Marcia Frost

Meeting Butler County, Ohio

2026-03-27T19:11:00.065-05:00

I was invited to spend a long weekend in Butler County, Ohio, just after they became Wheel The World certified for accessibility. The tourism board wanted me to write about how wheelchair accessible the region is.

I hadn’t been there before, and it sounded like an interesting area, so I made plans to go. My trip to Butler County turned out to be one of my most unusual adventures, with new experiences, and a lot of donuts!

I brought Teddy and my friend, Heather, along for the ride, about three and a half hours from home. We had a nice welcome basket waiting for us at the hotel. Our home base was the Marriott Cincinnati North in Westerville. I was happy at the start with a flat entrance and automatic doors. They didn’t have any accessible rooms, so we had two connecting rooms.

Teddy loved going back and forth between the two rooms. Mine had plenty of space for me to wheel around, a well-equipped desk area I could reach, and a large bathroom with a shower chair. The handheld was easy to reach from it. My only complaint about the bathroom was that it needed bars to the side of the toilet, not just behind it. The closet had a low rod I could reach from my seat.

Once we settled in, we were back on the road. We headed a few miles to Liberty Center, an outdoor pedestrian mall, with many stores and restaurants, including some unique places. It was more than that as there were groups of people gathering for everything from music to soccer and bags games. They also have plenty of places for kids to play.

As I rolled around, I also saw a few of the many murals spread throughout the mall area. Murals have become more popular in a lot of the places I have gone to, and I would see many during this trip.

Dinner was at the North Star Café, and it was far from your typical mall restaurant. It is an interesting place, with everything made from local ingredients. The food has a Latin twist, with a modern flare.

A prime example is the Cast Iron Steak & Enchilada. The steak was marinated in chipotle and lime, and the enchilada was with smoked gouda and covered in Salsa Verde. Heather gave a little bit to Teddy, and he agreed it was terrific.

We walked around Liberty Center for some time after, working up an appetite for dessert. We landed at Strato Artisanal Delights, where all the sweets had a European touch. There were so many choices that looked delicious.

I was trying to decide between the gelato and the cookies when I spotted the ice cream sandwich and my decision was made. Mint gelato inside two double chocolate cookies was the perfect choice. Teddy had a little vanilla gelato too.

We made one more stop before heading back to the hotel. Cooper’s Hawk is a favorite of mine and this made the third state I visited a location. I picked up a bottle of Cooper’s Hawk White.

When we returned to the Marriott it wasn’t long before we were all asleep. It had been a long day, and we had a busier one in Butler County to follow. The next morning we would be starting on the Donut Trail.

Another Side of Atlanta

2026-03-13T17:18:00.042-05:00

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.

The Attractions of Olympic Park in Atlanta

2026-02-23T19:47:00.051-06:00

I started my morning at The American Hotel, a Signia Hotel by Hilton, with breakfast from their Friendship Market. My niece, Moriah met me at about 11:00 for a day of fun at Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park.

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights was under construction and closed, but we planned to visit the rest of the attractions that surround the park. A CityPass helped make this easier. With one, I didn’t have to worry about lines to get tickets for each place.

Centennial Olympic Park was opened for the 1996 Olympics. It has been maintained quite well and it’s hard to believe it is 40 years old. Remnants and dedications to the Olympics are represented in the middle, including the Quilt of Nations, Gateway of Dreams, and Olympic Ring Fountain.

Our first stop was the Georgia Aquarium. If you have followed my work, you’d know I love Aquariums and visit whenever they are near where I’m staying. This one was only a couple of blocks away from the hotel.

The Georgia Aquarium had many ramps and elevators, making it accessible for me and in powerchair. It’s a good thing because it has more animals, among 10 million gallons of water, than any other aquarium. There were tons of exhibits, feedings, and scientific information that included everything from alligators to whale sharks.

From the Aquarium, we went to the World of Coca-Cola. I must admit; I had no idea what to expect from this place. It turned out to be different than I ever imagined and now one of my favorite unique museums in the country.

The one things that didn’t surprise me was the history of the popular drink, showed through statues, signs, ad campaigns, and a movie, That first part was led by a tour guide, who was helpful in getting everyone in a wheelchair to the right spot in the theater for the movie about the brand.

After the film, we were on our own to explore more about the drink and start our tastings. You’ll find enough drinking options to leave the World of Coca-Cola with a huge sugar rush. First, head to the Coca-Cola Challenge, where you can create your own drink.

The highlight was the opportunity to sample unlimited amounts of more than 100 beverages at Taste It. Beyond the obvious Coke brand, you’ll find proprietary products such as Minute Maid, Fanta, Barq’s Cream Soda, Powerade, Stoney Ginger Beer from Tanzania (my favorite), and Sprite Cucumber from Romania.

We definitely didn’t leave that place thirsty, but we were hungry for lunch. The one thing Olympic Park needs more of is restaurants. The ones in the attractions were small and packed. We did a Yelp search and found a Peri Peri Grill just across the street from the park.

I have never been to Peri Peri and it’s nice to add another fairly healthy place to my list for when I can’t find something local. I had a chicken and rice bowl. It was quite good.

After lunch, we went back to Olympic Park. I am not a huge football fan, but I covered college sports for many years--and live in a college town (Go Illini). I wanted to visit the NCAA College Football Hall of Fame.

