Fourth of July bucket list

Chocolate and pet friendly meals to Put on your bucket list

Some of the yummiest meals and specific foods I’ve ever eaten that you might want to devour over the Fourth of July this year or next r another time… and some of the places are even pet friendly… if I do not indicate a specific dish, it means ALL of the food is good, so try whatever appeals to you, it is all good, heave ho.

A vegan meal at Ravens, Stanford Inn, Mendocino, CA

A meal at The Farmhouse, Sonoma, CA

http://fathomaway.com/postcards/chill/farmhouse-inn-sonoma-california/

Eggs MacBenedict, Chocolate Extravagance, MacCallum House, Mendocino, CA

Apple pancakes, Strawberry Creek Inn, Idyllwild, CA

Ole’s Swedish Hot cakes, Little River Inn, Little River, CA

Greek pasta, chicken caesar salad, Dametra cafe, Carmel, CA

Chocolate Cocoa Lounge (Feb. 14), The Island hotel, Newport Beach, CA

Chocolate for Breakfast, Oak Knoll Inn, Napa, CA

Hot chocolate, Silly Rabbit Chocolate, Ashland OR

Robin’s restaurant, Cambria, CA

Chocolate cake, Gnome, Idyllwild, CA

Fish n chips, The Boathouse, Bodega Bay, CA

Calamari, Abalonetti Seafood, Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CAfis

Calamari, fish n chips, Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant, Morro Bay, CA

Authentic Pad Thai from Thailand

NY pizza, pretzel, knish (street food)

German pretzel, spaetzle at Englischer Gartens in Munich, and a meal at the Kunstlerhaus

Masala dosa, southern India and meals

Gyro or a Souvlaki and shake at the Mad Greek diner, Baker, CA

Turkey Fat burgers or original with eggs and fries, Los Angeles

Chinese meal from NY or SF Chinatown

Pick your own fruit at Gilcrease Orchards, Las Vegas, NV

fish n chips and stuffed potatoes, London and the midlands

Patty melt, and doggie menu, Park bench cafe, Huntington Beach, CA

Mama’s Fish House, Maui, HI

French toast, Roughley Manor, 29 Palms, CA

world”s largest chocolate fountain, Jean Philippe’s chocolates, Bellagio, las vegas, nv

Omelette, Bagel sandwich, Bagel Cafe, Summerlin, Las Vegas, NV

Chicken and Rice, Mi Casa Too, Carson City, NV

Raw vegan food, Living Light Cafe, Fort Bragg, CA

Breakfast buffet, Top of the Riverfront, Millennium Hotel, St. Louis, MO

BBQ chicken, St. Louis, MO and Kansas City, MO

Turkey burger and fries, Sequoia Drive-in, Sebastopol, CA

other views:

http://www.nerdtravel.com/2013/west-coast-road-trips/#.UdG7z57BkKE.twitter

http://www.businessinsider.com/memorable-meals-to-eat-in-your-lifetime-2013-6

http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/962095/fourth-of-july-flag-lasagna-recipe?sk_ref=poptoday

 

and some yummy pet menus at various hotels

http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-dog-owners-hotels-20130705,0,5336075.story

Save money on pet friendly travel

Gas prices may be soaring along with the temperatures but that does not mean that you have to spend a fortune on your summer vacation with Fido. Doing a little research, planning and strategizing ahead of time can save you both time and bucks without pinching too many pennies on safety and for pampering and missing out on all the fun.

Taking Fido with you means that you will start your vacation ahead of the curve by saving kennel and boarding fees ($30+ a night). Create a budget, bank the bucks and keep a reserve on hand just in case.

Book a reservation at a pet friendly venue during the week (Sunday through Thursday) that either does not charge a pet fee, one that charges a refundable fee or one that charges a small fee for the entire stay and for more than one pet, if you have more than one (rather than a daily charge). $10-30 for an entire stay is reasonable. $50 per pet per night is exorbitant. Avoid holidays and weekends when the prices soar. Take advantage of specials such as Very Important Pet Packages that include amenities and pampering activities such as massage, grooming, doggie menu items or spa time.

Booking with chains such as Red Roof Inn or LaQuinta that offer membership discounts, free WIFI and breakfast can also reduce costs. Or an all-inclusive resort may be the best way to go depending upon where you are traveling. Camping is another option for budget friendly outings.

Avoid expensive hotel fees for phone calls and WIFI by making calls on your cell phone, a prepaid cell phone and getting online at the library or other places that offer free WIFI.

Check out the best gas prices online using GasBuddy.com, http://www.gasnearu.com/ , http://www.gaspricewatch.com , http://www.motortrend.com or an app.

If you are a member of AAA, you can have one of their travel experts plan your trip. And you can obtain books with maps and information on your destination(s), including prices, that you can take with you.

Bring snacks, treats and water with you for humans and canines to munch on while traveling to cut down on stops at fast food places and road venues with higher prices. At each of the rest stops, you can easily feed the beasts and walk them.

