Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Overnighters

Sometimes you will find that there are just too many miles between you and your final destination. You will just need a safe place to rest for the night. These pitstops I call overnighters.

Nevada: 

Walmart this Fallon Nevada
2333 Reno Highway
Fallon, Nevada
775-428-1700

This Walmart is open 24 hours. Campers are welcome to stay overnight. (I think that Walmart hopes that you will shop before you leave… Which we always do.) The parking lot is large. It was noisy because we parked close to the highway. We parked out of the way so I could open the slide a little bit in the motorhome. I know you're probably not supposed to do that but, otherwise I wouldn't be able to move in my wheelchair. Be careful, they used many cement islands as a traffic systems.
 


South Dakota:

I couldn't believe it but, in South Dakota it is illegal to park overnight at a rest stop, Walmart, Target, etc... However, Sam's Club will let you stay. If you park close enough, Sam's Club is an AT&T free hotspot

Sam's Club
925 Eglin Street
Rapid City, SD 57701

This was a quiet spot to stay. They had a large parking lot. Needless to say, it filled up quick.
 

Missouri:

Rock Port Rest Area

Visitor center and Vending machines

This was a good stop. It was mostly quiet. A lot of big trucks stay here so watch out for the refrigerators. They have to run all night and it can get noisy.

Tennessee:

Sams club
3315 Guthrie Hwy

Clarksville, TN. 37040

This was a large parking lot. Ordinarily it would've been great but, we spent the night near the rudest truck driver ever. He could've been anywhere but chose to park near the motorhomes. If that wasn't bad enough it was a refrigerator truck with a driver who chose to rev his motor all night long.

** Lesson learned… Travel with earplugs!


Monday, November 23, 2015

Yellowstone National Park


We stayed near the West entrance to Yellowstone National Park at...



Grizzly RV Park
West Yellowstone, Montana 59798
406-646-4466




Amenities include-
Full hookups
Beautiful big sites
Cabins & Tent
Wi-Fi
Picnic tables
Play ground
Laundry rooms 
Showers in the restrooms
Accessible restrooms and showers
Clubhouse
Convenient store
Gift store

Wow! This RV park is gorgeous. Everything is super clean. The road is level and cement paved. The landscaping is perfect. The sites are large with hard packed gravel to park on, a cement patio, picnic table,  a lot of grass and beautiful trees. The playground is large, safe and clean. You will never have to hike too far because restrooms, showers and laundry rooms can be found throughout the park. 


 



They even have a huge, private                                accessible restroom/shower. 





 
The WiFi is just OK especially during peak hours. An abundance of dumpsters are conveniently located throughout the park. In the clubhouse every morning a complementary hot beverage is available. I could go on and on forever because somebody was paying very close attention to the details. This park is fabulous!!

Of course the main attraction is Yellowstone National Park. 


Yellowstone National Park is a nearly 3,500-sq.-mile wilderness recreation area atop a volcanic hot spot. Mostly in Wyoming, the park spreads into parts of Montana and Idaho too. Yellowstone features dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including its most famous, Old Faithful. It's also home to hundreds of animal species, including bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelope.





















Arrive early because the line to get in the park is slow and long. Don't forget your Access Pass. At the gate you will be given maps. You can even get an access ability guide for wheelchairs. An audio guided tour app is available through the iTunes Store but, it DID NOT work for us. Most people follow the same route through the park. I would suggest going the opposite direction. You will see everything and avoid heavy congestion. The largest tourist trap is Old Faithful. If you want souvenirs or food get it BEFORE the geyser erupts. 


Yellowstone is breathtaking! There is way too much to see all-in-one day. I recommend splitting it up and pacing yourself. On the way out we drove our RV through the park and exited the East entrance. We got a great new perspective that was amazing. The Buffalo were a little less intimidating this time. 








 

Be advised, after exiting Yellowstone, this route will take you through the Big Horn National Forest. It is an absolutely beautiful mountainous drive but there are some steep and windy roads.

Another must see Is...

The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center 
201 South Canyon 
West Yellowstone, MT 
406-646-7001



The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is a nonprofit educational facility. Rangers give scheduled seminars. They are also available for any and all questions. This is the home for many grizzly bears, wolves and birds of prey that for various reasons could not survive in the wild. They are all well cared for at the Discovery center.
















This is a perfect place to bring your children and everyone else. As far as mobility issues, this center is relatively small and completely paved. There are small hills to maneuver however, the inside exhibits and the gift shop are all on one level.

