Volume 16, No. 2, Spring 2008	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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Places to Go & Things to Do In & Around Delaware

Eileen M. Mapes
DATI Information and Outreach Coordinator

Well, it seems that summer is just around the corner, and many of us will be looking for places to go and things to do. I’ve put together a list of groups, organizations, and websites that you may find helpful in your quest for ideas in and around our First State. Now, I didn’t focus all of my attention on disability specific sites, which means you may need to take a bit of time making sure that your destination will meet all your needs. I also need to tell you that these resources are not presented in any particular order and their inclusion should not be interpreted as an endorsement. In other words, please make sure to do your own investigation into the services, products, and information presented below.

The Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation (www.destateparks.com) is a great resource for finding “places to go,” “things to do,” and “things to know” in and around our state. If you don’t have a computer you can call 302-739-9200 to ask about parks near your home or planned destination. Most state parks are accessible, but it is a good idea to check before visiting to make sure you have a truly enjoyable outing.

Visit Delaware (www.visitdelaware.com or tollfree: 866-284-7483) is a source of informationfor the entire state. A paper copy of the VisitorGuide can be downloaded from the website or requested by phone. The website provides access to an events calendar, as well as information regarding many areas of interest—arts and culture, history and heritage, sports and gaming, outdoor recreation, and shopping and leisure.

The Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce site (www.beach-fun.com, toll free: 800-441-1329, or email: rehoboth@beach-fun.com) covers the gamut when it comes to the area—accommodations, real estate, services, dining, shopping, events, activities, and attractions.

 

Curious Parents: Local Resources for InspiredParents (www.curiousparents.com, toll free: 877-370-8800, or email: Info@CuriousParents.com) provides Get Up & Go—activities, places to go, events, and a wide range of family-centered information—all focused in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Bay Weekly (www.bayweekly.com or toll free: 800-579-0304), the Chesapeake’s Independent Newspaper, is your access to things going on in and around the Chesapeake Bay. Make sure to search out the article titled 101 Ways to Have Fun on the Bay. Inaddition, I suggest searching for pasteditions of the article, as each haswonderful ideas for fun on the bay.

The Sunny Day Guide (www.sunnydayguide.com/rehoboth/) focuses on the Delaware Coast. This resource offers access to a calendar of events, area maps, coupons, weather information, and much more.

Holiday Junction (http://holidayjunction.com/state/delaware) offers links to Chamber of Commerce websites throughout the state. You’ll need to scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Tourism Resources to access the information. Most of the other links take you to lists of lodgings—hotels, motels, inns, and bed-and-breakfast sites. Once you get to the list of Chambers of Commerce, you can access area-specific information in the location of your choice—events calendars, visitor information, and much more. I didn’t find a toll free number for Holiday Junction, and their office is located in Ontario, Canada. But, just in case you prefer to call them, their number is 613-729-5002.

The Philly Fun Guide (www.phillyfunguide.com, email: site_admin@phillyfunguide.com, or 215-557-7811) covers a seemingly endless array of events—outdoors, sports, and kid-friendly, to name just a few—in the Philadelphia region. What really got my attention on this site was the link titled Accessible Events where you can find out about “upcoming arts and cultural events open to the general public that are accessible to people with disabilities and economic disadvantages.” Clicking on this link will take you to the Online Arts Accessibility Guide (http://www.art-reach.org/ARR_AccGu.html, 215-568-2115, or email: info@art-reach.org), then you’ll need to click on the Online Accessibility Guide link. This link will take you to a page where you can search events by the type of venue, accessibility feature, and location that meets your
needs.

Emerging Horizons: Accessible Travel News (www.emerginghorizons.com, 209-599-9409, or e-mail: horizons@EmergingHorizons.com) is a subscription based website, $16.95 per year, though it offers some information online at no charge. The resources found there are focused on people with mobility limitations-wheelers and slow walkers, as they put it. You can also order several travel publications that could prepare you for and/or enhance your travels. There isn't any travel information about Delaware, or the tri-state area for that matter, but you'll find information about travel in 16 other states as well as international destinations.

Wilderness Inquiry (www.wildernessinquiry.org, toll free at 800-728-0719, email: info@wildernessinquiry.org) is a non-profit organization that makes adventure travel accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability. There don?t seem to be any trips in Delaware or the surrounding states, but there are many opportunities around the country and abroad.

The National Park Service (https://pwrcms.nps.gov/pwr/fees_passes.htm or 202-208-4747) offers a variety of passes. Two passes that may be of particular interest are the Access Pass and the Senior Pass. The Access Pass is free when purchased in a parkoffice by a person with a disability and with qualifying documentation: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by a Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The Senior Pass is available for $10 to people 62 years of age and older.

Lastly, I’d like to expand my list and would appreciate your help. Please email me at mapes@asel.udel.edu if you have a contribution you would like to share with me and our readers. Stories about your travel are also welcome!

Thanks, and happy trails!

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