Plan local dog activities that don’t bite into your budget such as swimming at the beach or lake, visiting dog parks, shopping at pet stores and malls that accept pets, tastings at pet friendly wineries, hiking trails and more. There may also be doggie special events, parades, and /or festivals that you can attend for free or low cost. You might splurge taking a class or two on surfing, agility or doggie yoga.

If you are renting a car, be sure that it is with a pet friendly car rental place such as Hertz, Avis, Advantage, Dollar, Budget and National. Avoid extra fees for fur by covering up the seats with blankets and sleeping bags and/or put pooch in a kennel. And same goes with the hotel. There is no reason to pay extra hairy fees if/when you are prepared with your own doggie towels, sheets and plastic to cover the furniture. Rinse and wipe muddy / sandy paws outside the room.

 
Having Fido’s favorite bones, toys and chews on hand will also save you from having to pay extra fees for boredom and/or destructive chewing in inappropriate places such as hotel furniture.

Bring Fido’s food with you so that there are no upset tummies to deal with and no extra costs. Even when you eat at pet friendly restaurants (patios), your dog can enjoy their regular meal. The hotel concierge, local visitor bureau and/or pet friendly travel blog (such as Have Dog Blog Will Travel) should be able to provide a list of possible venues where you and Fido can eat together.

Research local doggie daycare and/or pet sitters in case you want to visit amusement parks, castles and/or other local attractions that do not welcome dogs. A few hours without Fido can still be fun without breaking the budget.

If you are traveling with a bully breed or a dog that LOOKS like a pit bull (whatever that means or another banned  breed such as Rottweiler, German Shepherd or Corso), steer clear of places that have strict Breed Specific laws such as Denver and Miami. And be sure the hotel has no breed, weight or size restrictions.

Be prepared for emergencies. Know where the local vet is and the cost of an emergency visit. And pack a first aid kit that can take care of minor incidents and keep Fido pest free. Research local flora and fauna and keep away from the poison ivy, oak, snakes, ticks and other possible bugs that can spoil your vacation.

 You and Fido deserve to have a fun and memorable holiday away from home. Using the tips above, you will be able to relax and enjoy your time together.  

Dog dad’s day gifts

Father’s day is June 16

what better way to celebrate Fathers day then to give dad a few gifts from his best friend?

Say It With Bacon

What dog dad (and his dog) do not love bacon (and cheese, peanut butter and hot dogs?) Get your dog dad a mouthwatering gift box that he can share with his best friend as a thank you to dad for bringing home the bacon.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=481002418635067&set=vb.197522929219&type=2&theater

Every dad needs a Wag More Bark Less baseball cap from Cloudstar…

http://www.cloudstar.com/prodcat/wag-more-bark-less-oval-cap.asp

For those gardening dads, how about a zen dog garden sculpture?

http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/zen-dog-garden-sculpture

What dad doesn’t like to run with his favorite furry pal? Or walk him at the dog park?  Pick up a pair of stylish running shorts from you know who as a reminder….

https://theanimalrescuesite.com/store/ars/item/39649/purple-paw-running-shorts

For dads who are camera buffs, why not get dad an extra special video camera to take great shots of his doggie pal to post on his blog, Facebook friends, send to friends and loved ones?  You could also book a session with a professional pet photographer for the two of them to capture special memories. Create a photobook filled with images of the two of them.

You could also create your very own photo puzzle from a favorite photo… and/or win a photo puzzle creator from Piczzle here…

http://www.yesihaveacoupon.com/2013/05/piczzle-photo-puzzel-will-make-great.html

Book a massage for Dad and his dog, side-by-side on the table, with full treatment. Get a barber and dog groomer to give them both haircuts. After they’re both looking their best, take the Father’s Day guests of honor out for lunch or dinner at their favorite pet friendly restaurant.

Reserve transportation and a stay for Dad and his best pal at a pet friendly beach town perhaps San Luis Obispo, Carmel, Mendocino, Half Moon Bay, Huntington or Newport Beach. Surf, swimming, coastal hikes and other activities included. Or plan a pet-friendly excursion to dad’s favorite fishing hole that allows dogs. Fetch dad some new fishing gear, and his faithful sidekick ges a new ball, frisbee or rubber ducky to play catch.

Supplies you’ll need for the excursion include traveling food and water dishes, a blanket to lie on and an umbrella to help shade from the sun. Include a new lead and stake for dogs that tend to wander, and a towel…gift your special duo their favorite meal. Pack it up in a picnic basket and let them enjoy a pleasant lunch..

Plan a barbeque for Father’s Day… Be sure Fido has a kiddie pool to splash in when it gets too hot… and since dad loves to cook/grill… the animal rescue site has some adorable doggie related gifts including these canine oven mitts…there are also canine decorated aprons and other goodies for the culinary  minded dad.