If you like Mexican food you absolutely must eat at "The Taco Bus".
Las Palmitas 
21 N. Canyon St.
406–640-0172

This restaurant is literally a bus and if you blink you may miss it. It's location is next to a bike store. The food is amazing!! I highly recommend the street tacos. If you can climb into a bus the seating is tight. Outside they have bench seating or you can get your food to go.

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Boise, Idaho

Boise is the capital of and the most populous city in Idaho. Boise is located on the Boise River in the southwest portion of Idaho. If you love outdoor activities there is a lot to do here.








You can even surf.











After reading about all of its great retirement attributes, I had to check it out. Boise offers great quality of life, excellent medical, lower taxes and low housing prices. Even though Boise is a fabulous spot, it wasn't perfect for me.

We stayed at the Riverside RV Park 
6000 N Glenwood St.
Boise, ID. 83714 
Although, it's address says Boise the actual address is in Garden City.

Amenities include;
Full hookups
Big Rig Friendly
Large sites w/large area for tow car
Wi-Fi
Picnic tables
Hard packed gravel
Dogs welcome (Best rules ever-"Be Courteous")


This is a no-frills RV park with a great location. It is mostly hard packed gravel with some cement sidewalks. The cement sidewalks are not continuous, so from time to time you will have to travel on the gravel. The Boise River Walk runs right along side the park. The path is a little rough near Riverside RV Park but, the closer you get to Boise the better it gets. If you have any mobility issues I recommend using a scooter or power wheelchair. The Riverside RV Park entrance is right behind the fairgrounds. While we were there I saw signs for horse shows, car racing and even minor league baseball. There is always something going on so make sure you check it out.

I can't let a blog entry go by without mentioning food. I don't claim this to the best but, If you're in the mood for a hamburger and french fries I found this…

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Ventura, California

Ventura is located near what is considered the northern end of Southern California. It is roughly 27-miles south of Santa Barbara. 

While you are in Ventura there are three main attractions. Of course… The beach, Downtown(Old town), and The Ventura Mission. 
The mission is located at 211 E. Main St. The admission cost is $4.00 for adults and $1.00 for children

If you're in the mood for shopping and/or food, downtown has a lot to choose from. The shops range from high-end to thrift store. There are a large variety of restaurants as well. Everything is available from fine dining to grab and go… You can even find a Starbucks.

There are many things to do at the beach. You can stroll along the boardwalk and watch the many surfers. Ventura Harbor is a couple of miles south of the pier and has many shops and restaurants. You can rent a wheelchair with balloon tires that can be pushed in the sand. Beach wheelchairs are available through the Ventura California State Lifeguards. Call 805-648-3321. The chairs can be used for one day at NO COST. When you let the lifeguards know what beach and time, a beach wheelchair will be delivered to you. A release of liability form is required.

Also, there is always something going on at the Ventura Fairgrounds.

It is possible to walk or use an electric wheelchair to get to many of the attractions. The distance and some hills might be too much for a manual chair.
** I recommend that both able-body and wheelchair users have a car.

And now that I have talked about the fun stuff,




We stayed add…
Ventura Beach RV Resort
800 W Main St, Ventura, CA 93001






The amenities include-
Full hookups
Pull through and back and sites
Tent area
Wi-Fi
Pool
Playground
Laundry
Bathrooms
General store

This park is way overpriced and everything is an extra fee. If you cancel with less than 30 days notice you will be charged. If you change your reservation in anyway you will be charged. If you request a specific location you will be charged. You will be charged if you have a dog but there were no facilities for the dog. They ask you to pick up after your dog but I could not find poop bags or trash cans. Each site has a picnic table and a nice area of grass. But for heaven sake's don't put a mat on that piece of grass because it's against the rules. Also, this park backs up to the 101 freeway and is extremely loud. Unless you are in a back-in spot as far away from the freeway as possible you will feel like a troll sleeping under the freeway. DO NOT ask for wheelchair accessible or you will be placed behind the main building close to a curb and next to the freeway. (Remember that there is an up-charge for changes) One last thing… The staff is extremely rude!! Unsecured property has a habit of walking away due to vagrants/homeless that live in the river bed adjacent to the park.

I have no idea why this RV resort is so popular, except maybe its location. However, the location is not that great. In order to do anything you must travel several blocks south. At a large intersection you will either go West over the train tracks and under the freeway to the beach, or North uphill to downtown. No worries… At the intersection you will find Tony's Pizzeria where you can stop and make your decision.

Monday, May 25, 2015

The Grand Canyon



We stayed at...
Grand Canyon Railway RV Park
601 W. Franklin Ave.
Williams, AZ 86046
1-800-843-8724
















The amenities include…
Full hookups
Wide spacious sites
Wi-Fi (could not stay connected)
Laundry
Large clean showers
Large barbecue area
Basketball
Volleyball
Horse shoes
Playground
(The office and playground are across the street)

The RV park is walking distance to downtown Williams Arizona. You'll be able to find restaurants, bars and gift shops with a cowboy feel.

