COOL PLACES – ACCESSIBILITY AND COMFORT ON THE ROAD THROUGH THE FOUR SEASONS: PART 2

COOL PLACES PART 2

By Steve Wright and Heidi Johnson-Wright

The United States is brimming with cool places in the desert, on the Pacific Coast, in the most urban surroundings and even in the subtropical swamp.

These places are cool because they’re hip, they’re cool because when you gaze on their natural and manmade charms, you’re sure to shout out “how cool!” and they’re cool in terms of climate – if you pick the right time of year.

Here is a guide to four wheelchair-accessible major destinations, with information on picking the right time of year and tips for staying cool in all four seasons.

Los Angeles

Swimming pools and movie stars – there’s more to LA than the stuff of the Beverly Hillbillies, but it sure is swell to beat the June midday heat (temperatures top out in the high 70s that time of year) by hitting swimming pools in the morning, the cinema during the day and the haunts of movie stars at night.

What would a visit to LA be without a trip to the cinema? And what film buff would go to a dull megaplex in the Valley when a combination of history and urban development blend wonderfully at the ArcLight Cinemas?

ArcLight is a movie lover’s dream, with lots of independent and art film screenings alongside the mainstream blockbusters. The barrier-free site has 14 modern theaters, a movie-themed café bar and the best silver screen-oriented gift shop in town.

The grand draw is the Cinerama Dome: a unique, geodesic-shaped theatre originally built in 1963. ArcLight is the perfect place to immerse one’s self in film for hours while escaping the midday sun.

Next door is Amoeba Records’ wide, uncluttered aisles in a warehouse-size setting that maintains the retro feel of the coolest of the independent college record store.

Less than four miles from ArcLight and Amoeba – not even enough distance to get tangled up in legendarily horrible LA traffic – lies a true oasis in Tinseltown.

The Original Los Angeles Farmers Market begs the question: “How could something so genuine and organic be left in La-La Land?” Who cares why, just roam the complex for fresh fruits, veggies, snacks and more.

Accessible parking is plentiful, as are accessible restrooms. The aisles are plenty wide for maneuvering and the merchants are so friendly and folksy, it’s hard to believe they are located in the heart of jaded LA.

Since you’re on vacation and not likely to have a gourmet kitchen back at your hotel, opt for one of more than a dozen ready-to-eat options. Freshly-cooked food from every ethnic kitchen know to man – there’s even a killer Cajun joint – is there for the feasting at the open-air but nicely shaded communal tables.

For a pricier meal in a hipper-than-thou location, hit the Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills. This is a primo spot for lunch, dinner, drinks or parties by the pool. Everything is accessible, including a spectacular third-floor suite equipped with a gorgeous roll-in shower.

This retro-cool and Sputnik-chic boutique property features outdoor dining at its Zagat-rated blue on blue restaurant. Grab a poolside table, order up some innovative California cuisine and you just might find a hot celebrity in the cool comfort of a poolside cabana.

Editor's Note: The idea for Cool Places came from a friend of ours who has Multiple Sclerosis. Folks with MS generally do not fare well in the heat and humidity -- thus the need to travel to the subtropics or desert when it's cool out.