Archive | Pet-friendly Travel RSS feed for this section

Our visit to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial | thepupdiary.com

28 Aug

We love visiting Washington, DC! There are beautiful dog-friendly parks, restaurants, shops, monuments, boat rides . . . the list goes on and on!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

On a recent visit we stopped by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. The National Mall is dog friendly and a fun place to visit! The monument includes quotes from throughout King’s lifetime and offers a beautiful view of the Tidal Basin.

Today CNN posted 9 Things about MLK’s speech and the March on Washington. Today marks the 50th anniversary of this historic civil rights event.

TripAdvisor lists Top 10 Pet-Friendly Properties in the U.S. | thepupdiary.com

28 Aug

Earlier this month TripAdvisor announced the results from their newest pet travel survey where over 1,100 U.S. respondents answered questions about their travel habits with their pets. Only 44% plan to travel with their pets in the coming year. That seems low to us since we travel several times each month! The press release also included the top 10 pet-friendly properties in America, according to TripAdvisor travelers. None of our faves made the list. And most of their choices were budget busters to us! But we will still try to visit a few of them in the coming year . . . The Sunglow Ranch is calling our names!

Dog-friendly patio at Inn by the Sea

Dog-friendly patio at Inn by the Sea

The Pup Diary favorite pet-friendly properties for 2013

Phineas Swann Bed and Breakfast in Vermont

Inn by the Sea in Maine

Glen Highland Farm in Upstate New York

Best Friends Animal Society Angel Canyon Cottage in Utah

Best Western Inn of Sedona in Arizona

Oxford Suites Spokane in Washington

Relaxing at Glen Highland Farm

Relaxing at Glen Highland Farm

The TripAdvisor Top 10 Pet-Friendly Property List in America

1. Beachside Village Resort, Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida – Average Nightly Rate: $205+ Pet owners visiting Florida’s East Coast can enjoy a relaxing stay with their pooch in one of the premier hotel rooms, studios, or suites at this seaside property. Dedicated pet walkers are available upon request for pups in need of a promenade. “The pool area is great and you are right across the street from the beach. Best of all: It’s small-dog friendly,” commented a TripAdvisor traveler. The hotel welcomes pets weighing 35 pounds or less, and there is a fee of $25 per night for pets.

2. Olea Hotel, Glen Ellen, California – Average Nightly Rate: $260+
Located in Sonoma County, travelers can enjoy the unique amenities at this small boutique hotel. Pets are welcome in the Hillside Queen Rooms and dogs will even receive a special welcome basket which includes treats, bowls and towels. A TripAdvisor traveler noted, “The inn keeper personally showed us to our room where we were welcomed with a cute little gift basket of treats for both us and our pup.” There is a fee of $25 per night for pets.

3. Bardessono, Yountville, California – Average Nightly Rate: $650+
Traveling pet owners visiting Napa Valley are invited to stay at this sustainable hotel that boasts organic cotton bed linens and hand-crafted bath products. Pooches will be given plush dog beds and bowls to enjoy their supper. A TripAdvisor traveler said, “If you are looking for a small, upscale resort that pampers you (and your pet) do not miss the opportunity to stay here.” There is a one-time fee of $150 for pets.

4. Inn of the Five Graces, Santa Fe, New Mexico – Average Nightly Rate: $650+
Located in one of Santa Fe’s most historic neighborhoods, this former adobe building is now a spectacular hotel adorned with exotic antiques, rugs, textiles and architectural elements. Guests traveling with pets 50 pounds or less are welcome to stay in one of five perfectly appointed rooms. A TripAdvisor traveler noted, “Waiting in the suite were treats and stuffed animals for the animals!” There is a fee of $75 per night for pets.

5. Five Pine Lodge & Spa, Sisters, Oregon – Average Nightly Rate: $235+
Travelers can hunker down in one of three pet-friendly cabins that provide plush beds, soaking tubs and private balconies, while nearby hiking trails offer plenty of outdoor fun for four-legged friends. A TripAdvisor traveler said, “The pet-friendly cabins are at the edge of the property, just steps away from the bordering forest, so very easy to take them out for walks.” There is a fee of $25 per night for pets.

6. The Grand Del Mar, San Diego, California – Average Nightly Rate: $595+
Luxury awaits man and his best friend at this Mediterranean estate. Travelers can relax in the pristine guestrooms where four-legged friends will find their own amenities including beds, bowls and toys. A TripAdvisor traveler commented, “We had our dog, and the grounds are very green and lush and it was a perfect place to let him roam outside.” The hotel welcomes pets weighing 25 pounds or less, with a one-time $100 fee.

7. Sunglow Ranch – Arizona Guest Ranch and Resort, Pearce, Arizona – Average Nightly Rate: $299+
Situated on 475 acres, pets will have plenty of space to play at this western-style ranch. Traveling pet owners can enjoy a leisurely stroll on the property’s three-mile trail and later unwind in the “Hummingbird” and “Coyote” casitas that welcome pets weighing 25 pounds or less. “It was a pleasure to stay in a place where the accommodations are incredibly beautiful and still dog-friendly,” said a TripAdvisor traveler. There is a fee of $25 per night for pets.