This was yet another museum that impressed me in downtown Atlanta. It dives deeply into the world of college football and provides an area for kids (and adults) to get involved in the sport through interactive experiences.

Moriah and I decided to skip the Centennial Wheel, a large Ferris wheel overlooking downtown. We agreed to meet up for dinner. Two hours later, I was comfortable with my feet up in bed and decided to order something in. We still had another day of fun and food in Atlanta.

I was hosted on this trip by Discover Atlanta, by opinions are my own.

Girls' Getaway Weekend in Atlanta-Day One

2026-02-04T17:07:00.074-06:00

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.

Apple, Xfinity and the Defective IPhone

2026-01-18T18:14:00.045-06:00

Update 2/16/26:

Ten days after I finally received my IPhone back, it stopped working again! This time I was in California and I was unable to make or receive calls.

I contacted Apple and, after some troubleshooting, we determined I once again had a hardware issue. I went the next day to an Apple store and they immediately wanted to send it in for repair (once again, Xfinity would take not responsibility.

I reminded them that the phone was only six months old and it had been kept a month for the last repair. I felt it was time I got a new phone and that's what I was told would take place if this happened again. They claimed that wasn't possible.

The trip home was a bit tricky without a working phone and I went into my local Best Buy to see if they could fix it. I was told the insides of the phone would once again need to be completely replaced. The part took a week to arrive and I had to bring it back, then precede to reset my entire phone for the third time in six weeks.

Needless to say, I dropped my plans to buy a MacBook Air and can't imagine I'll get another IPhone or stay with Xfinity when my contract is up.

Original story:

I try not to obsess over things as much as I used to. My recent IPhone debacle certainly tested that. I can’t erase what it took me to get a working phone, but I want to tell my story and give you some tips on how you can avoid this.

First, some background
I was a customer of Verizon for about 10 years. Last summer, I started having trouble getting service in my house. I called Verizon and was told they were working on updates in the area, they should be done in a few weeks, and I would receive a credit.

When the lack of service continued another month, I called back. There was no record of service in my area, and they weren’t giving me a credit! I went through a half dozen people, up to supervisors, and was told the same thing. I had a few other people on Verizon try their phones in my house with no service.

Around this same time, I was getting constant offers from Xfinity Mobile. They would cut my monthly bill dramatically, pay off my contract with Verizon, and give me a new IPhone 17. My monthly bill would be less than $20 a month for unlimited service. It sounded too good to be true, but I couldn’t turn it down.

Just a few months later
My phone service was fine, and I had no unexpected charges with Xfinity. Then I woke up one day after five months and my IPhone had not charged during the night. I thought it was the cord, so I plugged it into another. I got a message that the battery was defective. While I tried everything to get it to charge, the battery kept going down until it was totally dead.

I contacted Xfinity on phone, chat, social media, and the executive office. I went to the store and explained I was disabled, had just spent a week in the hospital with a heart problem, and didn’t have a phone. I was told that it was too early for an upgrade, but he could give me 0% interest on a $650 phone, but I should be aware that I couldn’t do a trade in since my phone was dead! Even though the phone was only five months old, Xfinity took no responsibility for it. I needed to deal with Apple.

I had phones with Verizon that stopped working within warranty. They would give me a replacement and be responsible for returning the defective phone to Apple. They knew it was under warranty so there was no problem. This was not Xfinity’s policy.

I contacted Apple and was told I could bring it into Best Buy’s Geek Squad for a repair. I couldn’t get an appointment at my local Best Buy, so I had someone drive me an hour away to another. The tech was nice and said he’d even give me a loaner, but the phone was totally and completely dead. He apologized, but under Apple’s policy, I needed to personally bring it to a store. The nearest one is two hours away.

He suggested a temporary pre-paid phone to use with my number (for $100). I bought one that works for “all carriers.” I went back to Xfinity and the same salesman who offered me a $650 phone told me that the phone I got doesn’t work for Xfinity. He said they only activate Samsung Galaxy or IPhones! I reiterated that I couldn’t spend $500 and he shrugged.

It was another three days of no phone before I could get to Apple. They informed me my phone would need to be sent to the Apple repair center. It would be back in about a week and then I’d have to return (another four hour round trip) to pick it up. He offered me a loaner phone, and I was thrilled I would finally have a phone after a week.

I was happy to have a phone, but he didn’t tell me and I didn’t realize until I left it was an IPhone 14. Since I was going down three versions, little from my phone would download from ICloud. I didn’t have my apps, my ringtones, my passwords, and a lot more.

He said Xfinity is the only carrier that doesn’t work directly with Apple so he couldn’t put my number on it. I had to go to the Xfinity store and wait an hour (despite an appointment) to get them to transfer my number.

As the days went on, I spent time re-doing everything, onto what was supposed to be a phone for a week. It took almost a month for Apple to fix my phone. I went back there and was rather annoyed when the tech told me they took the covers off and gave me brand new inside mechanisms, then put the covers back on! That took a month.

