Skip the details and you’ll miss the connection to its pet-friendly past.
Riddle me this? The dog figure pictured below can be found in a pet-friendly city previously blogged about here on Pet Travel Experts. This decorative piece (though functional at one time) is pictured at the base of a structure, from which water flows, within the “My Pet-friendly City” post. Name the pet-friendly city where this little guy calls home…
The answer: Louisville! This little guy is a bronze statue at the base of Hogan’s Fountain in Cherokee Park. Melissa and Sean Little, of Little Eatz: Pet & People Treatz, included Cherokee Park in their Pet-friendly Louisville post for Pet Travel Experts back in January.
Hogan’s Fountain is a particularly fascinating pet-friendly gem. When unveiled in 1905, the fountain was designed to provide water to dogs and horses. The ornate, granite structure is composed of three sections:
- The first is a circular fourteen-foot-wide granite basin with four bronze dog heads on its outer walls. These heads spew water from their mouths into troughs from which dogs can drink.
- A granite pedestal springs from the basin
- on which a third part, a bronze figure of Pan, who has a hairy human-like body, short horns, and goat’s feet is depicted dancing while holding a pipe in one hand. He is surrounded by four large turtles that spout water from their mouths into the basin.1
Today, water no longer flows from the lower fountains meant for watering dogs. Although on occasion, dog-owners will lift their pooches for a nip of water from the portion of the fountain that was meant for watering horses.
Other interesting facts:
- Edie Yandell sculpted the statues on Hogan’s Fountain. A Louisville native and prolific sculptor, Yandell studied with luminaries of sculpture such as Auguste Rodin and Frederick William MacMonnies.
- Cherokee Park, the home of Hogan’s Fountain, was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. Olmstead is considered to be the father of landscape architecture.
For more information on Louisville Metro Parks check out their very own blog, Common Ground.
Very special thanks to Jacob Murphy at Louisville Metro Parks for helping Pet Travel Experts track the history of this pet-friendly treasure.
Photos are courtesy of Louisville Metro Parks.
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1The Encyclopedia of Louisville / John E. Kleber, editor in chief ; Mary Jean Kinsman, managing editor ; Thomas D. Clark, Clyde F. Crews, George E. Yater, associate editors. Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, c2001.
by Doug Gelbert, author of Doggin’ America: 100 Ideas For Great Outdoor Vacations To Take With Your Dog
Have you ever noticed how many TV commercials and magazine ads show happy people walking down a beach with their dog? Fast forward to real life. Yes, it is hard to imagine any place a dog is happier than at a beach. Whether running around on the sand, jumping in the water or just lying in the sun, every dog deserves a day at the beach. But all too often dog owners stopping at a sandy stretch of beach are met with signs designed to make hearts—human and canine alike—droop: NO DOGS ON BEACH.
The reality is that about half of the beaches in America never allow dogs on the sand. Most of the rest only allow dogs in the off-season. Whenever you see a lifeguard stand you can assume your dog will not be welcome. Other beaches ban dog to protect nesting shorebirds.
But all is not lost. Here are 10 great places where you can get that dream vacation at the ocean with your dog.
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Maine is known for its rocky coastline, especially in the northern stretches, but the many coves offer small sandy beaches in places. Old Orchard Beach is a classic resort beach with plenty of white sand and a long fishing pier. No dogs allowed on the beach midday during the summer but you don’t have to get off the beach until 10:00 a.m.
York/Wells, Maine
At York Harbor Beach you’ll find a big, convenient parking lot next to a wide sand beach in a sheltered cove. You have to arrive early or come late in the summer but your dog can play here under voice control. Wells is a dog-friendly place with several beaches. Drakes Island Beach is a wonderful, secluded choice.
Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
Massachusetts is the best northeastern state to take your dog to the beach in summer. The resort islands are particularly dog-friendly and several spots on Cape Cod will permit dogs in non-swimming areas. At Cape Cod National Seashore dogs are allowed on all non-nesting protected beaches year-round. Walking the beaches at Cape Cod is a special experience due to limited sight distance down the shore caused by the curvature of the coastline. The effect is that of a series of private beaches as you move from beach alcove to beach alcove. In addition to Atlantic Ocean beaches backed by impressive highlands, the park extends across the cape to include bayside beaches with gentler waves for doggie swims.
