All Things Dog Blog

Showing posts with label dog friendly accommodations. Show all posts

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Top 10 Tell-Tail Signs of TLC (True Love of Canines) at Your Accommodations

By: Carol Bryant, Social Media and PR Director
FIDO Friendly magazine

You make the decision to travel with your dog. It’s vacation time, weekend warrior time, and/or overnight adventure time, but what should you look for? Outside of the basic questions to ask the front desk (weight limits, breed restrictions, pet fees), FIDO Friendly has compiled a list of things that make a dog-welcoming getaway extra special. Think of finishing touches that we humans look for: mint on the pillow, comfy thread count sheets, the staff welcoming us and knowing our names. These are some of the things we look for and wanted to share with All Things Dog Blog readers when booking a FIDO Friendly vacation. We also have a special contest getaway at the end of this blog post.

So what are the extra touches that make our legs twitch and roll over for tummy rubs?

10. "More than a patch:" Ample grounds upon which to walk with Fido is always a bonus, especially at midnight when nature calls and the dog answers.

9. "Waiter, I'll have the sparkling water:" Well-behaved dogs who are welcome to dine al fresco with their human family members gets four paws up from team FIDO Friendly. One such example is the MacCallum House in Mendocino, California.

8. "Talk about a doggie bag:" A menu of food items dedicated to dogs makes guardians feel the extra pampering is there for Fido, too. Homemade biscuits for dessert are a delectable finishing touch.

7. "Are we there yet?" A printout upon check-in of surrounding Fido-friendly attractions, shops, dog parks and things to do with dogs is always appreciated and welcomed.

6. "Teacher's Pet:" A chalkboard or sign in the lobby personally welcoming any canine guests arriving that day scores major tummy rubs. When the staff remembers the dog's name and says hello, our leg twitches, too.

5. "Turn it Down:" And we don't mean the in-room television. More and more BandB's are offering free turndown service and a late night snack (biscuit) for Fido. Having personally experienced this, major wags to those offering the service.

4. "Rut Roh, Raggy:" BandB's that provide towels to canine guests specifically for wet paws and sheets in the event Fido is allowed on furniture are forward thinkers. Preventing wet and/or muddy paws from tracking the carpeting is a win-win for everyone.

3. "Bowl Me Over:" Many properties offer Fido the use of size-specific in-room bowls during his or her stay. In case you forget to pack yours or just need an extra, this added amenity is a thoughtful gesture.

2. "Can Rover Sleep Over?" Offering canine guests the use of in-room pet bedding is a fun feature many BandB's add to their amenity package. Knowing if Fido is a tiny terrier or a slumber clumber prior to arrival means the right sized bed will be available.

1. "Leave No Dog Behind®:" Receiving a copy of the latest FIDO Friendly magazine upon check-in tells guests that Fido is not only allowed but welcomed and a part of the family. Wag-tastic!

Getting ready to celebrate our 50^th issue and 11 years strong, for more FIDO Friendly content, subscribe to the magazine at www.fidofriendly.com and visit our blog at http://blog.fidofriendly.com.

While there, enter our 3-day 2-night getaway to Nantucket for you and your dog (with lots of extra goodies, too!): Bow WOW FIDO Friendly Nantucket Getaway

Monday, March 28, 2011

Fido Finds ink48 Marks the Spot!

By: Carol Bryant, FIDO Friendly magazine

In the printing business, an impression is that which is produced through a process. This is very apropos with the locale of the aptly named upscale Manhattan hotel, ink48. A former printing house in the heart of the Hell’s Kitchen district of Manhattan, an indelible inspiration awaits the moment you step foot (and paw) in the front doors.

First impressions indeed are everlasting. Seeing my Fido’s name etched onto a doggy-themed chalkboard in the lobby brightened our arrival. We soon discovered that Layla, French bulldog and director of pet relations, would tend to our canine needs.

The lobby ebbed and flow ala architectural modernity into the 80-seat restaurant on the first floor. One can’t help but feel like a celebrity behind the velvet ropes that line the restaurant’s grounds. We opted for room service, which we discovered lit up an already bright New York skyline.

The king suite’s décor is boutique style—contemporary elegance meets comforting urban loftiness. A signature view of Manhattan leaves a picture-perfect postcard etched into guests’ memories long after departure. Our suite offered a gorgeous backdrop of the Hudson River through the giant windows. New York hotel rooms can be synonymous with lack of size. Not so at ink48. Our king room was 275 square feet. All guestrooms feature 11 to 15 feet ceilings and divine bathrooms. The Aveda products waiting on marble countertops soothed the senses.

What kind of mark does a former printing facility leave on the pawprints of Fido? Considered part of the family at ink48, Fido has access to three nearby outdoor park/walk areas, doggy boutiques in the vicinity, and is provided with biscuits in the grand lobby of this unique hotel.

After a stroll at the Hudson River Park with Fido, our appetites beckoned to the home of this world-renowned district. Opting for room service, we chose the New York Strip steak, Caesar salad, fries and chocolate mousse cake for dessert. Room service was quick, the staff hospitable, and nary a drop remained in an hour. It was that good.

Traveling with both four- and two-legged kids? Kimpton Hotels, of which ink48 is one, offers a program that includes family-oriented activities and amenities called KimptonKids.