Things you should do to avoid this
What I went through with this phone was a costly and draining experience. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge, and I’d like to offer suggestions to all phone users:

Think carefully about using Xfinity Mobile, especially if you have/want an Apple phone. They may be cheaper, and the service itself may be good, but the customer service is the most horrendous and uncaring I’ve ever dealt with. If you have a problem, you cannot count on their help.
If you do get an IPhone, be sure to back it up on iTunes in addition to the iCloud. If you have to restore it on a new phone, ICloud won’t get every little thing, especially if you need to downgrade a phone for any reason.
Consider Apple Care for an IPhone if you do have service with Xfinity. If I had Apple Care, they would have replaced it instead of sending it away for a month.
If you have an IPad or a Mac, set up messages and phone while you have working devices. Once my IPhone was dead, I couldn’t get those phone calls and messages. Also, make sure you have a voicemail password set up so you can retrieve voice mails from another phone.

Will I stay with Xfinity? Will I get another Apple product? I don’t know at the moment. I am not going to make another costly mistake so it’s something I need to plan.

An Unforgettable Hotel Before Surgery

2025-12-23T16:00:00.046-06:00

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

2025-11-22T16:03:00.093-06:00

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.

Visting Superman’s Hometown

2025-11-07T17:42:00.106-06:00

Illinois is filled with small towns with their own personality. Even after 17 years of living here, I still have a list of many I have yet to explore. Toward the top of that list was Metropolis, the hometown of the character of Superman.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Metropolis, and it met my expectations. I took along my friends, Amanda and Heather, and my service dog, Teddy.

We stayed at Harrah’s Metropolis Hotel & Casino. It’s a large property within walking distance to everything in town. Amanda and Heather shared a room, while Teddy and I had a larger accessible room with two beds and a big bathroom with rails and a chair in the walk-in shower.

After check-in, we headed downtown to the Superman Museum. The entrance to the museum is filled with photos in the window and something you’d expect the Man of Steel to need—a phone booth.

You first walk into the store. I can’t imagine there is anything related to Superman you will not find for sale, including clothes of all sizes and kryptonite candy.

Superman Museum is a dream for the superhero lover. It pays homage to every Superman and the actors who played him. A lot of the memorabilia is one of a kind, such as the final script of the first Superman movie with Christopher Reeve, and the original costume worn in Superman III.

You’ll see photographs of Reeve, Dean Cain, and all the actors who played Superman, as well as all the actors who played Lois Lane and Supergirl. Branded video games, dolls, and toys are everywhere.

After the museum, they walked and I rolled around the downtown. It’s filled with quirky shops and Superman (and Lois) statues. Metropolis has a uniqueness you certainly can’t match anywhere else.

I found out that you can easily soar through the streets in Metropolis with a wheelchair. The town is also extremely dog friendly and Teddy was welcome everywhere we went. Of course, I had to dress him to fit in.

After reading about the restaurants in the town, we settled on Fat Edd’s, for its food reviews and dog friendliness. The food is mostly centered around barbecue, and they have quite a selection.

I cleared with the manager that the shrimp was cooked separately, and I didn’t need to worry about allergy contamination. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich, Amanda got the Lava Chicken, and Heather had the BBQ chicken platter. Teddy was happy with scraps, and French fries.

Metropolis isn’t just about Superman. We found some relaxing and historic outdoor spots to check out too.

Dorothy Miller Park is on the Ohio River and a perfect place for a picnic or relaxing afternoon. It’s filled with picnic tables and paths to explore. There is a lighthouse and Teddy found plenty of spaces to enjoy while I wheeled around.

Fort Massac State Park is also on the river, but an entirely different park. This one is on 1500 acres and includes a visitor’s center with an extensive collection of Native American artifacts, offers camping, trails, forestry, and recreated buildings.

The history of Fort Massac is quite complicated and includes the original Native Americans, the landing of the Europeans back in 1540, the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, and Civil War. The park is free to enter, and they have plenty of parking, including handicapped spots.

Before leaving Metropolis in the morning, our last stop in downtown was breakfast at Sissy’s, A Sweet Spot. It’s actually more of a bakery than restaurant, but they do have accessible seating. They also have so many treats it was hard to decide to decided what to get.

In the end, we all had breakfast sandwiches for practicality. I also got a pumpkin cream cheese muffin for us to share. It was as delicious as it looked and a great way to end our trip to Metropolis.

24 Hours In Milwaukee

2025-10-24T20:04:00.000-05:00

We arrived in Milwaukee on the Lake Express Ferry in the evening. It had been a scenic ride across Lake Michigan from Muskegon, Michigan.

It was good to be back to in Milwaukee. I had wanted to return for years, and it never worked out. Although this was to be a short trip, I wanted to make it happen.

My friend, Lynn, and I were staying at a most unusual hotel. The Brewhouse Inn & Suites has a long history, going all the way back to 1848. It was a brewery, at one point for Pabst Blue Ribbon. It then became a boutique hotel and was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

The current Brewhouse Inn & Suites opened with a remodel in 2013. It is beautifully laid out, with reminiscent brewery tanks and intricate woodwork throughout.

Although the front entrance to Brewhouse is not accessible, there is a side door I was able to go in with my power chair. It is right next to the parking lot. They also offer valet parking.

We had a large accessible suite with a sitting area and a full kitchen. The bathroom was large enough to move around in the wheelchair, and the shower was easy to navigate with rails and a shower seat. We got settled before heading out to dinner.

Mader’s Restaurant is one of those places that speaks a lot about the city it is in. It has been in to Visit Milwaukee for 120 years. The food is German, a nationality well-represented in this Midwest town, especially in the early 20^th century.