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-ways-to-cancer-proof-your-barbecue.html

https://theanimalrescuesite.com/store/ars/item/38442/culinary-canine-neoprene-oven-mitts-set-of-2?source=10–940090772-10

Dog dads need calendars to schedule their events, special holidays and vacations with their pooches (doggie daycare, trips to the dog park, groomer and vet) and more… Dad will love his 365 day doggie calendar, woof woof woof

http://www.amazon.com/365-Dogs-2013-Page-A-Day-Calendar/dp/0761167110

Dad loves to read about adventures, training and inspiring stories about his best friend, right. Why not get him some doggie books about relationships of man and his best friend that will whet his attitude for having more fun with Fido… Books like the tale of Wallace, the world disc champion (who just passed his ninth month beyond the death

sentence he was given … doctors told Wallace’s guardians that he had life threatening cancer and Wallace was supposed to be over the Rainbow Bridge by now… but NOT Wallace !!!)

http://www.wallacethebook.com/

http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/wallace-jim-gorant-dishes-on-his-new-book-and-the-high-flying-dog-who-inspired-it

The Chet and Bernie mystery series by Spencer Quinn share the relationship of a working dog and his detective guardian (fiction) in a fun canine caper way is another good selection of the theme (man and dog).  You could start with the first in the series, Dog On It or jump to the last The Sound and the Furry, or get them all.  Really fun reads.

http://www.chetthedog.com/buy-my-book

Or you could go old school/classic and get him Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/books/steinbecks-travels-with-charley-gets-a-fact-checking.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop  link

Memorial Day pet friendly

We all have our favorite places to visit (perhaps a bucket list for you and the dog?) … if we were traveling this Memorial Day weekend, there are a few favorite places to visit easily from Monterey County… Half Moon Bay, Bodega Bay, Napa, Sebastopol, Healdsburg, Mendocino … We love them all… Still, here is a trip we are longing to explore again in a heartbeat…  beaches, wine and cheese and chocolate and redwood trees… who could ask for anything more?

Wine countries

Our favorite pet friendly wineries…

Larson Family Winery 

23355 Millerick Road

Sonoma, CA

707-938-3031

Larson Family Winery

Navarro Vineyards 5601 Highway 128, Philo; (800) 537-9463; www.navarrowine. com. Doggie heaven. There are always treats and a bowl of water in the tasting room. Picnic tables are around the grounds, and there’s a fenced-in dog exercise area.

Toulouse Vineyards 8001 Highway 128, Philo. (707) 895-2828; toulousevineyards.com. Dogs are free to roam the big warehouse of a tasting room or outside on the loading dock.

(Contact me for a free list of pet friendly wineries in California)

Mendocino

Pet Friendly Avenue of the Giants

from Willits to Garberville is about 1 to 2 hours (twisty and windy) and then to Orick another 2-3 hours….very twisty and windy from Oregon to Crescent city (just beyond Orick)   Orick is north of eureka and arcata

and Trinidad is just before Orick, or south of Orick on the way to Eureka and Klamath is just north of Orick a few miles

if you take the 5 rather than the 101 north, you wind up in Medford, Oregon…

Ruffing it in the redwoods

If your dog has a certain affinity for trees – and what dog doesn’t? – they’ll certainly enjoy a fragrant stroll among the tallest in the world. Humboldt County has some of the few places where you can let your dog scamper among redwoods. And while other regions boast of having a single off-leash dog beach, Humboldt has six of them – one of which awaits at the end of a scenic 5-mile coastal trail.

http://www.redwoods.info/showrecord.asp?id=2685

Beaches

Several County Beaches allow dogs to run without a leash on the wave slope within voice command:

Clam Beach 

Big Lagoon

Moonstone

Luffenholtz

Mad River County Park

Samoa Dunes Recreation Area

Leash only

Trinidad State Beach, 

Little River, and Dry Lagoon. 

http://www.friendsofthedunes.org/resources/dog/

http://www.treesofmystery.net/trails.php

Pet Friendly lodging

Motel Trees across from Trees of Mystery

http://www.treesofmystery.net/motetree.htm

$60 + per night

Humboldt Gables Motel

Rio Dell Clean, comfortable, AAA approved, & just a few minutes from the Wild and Scenic Eel River.

RATES STARTING AT $60

707-923-2721

Sherwood Forest Motel

Urban luxuries in a northcoast motel located in the center of a beautiful redwood forest.

http://www.sherwoodforestmotel.com/

 Travel Inn

Clean and comfortable stay at a reasonable price. Close to the redwoods. Travel packages for groups.

Econo Lodge Downtown

Humboldt County’s best in the budget segment. Close to Old Town. Indoor pool.

Bode Suites & Rentals

Perfect choice for a 30 day+ stay. Comfortable, convenient and affordable in the Eureka area.   53/day (30 day minimum).

stay far far far away from the eureka motel 6 worst place ever

 

http://redwoods.info/capsule.asp?seeall=yes&category1=Lodging&searchtype=&petswelcome=yes&orderby=&searchphrase=

http://www.redcrestresort.com/rates.html

visit to the Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center in Weott, 6 miles south. The friendly staff will be happy to answer all your questions. Then it’s time to go! Hiking, biking are literally at your doorstep and golfing is just a short drive away. Fishing, swimming, kayaking and rafting are possible on one of our six spectacular rivers. Search for shells and agates on one of the many redwood coast beaches.

Traveling North from Redcrest

Visit the Victorian Village of Ferndale which is listed on the Historic Register. See the many turn of the century homes and shops. Many movies have been filmed there, the most recent being The Majestic, with Jim Carrey. Don’t miss the cemetery, it’s awesome.

