Ellen
We have 2 GERMAN SHEPHERD dogs and train in Obedience, Tracking and sometimes Herding.
Reviews (16)
Clean, Efficient and Professional
Courtyard by Marriott Winston-Salem UniversityI felt compelled to come to review this hotel on BringFido because it had received a horrible rating from someone with no explanation. Thankfully, I always cross-check against Google reviews to get a better picture. Otherwise I never would have stayed at this lovely establishment with my German Shepherd. We were in Winston-Salem to participate in a training clinic at Winston-Salem Dog Training Club (about a 10 minute drive).
Check-in was smooth and uneventful. We were placed on the first floor, which was great for easy in and out to the dog potty area. The potty area was a little small, but sufficient. Dog owners did a good job picking up. And there is also an empty lot with some grass across a little side road for longer walks. Behind the hotel property is a recreation area, most likely owned by Wake Forest, with volleyball and picnic tables. The fence was closed. But it seemed like a good place for a lovely game of fetch.
The room was "roomy" - plenty of area for my dog and I to stretch out on the King Sized Bed, sit on the sofa watching TV. The room was clean and sheets and towels were changed daily. There was plenty of desk room for my laptop. The room also has a Keurig and plenty of pods, as well as a refrigerator for my dog's treats. The bathroom was nice, updated, clean. The shower was a walk-in with shampoo, conditioner, and soap all in pumps.
The hotel does NOT have a free breakfast, which didn't bother me. But it does have an a la carte menu for breakfast. And the $11 I spent for a bagel with butter and coffee is the reason why I am not posting a 5 bone review. I just felt that was excessive. But aside from that one thing, everything was great.
Hidden Pinehurst Gem
Maxi'sThis restaurant is off the beaten path, but is well known by the locals. They have a front deck with maybe 3 or 4 tables at which you may sit with your leashed dog. The waiter will bring a bowl of water. And it is a terrific place to stop before or after an early evening summer walk, because of its proximity to Rassie Wicker Park, Canon Park and lots of trails.
A FAVORITE
Red's CornerThis is a favorite go-to for our family. I also enjoy meeting friends here, as I can bring my leashed dog. There are lots of seats and tables. Some are under cover. Some benefit from fans. There is a playground for the kids. And the trucks that rotate through offer a laid back dining experience.
BEST COFFEE IN PINEHURST
Pine Scone CafeThis is a very friendly shop that serves up a huge variety of Scones and Coffees, which you can enjoy outside with your leashed dog on really nice sofas. A local favorite.
Dogs Love The Drive-Through
Starbucks AberdeenMy guys, even though crated in the back of the car, still know when we're pulling into Starbucks. Because itis Puppacino Time! I like the coffee, as well as some of the breakfasts.
Great Place To Walk and Sightsee
Chattanooga RiverwalkI love it when I can walk my dogs and sightsee simultaneously. We parked our car at the Chattanooga Aquarium (fee), and then walked the dogs over to the river. This is a city, so they need to be on leash. It was a drizzly kind of day, but we were able to exercise them, see a real paddle boat and even pose for photo ops. The trail runs between the river and a pretty busy street. So be careful crossing. We passed restaurants / coffee place, and what looked like some nice condos. Afterward, we returned the dogs to their crates in the car and toured the Aquarium.
A Safe Clean Place To Walk
Rassie Wicker ParkThis is a Park, owned by the Village of Pinehurst. It is absolutely beautiful, and I would give it 5 Bones if they had enough Garbage Cans through the backwoods section. Dogs are supposed to be on leash. You will occasionally see someone take their dog off leash to throw a toy in one of the fields. It is one of my favorite place to train dogs, because there is just enough distraction.
High Quality Locally Owned Business
Cared For Canine & CatI think the first thing I notice when I walk in is the very friendly owner, who recognizes everyone by name and is an absolute wealth of knowledge on pet nutrition. The second is the variety of dog food available. If they don't have the food you want in stock, call before Thursday, so they can order for you.