The main attraction in Williams Arizona is the Grand Canyon. One of the options for getting there is the Grand Canyon Train. The other is to drive. Both have their advantages. The Grand Canyon Railway RV Park is across the street from the train station. It is expensive but looks like fun and I was told that they do have accommodations for wheelchair users. Taking the train allows you to sight see and enjoy. The train will take you on a scenic tour up to the South Rim. You will then be able to wander and explore on your own. The main area is accessible to wheelchairs with plenty of scenic view points. Beyond that the trail would be difficult for wheelchair users. The other option is to drive, which is what we chose, because we did not think our 15 year old dog would enjoy having to stay in the RV Parks kennel. It's an easy drive from the RV park to The Grand Canyon. The trip is less than an hour. If you have a disabled placard you will be given an access code and will be able to drive through an area that is otherwise only accessible by hiking or taking the bus. The bus is free but I am not sure if it is wheelchair accessible. Along the way you will find plenty of handicap accessible spots to pullover and easy walking trails to check out. Don't be surprised if you end up with 2000 pictures before you're done. The main visitor center is very accessible. The area is completely paved and relatively flat. You can learn the history, do souvenir shopping and have lunch.  Arrive early, especially when school is out or on the weekend. There is a lot to see!











However you choose to get to the Grand Canyon, make sure you catch The Wild West show. The show is early in the morning before the train leaves the station.

When you get to the park entrance ask the Ranger about the AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL - ACCESS PASS. It is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. A pass covers entrance and standard amenity fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per vehicle fee areas (or up to four adults at sites that charge per person). Children age 15 or under are admitted free. The cost of the annual pass is $80 but it is $10 for US seniors and free for military and US citizens with permanent disabilities.

On our way out we were stopped by one of the residents.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Memphis, Tennessee

ELVIS
 















We stayed at:
The Graceland RV park
3691 Elvis Presley Blvd
Memphis, Tennessee 38116  
(901) 396-7125


The amenities include:
Full hookups
Wi-Fi
Cabins w/ AC and Heat
Tent area
Convenience store
Bath and laundry facilities
Picnic tables
Playground
Large area to walk your dog
24 hour security

The park is well maintained and the spots are wide. It is mostly hard packed gravel and grass. It's mostly flat and relatively easy for wheelchairs to maneuver. However, to get to the playground and dog area you must cross a bridge which is not very wheelchair friendly.

The very best thing about this park is its convenience to Graceland. A walk-through gate connects to the Graceland parking lot. 

 




GRACELAND









Living Room
Jungle Room
 
Pink Cadillac

Whether you are a fan of Elvis Presley or not, you should visit Graceland. You will see exactly why he was and still is an international superstar.

I recommend buying the Graceland Platinum Tour.  It's a very cool self-guided iPad tour, narrated by John Stamos. This package is about $50 but definitely worth it. You will want to see it all.

** Note to wheelchair users
- The shuttle van to the museum has a wheelchair lift but I think only one van has that set up, so be patient.
- The mansion will be completely accessible except for the lower level music room.
- You will not be able to get into the airplanes. But without buying the extra airplane ticket, they will let you in to the area. You will be close and can take pictures from the outside.


Everything will take you about four hours. Arrive early because it does get very crowded. Also, eat a meal before you get there. The food at Graceland is very expensive and not very good. I would recommend that you avoid eating at The Chrome Grill. The food SUCKED.

At the end of my experience at Graceland, I could feel the deep love that Elvis had for life, his family, his friends and his fans!!  In my opinion he was definitely deserving of the title… 
THE KIND OF ROCK 'n ROLL


When you are in the area you will also want to visit Beale Street. On Beale Street you will find funky gift shops, back-ally BBQ joints and the music scene. A shuttle is available, however I'm not sure about its handicap accessibility.

If you're in the mood for the Royal experience, a pink Cadillac will pick you up for free and take you to Marlow's barbecue. Again, not sure about wheelchair accessibility.

This area of Memphis is old and very run down. The streets are in poor condition. Our GPS had us a little turned around but luckily I had read someone else's review. It said to look for a pink Heartbreak Hotel sign and the driveway for the RV Park would be right behind it. This is definitely NOT A great area to be in, but once you're in the RV park with 24 hour security all is good.

"Thank you. Thank you very much" for reading my blog.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina. It is a beautiful mountain city on the east side of the Smoky Mountains. The University of North Carolina, Asheville has a campus here which gives the area a college vibe. The beauty of this area is indescribable. It certainly didn't hurt that we arrived just at the peak of the fall colors.