One visit to Mader’s is not enough so I was ready to go back for more and I started it with a crisp German Riesling from Mosel. I am equally fond of German food and wanted to take a “tapas” attitude to try as much as possible.

We started with a giant, fresh from the oven, pretzel, with fried pickles and Weisswurst (a white sausage). It was followed by potato pancakes covered in applesauce and sour cream, spaetzle, and sauteed mushrooms.

Dessert was an easy choice of Apple Strudel, with ice cream, of course. We then headed back to the hotel exhausted from the day, but ready to see more Milwaukee in the morning.

Breakfast was at the Brewhouse’s Restaurant, On Tap. My friend, Ryan, came to meet us and we enjoyed chicken & waffles, eggs, and bacon.

The Milwaukee Museum of Art is one of my favorite museums. The building alone, which opens and closes like an airplane, is a design worth seeing. When making a trip here, I always request it on my itinerary.

I was not disappointed.

I’m a fan of Georgia O’Keefe and was excited to see some of the beautiful paintings by her they had, as well as contemporary Roy Lichtenstein. While the museum’s design and many pieces are modern, you’ll still find representation of more classic and ancient art among 30,000 works.

We went up to the roof to catch the 12:00 noon moving of the “wings” of the museum. It was a bit cool out, but worth it. From there you’ll also find a bridge that takes you to downtown.

The entire Milwaukee Museum of Art is extremely accessible with wide hallways, ramps, and elevators. They have wheelchairs available for use at the admissions desk. Although I didn’t bring Teddy on this trip, service animals are welcome.

From the museum, we drove to one of Milwaukee’s most popular spots, the Public Market.

The Public Market was busy and filled with delicious-looking foods. We had a tough time making a decision, but eventually settled on Foltz Wood Fire Pizza & Calzones. Lynn got a Reuben Panini and I went for a Margharita Pizza. Both were fantastic. Before we left, I couldn’t resist a cookie from Adam’s Bakery.

The plan was to go the Harley Davidson Museum after the market, but it was getting late. I had been previously, but it had been a while. It would have to wait until the next, longer, Milwaukee trip.

We finished a wonderful girls’ trip through Michigan and then Milwaukee with a scenic drive home and thoughts where our next adventure might be!

Festival and Ferry for the Last Day in Southwest Michigan

2025-10-02T16:58:00.074-05:00

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.

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

2025-09-15T18:03:00.053-05:00

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.

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

2025-09-01T14:48:00.058-05:00

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.

A Busy First Day in Holland, Michigan

2025-08-18T16:56:00.082-05:00

I have tried the last few years not to late my days be overbooked. It didn’t work out that way for my first day in Holland with my friend, Lynn. We had a very full day, but it was all filled with fun.

We had a quick breakfast in the lobby of the Haworth at the Biggby Coffee before taking off for the day. I had their waffle egg sandwich, and it was quite good.

Our first stop was Critter Barn in nearby Zeeland. It was the perfect place to put on our schedule as it focuses on those with special needs. They have mobility equipment to lend, quiet spaces and fidgets for those with neurodivergent issues, and an easy to access location with smooth paths everywhere.

Critter Barn is a working farm which promotes learning to individuals and school groups as much as possible. It is not a petting zoo, though there are a few opportunities to visit with the animals (the piglets were especially adorable). It is mostly going through the barns and learning about the animals and how they play a part in the farm.

I wish we had more time at Critter Barn, but we were off to Nelis’Dutch Village. A center point to Holland’s Tulip Festival, the village is a combination of an amusement park, shopping center, and history of Dutch life.

It reminded me of Colonial Williamsburg. The only tulips we saw, though, were ceramic since it was summer.

Neilis’ was almost completely accessible. I just found a few stores that had steps to get inside, but I was able to walk through other stores to get to them. We wandered through the Dutch Gift Shop, Wooden Shoe (Klompen) store, Delftware Shop, and Cheese Shop, where there were lots of samples. We were able to watch one of the Klompen dance lessons and have lunch at Dutchman Café.

I had a Dutch Tosti, which was fresh ham and smoked Gouda cheese on grilled rye-pumpernickel swirl bread. It had a tasty dill dressing. We also had Dutch apple pie and almond pastry.

Soon we were off again, this time to go the beach. It was a beautiful day to be there, and I was going to get my first track chair to use in the sand. I met with Sean, a ranger at to Holland State Park, who set me up with the chair. It took a little while to get used to it before I headed down to the Lake.

I always thought Lake Michigan looked more like an ocean and it was no exception here. Lynn walked along the sand and looked for stones and shells (she makes jewelry).

I relaxed and listened to the waves. It was a wonderful way to get a rest in on the busy day even though I was buried under UPF clothing and SPF lotion since my Lupus and Dermatomyositis do not go with sun.

Originally, our plan was to go sailing the day before, but the weather and waves weren’t cooperating. Instead, we headed back to South Haven after the beach for a private boat tour with Fresh Coast Sailing.

We saw some of the Tall Ships during the trip which came from the nearby Michigan Maritime Museum. I can’t say enough about Captain Andy and Topher, who made it an incredible experience for us, despite some choppy waves. I highly recommend you book a trip with Fresh Coast Sailing if you are in the area.

