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Bernie’s Blog 2022

Pets Welcome Here’s Bone-Vivant and Dog-About-Town, Bernie Whiner, Dishes About the TV Show’s Exciting Locations and Fun-tastic Adventures.

It’s Bernie, and I’m wiggling with excitement over the new adventures of my furry friends and human pal, David, on Pets Welcome Here. This year we have 3 paw-some shows and 6 amazing destinations. In Aspen David met so many canines who love winter adventures, including cross country skiing, skijoring, and of course, romping through the snow,

And, David was thrilled to meet the hero Avalanche Dogs that rescue skiers buried in the snow. The Avi Dogs showed off their skills and did a few tricks for the camera. Then it was on to Austin where David met fantastic furry friends who are part of Devine Canines, a group of over 120 pet parents and their furry kids who are trained to provide comfort and support to people in need. These four-footed heroes are just like your dog when not helping others and fetch balls, swim in lakes and do SUP with their people. In San Diego David explored Dog Beach, the first off leash beach in America and checked in to a magical resort where he met Chungus, a very special bulldog and his person Chef Kyle. Chungus showed David around  the super pet friendly resort, offering pet massage on their private beach and a canine menu prepared by Chef Kyle. 

In Savannah David discovered Oliver Bentley’s Historic Dog Walking Tour, a daily event where tourists and locals walk the historic streets of Savannah with their history loving hounds and  \sniff out historic landmarks, scenic parks and pet friendly establishments. From historic River Street to a retro hotel where “the hip pets stay”, and haunted buildings where your pet may see a ghost or two, Savannah is a doggie delight.

Talk about history! You can’t beat Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown.

These three destinations in Virginia’s Historic Triangle each tell a unique story about Colonial America. It was here that David met Ilsa, a courageous 3-legged terrier who lead him on adventures of epic proportions. From the original site of the Jamestown Settlement to the quaint, charm of Yorktown where holes from cannon balls can still be seen in the outer walls of homes, to Colonial Williamsburg, dogs are welcome to walk about with their people, see the sights and meet with historic re-enactors who will tell you their stories. Contemporary Williamsburg also gets 4 paws up as pets are welcome in many shops and restaurants and at a very pet friendly resort with a private pet friendly beach where dogs can go kayaking, and sniff their way through miles of hiking trails. 

In Atlanta David met the biggest furry guide of all, Fernando, a  Great Pyrenees who led David to an amazing hotel that welcomes pets of any size. Fernando and David experienced the tranquil area around the pool, the lobby, rooftop cabanas and bar, happy hour, and of course, guestrooms with welcome pet amenities and a Fernando size bed. Then it was off to action adventures as David met Kylie, a Blue Heeler, who loves Atlanta because it’s a city surrounded by a forest. A short drive from downtown, the Chattahoochee National Forest is he perfect place for Kylie to take David on a hiking and kayaking adventure. Not to be missed is the Martin Luther King Memorial National Park where Kylie and David walked along historic paths and stopped and smelled the roses in the magnificent rose garden. You may not have known the MLK Memorial Park is dog friendly, but it’s a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your pet in the Big Peach.

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LIFE’S BEACHY KEEN, THEN, A CITY OF BRIDGES AND A STEP BACK IN TIME

It’s always a day at the beach for the dogs of St Pete/Clearwater, Florida.  Furry fun abounds at Fort De Soto Beach with a special beach area just for dogs and their people. And, not only do dogs get a special beach, there are many special adventures just for them. The Shell Key Sunset Cruise has special excursions where pets and pet parents are welcome on board to cruise past wildlife habitats, watch for dolphins and enjoy magnificent sunsets. There’s even a town that’s so pet friendly, they claim they have more dogs than people. The town of Dunedin, called  “Dog-edin”,  by locals, welcomes pets along hiking trails, inside shops and at restaurants with outdoor seating, many of which have doggie menus. The town has a large wall painted with murals of all the dogs that have lived in this doggie garden of Eden. One of the most special places for pets is The Dog Bar, a fun outdoor pay area for dogs with wading pools, toys and social engagement where they can fun around with their friends while their parents sit at outdoor picnic tables and enjoy adult beverages. The Dog Bar also has an inside structure for gatherings and to host dog birthday pawties. After a day of adventure, sleepy pups head to the Pink Palace, of course. The Don Cesar, the legendary “Pink Palace” on St. Pete Beach, welcomes a maximum of two pets per room with no size limit. Lavish in-room amenities include placemats and dog bowls, treats and a bandana for each furry guest.