Scarborough State Beach, Rhode Island
With some 400 miles of shoreline within a short drive your wave-loving dog can enjoy a salt-water swim somewhere any time of the year – even in the summer, if you get out to Block Island where dogs are welcome on the beach all year-round. Scarborough State Beach is the Ocean State’s biggest sand beach in Narragansett and off-limits from early May through Labor Day but your dog will want to line up on that first Tuesday in September to romp on this long, wide stretch of white sand.
Cliff Walk, Rhode Island
No vacation in Newport is complete without a visit to the Cliff Walk, a path through America’s most spectacular backyard. The busy Cliff Walk is not only open to dogs but poop bags are provided. In the off-season your dog can enjoy a 3/4-mile swath of sand on First Beach at the beginning of the Cliff Walk or anytime on Reject Beach deep into the Walk after the civilized path falls away and there is nothing between your dog and crashing Atlantic Ocean waves except gigantic black rocks.
Bluff Point Coastal Preserve, Groton, Connecticut
Bluff Point is the last remaining undeveloped public land of any size along the Connecticut coastline. That is an irony since it was one of the first to be developed. Connecticut Governor John Winthrop (1698-1707), grandson of the founding governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, made his home on the peninsula and subsequent generations farmed the land for more than a century. A short detour from the main loop path leads to a one-mile wide sand spit that connects to the small Bushy Point Beach. Your dog will salivate at the chance to romp across the open sand but it is closed to dogs during the plover nesting season from April 15 to September 15. That means the beach and small, grassy dunes are now open to your dog. And since it requires a one-mile hike to reach the Bushy Point Beach you can usually count on plenty of space for your dog to romp when you get there.
Montauk, New York
The further east you go out on Long Island the more dog-friendly New York becomes but whether on the north shore or south shore your dog is going to need to wait until the off-season to really sample the Long Island Sound or Atlantic Ocean. Around Montauk the many beaches, some stone and some sandy, will welcome dogs if you stay out of the swimming areas. The town beaches are very tail-friendly and Hither Hills State Park (no ocean beach for dogs) and Theodore Roosevelt County Park offer geat trails before you reach the beach. Come in the winter and you and your dog will have these magnificent Atlantic Ocean beaches of the exclusive Hamptons to yourself.
Island Beach State Park, New Jersey
A vacation at the Jersey shore it a ritual for millions of Americans, most of whom leave the family dog at home. But one rare stretch of ten miles of undeveloped Jersey shoreline is open to your dog year-round – Island Beach State Park. Just drive down past the pavilions, park in one of the many small lots on the left and you can swim in the Atlantic Ocean with your dog right through the Dog Days of August.
Gateway National Recreation Area, New Jersey
Although the summer at the Jersey shore is not a place for dogs after Labor Day some of America’s best white-sand beaches start to open wide for dogs. This strategic old military base at the northern tip of the shore is perfect for a long hike with your dog around Sandy Hook with views of the New York skyline across the harbor.
Brigantine Natural Area, New Jersey
There is nothing like the solace of the wag of a friendly tail after a losing day at the blackjack tables and Atlantic City visitors can take their dogs to the beach by going one town north to Brigantine. Keep
following the ocean until you can go no further. Park and let your dog onto the beach year-round.
This is an excerpt from The 50 Best Beaches To Take Your Dog, originally published on the Hike With Your Dog blog.
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Doug Gelbert is the author of 26 books on hiking with your dog, including Doggin’ America: 100 Ideas For Great Outdoor Vacations To Take With Your Dog. His latest canine hiking guides are for Atlanta-North Georgia, Orlando-Central Florida and Asheville-Western Carolina.
Customer service is not just for the humans on JetBlue Airways. In-cabin pet travel is made easier by pet-friendly Jet Blue Airways with their JetPaws program. The program’s aim is to provide the most convenient in-cabin pet travel experience to its four-legged passengers, as well as their pet owners.