We were really hungry by the time we were done sailing and headed back to Holland for dinner at Boatwerks. It was a very busy restaurant, especially since it was a popular place for sunset dining. We settled for a table inside, so we didn’t have to wait too long.

The food at Boatwerks was fantastic. We started with the Goat Cheese Bruschetta. I then had the Garlic Herb Chicken, while Lynn ordered the Honey Teriyaki Salmon, which she raved about. We were exhausted from the long day and skipped dessert.

We headed back to the Haworth Hotel for well-needed rest. We had another busy day ahead of us coming in Holland, Michigan.

Starting a Southwest Michigan Girls’ Getaway

2025-08-04T17:28:00.037-05:00

My friend, Lynn, and I left 21C Museum Hotel in Chicago in the afternoon to start our trip north to Michigan. It had been years since we were last in the state together. We were both huge fans of the state and were looking forward to the opportunity to check out some new towns.

We didn’t have a chance to get lunch before we left and decided to stop in South Haven, Michigan, for dinner. It’s a quaint waterfront town and we headed to a strip by the water to park. South Haven Brew Pub was on that block and looked like a casual place to eat.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t that simple as there didn’t seem to be a way for me to get in the restaurant with my wheelchair.

As we were trying to figure out if I could get in, the manager of the Old Harbor Inn next door came out and led us through her hotel to a downstairs path that led to the brew pub. We thanked her and found a table in the busy restaurant.

I had a pulled pork sandwich with house made chips and coleslaw and Lynn had a salad and tacos with chips and salsa. It was all good, but we were tired and anxious to head to the hotel.

We walked outside in time to see the first of many incredible Southwest Michigan sunsets. It made us especially excited about the upcoming sailing trip we had out of this town.

It only took about 40 minutes to get to Holland, which would be our home base for the next few days. I had wanted to come there to their famous Tulip Festival for many years. It never seemed to work out. I finally decided to at least spend some time exploring this town in the summer.

Our hotel was the Haworth. It is right in the middle of the area where Hope College is located. The modern hotel had a very spacious lobby, the first clue I had that it would be wheelchair accessible. We had a nice spacious room, though it was a little tight around the furniture at the wall.

The bathroom was large and easy to wheel around in. The shower had a chair that I could safely get in and out of.

Lynn and I unpacked and wound down for the night. We had a very full next day, and we wanted to be ready for it.

Starting the Fun in Chicago at 21C

2025-07-21T19:18:00.001-05:00

Lynn and I have been having adventures for many years. We’ve been friends for decades and look forward to our getaways. We had lots of plans for this one, taking us through Michigan, then on to Milwaukee before heading back.

She arrived in Champaign a few days before our trip. We got ready for our first stop, Chicago. We were spending two days there at 21CMuseum Hotel before hitting the road for the rest.

One of the things I enjoyed most about the 21C Museum Hotel I stayed in when in Louisville the first time were the penguins. These giant plastic penguins would move around the hotel, surprising you in places such as the elevator. After I mentioned this at check-in, we had one waiting for us in our room.

The 21C Deluxe Accessible Double room worked well for us. It had a nice big bathroom, with a low bathtub, which I love. There was also a chair in it for those who couldn’t climb in or get out of the tub.

We had stopped on the road to eat a big lunch. I wanted to have dinner at Lure Fish Bar at 21C, but Lynn and I both have seafood allergies and that made it impractical. Instead, I went there for an early breakfast. I loved the Brioche French Toast with caramelized bananas. (For those who can eat shellfish, the Lobster Frittata sounded amazing.)

I had an appointment in the morning and couldn’t resist Stan’s Donuts for a raspberry filled cronut and chai latte when it was done. I had been there longer than expected and knew it would still be a long time before my lunch. I don’t get the opportunity to have Stan’s very often. I then wheeled back to the hotel.

Marketing Director Alex Eden took me on a tour. The artwork at 21C is museum quality and worthy of exploring for an hour or two. The exhibits change a few times a year. I saw unusual pieces, such as a picture put together with subway tokens and a wedding cake made from newspaper.

After some rest, I was out again. I love Afternoon Tea and was especially excited to be doing it at the Ritz Carlton. Starting with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne made it even more special. I soon traded my champagne glass for a teacup as I waited for the well-orchestrated food. I chose the cranberry-apple blend tea and looked forward to it while it began to seep.

The tea sandwiches were as creative as they were delicious. My favorite was the zucchini with capers and dill spread. Next were the scones, pumpkin spice and traditional, served with cream, apple butter, and raspberry jam. There was also a Carbonara Quiche, with bucatini, smokey mushroom, and parmesan cheese.

Dessert was just as scrumptious as the rest of the offerings. Even though it was summer, they were themed for Halloween: Poison Apple, green apple Cremieux with graham cracker; Monster Under the Bed, blackberry mousse and pistachio ganache; Jack-O-Cannoli, a cannoli filled with pumpkin spice ricotta and dipped in chocolate; and RIP, a crispy hazelnut chocolate bar.

All the desserts were fantastic, but the cannoli was simply perfect. They sent me back to the hotel with extras of everything. Lynn and I decided to indulge in more rather than go out to dinner.

The next morning, we packed up the car and headed to Michigan. Our first stay would be in Holland, a place I’ve wanted to go to for years.

