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.