#dog friendly jekyll island

[petyupp]

Best Dog Friendly Winter Vacations

Do you know why it is important to know where we can spend Best Dog Friendly Winter Vacations? Winter is that part of the year when most of us start to plan our trips. We want to explore nature and play with snow in the woods. We just want to forget about work and enjoy the vacations with our loved ones. 

Dog owners usually have a hard time deciding about where they can go because not every place is suitable for their furry family members and they can’t leave their dog in the home when there will be no one to take care of them. 

People do not want to miss out on the opportunity of traveling in the winter but also want their pets to accompany them. Here are some places where you can take your pet without thinking twice. 

Golden Isles is the Dreamy Destination for the Pets 

Golden Isles is one of the places where you can spend the winter vacations with your pet dogs. There are many islands like Jekyll and Saint Simons where you can wander around with your pet. One more interesting fact, almost 64% of Jekyll Island is unexplored by humans. There can be no better place than the Golden Isles if you want to explore hidden natural treasures with your pet.

Spend a great Time in Telluride

Venture into this amazing town known as Telluride which is located in Colorado if you are looking to spend a great fun time with your dog. Free transportation is one of the biggest highlights of this town. This is one of those places where even dogs have access to ski slopes and hiking trails. Poop bag stations are available at almost every street corner so that you don’t need to look around for a place whenever your pet wants to excrete. What more can you ask for? Have a memorable trip with your pet in Telluride. 

Enjoy in Lake Placid With Your Furry Friend

Lake Placid is where you can have one of the best dog friendly winter vacations. It provides an amazing experience to both dogs and humans as there is so much to do over there like fishing, biking, skiing, and hiking.

There are many trails and lakes to explore over here. John Hill Farm, Heaven Hill Farm, and Henry’s Woods are some of the most amazing places for an unforgettable winter hiking experience. It is one of the top choices for winter vacations in the United States. 

Relax on Rehoboth Beach With Your Pet

Which dog does not love surfing and sand? It is no secret that dogs just love beaches which makes Rehoboth Beach one of the most attractive destinations for them. Located in Delaware, this place has a stretch of natural beaches where dogs are allowed from 9:30 AM to 5 PM. Affordable house rentals with many lodging options for dogs are also one of the major reasons why you should check out this place with your pet. 

Aspen is the Perfect Place for Vacation 

Several activities like strolling, fat biking, snowshoeing, and skiing make Aspen a perfect place to spend winter vacations. There are many ski resorts with accommodations for dogs. Telluride and Aspen both are located in Colorado and both are great places to spend the vacation with your furry friend. Colorado also has Canine Cafe which is one of the Best Dog Friendly Coffee Shops in the USA.  

Outer Banks of North Carolina 

Barrier islands in the 130-mile stretch of the North Carolina coast are home to many quaint beach towns, making it one of the best places to enjoy vacations with your pooch. Bonzer Shack in the Kill Devil Hills is known for great music and food, you can take your pet there and have some quality time. Don’t miss the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse located in Cape Hatteras National Seashore while you are roaming around with your pet.

There are many places in the United States to have the best dog friendly winter vacations but you may also need suitable Dog Clothes for your furry pal while enjoying the winters. There are not many dog stores nearby where you can find clothes suitable for your dog, this is why PetYupp is the online platform from where you can not just buy dog clothes but also any sort of Pet Supplies you need at affordable prices.

[contentpassstory]

Pet-Friendly Destinations and Activities for You

Introduction

Traveling with pets has become increasingly popular, as more people seek to include their furry companions in their adventures. Fortunately, there are plenty of pet-friendly destinations and activities that cater to both you and your pet's needs. In this article, we'll explore some of the best pet-friendly destinations and activities, ensuring you and your beloved pet can enjoy memorable experiences together.

Exploring Pet-Friendly Destinations

1. Dog-Friendly Beaches

Many beaches around the world welcome pets, providing ample space for your dog to run, play, and swim. Some popular dog-friendly beaches include Carmel Beach in California, Cannon Beach in Oregon, and Jekyll Island Beach in Georgia, offering scenic views and off-leash areas for your furry friend to explore.

2. Pet-Friendly Parks

Parks are excellent destinations for pet owners looking to enjoy the outdoors with their pets. From urban green spaces to expansive national parks, there are plenty of options for hiking, picnicking, and exploring nature together. Be sure to check park regulations regarding pets before visiting.

3. Pet-Friendly Hotels and Accommodations

Traveling with pets is more convenient than ever, thanks to the increasing number of pet-friendly hotels and accommodations. Many hotels welcome pets with open arms, offering amenities such as pet beds, food bowls, and designated pet areas. Websites like BringFido.com and Airbnb allow you to filter accommodations based on pet-friendly options.