It’s Not Boston Without Cheers

2025-07-07T16:27:00.055-05:00

It was my third day in Boston and the most important one, my doctor’s appointment, but that didn’t change my interest in seeing more of this historic city.

I started the day at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza with breakfast at Off the Common restaurant. I had the Cinnamon French Toast the previous day, and as good as it was, I was pressed on time. The buffet breakfast looked really good, and I picked a piece of quiche, a muffin, and fruit to have with my latte.

It was impossible to go anywhere in Boston without walking through history (or wheeling, in my case). I took advantage of a beautiful day and went through the Boston Public Garden on my way to the doctor's office.

Boston Public Garden was the first public botanical garden opened in the United States. It’s just on the side of Boston Common and was scenic and quiet in the morning, with just a few joggers cutting through (like I was) on their way to work.

My appointment at Tufts went well. I decided that, since I wasn’t in a rush and it was a fall like day without a chance of rain, I’d ride my power chair through the park and street rather than take an Uber. It took a bit longer, and I dealt with one hill, but I made it to my next stop without issue.

I was a fan of the show Cheers, and my heart was set on visiting the location of the show. It is currently a museum, shop, and restaurant. I hadn’t even thought about accessibility until I arrived and found out that the only way to it was stairs.

Just when I was getting ready to turn around, an employee from the building came out and asked if I was trying to get into Cheers. Dinora told me to wait and returned a few minutes later with a long ramp she placed on the stairs! She held on to my chair, guiding it, as I rode up to the top.

Once inside, I was given a tour and the chance to pose with Cheers sets and cutouts of the actors. Then, another staff member led me into an employee elevator and down to the restaurant.

The restaurant has the same décor as the show and was very crowded. I had a root beer and Sam’s Turkey Sandwich (turkey, cheddar, tomato, and cranberry mayonnaise), which was quite good. I was given an escort again up on the elevator and down the ramp to the sidewalk. Before I left, I purchased a Cheers ornament.

It was too far to wheel to my next stop, and I had a long wait for an accessible Uber. I was late for the Museum of Fine Arts. By that time, it was raining, and I was happy to be indoors for a while.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is magnificent. I was impressed with every exhibit. I was lucky enough to see two great ones I really enjoyed: Georgia O’Keefe and Henry Moore, and Power of the People: Arts and Democracy. The latter was timely and interesting, focusing on voting rights and protests.

I wondered around and was fascinated with the Chihuly statue in the library. I had discovered the artist on my trip to Seattle and loved his work. The museum is a must-do in Boston. It has a mix of modern and ancient, antique and contemporary.

I also had a long Uber Wave wait from the museum. I had a latte and cookie at the museum’s café while I waited. By the time I got back for to the Hilton, I was exhausted and wet from the rain. I took a shower and went to bed early for my flight home the next day.

Between my activities during the day, I had heard from the doctor’s office that my first surgery was scheduled for two weeks later. I’d be back soon to discover more Boston, with more trips to follow.

A full Day in Boston

2025-06-23T18:17:00.002-05:00

After a late start on day one, I packed my second day in Boston, Massachusetts, to get in as much as possible and I saw—and ate—quite a bit.

I started with breakfast downstairs at Common in the Hilton Downtown. I went for the Cinnamon French Toast, and it was delicious and filling. I then took the short ride on my wheelchair to back to the stop of the Old Towne Trolley.

I was heading to the New England Aquarium first. I love aquariums and didn’t have enough time the previous day. It is a large building that starts with the biggest penguin exhibit I’ve seen. I sat and watched the little black and white birds frolicking for a while.

The aquarium has a lot on protecting the planet for the marine life and I read through all of valuable information posted. I also spent time at the Marine Mammal Center with the seals and sea lions.

The aquariums were filled with colorful fish and coral, as well as jellyfish. I was impressed with the accessibility too, with plenty of ramps and automatic doors.

I headed out of the aquarium to pick up the Old Towne Trolley for my next stop. My driver, Gonzo, was helpful giving me advice on what to do next. I was heading to the Boston National Historical Park at Charlestown Navy Yard.

It was not a stop I expected to make, but I’m really glad I did as I was quite impressed with everything. The complex includes USS Constitution Ship (which is not accessible, so I only saw it from the outside), the Charlestown Navy Yard Visitors Center, and the USS Constitution Museum.

I learned a lot about the U.S. Navy and this famous ship’s history. The cobblestones, which are in a lot of places in this historic city, were difficult to navigate outside, but the insides of the buildings were easily accessible.

I was getting hungry and decided to take Gonzo’s advice and take the trolley downtown to the Omni Parker House Hotel. There I got a croissant sandwich and my main reason for going there: the original Boston Cream Pie.

It’s a dessert I love and don’t get often, so I had to have it here. I was incredibly surprised to find out I didn’t like it! Compared to the newer versions, it had less custard and less chocolate frosting. It also had an almond coating.

I decided not to get back on the trolley and instead explore while making my way back to the hotel. I went down Tremont Street wheeled through to Boston Commons Park. It was a beautiful day, and it was a scenic ride.

The historical park was founded in 1634 and is the oldest city park in the United States. It has walking paths, an ice-skating rink, tennis courts, ballfields, and a playground.

I took a nap before heading to Davios Northern Italian Steakhouse down the block from the hotel. I had heard good things about it, and I was not disappointed.