Thinking of a gorgeous rooftop setting with panoramic views for your wedding or reception? Only one wedding at a time is hosted at ink48. Since Fido is welcome, walk down the aisle, leash in tow, on this magical day.

Guest rooms range from 250 to 1,100 square feet depending on preferences and budget. For a truly posh experience in this remarkable district, the Heaven over Hell’s Kitchen Suite boasts a private 2,200 square rooftop terrace and deep, oversize soaking Jacuzzi tub. Talk about leaving a mark.

A Chinese proverb in the welcome packet at ink48 states, “The palest ink is better than the sharpest memory.” The lasting impression ink48 leaves on Fido and his guardians is truly an indelible slice of New York at its finest.

For more FIDO Friendly content, subscribe to the magazine and our blog at:
www.fidofriendly.com

http://blog.fidofriendly.com

This just in: Kimpton Hotels is sponsoring a Paw-parrazi photo contest through May 31, 2011. There are winners every 2 weeks, and a grand prize getaway package to a final winner. This travel getaway includes round trip air fare, a credit toward Fido's Pet Airways ticket, 2 nights in a Kimpton hotel, and numerous pet amenities for Fido. You and your pup could be headed for ink48 or another Kimpton Hotel for a fabulous few days.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Virginia is for Dog Lovers

By Carol Bryant,

Social Media and PR Director, Writer/Blogger
FIDO Friendly magazine

courtesy C. Bryant
Dexter Pays Homage to
Those Lain to Rest at Arlington

Sightsee. Shop. Salute. Sniff. Stay. Something for the two-legged and four-legged variety all rolled up into one heart-shaped slogan. You already know this state loves you, but did you know Virginia is for dog lovers, too? Prestigious enough to earn itself a recent spot on Madison Avenue’s Walk of Fame in Manhattan, the slogan “Virginia is for Lovers” pertains to Fido and his guardians. Pack up the leashes, water bowls and lip balm and pucker up for a love affair with a state so Fido friendly , you’ll be barking to return time and again.

Amidst glorious mountains and sandy beaches, Virginia offers a historic vista to our country’s origin, as many of our national conflicts found resolution here. Arlington National Cemetery, located in the northern part of the state, is the final resting place of more than 300,000 people. Beginning with the American Revolution, veterans from each of our nation’s wars along with astronauts, sports figures and dignitaries are buried in Arlington. The tree-lined walkways and pristine grounds reflect a silent dignity while exploring, paying homage and saluting this sentimental landscape. Of special interest, the Tomb of the Unknowns is guarded 24 hours a day, year-round, by the elite 3^rdUS Infantry. Plan a tour and locate must-see gravesites by visiting the official website at www.arlingtoncemetery.org.

Take the road less traveled and rest weary paws on a real working farm. Coupled with the modern conveniences one anticipates on vacation, Elmo's Rest is a nineteenth century farmhouse located on 250 acres of land at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Private simplicity is housed within this 1900s-style structure boasting its own apple orchard, winery, farm animals (cattle, horses, pigs, goats) and access to breathtaking walking and hiking trails. During the month of July, check out their Horse & Hound Wine Festival. For both the young and young at heart (of the human and Fido variety), agility dogs, muskrat racing, a horse parade and wine tasting are offered against the backdrop of the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains. Shop and sniff amongst the many food, art and crafts vendors while listening to live entertainment. (Is this a love affair in the making?)

In Fairfield—nestled on 38 acres at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains—is the Fox Hill Bed & Breakfast. Enjoying the many walking trails and playing Frisbee with Fido in one of the meadows is made extra easy by the B&B’s three outdoor washing stations, complete with doggie shampoo and towels. In the vicinity, leashed dogs are welcome at Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden featuring 7,000 trees and shrubs on 15 acres. Remember the days gone by of outdoor movie theaters? In the spring and summer, take in a double feature at nearby Hull’s Drive- In, where the entire pack can watch the stars both on the screen and in the sky.

courtesy C. Bryant
Carol Bryant and Dexter
at Arlington National Cemetery
Overlooking Washington D.C.

Sniff out a bargain with your two best friends, Fido and a charge card, about two hours from Fairfield at Stony Point Fashion Park in Richmond. Described as a “dog-friendly center,” many of the more than 90 stores at this unique open-air mall welcome your four-legged bargain hunter (designated with a “welcome dog” sticker in their front windows). An eclectic blend of stores in an intimate, park-like setting offers Fido-friendly pit stop areas and clean-up supplies to enhance any shopping excursion.

But don’t drop after shopping; have a bark in the park and let Fido channel his inner vacation puppy. Virginia is home to several dog parks, one boasting the distinction of “Best New Facility in Virginia” award. Located in the heart of the Hampton Roads region and conveniently located within driving distance of Virginia Beach, the Chesapeake City Park welcomes larger and smaller dogs in two separate play areas.

It is written that falling in love is the easy part, but staying in love is the challenge. Whether you choose to explore Virginia’s mountains and beaches, historical sites and exhibits and take lodging amidst the country air or city lights, this is one canine love affair you’ll long remember.

Read more FIDO Friendly destination and health/wellness articles and get the latest and greatest in where to go with your pooch at: FIDO Friendly magazine.

Want more FIDO Friendly content? Check out our website at http://www.fidofriendly.com and our blog at http://blog.fidofriendly.com.

Related Reading:
Guidelines for First Time Dog Park Visitors
Travel Troubles with Fido?