 

You couldn’t have an “Only in Pittsburgh” adventure without exploring the 3 unique bridges that span 3 iconic rivers, and without meeting Ace, the Pittsburgh Adventure Dog.  Ace led the way as we encountered dogs everywhere—in the many beautiful pet friendly parks, some with off-leash areas ,  hiking with their people and exploring the many trails and beautiful overlooks of Mt. Washington, and  on a fun kayaking adventure paddling along the Yellow River where pets are most welcome. Ace sniffed out some of the best pet  friendly restaurants within Pittsburgh’s 90 diverse neighborhoods, including the Strip, a colorful melting pot of cultures, foods, shopping and storefronts. The Strip is very pet friendly and includes My Sweet Lilly, one of the few people-and-pet-bakeries in the USA. You’ve seen people bakeries and pet bakeries, but My Sweet Lilly combines goodies for you and your pet in one sweet shop! People on the left, dogs on the right. Pittsburgh is also known for its many craft breweries. Ace likes the Grist House with a large outdoor area where people can sit with their dogs and enjoy craft brews and food from a local food truck parked on property. Ace also gives 4 paws up to 412 Brewery. 412 does not cook or serve food so leashed dogs can come right on in with their people. Finally, Ace led us to a very pet friendly hotel in downtown Pittsburgh, the Fairmont, that presents furry guests with their Pampered Pups amenity, including a dog-friendly map of the city’s green spaces and walking trails, a spacious dog bed, water and food bowls and treats.

They say,“ every dog has his day”, and a day on Mackinac Island just might be the best doggie day of discovery, ever. Nestled in Michigan’s Great Lakes Region, Mackinac Island made a decision to ban all cars, trucks, motorcycles and motorized bicycles. Instead, they chose to preserve a way of life that relies on horses, bicycles and foot-power to get around the Island. Dogs are allowed almost everywhere: on the ferries that take you to and from the Island, throughout the charming town filled with shops and restaurants and on the many adventures you can experience. One that’s not-to-be-missed is the dog friendly horse drawn tram tours of the Island. This amazing adventure in a three - horse carriage with a  knowledgeable guide who shares the history of the island with you and your pet is the perfect mixture of American history and discovering beautiful natural landscapes overlooking Lake Huron. Another unique adventure is exploring Fort Mackinac with your dog. Fort Mackinac is 100% pet friendly. No more leaving your furry family outside while you enter a building. All historic buildings are open to leashed, well behaved pets and their people to see how soldiers and their families lived at the Fort beginning in 1780. Where to stay that caters to both you and your pet? The Mission Point Resort is a focal point on the Island for pet parents, offering pet friendly grounds, accommodations, in-room amenities and not one, but two pet friendly restaurants with pet friendly patio dining. At check-in you can meet Nick the Dog and his pet parent, Pat. Always friendly and loving, Nick is the official four-footed greeter at this family friendly hotel. OK, truth be known, Nick’s job is to chase geese off the resort’s extensive main lawn so guests can stroll the grounds without an unwelcome surprise. Mission Point offers a Pooch at the Point Package with special pet amenities. And every dog gets an ample size pet bed.

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KNOX ROCKS, THEN, LET’S CRUZ

Who wouldn’t want to be a dog, or cat, for that matter, in that up and coming place known as Scruffy City on the Tennessee River. A Knoxville adventure is filled with fun for pets and their people. From welcoming signals like fresh bowls of water just waiting to be lapped, dog-friendly events, and plenty of area parks including 7 dog parks for us doggies to roam free, Knox Rocks for four-footed visitors and their families.  Feel free to explore mountaintops, 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, 85 miles of Greenway and go splashing in the area "watering holes." Even the grounds of Knoxville’s exquisite Botanical Gardens are dog friendly. My pal David and his best furry friend Sandler on the TV show Pets Welcome Here discovered Knoxville’s unique Urban Wilderness with 1000 acres of outdoor fun, including the Navitat Canopy Adventure. They got to check out the Ijams Nature Center, a doggie delight of 315 acres consisting of 12 miles of trails for biking and hiking plus the Tennessee River for paddling and kayaking, all pet friendly. Or, you and your pooch can enjoy tandem SUP (Stand Up Paddle) at iconic Billy Lush, a one-of-a-kind experience.