- A streamlined, easy-to navigate Jet Paws site provides information on what you need to know before you go, on booking your pet, what to expect at the airport, as well as a travel checklist.
- The pet fee is $100 each way, no matter the journey.
Additional conveniences include:
- 300 TrueBlue rewards points earned on each flight segment when traveling with your pet. If you’re not already a TrueBlue member, sign up now. It’s free.
- A special carrier bag-tag to be attached to your pet carrier at check-in so everyone knows your pet is ready to fly.
- Travel Petiquette™ — a handy list of all the social graces for pet travel.
- A welcome e-mail upon booking your pet that’s filled with useful information to help you prepare for your trip.
In addition, JetBlue provides a handy JetPaws Travel Guide that provides the what, where, and when of traveling with your pet along with a list of pet-friendly establishments in popular destinations.
Canine Ambassadors at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Provide Heartwarming Experiences
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are world renown for extraordinary properties with features that provide guests with authentically local experiences. Play a round of golf in the historic home of the game while at the Fairmont St. Andrews, Scotland property; jump into an outrigger canoe excursion for a taste of Hawaiian culture at the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui; or sip locally produced wine and soak in the aura of one of the most acclaimed U.S. wine regions at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.
Marvelous and magnificent as these experiences of place may be, perhaps the most heartwarming experiences are those shared with the Fairmont Canine Ambassadors. Is the four-legged friend that you’ve brought with you to one of the pet-friendly Fairmont properties longing for another wet nose to sniff? Miss the pet you left at home? Fairmont guests looking for companionship or perhaps a bit of extra security on a walk about town can turn to any of the resident Canine Ambassadors at the hotels listed below. After your Fairmont stay, keep in touch with your furry pal by sending an e-mail, and in some cases, stay in touch via facebook.
Fairmont St. Andrews, Scotland • Smudge
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in Quebec • Jordy
Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta • Marcus
Fairmont Tremblant in Quebec • Gracie
The Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston • Catie
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City • Santol
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver • Mavis & Beau
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa • Zeus
Fairmont Pittsburgh • Edie
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club • Tusker & Grammie
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts property information http://www.fairmont.com/EN_FA/Property/ Fairmont Hotels & Resorts reservations 1-800-257-7544 http://www.fairmont.com/en_fa/
My Favorite Pet-friendly Destinations in Ottawa
by Sonja Lishchynski of Montecristo Travels
Winterlude in Ottawa, Canada.
Ottawa and Canada’s National Capital Area encompassing Gatineau and it’s Hills is known for many things, such as it’s famous canal (the worlds longest skating ring), the tulip festival, Winterlude, the many music festivals, the Gatineau Hills for hiking, cycling, maple syrup, and fall foliage. Here in this modest city, some of the Nation’s most popular and architecturally famous museums have put down foundations: The Museum of Civilization, National Gallery of Canada, Canadian War Museum, and the newly refurbished Canadian Museum of Nature, to name a few. This city celebrates its history, Parliament Hill sits proud with its magnificent tower and library, and the Bytown Museum explains the history of the canal that remains manually “manned” in the warm months. You can grab an ice cream, walk over and watch the boats go up—or down—the canal locks with Fido at your feet.
Montecristo in front of Ottawa’s Parliament.
Ottawa hosts a number of pet-friendly hotels and a healthy number of dog-friendly parks exist, some of which are even off-leash. A great resource was developed by the Ottawa Dog blog and lists all the parks from best to least—it’s worth a look and includes maps and can be sorted by popularity or friendliness! Visit the Ottawa Park Finder for the green space closest to where you are staying. One thing is certain, you will have a park nearby. The most famous and best loved dog park is Bruce Pit, located in the far west end of Ottawa; it offers several acres of forested land with dozens of trails throughout. The park even has its own website and discussion forum.