In the “Good Ole Summer Time”, Fortuna, Eureka and Arcata have an old-fashioned farmers market once a week, featuring all home made crafts and home-grown produce. Stroll the boardwalk and visit the quaint shops in Old Town Eureka.

Visit picturesque Trinidad, a fishing town with a scenic harbor. Hike on Trinidad Head and stroll along the beautiful beach and view the historic lighthouse. If pulling the handle of a slot machine makes your day be sure to visit the Casino in Trinidad.

http://www.trinidadcalif.com/lodging.html

Orick is about 20 miles north of the town of Trinidad

Sounds like music, reminds me of Orick, CA where we heard the elks mating

Visit spectacular Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach. Jurassic Park, The Lost World was filmed in the canyon, you don’t want to miss it. Watch out for the elk in the meadows at the Fern Canyon turn off and on Gold Bluffs Beach.

http://www.redwoodparkslodge.com/about/index.php

http://www.redwoods.info/

Traveling South from Redcrest

You don’t want to miss the Rockefeller Forest. Turn off of the Avenue of the Giants onto Mattole Road and drive through the largest virgin forest in the world, just 4 miles south of Redcrest Resort, where you will find the tallest trees in the world. Continuing on this road past Rockefeller Forest, the Lost Coast Loop will take you through Petrolia, where oil was first discovered in California. While driving the Lost Coast you will pass through the furthest western point of the 48 states. The Lost Coast Loop takes about 3 hours (you should start with a full tank of gas) and you will see the scenic back country, and end up in the Victorian Village of Ferndale.

Ever see a black sand beach? Take a drive to the scenic fishing village of Shelter Cove. Watch the fishermen clean their day’s catch. Watch the sea lions on the rocks or maybe you will spot a whale in the distance.

The rugged coastline of Humboldt County proved an obstacle to early road builders, and so Highway 1 gives up just north of Fort Bragg and heads inland to join up with Highway 101. This mostly undeveloped coastline became known as the Lost Coast. While some sections are only accessible on foot, there is one route, known as the Lost Coast Loop that provides a pleasant day drive that will take you through giant redwood forests, to the splendid scenery of the rugged coastline, and then end up in the Victorian Village of Ferndale. Works just as well in the other direction too. Just make sure you have a full tank of gas before you leave, as services are sparce.

Mama’s day weekend in SLO

Mothers day is Sunday May 12… next weekend !!!

What’s cooking for Mothers Day?  Why not take your mom to dog friendly SLO for a week or the weekend?

San Luis Obispo County Has Tons of Dog Friendly Places to Explore

San Luis Obispo is located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and a few hours south of Monterey county. It is known as the Happiest City in America… According to Dan Buettner’s National Geographic book Thrive, “San Luis Obispo has snagged the top spot for happiest people in America.”

Below are some suggestions of dog friendly places to stay and visit while you are in SLO.

Take a dog friendly wine tour in Paso Robles or San Luis Obispo regions with a Breakaway Tours Dog Day Wine Tour.

www.breakaway-tours.com

Mom and dog can learn how to surf at Pismo beach with miles of lovely sand and waves. Amble along the boardwalk, fish from the historic pier, or explore Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, which hosts an average 25,000 butterflies per season.

Lunch at the Splash Cafe (try the yummy clam chowder) is a must.

Mom and pooch will feel right at home at a pet friendly oceanfront hotel such as the SeaCrest OceanFront. Ask for their Celebrity Pet Package which includes a pet bed, food bowls, a pet concierge brochure, and a 5 acre lawn area for pets to do their business (with pet waste stations along the way) and direct beach access to the pet friendly Pismo beach.   More info at www.petfriendlypismobeach.com

Take a walking tour of the downtown of the Happiest City, SLO, visit Bubble Gum Alley, the dogs will LOVE the creek that goes through downtown, and dogs are even welcome at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. Also, check out the pet boutique Tails for yummy treats for the canines. Other pet friendly attractions include the San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens.

Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a pet friendly restaurant such as Luna Red. Their patio is filled with guests and their four legged friends. And the food and wine is to drool for. Organic, sustainable fresh seafood and salads.   Crab lasagne, wild boar spare ribs and a variety of vegetarian fare.

http://www.lunaredslo.com/storage/Dinner%20Menu%20March%202013.pdf

After dinner, head on down to Grover Beach, and relax at a beach party with bonfires, wine and s’mores and all.  Beach Butlerz will set up bonfire pits, each with a good supply of seasoned firewood, luxe beach chairs, a Luxe Cabana (ultra style), tiki torches, and a 12–‐foot tall teepee decked out with plush pillows and all the fixings to create s’mores. The marshmallows are huge and the service is magical. All you need is a full moon to get the party started (and some lit bocci balls).