Ready for a beach getaway? Santa Cruz County welcomes furry visitors and their humans with open paws and over 29 miles of beautiful coastline to explore. David met Skyler the Surfing Dog and his dad Homer and got to watch Sklyer surf with a nearby seal who swam along for the fun of it. Then he and some furry friends took a ride on the “Roaring Camp Railroad”. This Old Time Steam Engine Railroad not only offers visitors a remarkable railroading experience, it is also features a replica of an Old West gold mining town complete with gem mining, costumed guides and story tellers and restaurants. There are even hiking trails to explore. And your dog is welcome to travel back in time with you to discover it all. There are many pet friendly hotels and Bed ‘n Breakfasts, but David discovered Chaminade Resort & Spa  goes all-out for pets including a Pooch Patio Menu with a variety of appetizing options that even humans will be drooling over.

It’s a ruff life for David and his furry companions in Knoxville, Santa Cruz and more great pet friendly adventures on Pets Welcome Here, the TV show about incredible pet friendly experiences, sponsored in part by Top Dog Pet Travel. Check out the TV schedule at www.petswelcomehere.tv.

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EVERY DOG’S A MOUNTAIN DOG IN LAKE PLACID

Oh, my ears and sniffer! What doggie wouldn’t want to run along those Lake Placid mountain trails, experiencing the great outdoors as free as the birds flying overhead? My pal and show host Ashley on Pets Welcome Here (www.petswelcomehere.tv) met up with a local named Carrie and her two Golden Retrievers, Lulu and Lilly, who were her guides on an amazing Adirondack adventure. Did someone say “car?” I’m leaping with excitement as Ashley, Carrie, Lulu and Lilly embark on what could be the greatest road trip you can take with your dog—a ride to the summit of Whiteface Mountain on Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway. The views are spectacular. You can see hundreds of miles of wild land reaching as far as Vermont and Canada. You can even do some hiking if you want to park and walk to the summit. Speaking of hiking, the John Brown Farm Historic Site features John Brown’s farmhouse, grave site, a historic museum and 5 different “easy-to moderate” hiking trails that start at the farm. There’s also a large meadow where dogs are invited to romp and play off leash and a fun “swimming hole” where pets and their people can cool off on a warm day.

What’s better than swimming? More swimming!!!!  Us doggies can dog paddle and splash around at a special swimming area just for us located next to the public beach at scenic Mirror Lake. Lulu and Lilly met a lot of their furry friends and had a blast! Canoeing, kayaking and Paddle Boarding are available and experienced pets are welcome on board with their people. Then it’s off for another kind of dip-a double dip ice cream at Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery, serving humans and canines alike with frosty treats. And what chow hound wouldn’t want an epicurean adventure in Lake Placid’s many pet friendly restaurants. Ashley met some of Lulu and Lilly’s furry friends at Big Slide Brewery and Public House that serves local, fresh, farm-to-table fare and goes the extra mile to make pets feel welcome. 

After a great day in the Great Outdoors, pets and their people can retire to many pet friendly accommodations, including Hotel North Woods, an all-suite hotel on Main Street. This iconic hotel has everything for canine comfort, including their signature custom pet beds, pet dining stations and homemade Nutty Maple Bacon Dog Treats, complimentary in every room. Their Outward Hound program provides guests with a guide book to pet friendly locations and hikes in and around Lake Placid.

 Don’t miss our Lake Placid adventure and all the other great pet friendly places to play on Pets Welcome Here, the TV show about incredible pet friendly experiences, sponsored in part by Top Dog Pet Travel. Check out the TV schedule at www.petswelcomehere.tv.

 

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TAILS OF THE TRAILS IN HAYWOOD COUNTY

It’s no wonder doggies like me love Haywood County NC.  There are dozens of hiking trails with amazing views and awesome smells to sniff out. My BFF (Best Furry Friend) Rosie the Basset Hound and her mom Ashley, hosts on the Pets Welcome Here TV show, (www.petswelcomehere.tv) had a fantastic adventure discovering mountain tops, waterfalls and even a rose garden that delighted Rosie’s sniffer. And when it comes to mountain hikes, you should see those little Basset legs climb up and down those trails! If you and your dog love canoeing and kayaking, water adventures at Lake Junaluska will float your boat. While boat rentals don’t permit dogs, you’re welcome to bring your own canoe, kayak or paddleboard and experience the Lake with our pup.