Although pets are not allowed inside any of the museums or on the Governor General’s lands, Ottawa is an easy city to walk with your dog. Small boutiques (Zone, Justine and Justina, etc.) in the downtown ByWard Market will welcome petite dogs on leash or in arms. The new up and coming “Westoboro” area will be pet-friendly as well. The area has the most entertaining neighbourhood block party called Westfest, which is very dog friendly! (Note: malls do not allow dogs.)
Along the Rideau River, the Canal, the Ottawa River, and in every area of the city, parks pepper the city with large, majestic trees. If you don’t believe it, take a hot air balloon ride—without Fido, I’m afraid. The areal view will prove this point more clearly than any words could. September 3-6 you can bring your dog and watch the hundreds of balloons raise, take off, and float up to the sky during the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival. See the sky decked with bright floating spheres as the sun sets over the region.
After spending the day roaming the parks and sights you’ll be hard pressed to find a “Fido’s welcome” place to dine. This is where the city fails miserably. City bylaws do not allow dogs to join you, not even on a patio. Some restaurants will allow you to tie up your dog on the other side of the patio railing—but if you have a toy dog that makes this suggestion an unsafe practice, so in this situation you’re out of luck. Considering the long bout of winter this city gets (about 5-6 months), the lack of indoor pet-friendly eateries is even more surprising. There is one glorious exception to the rule and that is a coffee shop/pet boutique on Bank Street called WAG. Here you can kick up your feet, sit down, enjoy some great java and a cookie, free Wi-Fi, as well as some dog cupcakes, treats, and in the summer months … doggy ice cream!
Montecristo in front of WAG on Ottawa’s Bank Street.
If you love authentic croissant and a great espresso you can also stop in at The French Baker and Benny’s Bistro (named after their first wire haired dachshund), Ottawa’s very own taste of authentic France bread and pastries. It seems, the owner decided to treat his customers the way he would in his native France and you will often see people walk in with either a pocket dog in their arm, or even a large husky on leash to go pick-up their fresh bread. Dogs are not however, allowed in the fabulous little bistro restaurant in the back. There is a second location on Bank Street as well.
Montecristo stops in at The French Baker.
In the warm months, most coffee shops have dog-friendly patios. Since the food and coffee is served “to go,” these establishments manage to circumvent the bylaw and allow dogs to join their humans outdoors. Ottawa has many Coffee Shops from which to choose. You’ll likely find your favorites such as Starbucks, Second Cup, not to mention Ottawa’s own and excellent Bridgehead. A favorite is Planet Coffee. Tucked away in a little corridor of York Street, Planet Coffee is an outdoor space where you can sit down for some java with your dog. In an inner courtyard with its tables spread over the cobblestone sidewalk and a path and surrounded by massive, old grey stone walls of the first Ottawa merchant homes, absent of cars going by you may feel transported to Europe—if only for a moment.
If fresh, locally grown organic foods really get you going, then a dog-friendly stroll through The Ottawa Farmers Market is for you! Open from June to October on Thursdays and Sundays you will see, smell, and taste all that this region has to offer. Producers must be within a specific radius of the National Capital Area to have a booth at this market and rules also state: “The promise of the Ottawa Farmers’ Market is that all goods sold by the vendors who participate are produced by those vendors.This ensures that the customer wanting to buy locally is able to and is purchasing the freshest meat and produce available while supporting local producers.”
People will gather for an open-air breakfast of waffles and strawberries, dogs will mingle, children will play and go on a horse and carriage ride, and sometimes there is even a petting zoo. It’s great fun for locals and visitors alike.
If things that go bump in the night are up your alley, or you simply like to know the more sinister history of the city, then Ottawa has a treat for you! Sign up for a haunted walk of the city. This tour will convey all the spooky tales that are a part of this city’s rich heritage. Lucy, director of Canine Services, has been with the Haunted Walk since 1999. According to the Haunted Walks website Lucy recommends the Original Haunted Walk to all of her canine colleagues. Ottawa is a city full of dog lovers. The proof is in the pudding, the large number of dog schools, pet boutiques, dog parks, quality vets, doggy daycare, agility training and even doggy camp is a testament to a city that has gone to the dogs. __________________________________________________________________________________________
Sonja Lishchynski and her dog Montecristo chronicle their travel adventures and share pet travel information garnered along the way in the blog, Montecristo Travels. Their next adventure is a sailing trip around the Mediterranean. All photos by Sonja Lishchynski.