The store also carries a good variety of dog treats, antlers and other chew things, as well as really well made toys for my very tough chewers.
A true QUALITY little shop that I feel really good about supporting.
All Stages Of Life
Vanguard Veterinary HospitalVanguard Veterinary Hospital serves dogs in every stage of life. Puppies are given a good start. They will even help you socialize your puppy to the Veterinary offices. This is a Fear Free Practice.
As a dog ages, they require a different type of care. Mine are AKC Competition Obedience Dogs. My Male GSD recently had a Laparoscopic Gastropexy and Neuter recently. My older girl sometimes goes for physical therapy. And I have also experienced an end of life with another dog with this group. They are professional and compassionate. The care is first rate! I highly recommend.
Great Place For Exercise
Pinehurst Harness TrackI take my dogs here for exercise, but also for training. There are sometimes horse shows, and they offer great distractions.
Lovely 3-Mile Loop
Reservoir ParkThis is a nice trail going around a huge reservoir. Leashed Dogs are always welcome. There are exercise facilities along the way, as well as benches to rest, and even a shelter with grill.
CHRISTMAS EVE DAYTIME VISIT
Rock CityOne doesn't think of December as being a warm time of year to walk around a mountain. But it most certainly was for our trip. It was a fascinating walk through rocks and boulder formations, through winding trails and tunnels. And my dog loved it!! Although it was a pretty long walk, there were many places to sit comfortably and rest if needed. And I never felt unsafe from the heights for me or my dog, as there was safety measures everywhere needed. I recommend this highly. At Christmas, they also have an evening walk through lights that we did not go.
Most welcoming ever!
Hotel Indigo Chattanooga - Downtown an IHG HotelI must say, the Hotel Indigo Chattanooga may have been the best dog friendly hotel ever.
TOUGH WEEK MADE EASIER
Comfort Suites LumbertonOur county's power grid and cell service were vandalized by domestic terrorists (I'll bet most reviews don't begin like that). And we needed a warm comfortable place, in a safe/secure area to stay within an easy commute to my husband's office, which could also accommodate our two German Shepherds. Comfort Suites made room for us in a King Suite on the first floor, which also had a nice sofa (with a cover on it), a refrigerator and microwave. It was also at the end of the hallway, so getting in and out with the dogs was not stressful.
The bed was very comfortable. The television worked very well, and had enough channels, many of which were broadcasting updates from the situation at home, as well as shows that took our minds off our situation.
As a heads up, the internet wasn't password protected -- and that is why I always bring my own WIFI pack.
Breakfast was each morning at 6 AM, and had a lot of great choices. I think my favorite was the waffles. But we also appreciated the lady serving, because she was so attentive. She made sure there was Turkey Sausage each morning for me, and that comforted me to know she was watching out for me.
Thank you Comfort Suites in Lumberton!
Great Coffee, Very Good Bagels
Krave Bagel BistroIt took a bit for them to put together our small order, but people were nice. I had an Everything with Nova and Cream Cheese. VERY good. But the coffee was fantastic. There are 2 very small tables out front in the sun, no umbrella. So yes, you can go with the dogs. I bring my own water. Also noticed they have drive thru, so if we go back will pick up and choose to eat in more relaxed atmosphere.
Good Food Loud crowd
Captain Archie'sIn order to avoid Covid, we've been trying to eat in outdoor restaurants, which also works for our dogs.
There appears to be 2 decks. We chose to eat at the one across the driveway overlooking the intercoastal. It was a lovely evening. The dogs were VIPs and the food was so good. I wish there had been a non fried selection. But I tossed caution to the wind.
There were televisions with football, and a live band was there as well.
Cars pass through the driveway where we sat, and unfortunately, their music was louder, and many chose to gun their motorcycle right there.
Don't come here for romance, but do come to people watch.