Road Trip with the dog

January 27, 2016 3:46 PM

We're considering our Memorial Day weekend plans and want to take a road trip with our dogs - can you recommend dog friendly cities/towns/lakes in the Midwest?

We live in Indianapolis and are looking at a 4-5 hour radius around home as potential places to visit. Can anyone recommend any places to visit with our dog? Is Asheville dog friendly? Any lakes in Michigan or Kentucky? How about Nashville? Does Ohio love dogs?

We would love to hike, brewery hop, eat outdoors, find out if our dog can swim.. and any other activities she can take part in.

Or if you have any other advice or activity ideas for road tripping with your pup please share! Thanks in advance

posted by xicana63 to Travel & Transportation around United States (3 answers total)

We moved cross-country (New Orleans to San Francisco) with two dogs in the car. From what I remember:

Keep some extra towels in the car. You never know what will happen! One of my dogs barfed, so we had to throw out the pad in his kennel, and an extra towel replaced that.

La Quinta Inns are dog-friendly, and surprisingly nice for the price. Ask if you can get a room on the first floor near the side entrance, which will make going out for potty breaks faster.

Remember that pit-stops are are going to be a little more challenging, logistically. You can't both go into a convenience store or fast food place at the same time, because someone has to stay with the dogs.
posted by radioamy at 4:45 PM on January 27, 2016

I had to sit and ponder what the place was actually called for a hot minute, but Sweethaven Resort, in Union Pier MI was a fantastic late fall getaway last year with the dog*. It's very dog-centric, with specialized recommendations in the concierge book +/- four footed companions. A mile walk away from a nice beach with fantastic sunsets, very close to Warren Dunes State Park etc. Book now, because I was told they fill up almost entirely the whole summer.

*It was her first vacation, and as such we called the place "squirrel haven". There are squirrels aplenty, if that is a thing your puppy dog likes to chase.
posted by Cold Lurkey at 5:52 PM on January 27, 2016

Obviously don't forget to take all your dogs health and immunization records just in case you have to emergency kennel them for any reason. I'm seconding taking some extra towels and adding that I like to have 5 gallons of water with me on road trips with dogs. Just in case I get stuck somewhere. Also tie out leashes are very useful provided your dog is wearing a harness, I wouldn't ever leave my dog unsupervised on a tie out leash but it is nice to have the option of using it in crowded places like picnic areas and things. Put your flea protection on a couple days before you go and make sure your heartworm meds are current. Lastly I always take my dog's beds to make the long hours in the car more comfortable. I find it's helpful to have everything dog related in one bag so you can get your pets settled quickly in your hotel room.
posted by WalkerWestridge at 3:21 PM on January 28, 2016