Beach Butlerz
(805) 878-4283; www.beachbutlerz.com

Pooches all aboard on a Tiki Boat tour of the Morro Bay Harbor on the Lost Isles Cruise.  View the wildlife in their natural habitat, and sea otters, seals, sea lions, and a wide variety of birds in Morro Bay’s beautiful estuary. The dogs will love the sounds of the sea life.  www.baycruisers.com

Lots of shopping and meandering after the cruise along the Embarcadero… Then enjoy a great meal of freshly caught fish, smoked oysters, calamari, fish and chips and more. at Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant. Tognazzini’s is also home to three beautiful and friendly white Labs.
www.bonniemarietta.com/Dockside-Restaurant.htm

Before you leave the coast, be sure to take a coastal hike at one of the many pet friendly parks such as Montana De Oro (Mountain of Gold).

After lunch, you may want to relax or head up the coast to San Simeon. Tour the infamous Hearst Castle (or save that for the next day). www.hearstcastle.org

Dogs are NOT allowed at the castle.  If you want to visit and do not want to leave the dogs alone, hire a pet sitter from Faithful Friend Pet Sitting Service.

You can also enjoy wildlife viewing including bird-watching, whale-watching, sea otter preserves, and elephant seal viewing and the dogs can roam along the beach.

Stay at the pet friendly Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, Cambria and San Simeon’s only oceanfront accommodation that offers direct beach access to dog friendly beaches and 14 acres for walking the dogs. A King room with oceanview has a fireplace and your very own patio. There is a hot tub/jacuzzi and pool on property and bonfires at sunset.

Check out the artistic town of Cambria. Be sure to enjoy lunch or dinner at Robin’s Restaurant. The gorgeous garden patio will be a treat for the dogs and your mom alike. The food will please everybody. Unique starters such as Singapore chicken sate, fresh inviting straight from the garden salads and curried chicken and other sandwiches are what’s for lunch. For dinner, lamb curry, Tail Lobster Enchiladas, Malaysian chicken and Moroccan duck breast entrees, plus delectable desserts (hot fudge sundaes with coffee ice cream and pistachio nuts) , Robin’s seasonal menus are prepared from scratch.

www.robinsrestaurant.com

Top off the weekend with a visit to one of Paso Robles pet friendly wineries. Ecluse features Bordeaux and Rhone style wines, as well as their fabulous Zinfandel. Meet and greet Ecluse Winery’s blind dog Toby. www.eclusewines.com

Ecluse has a special love for dogs and produces “Blind Dog Wines” In honor of their assist dogs that both lost their vision, they have created an eclectic blend of some of the best Paso Robles reds. A percentage of proceeds from “Blind Dog Midnight Run Cuvee” will be donated to Dogs for the Deaf in Central Point, Oregon.

Stroll through downtown Paso Robles after the wine tour and shop in stores like Sealed with a Kiss. Pet friendly retailers offer special treats and you can enter the Thomas Hill Organics dog friendly patio restaurant from this store. www.thomashillorganics.com

Brunch or lunch will be a feast of the eyes as mouth watering plates piled high will fill your tummy. The menu features organic produce from their farm and highlights unique wines from sustainable growers on the Central Coast. Thomas Hill Organics also provides local organic grass fed beef, lamb and free range organic poultry.  Smoked Salmon Omelette, PC Cattle Burger, Pumpkin Bread French Toast, and more. Gluten free bread upon request.

http://www.thomashillorganics.com/menu_files/Brunch%20Menu.pdf

Whatever you do, your dog and mom will feel lucky, refreshed and grateful for the great getaway.

Dog Parks

– Dinosaur Caves Park, Price St., Pismo Beach

– Elm Street Dog Park, Ash St., Arroyo Grande

– El Chorro Regional Dog Park, Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo

Dog Friendly Beaches

– Pismo Beach, To the left of the pier

– Port San Luis / Avila Beach, Between 2nd and 3rd pier

– Oceano Dunes, Off of Hwy 1 exit

 

http://baywoof.com/featured-article/first-ever-dog-friendly-media-tour-sniffs-out-the-best-in-san-luis-obispo/

 

http://jetsetextra.com/destinations/north-america/united-states/california/san-luis-obispo/san-luis-obispo-county-welcomes-your-furry-little-friend

http://www.jetsetextra.com/destinations/north-america/united-states/california/san-luis-obispo/san-luis-obispo-county-welcomes-your-furry-little-friend-day-2

Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop  link

California dog friendly

Dogfriendly.com has announced its 2013 list of the Top 200 Dog-Friendly Places in the United States.  The list is broken down by state.

…California has more dog-friendly destinations than any other state, with more than 21 destinations on its list,  according to the list published by DogFriendly.com.

