BringFido's Countdown to Summer

Posted by Jessica Roberts

Summertime is prime time for pet-friendly travel, and many of the office dogs at BringFido have a lot on their itineraries between Memorial Day and Labor Day. In order to kickstart your summer trip planning, here are some of the summer vacations that BringFido team members and their pups are embarking on this year.

Canoeing and Camping Along the Connecticut River

Kelsey with Trooper and Smokey
“Woof Captain! My Captain!” Photo by BringFido/Kelsey

Trooper (pictured above) and Smokey are looking forward to another canoeing trip in Connecticut with their favorite human and BringFido Canine Concierge, Kelsey. This crew has previously canoed sections of the Connecticut River in Vermont and from Haddam Meadows State Park, camping along the way. During the trip, Kelsey cooks for herself and her pups on gas stoves or campfires (where they're allowed). She ensures the dogs get extra calories and stay hydrated by topping their kibble with bone broth. Considering taking a canoeing trip with your pooches? Check out these kayak and canoe rentals around the country that allow dogs. Kelsey’s best advice is to put a lifejacket on yourself and your dog. “Even if you don't think you need it, if something unexpected happens, at least you know you won't sink!”

These pet-friendly campgrounds in Connecticut are a great place to start if you’re planning your own river adventures with Fido in The Constitution State this summer.

Swimming and Sightseeing at Custer State Park

Billy with Bagel
Bagel is, without a doubt, swimming after a tennis ball. Photo by BringFido/Billy

In the summer of 2021, Billy, BringFido's International Travel Editor and pet parent to Bagel, ventured on a cross-country road trip. This summer, they hope to return to one of Bagel’s favorite stops, Custer State Park in South Dakota. Featured in the latest edition of BringFido’s book, Ruff Guide to the United States, Custer State Park includes epic scenic drives and pet-friendly hiking trails that lead through wildlife habitats around the park. There are also four lakes within the park where dogs and humans can take a dip. Although pups are not permitted on the designated swimming beaches, other areas with water access welcome Fido (and Bagel) to enjoy a splash. While visiting the park, be sure to keep your eyes open for herds of bison, prairie dogs, deer, antelope, mountain goats, elk, and bighorn sheep!

If you’re following in Bagel’s pawprints, cozy up in Custer at the Lost Bison Cabin. Dogs of any size are welcome for no additional fee at this quaint retreat nestled on four wooded acres in the Black Hills.

Annual Adventure in Savannah and Tybee Island

Jessica with Abbey and Charlie
What could be better than dogs and dolphins! Photo by BringFido/Jessica Chipriano

BringFido Lead Category Manager Jessica and her pups, Abbey and Charlie, are frequent visitors to Savannah. They always look forward to summer vacations in this historic town, one of the most dog-friendly cities in the south. Although they vary activities each year, the trip typically includes stops at Ghost Coast Distillery, which allows dogs inside, iconic Forsyth Park for photos and a walk, and breakfast at J. Christopher’s for a treat off the dog menu. One of the most memorable adventures for the pups and humans is Captain Derek's Dolphin Adventure on nearby Tybee Island. Jessica and her crew are looking forward to another sunset tour this summer!

Jessica’s family loves staying at the historic Foley House Inn. Four-legged guests at the Inn enjoy Southern hospitality with treats and bottled water at check-in. They’re also welcome to join their owners for the included full breakfast in the courtyard, complimentary afternoon tea, and evening gatherings for wine and cheese.

Hiking and Exploring at the Walls of Jericho

Stephanie with Bailey
Bailey’s backpack carries water and snacks. Photo by BringFido/Stephanie

Category Manager Stephanie and her dog, Bailey, will be spending the summer exploring one of the largest and most untouched sections of southeastern wilderness at the Walls of Jericho Alabama Trailhead. This remote area along the Alabama-Tennessee state line in Jackson County encompasses mountains, woods, springs, hosting caves, rocky bluffs, grass coves, and riparian forests by the headwaters of the Paint Rock River. The difficult trail is over six miles, so Stephanie always is careful to bring water along in a doggy backpack to keep Bailey hydrated.

If you want to hike this area in the summer, book a stay at this trendy boutique bungalow in nearby Huntsville. Fido can relax in the fenced yard while you cook his dinner on the BBQ grill provided.

Sand Sledding in New Mexico

Lauren with Peabody, Murphy, and Jolly
Hold on tight, Murphy! Photo by BringFido/Lauren

Senior Editor Lauren and her four-legged crewmates, Peabody, Murphy, and Jolly, are taking a few spontaneous road trips this summer. They are well-practiced at road-tripping to National and State Parks across the country, and typically camp along the way or book a hotel on BringFido when the weather is poor. One of their favorite road trips in the past took them to White Sands National Park, where they slid down the dunes in New Mexico on waxed snow saucers purchased in the park’s gift shop. Lauren’s advice is to protect your pup’s paws by sledding in the early morning or evening, or with his own pair of boots, as the sand gets hot in the summer.

Lauren and her pups always appreciate staying at pet-friendly campgrounds, like the Alamogordo White Sands KOA Journey. Nestled in the Tularosa Basin, this KOA is the perfect location to use as a base camp while exploring the beauty and attractions of southern New Mexico. There’s even a dog park on site where Fido can stretch his legs and meet other canine campers.

A Scottie Hangout in the Appalachian Mountains

Julie with Donal, Brannagh, Lochy, and Paddy
These pups will steal your heart. Photo by BringFido/Julie

Julie, a member of BringFido’s Hotel Relations team, is well known for her pack of Scotties. The crew will be joining up to 80 other Scottish Terriers and their humans in the North Carolina Mountains for Paddy & Peyton’s 1st Annual Scottie Round Up. The event will be held at WagonMaster Ranch Resort, a pet-friendly venue with fenced yards where the pups can play and a dog-friendly hall where dinner will be served to the humans. There will be a Scottie parade with a bagpiper, Scottie races, and a sale of Scottie collectibles benefitting Scottie rescue. After the event, Julie and her family plan to spend a day in the quaint Bavarian-themed town of Helen, GA, where they will hike, shop, and play in the lake at Unicoi State Park.

Long Walks at Ledges State Park in Iowa

Alicia and Daphne
A Golden and an Eagle in the Hawkeye State. Photo by BringFido/Alicia

Category Manager Alicia and her sweet pup, Daphne, will be exploring Ledges State Park together this year. The four-mile trail system, spectacular views of the canyon at Pea’s Creek, and the ankle-deep creek to splash in are the main attractions. Alicia will also take Daphne to several pet-friendly Iowa stops along the way. They plan to grab breakfast and coffee at Perry Perk, visit the gardens at the Iowa Arboretum, and dine at The Mucky Duck Pub while in the area.

The pet-friendly Best Western Plus Des Moines West Inn & Suites welcomes dogs with a goody bag of treats and is ideally situated near the intersection of Interstates 80 and 35.

Where are you and your dog headed this summer? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by BringFido/Billy.