to get an audience involved. I definitely wished she could have stayed on longer, but there were strict rules to make sure the stages were turned over for the next performer.           

 

Mark and I decided it was time for dinner before the next stop. With so many options, it was tough deciding what to have for dinner. We ended up choosing pretty basic food that was terrific. Mark had Gus’s Fried Chicken, and I chose Meatball Sliders (there was no company name).

 

We sat at one of the communal picnic tables and the overwhelming opinion among the attendees was favorable for the food and music, and wishes that heat and humidity was lower.

Before the next appointment, we made a quick stop at the Workshop tent. Every time I have gone to one of those at a Bourbon & Beyond Festival I enjoyed it, but even with my brother helping out, there was just not enough time to stay long enough to write about them. Maybe next year.

 

Ansley Brown, the Media Relations Director, was waiting for us at the 1 Million Strong retreat. She explained how this area was a place to support and encourage those on the recovery journey, and those who wanted a break from cocktails prevalent at the festival.

Though the cocktail selection was delicious, it is a long day in the hot sun and non-alcoholic drinks are a break. This thought was supported by the crowd in the tent, and the fact that they were fast running out of mocktails.

 

The other reason for the 1 Million Strong presence at Bourbon & Beyond is the link between music and its tie to addiction. In fact, the organization admits 56% of those in the industry indicate substance abuse. Some of those stopped by during the event as festivals can be triggering to them too.

As we left the area, It was clear the crowds were getting bigger as the sun began to set. It was Friday night and I’m sure many were first arriving for the weekend.

 

I needed a break to put my feet up, catch up on social media, and caffeinate. I found a spot in the press tent to rest while Mark caught up with some more of the music, which included Matt Kearney, Chris Isaak, and Black Pumas.

Dave Matthews was the last performer of the evening. He was one of the acts I was excited about when I saw the list of musicians for this year’s Bourbon & Beyond. I have been a fan for years, but this was my first time seeing him live. He’s a wonderful live performer and the crowd was with him, especially for “Crash Into Me.”

 

We were definitely ready to call it a night when the Dave Matthews Band finished. It had been quite a day, but it was only day two of four at Bourbon & Beyond and time to pace myself.

Bourbon & Beyond 2024-Day One

The first year of Bourbon & Beyond in Louisville, Kentucky, had been wonderful, albeit ridiculously hot. The music, food, and bourbon were fantastic, and I was able to do many interviews for stories.

When I left Bourbon & Beyond the second year, it was in a muddy mess. The torrential rains in the hours before the end of day three left the long trip to the parking lot in my walker extremely difficult. Had I been in a wheelchair then, I would have been one of the people stuck for hours in the mud.

With the memories of 2018, followed by the event being skipped because of COVID, I didn’t think I’d return. Then my brother, Mark, brought it up.

 

Mark lives in California and we don’t get a lot of time together so it gave me a pause. Then, there was a lineup filled with performers I really wanted to see, such as Sting, Dave Matthews, Beck, Melissa Etheridge, and Larkin Poe, whom I had interviewed at the first Bourbon & Beyond.

My first step was to contact the media staff at Danny Wimmer Presents, the company producing the event. I knew there was a new venue, and I wanted to know more about it. I listened carefully as I was told there were accessible cement walkways throughout, and a large area of handicapped parking.

I decided we would go and cover the event together. I was still a bit nervous and checked the weather every day before I had nothing to worry about in the weather that first day as it was warm and sunny, with no sight of rain.

 

It was nice that there weren’t too many people when we first arrived, so we had a chance to look around and get something to eat after getting our press credentials.

We were able to get handicapped parking and, as I had been told, there were cement walkways for me to easily ride my wheelchair to the venue.

 

All of the major bourbon companies had their own tents. They also have tents with Bourbon & Beyond merchandise, as well as those with general clothing and hats. The Workshop was the scene for cooking demonstrations and bourbon seminars. I regret that I didn’t make it over to any, but it was away from the stages and there never seemed to be enough time.

I broke protocol, but the heat really had me in the mood for a cold glass of wine. The Wine Garden had a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc—and shade—which worked well for me.

 

I have seen Matchbox 20 four times (three in the last three years). I believe Rob Thomas is greatly underrated as a singer and songwriter. I can continue to listen to his songs every chance I get, even better if it’s in concert. Judging by the growing crowd, I was not alone.

While I was at Matchbox 20, Mark was checking out Tedeschi Trucks.

I took a break in the press tent. The Drip coffee bar  kept me going this first day and every day after. They provided us with complimentary coffee drinks, and I took full advantage. I think I tried just about everything. My favorite was the Dirty Horchata, made with cold brew, cinnamon, vanilla extract and bean, and milk.

The crowds on the main lawn increased dramatically as the sun began to go down. The Angel’s Envy VIP seating also filled up for the evening performances. I had heard a lot about how good Beck was live and had to agree. I really enjoyed him, especially “Loser,” which had the crowd on their feet singing along.

 

One of the reasons I wanted to go to this festival was Sting, who I had never seen perform live before. He did not disappoint. I was blown away by his stamina, as he hardly took a breath between songs.

We left as Sting was on his last song and we were both tired. This is the part where I usually say we went to the hotel and got a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, that story is much bigger.

 

In my previous coverage of Bourbon & Beyond, the Louisville Tourism Board would take care of getting me a hotel room. This worked well for me and them, as I would also spend time exploring the city and doing additional stories beyond the festival.

I had presumed it would work the same way and didn’t look into hotels. By the time I heard back from Louisville Tourism that they couldn’t supply the accommodations, there wasn’t a lot left around the festival locations.

We were able to get a two-bed accessible suite at an Extended Stay* about 20 minutes away. Even though I had a confirmation, they contacted me the day of check-in to tell me they did not have any such room, or anything accessible! We frantically called around town and had another similar experience with Wyndham, who gave us a confirmation for a room that did not exist.

It was after midnight before we got to a Hilton Tru, a half hour from the Bourbon & Beyond Festival, in an actual wheelchair friendly room—at nearly twice the price originally planned for. It was an experience I have never had before and to think it happened at two different hotels makes me more concerned than ever about accessible travel.

We tried not to let it put a damper on the positive festival experience we were having so far.

 

 

 

*I have never even received an apology from Extended Stay.