(Cici and I wonder what Dogfriendly’s criteria is… there are some other cities that should be on this list… and other inns that are truly dog welcoming not just dog tolerant)…

California

Carmel

Carmel City Beach   Carmel, CA

Cypress Inn   Carmel, CA

PortaBella   Carmel, CA

Lake Tahoe

The Village At Squaw Valley   Olympic Valley, CA

Los Angeles

Runyon Canyon Park   Los Angeles, CA

Mendocino

Stanford Inn by the Sea and Spa   Mendocino, CA

Napa Valley

Old Faithful Geyser   Calistoga, CA

Orange County Beaches

Huntington Dog Beach   Huntington Beach, CA

Fashion Island Mall   Newport Beach, CA

Fun Zone Boat Tours   Newport Beach, CA

Placerville – Highway 50 Corridor

High Hill Ranch   Placerville, CA

Sacramento

Old Sacramento Historic Area   Sacramento, CA

San Diego

Otay Ranch Town Center   Chula Vista, CA

Loews Coronado Bay Resort   Coronado, CA

San Diego Dog Beach   Ocean Beach, CA

San Francisco

Baker Beach   San Francisco, CA

San Jose

Santana Row   San Jose, CA

Solvang

Solvang Village   Solvang, CA

Sonoma Wine Country

Russian River Adventures Canoe Rentals   Healdsburg, CA

Yosemite

Yosemite National Park   Yosemite National Park, CA

http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/guides/lists/top200US.shtml

Hotels, Inns and Resorts on DogFriendly.com’s Top 200 List:

Westward Look Resort: Tucson, Ariz.

Cypress Inn:   Carmel, Calif.

Stanford Inn by the Sea and Spa: Mendocino, Calif.

Loews Coronado Bay Resort: Coronado, Calif.

Dog Bark Park Inn: Cottonwood, Idaho

Paris Las Vegas: Las Vegas

(Vegas is not that pet friendly according to Cici and me… more dog tolerant and only if the dog is under 50 pounds)…

PetStay Luxury rooms come with a welcome treat and a dog food/water bowl. Guests traveling with their dog will be asked to fill out a waiver form accepting responsibility for any damage and/or cleaning charges that may be incurred. Up to 2 dogs per room are permitted and each dog must weigh less than 50 pounds.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2013/05/dog-friendliest-destinations-in-the-u-s-and-canada/

SLO has gone to the dogs…

Cici got to travel on a Tiki tour boat and see/hear the sea otters, seals and seal lions in Morro Bay.  She kept looking around and sniffing for fish.

And we met a chi-wow-wow named Lillie who out-diva’d my polka dot princess.  Seriously this tiny pup has x-ray eyes, follows her guardian man Leslie wherever he goes and does not stop shaking until he comes back to her. Then she sat on my chest and went into Zen meditation mode. What a cutie, am missing her already.  (me and Lillie and her dad Leslie at Thomas Organics restaurant in Paso Robles).

Emma, some kind of heeler, herder puppy, two years old, with a black eye, Cici and Emma had some fun together playing, jawing, wrestling, running around on the beach.

April, an adorable Beagle mix, also white but with some brindle/brown markings. Cici and April chased one another, too.  Here are most of the dogs walking with Robyn.

Zoe, the Saluki, kind of kept to herself (I think she is kind of scared of other dogs) and she is a lapdog.

and Demi (who I keep wanting to call Murphy), a Heinz 57 type of gal with her mom Deb at the Ecluse Winery (Deb took all of these photos except the Saluki).

can you imagine a more diverse group of dogs???

All of the dogs are female and they and their owners/guardians and I went on a press trip (very intense) for three days and two nights to San Luis Obispo county (seven cities in three days)… whew !!!     (Cambria, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, San Simeon, San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles).   www.visitSanLuisObispoCounty.com

will be writing more about the FUN we had and the dog friendly places we met along the way in future blog posts including one for  Mama’s Day which is coming up May 12.

All of the dogs also got to meet some white Labs and a blind dog named Toby at the Ecluse winery in Paso Robles.

A great time was had by ALL…lots of divine food, wine and treats and s’mores at Grover Beach…

well except for one day…  every dog has her day…

Cici’s terrible horrible no good very bad day…

well, you know that Cici has three nemesis, right…

1. cats

2. bull dogs

3. skateboards (and scooters)

all three of the above make her freak out… bark and act like she is having a canine melt down…

and guess what happened to my girl?

she met all three of her nemesis in ONE day… and she flipped out….

otherwise, we all had tons of fun…

More about the trip/media tour…

 

http://baywoof.com/featured-article/first-ever-dog-friendly-media-tour-sniffs-out-the-best-in-san-luis-obispo/

http://jetsetextra.com/destinations/north-america/united-states/california/san-luis-obispo/san-luis-obispo-county-welcomes-your-furry-little-friend

Lily

http://www.jetsetextra.com/destinations/north-america/united-states/california/san-luis-obispo/san-luis-obispo-county-welcomes-your-furry-little-friend-day-2

Family vacation in the UK

Guest blog post by Ariane Franke

We are a large family of two adults, two children, two dogs and two cats and if we can do things as a family then we will usually do so.  One thing we have yet to achieve is to holiday as a family.  The cats have never really seemed that bothered about being left behind in a luxury cattery but the dogs have never enjoyed the kennels and we have had many a sulking dog post holiday.  We decided last year to attempt a proper family holiday (minus the cats who just didn’t care).

Our first decision was should we go abroad or stay more local in the UK.  While obtaining a pet passport seemed relatively simple, we decided to try and keep costs down and stay in the UK.  We thought we would look at going down towards Cornwall way having never been there before but knowing it was beautiful.  Our friends had told us that it was an ideal place to go with children and dogs, plenty of long walks and lots of fresh air to wear the lot of them out.

