Lake Yellowstone Hotel
Researching national park access can be tedious, especially where lodging is concerned. National park lodges are operated by concessionaires, who operate under strict guidelines, and are responsible for the repair, improvement and daily operation of the facilities. Continue reading
If you’re headed to Arizona or New Mexico in the near future, be sure and pick up a copy of RoadTrip America Arizona and New Mexico: 25 Scenic Side Trips, before you hit the road. As someone who has logged a lot of miles in both states, I can absolutely tell you that author Rick Quinn really hit it out of the park with this title. Continue reading
You just can’t beat the views from the rim
If you’d like to save a few bucks on a Grand Canyon visit, then take advantage of this great sale at Maswick Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge and Kachina Lodge. Starting on July 25, 2017 you can save 30% at these lodges for visits from November to January with Xanterra’s “Christmas in July” offer.
You can get the best price on a hotel room in the winter at the Grand Canyon
A few years back when I was researching my Grand Canyon book, I was fortunate enough to spend some time with the front desk supervisor at the El Tovar Hotel. Not only did she accompany me on all my room inspections, but she also shared loads of insider information about the different types of accessible rooms in the park. Continue reading
Arizona Green Chile Eggs atLa Posada’s Turquoise Room
Since I’m writing an article about access at the remaining Harvey Houses of the west, a stop at La Posada in Winslow, Arizona was a must-do on my itinerary. As expected I was simply wowed by the architecture, historic photos and large collection of southwestern art at this grand old gem; however I also came away with an added bonus – an excellent breakfast at the hotel’s Turquoise Room. Continue reading
Barrier-Free Travel; The Grand Canyon for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Gearing up for the summer travel season, and trying to decide where to go? Well, how about the Grand Canyon? Think it’s not accessible? Then think again. My newest book, Barrier-Free Travel: The Grand Canyon for Wheelers and Slow Walkers, highlights accessible trails, sites, and lodging options on the north and south rims, includes access details about the Grand Canyon Railway, and provides hard-to-find access information about Grand Canyon West.
Highlights of the book include:
· Details on Accessible Bus and Helicopter Tours
· Access at the Grand Canyon Skywalk
· Shuttle Bus Routes and Access Details
· Special Access Passes and Permits
· Photos of Accessible Rooms
· Accessible Lodging at the Williams Railway Depot
· Windshield Views Throughout the Park
And although the iconic mule ride to the bottom of the canyon isn’t accessible, I’ve also included a little known driving route that’s located on Hualapai land.
Even better, this book is the first in a series of accessible travel guides to popular US destinations. And although it’s a great resource for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, moms who have stroller-aged kids will also appreciate the access information in this guide, as well as the future books in this series.
So surf on by the www.BarrierFreeGrandCanyon.com for more information about my newest book.
Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix
To be honest, I really wasn’t looking forward to visiting the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, but it’s something that I had to check out for my readers. I figured that I’d see some instruments and learn a little bit about their history, and maybe if I was real lucky I’d also get to hear a little music. I wasn’t expecting much, as I’m not a real musical instrument fan, so I kind of figured that I’d be bored to tears. Boy, was I ever wrong! Continue reading
Chihuly at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix
I love it when I can combine two of my favorite things; and yesterday it was the Desert Botanical Garden and Chihuly glass. Located in Phoenix Arizona, the Desert Botanical Garden boasts over 55 acres of native plants, and for a limited time, 21 Dale Chihuly sculptures are also tucked into the landscape. This is the second Chihuly installation at the Desert Botanical Garden – there was also one in 2008 – but sadly I missed the first one. Continue reading
Every time I drove by Meteor Crater, just east of Flagstaff, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was accessible. After all, it is a crater. Well, yesterday I tuned the radio to 1610 like the billboards instructed, and I was thrilled to hear that they “have a new quarter-mile wheelchair-accessible trail along the rim of the crater.” That sold me, so we turned off the interstate to explore this unique natural wonder. Continue reading
Barn Owl
Those of you who know me really well, know that I have a particular fondness for raptors. So much so, that I even spent some time working with a falconer near my mountain home in my younger years. Thinking back, I would do any volunteer job I could, just to be near those beautiful birds. Which is why I was thrilled when I found out that I was visiting the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum on the opening day of their Raptor Free Flight show. And I wasn’t disappointed one bit! Continue reading
