Tapping into your inner wanderlust? Don’t know how to use those last few vacation days before the end of the year? Looking for a holiday getaway but not sure what to do with your pet while you’re gone? We can help – hint: they sure don’t involve leaving your pet behind while you get away! There are plenty of pet friendly getaways, especially at winter wonderland destinations, so we’ve found five pet friendly vacations for you and your four-legged family member this winter. Get your mug of hot cocoa ready…we’re about to take you on a cozy yet fun-filled list of winter getaways from east coast to west coast!
Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont
This hillside was dubbed Dog Mountain because of the difficult and painful journey by the owner and his family that helped him to believe in the inspiration and healing power of dogs. Dog Mountain has no leash laws. Here, dogs are are free to roam, play swim and meet other dogs – all without a leash.
Every year, Dog Mountain gets more and more visitors from around the world. There’s plenty to do here, like hike and let your dog swim in one of the many dog ponds (if it’s warm enough), and appreciate the many works of art that reside at Dog Mountain. The Stephen Hueneck gallery atop Dog Mountain offers prints, gifts, books, fine art woodcuts, and housewares. Not only does he have a gallery full of beautiful works of art, but he built the Dog Chapel there. What you need to know about the Dog Chapel – “All Creeds, All Breeds, No Dogmas Allowed”.
Fun with dogs, love for dogs, and inspiration by dogs is calling you…at Dog Mountain.
Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is vibrant and is the largest city in Western North Carolina. It’s bursting at the seams with history, has plenty of cultural attractions and will seduce you with scenery that the word “beautiful” can’t even describe. The Grand Bohemian hotel allows two dogs of any size per select guest room.
Even if you embark on a tour or on an Asheville adventure that your pet can’t attend, the Grand Bohemian allows pets to be kept alone in the guest’s room while you’re out. Celebrate your vacation in “Beer City USA” at one of the many craft beer breweries, time travel into history by visiting the Biltmore Estate, or indulge in the breathtaking scenery with fido on one of the many hiking trails Asheville offers. Grab your bag, your pet, and sense of adventure…Asheville awaits!
Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee 
Gatlinburg is not only a great family-friendly place but is also a great dog-friendly place! At PetSafe, we’re not too far from there…it’s basically in our back yard, so we can certainly attest to the fun you’ll have with your pet in tow in Gatlinburg. Enjoy shopping, entertainment, and family-friendly attractions all throughout Gatlinburg. Go downtown to admire manmade beauty in the many art galleries and studios or grab your map and enjoy outdoor activities with your dog to admire the natural beauty in the wilderness of East Tennessee. The best way to stay in Gatlinburg, especially when you bring a pet, is to rent a cozy cabin or chalet. Many of the cabins and chalets are mountainside or along streams or creek beds, so you’ll feel like you’ve truly disconnected with the world and connected with nature. Imagine yourself snuggled up next to a fire with your pet, while you gaze out the back door into the tall timbers of the Great Smoky Mountains. Now that will hit the spot!
The Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado
When people think of Aspen they think of luxury, and The Little Nell is pure, comfortable lux. Their website alone with give you the goose bumps and make you yearn to go. Aspen was labeled, by industrialist Walter Paepke, as a place for renewal of mind, body, and spirit. You will be mesmerized by the sights, culture, and adventures in Aspen with art, food and wine, and world-renowned skiing.
The Little Nell offers luxury family amenities, and that also includes your pet! They have luxury pet amenities where they even offer a pet Jet Lag Kit that will help them get used to the altitude in Aspen. Whoa! Concierge at your pet’s service! The Little Nell’s luxury pet amenities supplies beds and bowls, walks, guides to pet friendly trails, tasty pet treats, and a luxurious pet menu. You'll enjoy pure lux in Aspen...with your pet!
Last year, we hit the slopes in Park City, Utah which is also a great pet friendly spot. Can you imagine yourself here?
Fireside Lodge Bed and Breakfast in Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is famous for is serene beauty and epic outdoor adventures. Fireside Lodge B&B is a great place to stay in Lake Tahoe with your pet…especially since it’s Tahoe’s only all-inclusive premier B&B! There’s lots of complimentary amenities at Fireside – bikes, kayaks, snowshoes, sledding hill, breakfasts, wine and cheeses, and complimentary marshmallow roasting at their cozy outdoor fire pit!
It’s close to biking, hiking, skiing, boating, and fishing areas. Fireside welcomes dogs of all breeds and sizes, and allows dogs to be off-leash (unless they’re aggressive). They even supply special flannel dog blankets for your room! And there are plenty of dog hikes where you and fido can enjoy trekking through Mother Nature together in Lake Tahoe. Close your eyes after you read each one and imagine yourself embarking on one of these winter excursions.
Which of these destinations speaks to you? Which destination do you think fits the inner wanderlust of both you and your pet? Let us know in the comments section which trip you think you’d prefer!
For more pet friendly travel destinations and lodging, visit BringFido where they specialize in pet friendly travel.