We looked at staying in a suitable pet hotel and did find a few chains online as well as small private hotels that welcomed dogs for a small refundable deposit and a small daily/weekly charge.   Whilst the hotels all looked lovely we decided to stay in a dog friendly cottage which meant that we could come and go as we pleased and not worry about disturbing other guests with our loud family.

When packing for the holiday I hadn’t anticipated how many extra things I would need when including dogs on the holiday.  I had to pack a week’s supply of dog food, suitable dog bedding and covers for their furniture in case my dogs got a bit over comfy on it, their favorite toys and even their water and food bowls in case the cottage did not have any to lend us.  I also had to source a suitable dog bed to go in the boot of the car and a dog gate in the car to ensure they did not leap over the back seats on the journey down.

Despite the added stress and baggage I can safely say it was a great holiday, one which was enjoyed by everyone and one we would take again.  Children and dogs were completely exhausted by the end of every day and the journey home was the quietest and sleepiest one I have ever known.

http://www.allaboutcornwall.com/Dog_Friendly_Cornwall/Dog_Friendly_Beaches_Cornwall.html

http://www.allaboutcornwall.com/Dog_Friendly_Cornwall/Cornwall_Dog_Guide.html

http://www.thecornishcoast.co.uk/

National Pet Road Trip to Carmel Day

Now today  is National Pet Day… and Fodor has a few puppy approved road trips…everyone run don’t walk to Carmel, the pet friendliest city in the USA… (see below)

http://www.fodors.com/news/national-pet-day-puppyapproved-road-trips-6666.html

There should be a National Pet Road Trip to Carmel Day when all the puppies who want to hit the highway…  or a National Pit Bull Road Trip to Carmel Day when all of the pit bulls who want to hit the road, Jack.

pet friendly places to stay in Carmel

http://celiasue.com/2008/11/14/happy-tails-to-you-when-we-meet-in-carmel/

Speaking of pit bulls, it is because Maryland made the erroneous decision against pit bulls that they LOST the pet friendliest city award from Ge Pet Friendly’s contest… and Carmel WON… although I have to say that Carmel beach is not all that pit bull friendly, at least some of the people there, and neither is Monterey, but at least there is no Breed Specific Legislation bans on the books… just dirty looks and uppity kooks… anyhow, am glad that Carmel got a lot of PR in the local newspapers and TV, and on Facebook… for being pit bull friendly so now they absolutely have to LIVE UP TO IT.

am glad to see that some pit bull rescue organizations including Villalobos are being given donations due to this contest and that pit bull awareness was raised.

From go pet friendly:

Congratulations Carmel, California – you’ve been voted 2013′s Best City for Pet Travelers by GoPetFriendly.com’s readers, pet travelers, fans of your city, and pet lovers in general from around the country! We know you’ll carry your title proudly and continue to make Carmel a wonderful destination for pet travelers.

With Annapolis sporting a comfortable advantage, the tournament was turned completely on its ear when the Maryland legislature was unable to pass a law on Monday that would supersede a court decision declaring pit bulls “inherently dangerous” in the state. Now the dedicated Carmel enthusiasts were joined by passionate dog lovers across the nation on a mission to ensure that a city which is subject to the discriminatory laws imposed by its state wasn’t named the 2013 Best City for Pet Travelers. That combination propelled Carmel to the victory.

Though Annapolis does not impose a breed ban, the state of Maryland considers pit bulls “inherently dangerous” and that has forced many people to surrender their beloved pets. The pleas to end BSL were overwhelming.

What we need to remember is that the people of Annapolis did not vote for this and they don’t want it either. The people of Maryland do not need our disdain or our lectures on the evils of breed discrimination – they need our help!

let’s help make a difference in Maryland!

State House, Annapolis, Maryland
(410) 974-3901   1-800-811-8336 (toll free)
tdd: (410) 333-309

Sadie the Wonder Pup worked hard to make this victory happen…

The following animal welfare organizations will receive the benefit of Sadie’s vision and hard work:

Lab Rescue LRCP
Salinas Animal Services
The SPCA for Monterey County/ Monterey SPCA Wag N’ Walk 2013
Animal Friends Rescue Project
SOL (Sharing Our Love) Foundation
Rowdy to the Rescue
Best Friends Animal Society
Villalobos Rescue Center
Peace of Mind Dog Rescue
Doris Day Animal Foundation (DDAF)
The Animal Orphanage of Voorhees
Second Chance Rescue

Pit Sisters

Fresno Bully Rescue

Mended Hearts Rescue

http://gopetfriendlyblog.com/carmel-wins-gopetfriendly-coms-2013-best-city-for-pet-travelers/

Where can a pit bull eat lunch safely and comfortably next to family? Well, in Carmel, of course!   (Sonja Torres and her pup Luna)

Doggone Spring Break 2013

Our pet policy here at Have Dog Blog will Travel is that we will feature places we like that have Dogitude, (go above and beyond to welcome dogs and their people) and even places we have never been if they allow ALL breeds of dogs, do not restrict pets based upon weight nor size, do not charge enormous pet fees, and are generally pet friendly and dog tolerant (although we prefer places that really welcome pets with big open arms and hearts).  If your venue does NOT allow dogs like my Cici, then naturally we prefer that you find another blogger to write about your place. Thank you.