Indulge your pooch and simultaneously improve the lives of less fortunate pups. It’s a win-win deal.
Nestled in an exclusive enclave on Beaver Creek Mountain, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch embodies Rocky Mountain luxury and the adventurous, pioneering spirit of the American West.
Ski from village to village, enjoy a hike in the refreshing mountain air, or sit by the ever-popular fire pit at the Beaver Creek lodging and absorb the breathtaking landscape this luxurious surrounding this pet-friendly Colorado resort.
When you pamper your pooch at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, the resort will donate $25 to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) for every pet stay. In 2011, the total donation was more than $11,000.
Every four-legged visitor to The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is welcome to “Bachelor’s Pack”–led by the resort’s resident Saint Bernard “Bachelor” and resident English Cream Golden Retriever “Miner”–with a host of enhanced canine-friendly services and amenities.
“Bachelor’s Pack” amenities for your pet:
- Premium amenities for guest use during stay, including premium dog bowls and overstuffed beds
- Bachelor’s V.I.P. Pack, containing treats, toys, and a dog-friendly area handbook and guide
- “Fido Fridays” and “Bachelor Brunch,” seasonal canine fun in the sun
- “Doggie Daybreak & Twilight” hikes, departing daily from the Mountainside Terrace
- “Pampered Pup” in-room doggie massage, presented by The Bachelor Gulch Spa
- All-natural pet food and treats available for in-room orders
- A variety of premium pet retail in the lobby-level Signature Shop
The resort assesses a pet cleaning fee of $125 for the first three nights, and a fee of $25 per night, thereafter. Via its “Pampered Paws for a Cause” initiative, the resort donates $25 of this fee, per stay, to the ASPCA.
Property features and amenities include:
- Spago by Wolfgang Puck, seasonal American cuisine with global accents
- The Bachelor Gulch Spa, Forbes Four-Star 21,000-sq.-ft. spa and fitness center
- The Bachelor Gulch Express high-speed quad chairlift, steps from the resort’s backdoors
- Beaver Creek Sports premium in-house ski and snowboard outfitter
- Year-round outdoor, heated pool
- Tennis courts
- Signature Shop
- Ritz Kids
- Bachelor Gulch Youth Spa Program
- Ski concierge
- Ski nanny
- Executive business center
- Computers, printers, fax machines and copiers available for guest use
- More than 26,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space
Guest room features and amenities:
- 40 Club Level Rooms and Suites, including The Ritz-Carlton Suite
- 95% of rooms offer mountain or valley views
- 69 rooms offer a fireplace
- 78 rooms offer a walk-out balcony
- 33 rooms offer a fire place and walk-out balcony
- Custom-designed wood doors and millwork
- 400-thread count Frette linens
- Separate shower and marble bathtub
- High-speed wireless internet and fax connections
Resort fee:
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch assesses a $25 resort fee per room, per night. Amenities and services encompassed in the resort fee include:
- Wired and wireless high-speed Internet access in guest rooms and public areas
- Local and toll-free phone calls
- Use of the state-of-the-art fitness center, group fitness classes, swimming pool and whirlpools
- Complimentary access to The Bachelor Gulch Spa sauna, steam rooms and wet therapies
- Game Room featuring air hockey, pool table, Wii® and more
- Ski-in/ski-out valet services and overnight equipment storage
- Complimentary transportation to/from Beaver Creek Village, with transfer service available to Arrowhead Village
- Point-to-point transportation to and from Avon (subject to driver availability)
- Snow shoe equipment
- Preferred tee times at Red Sky Ranch Golf Club
- 18-hole Bachelor Gulch Disc Golf Course
- On-site recreation, including bocce ball, badminton, horseshoes and more
- Receive a one-time $25 spa credit with a purchase of $100 or more at Spa or Spa Boutique
- The Ritz-Carlton eco-friendly bottled water in-room, refreshed daily
- Evening marshmallows at the Fire Pit year-round
Red Lion Hotels, the pet-friendly western United States and Canada hotel chain, offers members of their Red Lions R &R Club rewards program an extra 500 bonus points per stay when bringing a pet. Points may be used toward hotel stays, air miles, or even shopping. Achieve Gold or Platinum-level member status and the $15 per stay pet fees are waived, leaving a little extra for some creature comforts. A fuzzy new toy to cuddle with, perhaps?
