COOL PLACES – ACCESSIBILITY AND COMFORT ON THE ROAD THROUGH THE FOUR SEASONS: PART 5

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.

IF YOU GO:
Arches National Park (435)719-2299 www.nps.gov/arch

Monument Valley Tribal Park (435) 727-5874

www.navajonationparks.org/monumentvalley.htm

Gouldings Lodge (435) 727-3231 www.gouldings.com

ArcLight Cinemas, (323) 464-1478 www.arclightcinemas.com

Amoeba Records (323) 245-6400 www.amoebamusic.com

The Original Los Angeles Farmer’s Market, (323) 933-9211 www.farmersmarketla.com/

Avalon Hotel {and blue on blue} (310) 277-5221 www.avalonbeverlyhills.com

Circle Line {Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Ferry} (212) 809-0808 www.circlelinedowntown.com

Trinity Church {and St. Paul’s Cathedral} (212) 602-0800 www.trinitywallstreet.org

Lyden Gardens (212) 355-1230 www.affinia.com/NYC-Hotel/Lyden-Gardens

Miami Beach Beach Patrol {beach wheelchairs} (305) 673-7714

www.miamibeachfl.gov/newcity/pubsafe/bpatrol.asp

Everglades National Park (305) 242-7700 www.nps.gov/ever

Biltmore Hotel (305) 445-1926 www.biltmorehotel.com

Captain Mick Nealey (305) 451-2102 www.tranquiladventures.com

Wright is an award-winning travel writer-photographer. Johnson-Wright is an Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator. They live and manage to stay cool year round in Miami’s Little Havana. Email them at: stevewright64@yahoo.com

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.