Five hotels in New Mexico in three cities that are

pet-friendly and have custom pet-friendly packages and amenities. Note:  The ONLY hotel in Santa Fe that does NOT restrict based upon weight is the St. Francis and we applaud them for that. The other two hotels accept dogs up to 50 pounds. What happens after 50 pounds? Do the dogs woof more, shed more, become a nuisance, are real dogs?  We do not get it, but let it slide since these two hotels would allow Cici to visit. However, for our friends with dogs that weigh 60, 75 , 100 or 150 pounds, we do not condone this nonsense and suggest that you let the hotels know and go stay at the St. Francis.

Nativo Lodge in Albuquerque:

http://www.nativolodge.com/special-pkg/albuquerque-pet-friendly-pkg.aspx

Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe:

http://www.hotelchimayo.com/special-pkg/santa-fe-pet-pkg.aspx

Lodge at Santa Fe:

http://www.lodgeatsantafe.com/special-pkg/santa-fe-pet-pkg.aspx

Hotel St. Francis in Santa Fe:

http://www.hotelstfrancis.com/santa-fe-pet-hotel.aspx

Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces:

http://www.hotelencanto.com/special-pkg/las-cruces-pet-pkg.aspx

 Oregon

Lincoln City OR has a reputation for being a pet friendly place to visit. From lodging options, to activities, Lincoln City has a lot to offer travelers and their furry companions.

Check out pet resources here:

http://www.oregoncoast.org/pets/

A few hotels in Lincoln City that offer pet friendly options:

http://www.lookingglass-inn.com/Dog_Friendly.html

http://www.thecoholodge.com/packages.html

http://www.theshearwaterinn.com/Dog_Friendly.html

More Lincoln City, Oregon info… Cici and I LOVED staying at the Capt. Cook Inn when we were there… it was a small motel, with LOTS of pet friendliness, privacy, clean and quiet at a very affordable price. We felt welcomed, it was charming and truly nice people in the midst of a very busy city. A hidden treasure.

THINGS TO DO

http://www.captaincookinn.com/Things-To-Do.html

http://www.oregoncoast.org/pets/

Other pet friendly hotels along the Oregon Coast…

http://www.oregoncoast101.com/lodging/pets.html

 Washington

The Woodmark Hotel is located on the shores of Lake Washington in Kirkland, Wash. The Woodmark Hotel is dedicated to providing all guests with a home away from home, which for many means travelling with their faithful canine companions.

Amenities for four-legged travelers are available upon request, and are offered free of charge. The shoreline paths, nearby city parks and beautiful scenery are perfect for a leisurely dog walk or invigorating run, ensuring a restful night sleep for all. The Woodmark provides everything needed to pamper pups with complimentary use of a cushy pet bed, food and water dishes, plus Woody’s walking map, bottled water, leash, tennis ball and doggy biscuits. Simply request a pet friendly stay upon booking and all the items will be waiting in-room.

First to welcome two- and four-legged travelers to the property is Woody Mae, a black Labrador retriever and the hotel’s “Director of Barketing.” In June through September, Woody Mae also hosts Yappier Hour on the Beach Café lawn, where pups and their people can enjoy the lake views, warm weather and a cocktail.

The Woodmark requires no additional fees to travelers with pets. For more information about The Woodmark’s pet policy, go to… http://www.thewoodmark.com/seattle-pet-friendly-hotel.php

New York and DC 

Pet-friendly Affinia Hotels, has properties in NYC and D.C. The boutique hotel collection caters to man’s best friend with Happy Tails which includes:

• Good Karma Rope Toys^TM by Jax & Bones for the pup to chew, play, tug, or fetch
• Plush, eco-friendly dog beds by Jax & Bones
• Delish dog treats by Dylan’s Candy Bar
• Food and water bowls (offered in deep and shallow depths)

Additionally, extra services can be arranged including pet psychic, grooming, walking/pet-sitting services, and much more.  Some Affinia hotels even go above and beyond:

·        The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel in Washington, DC invites your pup to enjoy their famed restaurant, Art and Soul, established by celebrity Chef Art Smith, where Fido can crack open a “Bowser Beer” (a non-alcoholic canine brew), enjoy a “Hungry Dawg” six ounce grilled steak and linger on a “Raw Deal” frozen dog bone. All of these items are on the restaurant’s Pooch Patio menu:  http://www.artandsouldc.com/images/Puppy_menu.pdf.

·        Affinia Manhattan is an official host hotel of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, and was the home to the Best of Show winner for two years in a row!

·        TripAdvisor rated Affinia Dumont, located in Manhattan’s Murray Hill neighborhood, as the number one pet hotel for the second year in a row.

There is a $25 surcharge per stay.

More about dog friendly NYC and Wash DC

http://celiasue.com/2011/03/02/spring-break-for-bicoastal-pets/

http://celiasue.com/2012/04/02/spring-break-dog/