Red Lion Hotels
800-Red-Lion
Locations: http://redlion.rdln.com/HotelLocator/HotelDirectory.aspx
Reservations: https://redlion.rdln.com/Reservations/MakeReservation.aspx?ssl=true
Our Five Favorite Pet-friendly Destinations in Louisville
by Melissa and Sean Little, owners of Louisville-based Little Eatz: Pet and People Treats (with help from Winston)
Coming to Louisville, Kentucky soon? Bringing your fur-baby along? There’s no need for him or her to stay cooped up in the hotel room all day. Bring your pet along to visit these local pet-friendly destinations.
Cherokee Park 745 Cochran Hill Road, Louisville, KY 40206 http://www.louisvilleky.gov/metroparks/parks/cherokee/Cherokee Park is a Louisville landmark. Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the father of landscape architecture, it is one of the most beautiful places in Louisville. If you are looking to expend some energy after traveling, this is it! Cherokee Park is an urban oasis.
Bring your dog for a walk through the hiking and trails make it appoint to enjoy some of the park landmarks. As you enter the park you’ll be greeted by Christensen Fountain, move on to other sites like Big Rock, situated in the Beargrass Creek that winds through much of the park, Hogan’s Fountain, and the picturesque Lover’s Lane.
But by all means, make it a point to take a break at Baringer Hill, or “Dog Hill,” and your pooch will enjoy running into a crowd of four-legged pals.
Photos of Cherokee Park courtesy of Louisville Metro Parks.
The Paw Zone 1501 Mellwood Ave., Louisville, KY 40206 (502) 690-WOOF http://thepawzone.net/The Paw Zone is the perfect place for your dog to play! Housed in a huge warehouse-like building, The Paw Zone provides socialization and exercise for your pup. They offer all-day passes or you can drop your pup off for just a few hours. On Saturdays, there is a Yappy Hour when you can drop in and play at anytime!
Les Filles Boutique Westport Village Shopping Center, 1301 Herr Lane Suite 160, Louisville, KY 40222 (502) 618-4888 http://www.lesfillesboutique.com/
Hershey (right) poses with a friend inside Les Filles Boutiques.
Les Filles Boutique is an accessories boutique that specializes in jewelry and handbags. However, the resident pup Hershey has inspired her owners to create “Hershey’s Corner.” Hershey has chosen some of her favorite things—toys, treats, and clothes—to sell. Now, you can bring a pet to Les Filles and shop for yourself and you four-legged friend.
Feeders Supply 14 locations all around Louisville and Southern Indiana http://www.feederssupply.com/index.htm
Exterior image of Feeders Supply at 4600 Shelbyville Road in Louisville.
Feeders Supply is Louisville’s local pet store. Your pet(s) are always welcome to join you in-store, and you may even go home with a new friend since most stores have adoption centers right there! Feeders is unique because they include numerous local products, many of which you cannot find at mass market retailers. A trip to Louisville must include a stop at Feeders!
Bluegrass Brewing Company 3929 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207 (502) 899-7070 http://www.bbcbrew.com/After all that shopping around Louisville, you must be hungry! Bluegrass Brewing Company (better known around town as BBC) is the perfect place for you and your dog to eat. BBC recently opened their patio to the pups! You can even order a meal and dessert for your dog from their “Pound Puppy” menu.
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Melissa and Sean Little are the owners of Little Eatz: Pet and People Treats. We make all natural cookies that are meant to be shared with your pup. Check out our treats at: www.littleeatz.com and on Facebook and Twitter.
