Travels With Tundra
pet-friendly getaways
Wendy Webb
Duluth~Superior has more hotels that welcome dogs than you might imagine, even the Sheraton, which is part of the famously-pet-friendly, high-end Starwood chain. Take your dog on the Lakewalk, to the Portland Malt Shop or even (if he or she is very well-behaved) to Angie’s deck on a quiet evening.
Further up the shore, Tundra loves the town of Grand Marais. She’s happy to trot around the streets with me greeting (okay, frightening) passersby, chasing ducks on the lakeshore, wondering about the boats in the harbor and smelling the clean air.
Many of the lodges on the Gunflint Trail (and certainly all of the campgrounds) welcome four-legged friends, and there are more hiking and skiing trails than you can possibly traverse on any given weekend. And sitting around the campfire roasting hot dogs with your best friend? Priceless.
On the south shore, Madeline Island and Bayfield are both good doggie destinations. Madeline is especially dog-friendly, with plenty of campgrounds and a gaggle of inns that allow pets. Also, you can take your dog to several bar-restaurants with outdoor seating: Tommy’s Burned Down Café and the Beach Club spring to mind, but I’ve taken Tundra to the outdoor cafe at the fancy Inn on Madeline Island, and the waiter even brought her a water dish.
That brings me to a couple of dos and don’ts about vacationing with your pet. In winter, especially if you have a winter dog like mine, you’ve got no worries. But in warm weather? Travel with a lot water. Your dog will need more than you realize. And if you’re going to have lunch or dinner in a restaurant while your furry friend is in the car, make sure to park in the shade, leave the windows open and for heaven’s sake, don’t be too long.
One thing I’ve learned about staying in hotels with dogs: Bring familiar items like your dog’s blanket, a travel dish for water and food, and favorite toys. And I always bring a new chew toy or bone as a treat. Remember, these hotel rooms have welcomed other pets before yours — your dog, like mine, might smell other animals and be a bit jumpy.
PET FRIENDLY GET-AWAYS
