This month, the coastal towns of Lincoln City and Newport host celebrations dedicated to raising awareness and money for local pet causes. Both events take place the weekend of May 20, so circle the date and get there!
Destination: Central Oregon
It’s the time of year when many start planning vacations and little getaways. When looking for a great place to truly unwind, pamper yourself, or to seek high adventure, one of the most popular choices is Central Oregon, home to a handful of worthy destinations including Bend, Sunriver, La Pine, Prineville and Sisters.
These mountain retreats beckon rock climbers, river rafters and hikers, as well as golfers, spa dwellers and the art-and-wine set. And whichever category a vacationer may fit, one belief held dear by many is that no vacation is complete without their numero-uno traveling companion, the dog. Fortunately, this area is geared to pets, so many accommodations and recreational opportunities are, too.
The beach offers miles of running and strolling freedom.While not the immediate backyard of many Northwest residents, the sand and surf of the spectacular Oregon Coast beckons to those near and far to load up the dog for a day or weekend excursion to the beach. With miles to run free, the bracing smell of salt, and of course the occasional stinky thing to roll on, dogs adore the ocean shores.
Hotels and vacation rentals roll out the red carpet for pets and their people
The holiday season is traditionally a time to be with family, and for many of us that includes our animals. The Northwest is paws-down one of the most pet-friendly communities in the nation, and many properties offer superlative amenities, great rates, and spectacular services for holiday revelers, and our furry best friends.
Spot sniffed out some great accommodations to consider for a holiday getaway this season, in some of our favorite getaway locales.
Hiking with Dogs is Great Fun, but be Prepared
Like any self-respecting Labrador Retriever, one-year-old Bear is happiest playing fetch in a natural body of water. Lucky for Bear, his partner in crime, Gary Harr, is also at his best on a river or lake.
Harr, who leads dog-friendly hikes for the social networking group Meetin Portland (MIPL), frequently takes Bear for five-mile jaunts in the Columbia River Gorge, and on the Clackamas, Sandy and Willamette Rivers. Last spring he led MIPL hikes at Triple Falls in the Gorge and at Oaks Bottom/Sellwood Park. His weekend haunts also include the Sandy River Delta (exit 18 off I-84), where Bear can roam off leash and splash in the river, always in sight.
Pet-friendly lodging, shopping and EATS
BROOKINGS - Shopping & Supplies
A-Xotics Pets & Supplies
722 Chetco Ave.
541-469-9749
Brookings Pets
1240 Chetco Ave.
541-469-5100
Heaven is just a tank away!
For most people in the Northwest, the coast is a powerful magnet, calling us to play for a day, or an extended stay. For pet lovers, the adventure just keeps getting better as ever more destinations, shops and lodgings declare themselves pet-friendly. Nearly every coastal town is pet-friendly to a degree, but some towns really stand out for putting out the welcome mat in a special way. Please join Spot in exploring some of these destinations over the spring and summer months. This month we visit Lincoln City.
With warm weather upon us, it’s time to think about vacays and quickie getaways. Don’t you love it best when your destination is one where your dear doggies can have as much fun as you?
We asked Spot readers for their favorite pet-friendly places for overnight stays. Here are their favs, appearing in no particular order, where not only two-footed folks are welcome, but four-pawed guests are treated like the VIPs they are.
Your A to Z Guide for Day-tripping in the Northwest
You know those times when you can’t take an extra day from work or one of your weekend days is already booked? Or when you get a day off in the middle of the week and are just itching to get out and enjoy? When you these unexpected chances for a getaway arise, don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s got to be an extended vacay to be worthwhile. Take a look at these great destinations. The Pacific Northwest is rich with ways to pack great adventures into a single day!
Eugene
Pack a picnic lunch and grab your running shoes and the leash. Visit Eugene’s Adida’s Amazon and Rexius Trails for a great day of cross training, running, walking or hiking. Rexius Trail loops along Amazon Creek, where your pooch can enjoy a quick dip or a drink. The Eugene area also boasts a wonderful 237-acre natural area at Alton Baker Park. Your dog will love running free in the designated off-leash space, and you may even want to take your bicycle along for a cruise along the river. Be sure to check out the Hays Memorial Tree Garden and Talking Stones for a bit of history and beauty.
For a little more action, Armitage Park is 56-plus glorious acres along the McKenzie River. Here you’ll find self-guided nature trails along with boat and river access, volleyball nets and horseshoe pits. Wrap your perfect day with a picnic — and don’t forget a doggie bag!
For adults the word “vacation” doesn’t have the same magical promise of carefree adventure it does for the young. In fact, since the invention of online reservations and do-it-yourself travel arrangements, the “vacations” we take these days can be even more stressful than a typical work day. The convenience of technology can become a curse if websites fail to communicate with each other or — even worse — you forget the invaluable e-ticket, e-reservation, or confirmation code, bringing your vacation to a sudden halt.
With this kind of stress it’s not surprising to hear returning vacationers say, “I need a vacation from my vacation!”
Bennington Properties, a family-owned property management company in Sunriver, OR, has a refreshingly old-fashioned take on the modern “vacation.” They're not your typical vacation property company.