The Dog Milk Team Shares Their Favorite Pet-Friendly Destinations
Dog Milk, a website dedicated to modern dog design, was inspired by founder and editor Jaime Derringer’s love for her two modern pets, Lulu and Beans. Dog Milk is the sister site of Design Milk.
In between discovering new products and sniffing out what’s beyond the chain pet stores, Jaime and the rest of the Dog Milk team (Christine E. Martinez with pet Miles, and Katherine Becker with pets Mingus and Dottie) found time to share their favorite pet-friendly spots, in their respective cities, with Pet Travel Experts.
Jaime Derringer’s Pet-Friendly Philadelphia
Philly isn’t the most dog-friendly place on earth, but we’re not entirely afraid of our four-legged friends. We have tons of pet-friendly hotels including the ultra-chic newish Hotel Palomar (117 South 17th Street; 215-563-5006).
Photo of the Hotel Palomar lobby courtesy of Kimpton Hotels.
And what trip to Philadelphia would be complete without a historical trek through Old City and Independence Mall in a horse-drawn carriage. Yes! They’re pet friendly! These tours leave every 20 minutes and take you all around the most famous sites in the city. Watch out for those cobblestone streets, though—it’s a bumpy ride!
Since this is the home of the Urban Outfitters company, I have to mention that the alternative retail giant allows its employees to bring their pets to work at their headquarters in the Navy Yard. I bet that place is a zoo!
Christine E. Martinez’s Pet-Friendly San Francisco
On any given day, Dolores Park (18th St. & Dolores St.) in San Francisco’s Mission District is crawling with dogs and their hip owners. I love the park’s expansive views of San Francisco, and the fact that my dog gets to run around off leash. Without fail, my dog Miles always finds a playmate to chase until he collapses. He loves an afternoon at Dolores Park more than any other place in the Bay Area, and I love taking home an exhausted pooch.
The Pub (1492 Solano Ave., Albany; 510-525-1900) is a tobacco/beer/wine/coffee shop that looks like a cozy Victorian home. And it’s the most unexpected dog-friendly spot I’ve ever been too! It’s one of the few “anything goes” spots left that I find completely pleasant in every way. I often stop by to read a book or play a board game with friends, and it’s such a treat that my dog Miles gets to join in on the fun. Miles loves to walk around and say hi to adoring patrons that like to giggle at his underbite. I always laugh when he returns to my table with a treat.
Katherine Becker’s Pet-Friendly Asheville
We live in Asheville, North Carolina, a gorgeous, welcoming mountain town that’s one of the dog-friendliest places on the East Coast.
With tons of outdoor fun provided by the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, Appalachian Trail, and numerous rivers and waterfalls, western North Carolina is any doggy’s paradise—but our downtown and River Arts areas are a doggy dream as well. Most restaurants, breweries (we currently have 12), and shops welcome pups, and on a sunny day you’ll see many dogs enjoying a downtown stroll.
One of our favorite doggy events is Doggies at the Diamond, hosted by our minor-league baseball team, the Asheville Tourists (30 Buchanan Place; 828-258-0428). Twice during the summer, fans are invited to bring their pups to the ballpark, where they can sit in the bleachers and enjoy watching a game, sniffin’ some butts, and maybe even eating a hot dog or two.
Since Asheville is known for being so dog-friendly, many visitors to our fine town bring their pups along when they come to see the sights. The world-famous Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa (290 Macon Ave.; 828-252-2711) now opens its doors to dogs, where pups can enjoy a night of luxury with their owners. Our favorite local vacation spot is Barkwells (290 Lance Road, Mills River; 828-891-8288) which features dog-friendly resort cabins, a fishing pond, mountain views, and eight acres of fenced grounds for dogs to run and play.
All photos of Asheville by Katherine Becker.
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Jaime Derringer is founder and editor of Dog Milk, as well as the modern design blog Design Milk which has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Time Out New York, San Francisco Chronicle, Singapore Home & Decor magazine, and Real Simple magazine. Design Milk is one of the Google Engineers’ Staff Picks and a Twitter influencer in Art & Design.