I sat next to the open-air kitchen and the smells were amazing. I started with a glass of pinot grigio and the restaurant’s signature popovers. I love popovers, going back to the days when I waitressed in a high school that served them. These were fresh out of the oven.

I knew I wanted pasta (made from scratch here) so I picked a light beet salad first. It took a long time for me to settle on my main course because everything sounded so wonderful. I went for the Tagliatelle Bolognese, and it was an excellent choice.

It’s a rare moment for me, who always has a sweet tooth, but I was ready to skip dessert. Then the waiter came over with a magnificent dessert cart and all my willpower went out the window.

I chose an unusual take on cannoli, thinner than what I was used to and surrounded by fruit. I was glad to have this lighter version after such a filling meal.

I was back in my room at the Hilton Downtown Boston soon after. Before bed, I decided to plan out my next day for after my doctor’s appointment. I wanted to see a lot more before my plane back home.

Revisiting Boston After Many Years

2025-06-09T18:34:00.001-05:00

One good thing came out of my fall last year. It certainly wasn’t the broken (in two places) humerus or the nerve damage in my arm. It was finding a wonderful surgeon at Tufts University and giving me lots of opportunities to explore Boston.

I had spent a lot of time in Boston as a child. It wasn’t far from my New York home and my parents loved showing us the history of the city. I went a few more times in adulthood but had not been in many years. I decided to take advantage of my trips to the Massachusetts city by revisiting the city I had seen in the past and learning about what was new.

What was definitely new about going to Boston this time around is that I am now in a wheelchair. I would be looking at everything from a different position and my arrangements needed to be much more carefully planned.

I asked for help from the Meet Boston tourism board, and they were extremely helpful in planning what would be the first of many trips to the city, each focusing on a different area.

My first appointment with Dr. Charles Cassidy was on a Monday and I decided to fly into Boston early Saturday, so I’d have plenty of time to see the city.

Travel did not go as I would have liked, with delays in planes and longer waits than expected to get my wheelchair at the airports. Fortunately, the transportation to the hotel went well. Meet Boston had arranged for an accessible van with RMA Transportation and my driver was waiting to take me to the Hilton Downtown.

I had made arrangements with Old Towne Trolley in Boston to do their hop on, hop off tour around downtown for two days. They have buses with ramps so it would be good transportation for me between attractions. The delays had me at the starting point (by the Paul Revere statue) later than expected and I had to wait a while for an accessible bus to come.

The trolley was finishing for the day in less than two hours. I decided to go down to the harbor. My original plan was to start with the New England Aquarium, but I realized I didn’t really have enough time to do that.

I wheeled around the harbor for a while and then crossed the street and went to the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The dedication to the Kennedy matriarch is a beautifully manicured park with fountains, a carousel, and special events.

I realized I had been going all day without any food beyond the Biscoff Cookies and pretzels on the plane. I headed toward Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market to have dinner. I was thinking about a noodle bowl at Wagamama when I looked down at my power chair.

After the long day of delays, my wheelchair was running out of power. I called for an Uber WAV and there was a long wait. I was afraid to use up my power getting something to eat and knew I would have the chair charging when I get back. This is not unusual in the life of a wheelchair user.

I used the time I was waiting for my ride to peruse Grubhub. I wanted local food to have waiting for me when I returned to the hotel. Based on the reviews and menu, I went for Sal’s Pizza. I was very hungry at this point and ordered an eggplant parmesan hero and French fries. It was all good and I finished every bit.

I took a shower and unpacked and was soon out for the night. I was going to have a full day around Boston, and I needed my rest.

Camellia Inn, Accommodations for All in Downtown Healdsburg

2025-05-31T18:08:00.006-05:00

(This story was previously published in Discovering Sonoma)

When you are looking for a place to stay, location is always an important factor, but you also want something clean, comfortable and with lots of amenities for a reasonable price. Although that can be a tall order in a lot of wine country, Camellia Inn fits the description quite nicely.

Camellia Inn is located just a few blocks off downtown Healdsburg, the center of Sonoma. You can reach restaurants, shops and tasting rooms within a five minute walk. Innkeeper Lucy Lewand and her staff keep the place running like as well as a major hotel, with a feel like you are visiting a friend’s home.

The nine rooms at the Inn are each beautifully decorated, varying a bit in size and shape. You can find some with extras such as a Jacuzzi tub or fireplace. There is even a family suite that testifies to the fact that children are more than welcome here.

I had the pleasure of staying at Camellia Inn for three nights recently. Everyone here goes out of their way to make you feel at home. The room was country-cozy. Lucy shared my love of chocolate and there were treats left for me. In fact, the Inn has declared “Chocolate Covered Wednesdays.”

Complimentary amenities include an evening wine and cheese spread (a nice assortment) as well as a hot breakfast in the morning that offers a huge array of fruit, baked goods and cereals. There is also internet available and a swimming pool available for guests to use.

One of my favorite things about the Camellia Inn was the reception each night. Guests sat around and talked about the wineries they loved (and didn’t like) and the restaurants they discovered. Everyone enjoyed sharing, but also felt comfortable to go off on their own as soon as they desired. I would definitely stay here again.

The Camellia Inn also has cottages and apartments available outside the main inn. I had a chance to stay in one of those last year. It was also in downtown Healdsburg, but offered two bedrooms with lots of room.