We stayed at Bear Creek RV Park & Campground
81 South Bear Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 253-0798
camping@ashevillebearcreek.com

Amenities include…
Full hookups
Tent areas
Wi-Fi (signal was hit and miss)
Cable TV
Swimming pool (seasonal)
Playground
Laundry

All of the sites are paved and you will find that some are wider and/or longer than others. The majority of the campground is on a hill but the bottom is mostly flat and fully wheelchair accessible. We chose a spot at the top to take advantage of the view. The entire campground would be accessible in a scooter. The campground is located at the South-West corner of Asheville. Other than freeway access, there is nothing close by and a vehicle is necessary.


There are quite a few interesting and fun things to do while you are in Asheville. Although our primary mission for the trip was to find a new location to live, we did manage to do a few touristy things.

THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY


The Blue Ridge Parkway was built to connect Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Parkway is America's longest linear Park. It runs 469 miles through North Carolina and Virginia. Although the Blue Ridge Pkwy. is not an actual "National Park", the land on either side of the road is owned and maintained by the National Parks Services. Construction began during Pres. Franklin D Roosevelt's administration, September 11, 1935.  It took 52 years to complete. Originally called America's Scenic Highway, the name was changed by Congress to the Blue Ridge Pkwy.

While in the area make sure you take an amazing scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Pkwy. It's hundreds of miles of jaw dropping gorgeous. Be prepared for nonstop picture taking. We couldn't get enough and did the drive twice. Once at the beginning of our stay and one at the end. Each time was completely different. My husband is a cyclist and went back for a long ride through the breathtaking beauty.





Along the route you will find several designated viewpoints to safely get out of your car. The Craggy Gardens Visitor Center is accessible to wheelchairs but some of the amenities may not be. There is a Park Ranger there so you can learn more of the history and buy plenty of souvenirs. Parking, scenic views, and the visitor center are easily accessible. There are also hiking trails and a picnic area(unsure of accessibility). Due to freezing of the bridges, certain areas of the park are closed to vehicles during winter. I recommend a visit during Fall(Leaf Season). Make sure you bring proper attire as it gets cold as you go up the parkway.  Make sure the camera is fully charged with plenty of disk space.






BILTMORE ESTATE

The Biltmore Estate is the largest privately owned residence in the United States. The mansion was built by George Washington Vanderbilt in 1895. The architecture, antiques and gardens are stunning.



* Advice… If you are a wheelchair user or someone with limited mobility, you will be told to have someone drop you off at the mansion and then drive back down, park your car and take the shuttle back. The trip will take that person up to 45 minutes. After touring the mansion someone will have to take the shuttle back, get your car and take you to the gardens. In the rebel spirit we parked in the lot behind the Gardens and toured the gardens first. We walked from the Gardens to the Mansion. A scooter could easily navigate the walk but a manual chair would probably need assistance on the hills.


The mansion does have an elevator that was built for Vanderbelt's mother. However, one of the floors is inaccessible and another is closed to the public. They have a video tour of what you missed (It is more of a slideshow and it feels a bit cheesy). The wheelchair discounted price is around $50. A two day pass is available but personally I don't think it's necessary. Also, if you have hearing or visual limitations you are able to take the audio tour for FREE. Wine-tasting is also available. You have to drive a couple of miles to the winery, which was originally a dairy farm. The wine tasting is really more of sampling before you buy. THE GOOD NEWS IS… they don't seem to limit your samples. The winery, mall, and parking were easily accessible. There is an elevator in the winery to get to the tasting room and store.

 Arrive early to avoid the crowds.

BILTMORE MALL

The Biltmore Mall is an outdoor mall with shops, restaraunts, book store, movie theatre, and more. It is completly accessible and even has a water fountain for dogs.


DUPONT FOREST
The Dupont Forest is in between Hendersonville and Brevard. It has amazing beauty, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. There are trails of all types. From narrow trails that can be difficult in spots to groomed fire roads that would be no problem for a scooter and mostly accessible to a rugged manual chair with assistance. I am not 100% sure but my understanding is that some of these roads are opened to vehicles as well.

















RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS
Neo Burrito – Biltmore mall, Asheville
Vinnys Italian restaurant – 641 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville
Flat Rock Wood Room BBQ - 1501 Greenville Hwy, Hendersonville




BLACK MOUNTAIN
Black Mountain is a small town close to Asheville. You will find a lot of shops and restaurants. I highly recommend lunch at Black Mountain Bistro. They have a killer chicken berry salad. I swear that I would drive across the country just to have that salad again!