Christine E. Martinez is a freelance interior designer from Oakland, CA and creator of LAMA designs. She has spent the last several years searching the globe for fantastic products and undiscovered talent.
Katherine Becker wrote and managed the dog blog phetched for a couple of years before joining the Dog Milk team. She lives with her husband and two dogs in the mountains of North Carolina, a locale that provides enough camping, hiking, shopping, good food, and craft beer to keep her more than happy.
My Five Favorite Pet-friendly Destinations in Salt Lake City
by Capree Kimball, a full-time design blogger who currently calls Utah home
I’m a self-described “crazy dog lady” with an over-sized soft spot for Schnauzers. You’ll catch me posting photos of my little salt and pepper pup Wrigley almost daily over on Twitter. When I’m not obsessing about canines, I’m blogging about everything else I love: bright colors, modern design, and robots. I am thrilled to bits to share some of my favorite pooch-friendly spots and activities in and around Salt Lake City!
Mill Creek Canyon Park Salt Lake City, UT http://www.utah.com/saltlake/canyons.htm
Photo by Andrew Miller (http://andrewmillerphotos.com).
For the outdoors, dog-lovin’ type, nothing beats an adventure in Mill Creek Canyon Park. Your pup is welcome to roam free (on ‘odd’ number days, leashed on ‘even’ days) through dozens of trails, streams, and lakes—there is even a good swimming spot called Dog Lake !
Salt Lake City Farmer’s Market Located between 400 West and 300 West/400 South and 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT http://www.slcfarmersmarket.org/
Before your day of hiking and swimming at Mill Creek Canyon, you and your dog can pick up some fresh, local food (and award-winning cheese) from the Salt Lake City Farmer’s Market. Open Saturday mornings from June through October, the market is a great place to take your well-behaved, furry friend. There’s more to the market than just awesome food, though: the perimeter is lined with arts and craft booths where you can pick up a handmade collar or a custom drawing of your dog! Local shelters and rescue groups also host adoption events at the market.
Ruff House 248 W. 990 N. Orem, Salt Lake City, UT 84057 (801) 765-7777 http://www.utahruffhouse.com/
If you’re in town and in need of a doggie daycare facility, I can’t recommend Ruff House enough! Their indoor/outdoor free-play setup allows dogs to run, play, and socialize all day long. Your pooch can even snag a mid-afternoon nap on one of the many “dog cots” and couches. The friendly staff members are on hand to offer cuddles and endless games of fetch. They also offer boarding for overnight guests—this is where you’ll find Wrigley when we’re unable to take him with us! At the end of the day, consider treating your dog to one of their spa and bathing options or pick out a special something from their selection of holistic dog treats and food!
Strut Your Mutt Salt Lake City, UT http://www.strutyourmutt.org/This annual event takes place every May at Salt Lake City’s Veterans Memorial Park (and has since expanded to New York and Los Angeles). Started by Utah-based Best Friends Animal Society, Strut Your Mutt is a fundraising event for the No More Homeless Pets network; 100% of the funds go directly to rescue groups and shelters! Enjoy a leisurely one-mile stroll through the park with fellow dog-lovers, shelter advocates, and, of course, hundreds of dogs! When you’re done, head over to one of the many booths, enter a contest (“Best Trick” and “Dog Look-Alike” are popular), or enjoy flyball, agility, and coursing performances. There’s a lot to do and see at Strut Your Mutt!
The Green Ant 179 E. Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 (801) 595-1818 http://www.thegreenant.com/
Hit up The Green Ant if you’ve got a shopping itch! While not specifically dog-themed (it’s the go-to spot for vintage Mid-Century Modern furniture and decor finds), the resident canine Hana is there to great you with a big, slobbery smile. You may even catch a glimpse of this friendly bulldog lounging in a cozy spot in the display window. Popping into this shop is always treat, so don’t miss it!
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Capree Kimball is a full-time design blogger who currently calls Utah home. You can catch her posting regularly all over the internet:
Portrait by Megan Stay.