Want to plant your paws on a piece of history? The scenic town of Waynesville was founded in 1809 and has retained its charm and pet friendliness to this day. Bring your dog for a special treat to the Smoky Mountain Dog Bakery on Main Street, dine at outside tables at local eateries and shop for Appalachian treasures. No visit to Waynesville would be complete without a stop at Frog Level Brewing with locally brewed craft beer that’s as amazing as their dog friendly creekside back patio. A local favorite, Frog Level offers canine guests the finest vintage fresh water.

And when it’s time to eat, there are lots of pet friendly restaurants that welcome chow hounds. Ashley and Rosie met a special PTSD service dog named Roxy and her dad Justin Tucker at Frankie’s Italian Trattoria in Maggie Valley. Between bites, Ashley found out how Roxy is helping Justin and other Army vets with emotional scars.

Check out our Haywood County adventure and all the other great pet friendly places to play on Pets Welcome Here, the TV show about incredible pet friendly experiences, sponsored in part by Top Dog Pet Travel. Check out the TV schedule at www.petswelcomehere.tv.

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WHY FIDO LOVES PHILLY

Philadelphia is more than the City of Brotherly Love, it’s the City of Doggie Love! So many historic attractions, trails, shops and restaurants are pet friendly. There are many amazing experiences you can only share with your pet in Philadelphia. My friend and host Ashley from the TV show Pets Welcome Here (www.petswelcomehere.tv) had an exciting Philly adventure. Ashley met an extraordinary Newfoundland named Barley, whose family owns the Chestnut Hill Hotel. Barley and his mom Lindsey were Ashley’s guides for a Dog’s Day Out in Philadelphia. If you’re in good shape, have a Rocky moment at the Museum of Modern Art as you run up those steps made famous in the movie. You can even check out the statue of Rocky next to the Museum. Ashley and Barley made the run. Wow. I never knew a Newfoundland could run that fast.

Want to sniff out some history? Almost all walking tours welcome dogs or you and your furry best friend can hop on the BigBus tour that welcomes all well-behaved pups on the upper level of their double deckers. Of course, you and your dog are welcome to explore Philadelphia on your own with self-guided tours as well discover nearby hiking and walking trails including the idyllic Forbidden Trail, so named because vehicles are forbidden on the trail, allowing people and pets to enjoy nature safely. What a concept!

Getting hungry? So many restaurants and shops in downtown Philadelphia are pet friendly. No wonder you see dogs and their people everywhere. Ashley and Barley met up with some of Barley’s doggie friends at a restaurant called Rouge in Center City. It’s a great place to dine on seasonal cuisine, get doggie treats and a bowl of fresh water and watch the downtown scene as people and pets go by.

You’ve still got time to see our Philadelphia adventure and all the other great pet friendly places to play on Pets Welcome Here, the TV show about incredible pet friendly experiences, sponsored in part by Top Dog Pet Travel. Check out the TV schedule at www.petswelcomehere.tv.

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Key West Doggie Adventures

Key West is one of the awesomest places around for doggie adventures. From the pet friendly Aquarium to renowned Dog Beach, pets are welcome everywhere.  For an amazing experience with your dog, I highly recommend an afternoon of kayaking at Lazy Dog Kayak. Katie had a great time with her best pal David. Named after the owner’s dog, Lazy Dog encourages you to paddle around with your pooch. They’ll even give you and your furry best friend lessons to get started. And here’s a surprise. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to visit the famous six-toed kitties at Hemingway House.

Can’t resist temptation? Take your person for a stroll along Duval Street instead. Most establishments on Duval are pet friendly, including the renowned Hog’s Breath Saloon. Before the sun goes down, a must-see is pet friendly Sunset Celebration, held nightly at Mallory Square.

Myla and Christine got to see it all, including the people and pet performers who entertain the crowd that comes out to celebrate the setting of the sun. You’ve still got time to see our Key West adventure and all the other great pet friendly places to play on Pets Welcome Here, the TV show about incredible pet friendly experiences, sponsored in part by Top Dog Pet Travel. Check out the TV schedule at www.petswelcomehere.tv.

 

Coming soon- Sea dogs love the Emerald Coast!

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