A Special Sunday in Chicago at CDA and Driehaus

2025-05-20T12:24:00.006-05:00

I live two hours from downtown Chicago, so I almost always stay overnight. Occasionally, the time is too short and the opportunity too great, so I make an exception. This was the case on the day my friend, Kim, and I went for brunch at Sofitel’s CDA and checked out the Driehaus Museum.

The CDA Restaurant at Sofitel Magnificent Mile Hotel in Chicago is the epitome of modern elegance. The decor and service are first class, yet it feels very comfortable with the large windows and white design.

The brunch menu is most definitely French, though they do have their version of the Mexican breakfast favorite Chilaquiles. Named “Sofitel Chilaquiles Rojos,” they are made with sunny side eggs in a crispy corn tortilla and served with a cilantro yogurt.

It was difficult to decide as everything sounded so good. After my initial excitement at the Ricotta Pancakes, topped with bananas and cocoa nibs, then drizzled with Cinnabon topping, I decided to save my sweet tooth for dessert and order the Chicken and Waffles. These were covered in whipped Boursin cheese and spicy honey.

Kim picked the Sofitel Breakfast Croissant. It was a fresh baked croissant, filled with gruyere cheese and prosciutto. It was served with herb roasted potatoes. Both our dishes were as good as they were described. We had plenty left to go home with.

Everything on the dessert menu is tempting. We looked it over a few times and couldn’t decide between three. Our waiter encouraged us to get all of them. Why not?

All of the desserts were presented beautifully. They were (almost) too nice to eat. Within a short time, we had Pecan Sticky Buns with a caramel sauce and crème anglaise, French Macarons, and

Crème Brulee with a berry compote.

We enjoyed them all, but I would say the Sticky Buns were my favorite, though they were very rich. One was more than enough.

We stopped at the bathroom before leaving Sofitel. I was impressed with how big and wheelchair friendly it was. It was just a short wheel to the museum. The walk and the entrance were also easy to access with my powerchair.

I always wanted to go to The Richard H. Driehaus Museum, but it never worked out. It probably was best because it wasn’t made completely accessible until just last year.

Driehaus was a Chicago philanthropist who founded the museum in what once was the Nickerson Mansion. It would be five years of renovations before it opened to the public. Then, in 2022, the Museum purchased the John B. Murphy Auditorium next door and expanded the museum campus.

The museum is filled with art in nearly every form. There are photographs, urns, fireplaces, portraits, sculptures, lamps, tables, stained glass (some from Tiffany’s), chandeliers, candelabras… all you can imagine in precious metals and exquisite design. It is floors of stunning artifacts from the Gilded Age.

It was a too short Chicago trip, but I discovered two places I most definitely want to return to.

A Unique Wine & Food Experience at Cooper’s Hawk

2025-05-06T19:32:00.074-05:00

A few years ago, I had a wine tasting and dinner with friends at Cooper’s Hawk in Indianapolis. It was my first experience at one of their restaurants and it was a great one. I was recently invited back to check out a contest they were running.

This time I went to the Springfield, Illinois, location. It was larger than I had remembered the other had been. I found a lot had changed with the brand, and all of the changes were positive.

The tasting was my first clue Cooper’s Hawk has really upped its game. The number of wines they now produce, as well as the variety, rivals the largest wineries in the country. I also found they have invested in some other options, such as sangrias and sparkling wines.

Cooper’s Hawk outsources grapes from around the world. They have a plant for bottling and a winemaker, Emily Wynes, for blending in the Chicago area to create the wines they sell at their nearly 80 locations.

My friend, Amanda, was with me and chose the sweet selections and I chose them to do the contest blind tasting (I actually did quite well on my guesses). Our favorites were the Blood Orange Sparkling Sangria and Cooper’s Hawk Lux Sparkling.

After the tasting, we sat for lunch. Cooper’s Hawk describes their restaurant as “upscale casual.” I think it’s a good description. The atmosphere is welcoming and the menu ranges from flatbreads and burgers to surf & turf.

While Amanda continued with her sangria, I enjoyed a glass of the Mango Dragon Fruit Sangria as we nibbled on a warm pretzel bread and waited for the Roasted Vegetable & Goat Cheese Flatbread. I could have made a meal from that alone, with the roasted grape tomatoes, basil, and pesto, drizzled in balsamic dressing.

We put the flatbread aside (to bring home) when our entrees came. I chose Short Rib Risotto, which I had with a crisp Pinto Gris. It was incredibly good, and the portion was large.

Amanda decided on Surf & Turf. At Cooper’s Hawk, you can choose your meat and fish. She picked the Drunken Shrimp, and the Parmesan Crusted Filet Medallions. It was served with roasted vegetables and loaded mashed potatoes. She loved it all.

We had to pack up part of our lunches because the dessert menu was too good to resist. We shared the Salted Caramel Crème Brulee and the Reese’s Ice Cream Cookie, a made to order warm jumbo cookie with Reese’s peanut butter cup and ice cream.

I left Cooper’s Hawk stuffed and more than satisfied with the food and drink. I would definitely recommend going to check both out.

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

Bourbon & Beyond 2024-Day Four

2025-04-23T17:42:00.057-05:00

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

2025-04-08T16:48:00.080-05:00

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

2025-03-31T17:46:00.005-05:00

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

2025-03-05T15:02:00.070-06:00

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.