Dining
One of the best parts of the Arts and Design district are the restaurants found along the Monon Trail, as well as all throughout Old Town. There are a plethora of places to choose from, each unique. Each of these restaurants are quite easy to enter directly off the trail. Sun King, Bazbeaux Pizza, and Wine and Rind are a few that I have visited and had a good and accessible experience.
Most recently, I visited Wine and Rind. I found this location to be fairly accessible. The thresholds at the door are a little difficult to manage on your own if you are in a wheelchair. I had my husband to assist me, and it was easy for him to pop me up over the little edge. There is an accessible restroom that is quite spacious, and easy to maneuver in a wheelchair. We chose to sit outside in their patio area, so we could watch people go by on the Monon Trail and take in the gorgeous weather. The patio area does have small gravel as the flooring, so keep that in mind. It was not too thick, so my wheelchair did not get stuck, but it is not paved. Again, I had help, so it was doable, and seating was close to the door, so there was not far to go once outside. Inside there are a few tables which makes for easier access and is a very enjoyable environment as well.
The Java House is a fantastic location for coffee that is easy to access right next to the parking garage at Veterans Way and Elm. If you would like to grab a coffee and go for a stroll along the Monon, it is very easy to access as it’s very nearby.
Note: The Monon Trail is a very busy trail with all kinds of activity such as runners, bikers etc. Just be aware that it is good to keep an eye out for fast moving people, but the path is wide enough to get to the side easily if needed.
Next to Sun King there is Midtown Plaza, a spacious outdoor area that is easy to navigate in a wheelchair as well. There you will find an outdoor television and lots of space for kids to run around, or tables to sit and chat with friends while enjoying food from one of the surrounding restaurants. This is a flat area, that was also easy to maneuver in my wheelchair.
After having a bite to eat, you can get back on the trail to explore many of the different shops, and scenery along the Monon Trail. There are also a few different locations for ice cream or dessert.
The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts is a little further south on the trail. Near the Palladium is The Hotel Carmichael, and a few games such as ping pong and bocce ball along the way. Those areas are also accessible to utilize if you desire, and there are also a couple of playgrounds along the way.
Just next door to the Hotel Carmichael is a public restroom. In this space they also have a separate one-person accessible restroom. It was spacious enough for my wheelchair and there was a grab bar for assistance with transfers if needed. The only downfall, as is a common issue, there are no accessible buttons to open the door to get into the restroom from outside, or to get into and out of the singular restroom once inside.