8. Allison Inn & Spa, Newberg, Oregon – Average Nightly Rate: $330+
Located in Willamette Valley, those with wagging tails in tow can relax in this luxurious hotel. Animals are welcome in terrace-level rooms where pooches will be pampered with tasty treats and kibble. One TripAdvisor traveler said, “Brought the dogs and went wine tasting. The staff took care of all dinner bookings, the dogs had wonderful stew, free room service and the spa was great.” There is a one-time fee of $50 for pets.

9. Low-Key Hideaway, Cedar Key, Florida – Average Nightly Rate: $90+
Nestled in a tranquil island oasis on the Gulf Coast, animal lovers can enjoy the company of their furry friends at this property. Up to two well-behaved pets are invited to accompany travelers to this adult-only retreat. One TripAdvisor traveler commented, “The rooms have a back door that goes directly out to a grassy area with a gorgeous, unobstructed view, so while your dog sniffs around, you can soak up the sights.” There is a fee of $10 per night for pets.

10. The Oxford Hotel, Bend, Oregon – Average Nightly Rate: $299+
This boutique hotel strives to provide a memorable stay for travelers and pets alike. Included in the animal-friendly amenities are a bed, travel-size dog bowls, pet salve, organic dog treats, and a map of nearby parks and trails. “One of the best and pet-friendly,” noted a TripAdvisor traveler. There is a one-time fee of $55 for the pet package.

Our visit to the dog-friendly Grand Canyon | thepupdiary.com

13 Aug

While touring the wild west this summer we had to see the Grand Canyon National Park. At one mile deep, 18 miles wide, and 277 river miles long, it is one beautiful natural wonder of the world! Leashed dogs are welcome on South Rim trails above the rim and at certain campgrounds. It is important to read the “pet” section of the national park website before you go so you are aware of the rules and restrictions.

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

Touring the Grand Canyon
We arrived later in the day to try to avoid the traffic. Mom had heard stories about big traffic problems and we were pleasantly surprised to find very little traffic and easy and ample parking near the visitor center. There are several miles of paved and unpaved rim trails where leashed dogs are welcome and views are spectacular! We saw several dogs along our walk. We even saw a doggy stroller! Maps are clearly marked with trail distances and services. We visited on an overcast and rainy day . . . so we will need to go back when it is sunny!

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

Getting there
We rented a car and drove the 4.5 hours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Along the way we stopped at the Hoover Dam (dogs are only allowed in limited areas; they are not allowed on dam bridges, walls, or tours) and Historic Route 66.

Where we stayed
We stayed in Sedona, Arizona which is 2 hours south of the Grand Canyon. The Best Western Plus Inn of Sedona was very dog friendly. We were welcomed with a list of dog-friendly outdoor dining options in the area. We also received a cute doggy gift and treats. Dogs are also welcome on their outdoor patio overlooking the beautiful Sedona mountains. We give this hotel a big paws up!

We walked over the Hudson River | thepupdiary.com

7 Aug

We were excited to check out the Walkway over the Hudson – the longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. At 212 feet tall and 1.28 miles long, it was one fun dog-friendly walk! Leashed pups are always welcome on the walkway. But be careful because the pavement can get really hot in the summer sun! The park was nice to post alerts about the pavement temperatures!

Walkway over the Hudson River

Walkway over the Hudson River

Getting there
We drove to Poughkeepsie and found on-street free parking one block from the walk’s entrance. We climbed several flights of stairs to get to the elevated park and walkway where we were happy to see vendors selling water, popcorn, and other snacks.

The walk
Bring plenty of water because there is not much shade during this 1.28 mile walk. What you will find are great river and shoreline views! We met lots of really friendly families with kids and dogs. There are a few benches at the half-way point, so we rested there for some photos. The Walkway is an old abandoned railroad bridge and there are historical photos and information posted along the route. We think this would be a great place to check out the fall leaves!

Make it a day trip
After the walk we headed to dog-friendly Robibero Vineyards in New Paltz about 20 minutes from Poughkeepsie. We were welcome inside and outside the cute winery. New Paltz also had a small downtown area with shops and restaurants.

Getting our kicks on Route 66 | thepupdiary.com

6 Aug

Like the song says, “If you ever plan to motor west . . . Get your kicks on Route 66!” So we knew we needed to check out part of the route while traveling through Arizona last month. Historic Route 66 signs were clearly marked along the Interstate and we decided to check out the route through Seligman, Arizona – the birthplace of Historic Route 66.

Signs leading us to Seligman, Arizona

Signs leading us to Seligman, Arizona

There were several “roadside attractions” along the mile of the road we followed. Seligman is a cute place to stop for a bite to eat if you are heading to the dog-friendly Grand Canyon, which is about a 2-hour drive north. We stopped for lunch at the outdoor patio of Delgadillo’s Snow Cap, which was built back in 1953. The burgers and shakes were yummy! We were welcome in many of the shops that lined the road. Too bad we weren’t allowed to check out the Roadkill Cafe — that would have been something to see!