It’s the start of the week-long Thanksgiving Break. COVID-19 cases are also getting stabilized for the vaccinated people. Even though more and more are getting vaccinated, we still have to take all the necessary precautions for all the activities so that we protect others as well as ourselves. It has been a yearly tradition in my family to do day trips to check out the California Fall Colors. California Fall colors are no less beautiful. Be it the Shasta counties in the North or the Yosemite Valley in the east. My personal favorite is the fall colors in the vineyards. Vibrant colorful grapevines arranged neatly in endless rows are a sight that is not to be missed. As we have a wheelchair user in the family we try to visit places that are wheelchair friendly. This time we did a day trip to Paso Robles, CA to check out fall colors in the wineries and the Field of Lights at Sensorio. Both of them are wheelchair-friendly activities. 

Sensorio is a unique experience and a  wonderful concept where you can see a spectacular field of colorful displays. The entire field is covered with fiber optic LED lights. If you go before sunset it’s a beautiful sight where you can see the changing colors as the night progresses. The field is completely accessible and there are benches throughout to just sit, relax and enjoy the breathtaking view of the lighted fields. There is a tower lights area at the end which is a group of short round towers that have wine bottles with colorful lights in them. The tower lights are a new addition and are very pretty. Good time to start the trip is just before the sunset and continue through the night. For more details, please click here

        Fall foliage in Paso Robles starts in late October and Peaks in mid-November. You can enjoy a spectacular colorful spread by driving along US 101 from Greenfield to San Luis Obispo. You can take the inner roads and enjoy them up close for a quick picture. Grab a bite or even a more elaborate meal at the lively San Luis Obispo.

♿️ WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY ♿️

  • The fall colors @Paso Robles vineyards can be enjoyed by driving around. You can pull over your car for taking pictures.
  • At Sensario there are a few ADA parking in front of the gate. 
  • The entire site of the Field of lights is wheelchair accessible.
  • There are ADA restrooms close to the entrance and inside the venue too.
  • You can take your own wheelchair or there are wheelchairs for rental too. They are on a first come first served basis.
  • The paved path is fairly smooth but there are some bumps to watch out for as it’s very dark at that time. A torchlight might be handy.
  • At some places, the path may be a little steep. It’s advisable to buckle up if you are on a wheelchair or a mobility scooter

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS

Day trips at the time of Covid are done keeping social distancing and safety in mind. At no point should these be compromised.

  • Always wear your face mask even if you are not getting out of the car.
  • Avoid crowded areas if you are stepping out of the car
  • Always remember to carry gloves, hand sanitizer, water, food.
  • Do not forget to use the restroom before leaving your house as it is safer to not use outside restroom during this period
  • Remember to wipe your crutch or mobility scooter handle or the wheelchair wheels every time you go outside
  • Do not leave your items unattended.
  • Carry your vaccination card wherever you go.