Summer 2008

Q: I'm celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary this year and 'd like to take my wife away for the weekend. I'm looking for a romantic inn, no more than an hour away from Baltimore. I use a wheelchair, so it also has to be wheelchair-accessible. I want this to be a very special weekend for my wife. Do you have any suggestions?

A: I suggest that you pull out all the stops and book the accessible Peacock Suite at The Inn at Peralynna Manor (410-715-4600, www.peralynna.com). Located on Route 108 just outside of Columbia, Md., it certainly meets your location requirements, and this nicely accessible property simply oozes romance.

The luxurious Peacock Suite features ramp access to a private entrance from the accessible parking area, wide doorways, wood floors and good pathway access. The full bathroom has a large grotto shower with roll-in access, a built-in shower bench and seven showerheads. Two of the showerheads are handheld, two are standard, two spray upward and a large rain showerhead is strategically positioned over the shower bench.

The bathroom is also equipped with grab bars in the shower and around the toilet, a roll-under sink and even a shower curtain pull that you can reach from a wheelchair. A smaller half-bath features a toilet with grab bars and a roll-under sink. And the bed is a very manageable 26 inches high. The suite is very well done.

And as far as romance goes, treat your wife to a private candlelight dinner or have the room sprinkled with rose petals prior to your arrival. And the next morning, enjoy a made-to-order breakfast in the dining room or on your private terrace. Whatever your pleasure, rest assured, the attentive Peralynna staff will go out of their way to make this a very special weekend for you both.



Spring 2008

Q: I'm planning to visit Baltimore, Md., this summer and 'd like to spend a few days at the Inner Harbor, as I've heard great things about it. I use a manual wheelchair, but I can walk a few steps. Can you recommend some accessible attractions and activities for me?

A: You'll love the Inner Harbor, and there's certainly no shortage of accessible attractions that you'll be able to enjoy there. A nicely designed brick promenade follows the waters' edge and allows wheelers good access to the popular sites.

The National Aquarium (410-659-4201, www.aqua.org) dominates the Inner Harbor skyline and offers barrier-free access at the members' entrance. Although advance tickets are recommended for the general public, visitors who have a disability are granted immediate admission at this entrance. In addition, the aquarium opens 1/2 hour early on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month for visitors with special needs, to allow these visitors a more leisurely crowd-free experience. A free access guide is available at the entrance.

Another must-see Inner Harbor attraction is the USS Constellation (410-539-1797, www.constellation.org), the last of the Navy's all-sail warships. Constructed in 1854, the vessel offers elevator access to the main deck and stair lift access down to the gun deck. The ship is fascinating, and there's plenty of room to wheel around on the top deck.

Save some time for a lunch or dinner cruise aboard the Bay Lady or Lady Baltimore. Operated by Harbor Cruises (410-727-3113, www.harborcruises.com), both ships are docked in the Inner Harbor and feature ramp access.

The Bay Lady is also equipped with an accessible restroom. In addition, the same company operates 75-minute Inner Harbor cruises aboard the ramp-equipped Prince Charming.

For more information about Inner Harbor attractions, visit www.Baltimore.org or stop by the accessible visitors center on the west shore of the Inner Harbor.



Winter 2008

Q: I'm taking my parents on a cruise, which departs from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, N.J. My father is in a wheelchair and I'm a little concerned about the whole embarkation process. Is the parking structure very far from the place where we check in for the cruise? I'm not sure I will be able to handle all of our luggage and assist my father at the same time. Is there any help available at the port?

A: Embarkation at Cape Liberty is a very easy process, because accessibility was taken into account when the facility was constructed in 2004. The parking structure is located right next to the Cruise Terminal. Just drive up to the terminal, and drop off your passengers and your luggage. Porters are on hand to check your luggage, so you don't have to handle it at all. Then park your car and walk back to the Cruise Terminal. After you check in, you can take a lift-equipped bus to your ship.

If you need additional assistance, such as someone to push your father's wheelchair, contact a cruise line employee. For more information about Cape Liberty, including detailed driving directions and current traffic conditions, visit www.cruiseliberty.com

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Q: I'm flying into Dulles Airport and need wheelchair-accessible transportation to get to my hotel. I need to stay in my own wheelchair for the ride. What do you recommend?

A: If your hotel offers a free airport shuttle, they are also required to offer an accessible shuttle free of charge. Although advance reservations aren't required for this service, in practice you'll have a shorter wait if you notify the hotel of your needs in advance. If your hotel doesn't provide shuttle service, check with Super Shuttle (800-258-3826) or Red Top Taxi (703-522-3333). Both companies have ramp-equipped vehicles; however, advance reservations are required.


November / December 2007

Q: I live in the Maryland suburbs, and I'd like to plan a day trip with my mother, who uses a manual wheelchair. She likes art galleries, historic attractions and archaeology. I'd prefer a destination that is within a two-hour drive. I'd just like to get out of town for the day, spend some time exploring, have a nice lunch with mom and head home. What do you recommend?

A: I'd suggest a day trip to Alexandria, Va., which is just a short drive away. Down on the waterfront you'll find a very accessible boardwalk promenade and the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Once a working torpedo factory, today this building is home to 82 artists, studios, six cooperative galleries, two workshops and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. The accessible entrance is located on the waterfront side, and there is elevator access to the upper floors. For more information, visit www.torpedofactory.org or call 703-838-4565.

When it's time for lunch, head over to the Chart House, located right next door. The river view is spectacular, the food is excellent and there is ramp access to the front entrance. Alternatively, if your mom can manage a short, level walk, then stroll down King Street to the Wharf Restaurant. Not only do they serve the best crab cakes in the city, but they also have good wheelchair access.

And save some time to browse around the historic district, and perhaps visit Gadsby's Tavern Museum. You'll find the accessible entrance on the left side of the building, and although the second floor is only accessible by stairs, a video is available for those who cannot manage the climb. And if Mom isn't up for a walking tour, then take a leisurely drive through town before you head home; it's a very accessible way to enjoy Alexandria's historic architecture.


September / October 2007

Q: I'm visiting Richmond next month and am looking for attractions suitable for my seven-year old. He uses a manual wheelchair, is very active and loves hands-on activities. Do you have any suggestions?

A: The Children's Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is the perfect place for your active guy. Billed as a "learning landscape where children can explore the natural world," this hands-on nature experience was designed from the ground up to be wheelchair-accessible. Between the activity center, sand play area, adventure pathway and tree house, there are certainly plenty of offerings to keep your little one busy. One of the most unique features of the Children's Garden is the wheelchair-accessible tree house. There is ramp access at the bottom of the tree house and an accessible connecting bridge that leads up to the top. It's located on the edge of the lake and features dramatic views of the Conservatory and the Rose Belvedere, so it's as much fun for adults as it is for kids. This project was made possible in part with a grant from the Christopher Reeves Paralysis Foundation and designed by Forever Young Treehouses. For information, visit www.lewisginter.org or call 804-262-9887.


Q: I'd like to spend a few days in Philadelphia touring the museums and taking in a few theatrical and dance performances. I can walk a few steps but I use a manual wheelchair for distance. Where can I find information about wheelchair access to Philadelphia.s cultural attractions?

A: Art-Reach of Philadelphia publishes an online access guide that includes information about wheelchair access to museums, galleries and performing arts venues throughout the Delaware Valley, with heavy emphasis on those located in Philadelphia. The database is updated frequently and even includes information about accessible public transportation to the venues. This excellent resource can be found at www.art-reach.org.



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