MOUNT DORA, Fla. — At a wine-tasting event in Mount Dora, Fla., we met a couple enjoying a glass of merlot while their Shar-Pei tagged along. In that central Florida town, you can take Fido to lunch, and stop by the pet bakery. (We purchased several gourmet dog treats for less than $5.)
You don’t have to keep vacation fun on a tight leash when you travel with your pets. In fact, you have a wide menu of options.
Nature: Remote cabins are a great way for familiesto have fun without leaving Rover behind. At Eagle Island Lodge (privateislandsofgeorgia.com), off the coast of Georgia, weekday rates for parties of three to 12 travelers start at $500 per night. That price provides a private island for your sole enjoyment and boat transportation. If you split that cost with two or three other families of four, you’ll spend roughly the same amount as a basic business hotel plus doggie day care.
Infrastructure: Visitors to the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area of Florida have numerous venues to enjoywith pets, including a free off-leash dog beach at Fort DeSoto Park (complete with shower stations), and the complimentary, multi-acre Enterprise Dog Park with obstacle course, walking bridge, trotting trails and self-operated canine water stations.
Research: Travel writer and dog owner Rori Paul (roritravel.com) recommends Gopetfriendly.com for pet travel made easy. The site offers listings for dog parks, restaurants, camping areas, activities and more for pet parents on the road.
Travel, Pages 41 on 02/27/2011