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Showing posts with label dog friendly travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog friendly travel. Show all posts

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 3rd US 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.

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Saturday, January 29, 2011

Dog Statues Give Hand Painted Flair to St. Joseph, Michigan

by Carrie Boyko, CEB
Photobucket
© A. Boyko
Meet my New Friend, Homer
Thanks to cousins Tom and Debbie, I finally traveled to Michigan.
We had a delightful visit and toured a number of areas 
along the southside of Lake Michigan, while staying on their
boat. 



The most memorable for me was, of course, the town
where dogs take front and center. On each street corner there
resides a statue of a dog, all hand painted with a variety of
different themes and cleverly different from one another. My
camera and I had our work cut out for ourselves, and sadly, I'm
sure I missed a few. Darkness is always timed poorly when you
busy yourself with sightseeing and photography.





If your travels take you to this area not far from Chicago,
I highly recommend a visit, making sure you include lunch
at The Stray Dog Bar and Grill in nearby New Buffalo,
Michigan. This delightful and delicious restaurant includes a shop,
offering adorable gifts for both dogs and their owners.
Hubby and I both left with uniquely designed, signature
hats. Enjoy!
© C. Boyko




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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Fido Friendly's Top Ten Ski Resorts,
Part III of III

by Carol Bryant, FIDO Friendly
© Alan Boyko
English Sheepdogs 
Certainly Have the Right Coat for Snow Play


© courtesy Fairmont Chateau
Fairmont Chateau, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada: All dogs welcome with the aptly-named “furry friends pet package” upon arrival. In addition to a customized letter, Fido will receive a luxury pet bed, foot and water bowls, organic dog biscuits and pet activity information. A portion of the pet fee supports the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind program.


Engage in a host of downhill, uphill and cross-country fun in Canada. Recreation at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise includes dog sledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, heli-skiing and downhill skiing. Dubbed the “Diamond in the Wilderness,” this upscale chateau is located at the heart of Banff National Park, which is Canada’s oldest national park.


Explore the Canadian countryside Fido-style and hit the open road! Start at Fairmont for a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway. If by foot is your transportation choice, check with the chateau’s Heritage Interpretive guides. They can lead you and Fido on exhilarating landscapes around the lakes to hiking the taller peaks. With the Rocky Mountains as a background, Fido is sure to love this Canadian find, eh? 

Keep Snow Playtime Limited
to Protect Fido's Health
Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre, British Columbia, Canada: Stay with the Great White North and head for the numerous Nordic trails of the Pan Pacific. Located in the heart of Whistler Blackcomb, this 83-suite hotel allows guests access to over 8,000 acres of skiing terrain, including North America’s steepest mile vertical drop. (One time when Fido should stay behind.)


From slopes to shops, Fido’s ready to sniff for bargains. Shops galore (about 200) encompass the Whistler Blackcomb, considered to be a shopper’s paradise. Use the pedestrian walkways and explore your inner shopaholic at the base of Whistler Mountain. Another area called Function Junction offers a pet store and other unique home furnishing. From powder hound to bargain hunter, Fido’s sure to have a memorable time here. 

© courtesy The Little Nell
The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado: Spaniel feel less than spunky? Weimaraner whining from a tummy ache? If the plethora of puppy products Fido will receive on check-in don’t cheer him up, the Puppy Jet Lag Kit for less-than-altituding Airedales is sure to do the trick.


Not only is Fido welcome at The Little Nell, but staff reports he/she will be spoiled. With 92 guest rooms and having been awarded the AAA Five Diamond Hotel award, modernity meets meticulous measures provided to guests staying here.


Located in the Rocky Mountains, Fido will feel the comforts of spoil. Dog beds, pet menus, recommended pet hiking trails and more await. Don’t get too cozy because we know Fido wants to feel the snow beneath his toes. In addition to the standard fare of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, check out the shopping and dog sledding.


On a side note, the Ajax Tavern located at The Little Nell was voted the 2010 Best Place to People Watch. Of course, room service is available for Fido and his guardians—“bone” appétit! 

