Thinking about a romantic getaway at a quiet country inn, or perhaps just a weekend escape from hectic city life? Or maybe a little of both? Then check out these great wheelchair-accessible rural retreats.
A Country Cabin B&B
Located in Wakeman, Ohio, Walt & Peggy Pleban's Cabin in the Woods B&B (tel. 440-965-5525; www.cabininthewoods.net) is an eclectic cross between a rustic lodge and an upscale inn. And the good news is, the Pleban's designed the property to be wheelchair-accessible, so their C-4 quadriplegic friend could come and visit them. As Peggy puts it, "I think everybody should be able to enjoy this beautiful country setting."
The most accessible guest room is Rosie's Room -- named for the Pleban's friend -- but it's also called the USA Room. Access features include wide doorways, barrier-free pathways and wood floors. It's furnished with a 25-inch high double bed and a twin hospital bed; and equipped with a roll-in shower with a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower bench. Other access features include grab bars in the shower and around the toilet, a roll-under sink, wheelchair-height soap and shampoo dispensers and a portable shower chair. Truly, Walt and Peggy thought of just about everything in this well equipped room.
And Peggy's breakfasts are a real treat too. She can accommodate just about any dietary restriction, and she even has a substantial collection of gluten-free recipes. No matter what she whips up, you won't go away hungry.
British Columbia Lodge
If you'd like to get a little more off the beaten path, then plan a visit to Loren and Denise English's Eh Canadian Lodge (tel. 250-344-2798; www.ehcanadianlodge.com). Located just 15 minutes west of Golden, British Columbia, this back country lodge features ramped access to the main entrance with barrier-free access to the kitchen, dining area, living room and deck. And with hard wood floors throughout, wheeling around is a breeze.
The accessible guest room (Willow), is located on the main floor and is furnished with a queen-sized bed and equipped with a roll-in shower. Other access features include pocket door access to the bathroom, a fold-down shower bench, a hand-held showerhead, grab bars in the shower and around the toilet and a roll-under-sink.
Top it all off with one of Denise's farm fresh breakfasts, and you've got the perfect recipe for an accessible rural getaway. Truly this property is a great choice for anybody who loves the outdoors, as you can simply relax and enjoy the view from the main-floor deck, or pack a picnic lunch and head over to the accessible Hemlock Grove Boardwalk in nearby Glacier National Park.
A Romantic Retreat in Ohio
Last but not least, if you'd prefer a romantic retreat with a lake view, then check out Bill and Linda Horn's Whispering Pines B&B (tel. 866-452-5388; www.atwoodlake.com) in Dellroy, Ohio.
Located just 90 minutes south of Cleveland, this nine-room romantic country inn features barrier-free pathway access to the house, with a level deck entrance to the wheelchair-accessible Iris Room. The spacious guest room has good pathway access and wide doorways and is outfitted with a gas fireplace, a 25-inch high bed and a whirlpool tub in the bedroom. The bathroom boasts a roll-in shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead, a roll-under sink, toilet grab bars and a portable shower chair.
All in all, itÂ?s a very comfortable, spacious and accessible room. And if you're celebrating a special occasion, Linda can help you surprise your sweetheart with roses, champagne and chocolates. She's a great innkeeper and she really goes the extra mile to make everyone feel at home.
Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of Barrier Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide For Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.barrierfreetravels.com.
