Road Trip USA
A guide to the best pet-centric
destinations in America
by Lauren Lewis
Canine Cruises
Michigan Ave and Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
(312) 332-1353 - Sundays, July 10-Sept 25, 10am
Enjoy a 90-minute river and lakefront cruise that highlights down-town Chicago landmarks-with your furry pal in tow. Every Sunday during the warmer months, Mercury Skyline Cruiseline offers a trip for dogs and their people. There's a newspaper-lined restroom for Fido as well as water bowls on board. Tickets go on sale Sundays at 8am and no reservations are needed. Cash only. The boat departs from Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, on the Chicago River. Adults $18; children (under 12) $8; dogs $5.
Dog Bark Park Inn Bed & Breakfast
Hwy 95, Cottonwood, ID
www.DogBarkParkInn.com - (208) 962-3647
Open year-round, Mon-Sun, 11-4pm
Dog Bark Park is home to Toby and Sweet Willy, the world's two biggest Beagles, Toby, a 12-foot-tall Beagle statue, was built by Dog Bark Park artists Dennis Sullivan and Frances Conklin, and Sweet Willy is officially known as Dog Bark Park Inn. That's right; the gigantic canine doubles as a guesthouse for four. If you're just stopping by, check out the gift shop and artist studio where you can see Sullivan and Conklin's folk-art-style wooden canine carvings.
SkyBARK
1026 and 1018 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA
www.SkyBark.com - (213) 891-1721
A recent addition to downtown L.A.'s party scene is SkyBARK, a nightclub fashioned specifically for dogs-and you. Here you can mix, mingle, and enjoy a cocktail with your best friend by your side. The bar boasts a large rooftop deck with views of L.A.'s skyline as well as a doggie night-care area equipped with grassy areas for bathroom needs. Additionally, the owners plan to host events benefiting the local rescues and animal shelters.
West Coast War Dog Memorial
March Field Air Museum
22550 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA
(951) 697-6602 - Open seven days a week, 9-4pm
Visit the site of the first War Dog Memorial. It's a tribute to all armed service dog handlers and their teams and the important roles they played in all of Amerca's combat action. The 16-foot-tall granite and bronze statue depicts a soldier with his German Shepherd. Tiles marked with a symbolic black paw print surround the base of the structure, each paying tribute to individual dogs. Adults $7; children (5-11) $3; kids under 5 are free.
Dog Chefs of America Headquarters
Amado, AZ (I-19 exit 48, forty miles south of Tucson)
www.DogChefs.com - (520) 398-1411 - Open Mon-Sat, 9-5pm
Dog Park is open daily from dawn until dusk
Learn how to whip up nutritious homemade meals for Fido at one of master dog chef Micki Voisard's classes and head outside for a romp at the half-acre dog park. Also be sure to check out the O My Dog! Fine Art Gallery, which boasts canine-inspired sculptures, paintings, and ceramic critters. Basic cooking classes are Saturdays from 9 to 11am. The cost is $35. Vistis to the dog park are free.
Antiquables, The World's Largest Dog Museum
Open 7 days a week, 10-6pm
With more than 7,000 dog collectibles on display, you're sure to find a great souvenir here. The museum was started by Barbara and David Hays, who have collected dog items from many parts of the world since 1967. The collection consists of pieces belonging to the Hayses as well as many that were acquired from Julia Speegle Hall (the aunt of director Ron Howard), who collected from the 1920s to the 1950s. Admission is free.
Jim the Wonder Dog Memorial Park
(660) 886-3324 - Open daily, from dawn until dusk
Rarely do you see an entire park dedicated to the memory of just one pooch. But Jim was no ordinary canine. In fact, in his hometown of Marshall, Jim is described as magical. Legend has it that not only could Jim understand the English language perfectly, he also had an uncanny ability to predict the future, including foretelling the victors of World Series, presidential elections, and the winners of seven consecutive Kentucky Derby's. Jim was so good that he even stumped researchers at the University of Missouri. The park is located on the spot where Jim's home, Hotel Ruff, once stood on the downtown square. Admission is free.
American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog
(314) 821-3647
Open year-round, Tue-Sat, 10-4pm; Sun, 1-5pm
Home to the world's finest collection of art devoted to the dog, this 14,000-square-foot facility displays more than 500 original paintings, drawings, watercolors, prints, sculptures, and a variety of decorative art objects. What's more, the museum is in the historic Jarville House, a Monsanto Greek Revival home, in beautiful Queeny Park. Adults $5; children (ages 5-14) $1; seniors $2.50.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
www.HemingwayHome.com - (305) 294-1136
Open year-round, 9-5pm
The legendary author lived here for more than 10 years, but the most tangible legacy he left in Key West comes in the form of a family of distinguished cats. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is residence to about 60 felines, half of which have extra toes. The group is thought to be descendants of a six-toed tomcat given to Hemingway by a ship's captain. Adults $11; children $6.
The Dog Chapel
www.DogMT.com - (800) 449-2580
The Dog Chapel, created by artist, author, and animal-lover Stephen Huneck, is a place where people can go with their dogs and celebrate their spiritual bond. It is located on Dog Mountain, a vast tract of mountaintop farmland near Huneck's home in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Inside the chapel, stained glass windows depict dog scenes while American Indian flute music plays in the background. The 12th annual Dog Party will be held on August 5-6. The celebration (which takes place in Woodstock on the 5th and at Dog Mountain on the 6th) includes a barbeque especially for dogs, gourmet treats for humans with champagne to wash it down, signings from Huneck, and more.
Farm Sanctuary Bed & Breakfast
(607) 583-2225 x230 (reservations required)
The Farm Sanctuary, located in the gorgeous Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, is the place for pet lovers. This 175-acre farm is home to more than 1,000 rescued cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and other animals. After a healthy vegan breakfast and tour of the grounds, human visitors are encouraged to pitch in with farm chores. Pets are welcome as well. You'll feel great knowing that lodging fees help pay for the animals' care and fund outreach programs. Just stopping by? Public farm tours are held every hour, on the hour, from 11am to 3pm.
Epona & Barkus Parade and Dog & Pony Show
June 9-18, 2006
The City Council of Mackinac Island has prohibited personal autombiles for more than 100 years (to preserve its horse culture), which makes it great destination for your pooch. To top that off, most of the island's attractions are pet-friendly. Visit in June and catch the Epona and Barkus Parade and Dog and Pony Show. Held during the annual Lilac Festival, this revelry celebrates Mackinac's dogs and ponies and their guardians. Visit www.MackinacIslandDogandPonyClub.com for other pet-friendly activities.
