Many parks, eateries, and inns have rolled out the canine welcome mat in dog-friendly makes an attempt to cater to the tens of millions who journey with their pets. With an estimated 72.9 million U.S. properties proudly owning a pet, in line with the American Pet Products Association’s 2011/2012 National Pet Owners Survey, the face of pet journey has modified.
Fido is welcome at many oft-overlooked points of interest. Having traveled for over 18 years with Cocker Spaniels, I’ve discovered eight roads much less traveled however value trying out — as they’re, certainly, canine welcoming.
The 8 Dog Friendly Day Trip Ideas
1. Arlington National Cemetery
Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to tour these historic resting grounds close to Washington, D.C. Dexter donned a doggie backpack, and we hiked the cemetery final 12 months. Situated on 612 acres close to the Potomac in Virginia, a few of these interred at these hallowed grounds embrace Chief Justice William Rehnquist; President John F. Kennedy and his spouse, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis; astronauts “Gus” Grissom and John Chaffee; and civil rights activist Medgar Evers. There isn’t any admission charge.
2. Dog-Friendly Shopping Centers
Bargains have gone to the dogs as retailers are paying attention to the $53 billion anticipated to be spent within the pet trade in 2012. Armed with a canine and a bank card, many open-air malls are welcoming dogs and their dad and mom. One of my favorites is Stony Park Fashion Park in Richmond, Virginia. Of the practically 100 shops on web site, many welcome pets inside. Clean up areas and doggie pit stops peppered all through the advanced make for a enjoyable day of re-tail remedy.
3. Pet-Friendly Wineries
A bottle of purple, a bottle of white, and a few glowing water to your roving Rover: Dog-friendly wineries are popping up throughout the nation. The Wine Institute gives an inventory of pet-friendly wineries throughout the state on their website. California wine nation is a well-liked weekend warrior getaway for households, together with these with pets.
4. Whale Watching
Float Fido’s boat on the tip of Cape Cod, as this three-to four-hour whale-watching tour by Whale Watch Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown welcomes well-behaved dogs. Since you’ll be on the open ocean, guarantee your pooch is accustomed to water journey, geared up with a life vest, and has sunblock, contemporary water, and sea-faring snacks. Friends have set sail with their pooch aboard the tour and reported a number of whale sightings whereas their German Shepherd and Yorkie dogs rested afoot. Ask workers if waters are tough or uneven earlier than departing, as they’re unable to show again for seasick vacationers of the human or canine selection.
5. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Nestled in Farmington Hills, Pennsylvania, is the five-star Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, located on 2,000 acres. Dogs 30 kilos and underneath are welcome to remain in sure rooms of the resort, however Nemacolin Wooflands Pet Resort & Spa is minutes from the principle property. While visiting Nemacolin, think about my glee at with the ability to go to up shut with lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!
Dorothy had Toto, and yours actually has Dexter. My boundless ball of power merrily strolled by means of habitat after habitat, every species quizzically eyeing each other. Llamas, zebra, and buffalo led to the pièce de résistance: Prince Nemacolin, a white lion born in July 2010. Drive by means of or take a much-recommended walk.
6. Glamorous Camping
If your concept of ruffing it’s listening to the acquainted chirp of crickets and making s’mores exterior with Rover — however with out the hardcore tenting aura — then “glamping” is perhaps up your alley. It’s typically eco-friendly — suppose much less sleeping bag and extra glammed-up tents, teepees, tents, or bungalows. Guests are sometimes aware about typical out of doors actions (fishing, climbing) however return to the likes of a private butler and personal grasp tub. Pet insurance policies range by glamping websites, so ask forward.
7. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
Paw-don me, boys is that the Chattanooga Choo-Choo? Close. One of my favourite states within the nation for its total sense of canine welcoming and friendliness is Maine, home to the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum. After a day of procuring and al fresco eating alongside Portland, Maine’s waterfront district, you possibly can take pleasure in spectacular views and acquire a historical past lesson on the museum. Powered by steam and diesel locomotives, the brief however worthwhile journey permits well-behaved leashed dogs for no extra charge.
8. Drive-in Movie
Flicks, fries, and your furry member of the family: What may very well be extra enjoyable? According to Drive-Ins.com, there are a believed 468 drive-ins open worldwide, with 365 within the U.S. and 62 in Canada. Born within the ’50s, there have been an estimated 4,000 to five,000 nationwide at their peak. Drive-ins are a slice of nostalgia and a welcome wagging break to unplug Fido-style at times. An evening underneath the celebrities for underneath $10 a person — pack the bug repellent, blanket, and Bowser for this budget-conscious evening out.
Featured Image Credit: Raquel Pedrosa Perez | Thinkstock.