Did you miss Parts I or II of this series? If so, you missed some great destinations. Check these links to be sure to see what you missed. For more FIDO Friendly content, subscribe to the magazine at www.fidofriendly.com and visit our blog at http://blog.fidofriendly.com


While All Things Dog Blog's Oliver is glad to stay home in his warm little bed, Tanner is quite jealous of all these jet-setting snow dogs. He's whining over at 5 Minutes for Fido, and I suppose he's right. Maybe next Winter, Tanner. Be patient.
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Fido Friendly's Top Ten Ski Resorts, Part II of III

Guest post by Carol Bryant, FIDO Friendly Magazine


© courtesy Mountain Top Inn and Resort


© courtesy Mountain Top Inn
The Mountain Top Inn and Resort: Chittenden, Vermont: Near the Green Mountain National Forest, this inn extends itself to the traveling-with-Fido folks. Boasting breathtaking views of 350 acres, the Mountain Top Inn welcomes Fido in their rustic-style cabins. For families getting away on a ski vacation, consider the four-bedroom Horseshoe Ridge cabin that accommodates up to 10 people and is Fido friendly.


On check-in, dogs receive a dog bed, bowls and a welcome snack. Dogs must be leashed but can join guardians on hiking and cross-country ski trails. A minimal $25 per pet per night charge applies.


The Mountain Top Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Center is one of the first cross-country commercial ski touring centers in the eastern section of the country. Horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, sledding hills and snowmobiling offers something for every member of the family. For Fido, ask about specific hiking and cross-country trails upon which to enjoy. 


© A. Boyko
Save Time for Some
Fido Snow Fun!
Snow King Resort: Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Fido is welcome on the first floor of this Jackson Hole, snow-filled adventure resort. Conveniently located six blocks from downtown Jackson, restaurants, shopping and skiing are nearby. Fido is welcome to snowshoe and cross-country ski with you, as they are surrounded by national parks.


Jackson Hole is considered the gateway to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. If dog sledding is more your cup of tea, snuggle up and say mush, as dog sledding through scenic Jackson Hole terrain is offered here. How cool would it be to break for lunch and take a warm soak or swim at Granite Hot Springs?


Reward Fido for being your powder hound and venture into town together. Many years ago, Jackson’s Town Square was a hub of activity for life’s essentials. Nowadays, the area abounds with specialty shops, locally made crafts, galleries and plenty of outdoor shops. Leave No Dog nor souvenir behind. 

© courtesy Hotel Jerome
Hotel Jerome: A Rock Resort, Aspen, Colorado: Imagine four mountains coming together to form one giant ski resort, and those mountains are Aspen, Buttermilk, Snowmass and Aspen Highlands. These four mountains await with multi-mountain ski passes for guests staying at Hotel Jerome. In addition, an indoor ice skating rink, The Silver Circle, is available to guests.


Explore the enveloping mountains with Fido in tow while snowshoeing through the snowy landscape. Canine guests can expect a Hotel Jerome pet bed and signature food and water dishes on check-in. Specially designed Scout’s Honor menus feature delicacies upon which Fido can dine during their posh stay at this Rock Resort.


Areas for careful off-leash play time with Fido include the Rio Grande Park, Wagner Park, Smuggler Mountain Road and Marolt Open Space.


Get your shopping mojo on and visit the downtown pedestrian mall. At the corner of Hyman and Mill, fountains spurt to and fro. Many of the stores allow Fido inside. Learn more at www.normankoren.com/Boulder.html.

© courtesy Inn at Pocono Manor
The Inn at Pocono Manor: Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania: A serene getaway resort in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, the Inn at Pocono Manor is touted as the only historic Fido-friendly inn of the Pocono Mountains. Within driving distance of several ski mountains, 250 guest suites are themed in this century-old hotel but with modern flare and touches.


If visiting during the kickoff of a Christmas shopping season (aka Black Friday), take Fido and head to the annual downtown Stroudsburg tree lighting. Do the jingle bell rock with Fido alongside as the spirit of the holidays begins.


Nearby ski resorts include Alpine Mountain, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain Resort, Jack Frost (Big Boulder), Shawnee Mountain, Ski Big Bear and Tanglwood.


Fido is welcome to explore the grounds of The Inn at Pocono Manor with you. Call ahead to each resort for activities that allow pets. Bring the snowshoes and a camera for plenty of pawprint pictures in the snow. Conveniently located less than two hours from New York and New Jersey, the Inn is easily accessible. 


Next week we'll wrap up this series with Part III, visiting Canada and Colorado. Be sure to join us for these exquisite ski destinations, where you'll be able to indulge your Fido with some fluffy, white fun.


Did you miss Part I? Check it out at the link to make sure you don't miss the perfect resort for you and your pup.

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




Looking for warmer destinations? Check out Carrie's suggestions for roving with your Rover in Central Florida. You might also enjoy checking in with Carrie's pack at their blog, 5 Minutes for Fido, where they always have an opinion.

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© Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved

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