Engaging in Pet-Friendly Activities

1. Outdoor Adventures

Embark on outdoor adventures with your pet, such as hiking, camping, and backpacking. Many trails and campgrounds allow pets, providing opportunities for both of you to enjoy the great outdoors together. Remember to bring plenty of water, food, and waste bags for your pet.

2. Pet-Friendly Dining

Explore pet-friendly dining options in your destination, where you can enjoy a meal or snack with your pet by your side. Many cafes, restaurants, and breweries offer outdoor seating areas that welcome pets, allowing you to dine al fresco while your pet lounges nearby.

3. Pet-Friendly Tours and Attractions

Discover pet-friendly tours and attractions that cater to both humans and pets. From pet-friendly winery tours to historic walking tours and boat cruises, there are plenty of options for sightseeing and exploration that include your furry companion.

Tips for Traveling with Pets

1. Plan Ahead

Research pet-friendly destinations, accommodations, and activities in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for you and your pet. Make reservations for pet-friendly accommodations and activities as needed.

2. Pack Essentials

Remember to pack essentials for your pet, including food, water, bedding, toys, medication, and any necessary documents (e.g., vaccination records, health certificates). Don't forget waste bags for cleaning up after your pet.

3. Practice Good Pet Etiquette

Be considerate of others while traveling with your pet, respecting local rules and regulations regarding pets. Keep your pet leashed in public areas, clean up after them, and be mindful of their behavior around other people and animals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pet-friendly destinations and activities offer countless opportunities for you and your furry companion to create lasting memories together. Whether exploring dog-friendly beaches, hiking trails, or dining al fresco at pet-friendly cafes, traveling with pets can enrich your adventures and strengthen your bond with your beloved pet. By planning ahead, packing essentials, and practicing good pet etiquette, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and pet-friendly travel experience for you and your furry friend.

[maeelizabethg]

A weekend vacation to Jekyll Island

This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own. :)

Only a five hour drive from Atlanta, Zach and I hopped in the car with the dogs and headed to Jekyll Island for a long weekend getaway. Being our first time there, we used the Jekyll Island website to plan our trip. Although the island is small, it’s packed with plenty to do that will keep you going the whole time. It’s extremely clean, quiet (perhaps because we went before school let out for the summer), and one of the most dog friendly places I’ve ever been - woohoo!

We stayed in a spacious suite at the ocean-front Holiday Inn Resort. Our balcony overlooked the ocean so every morning we spent some time waking up to the sound of waves hitting the shore. The room came with two queen sized beds, a kitchenette (full-sized fridge, microwave, stove top, and sink), two tv’s, and the living room had pull-out couch. If cooking is more your vibe, this is the way to go. You won’t find any big-box grocery stores on the island, so you may want to bring some groceries with you. You can also pick up a variety of groceries and local provisions at the nearby Jekyll Market or hit a larger grocery story right before the entrance to the island. Parking was easy, and the property featured several gas fire pits, a kids’ playground, a gorgeous pool, cabana sitting areas, a coffee and martini bar, fitness center, several beach access points, bike rentals, and a dog-friendly restaurant called “Beach House” on site.

We are the type of people who like to stay active on vacation and bring our dogs as much as possible so we tried to fit in as much in as possible and adjusted as necessary considering there was a bit of rain for a few days while we were there. First on the list was taking our dogs to the beach! It was drizzling when we got in on Friday afternoon but after we settled in we took the dogs out to the beach right outside of our hotel. They LOVED it and we ran up and down the beach with them. This was also the day we realized the tides change quite noticeably on the island which was unique to see.

Saturday was filled with sunshine so we hit up the Summer Waves Waterpark first thing in the morning and checked out all of the slides! That afternoon we ventured around Beach Village which is a small shopping center featuring several restaurants, shops, and Jekyll Market. Lastly we caught the beautiful sunset while exploring Driftwood Beach. This beach is dog-friendly and filled with the remains of fallen trees due to many years of erosion. It’s one of the most photogenic places we went and was voted one of America’s “Ten Most Romantic Beaches.”

Sunday stormed so our hotel lost power a few times so it was PERFECT that we had tickets to go behind- the- scenes at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Because they take care of animals, they have generators  to continuously power the hospital. Although the general entry gives you an inside look at turtle care and is open rain or shine, I HIGHLY recommend the behind-the-scenes tour. We happened to be in the vet area when they brought in a turtle who needed blood work done which was incredible to witness! You also get to see where the food is kept, see the other turtles not out on public view, and ask all of the questions you want - it was truly an incredible thing to experience. During the lighter drizzle times, we walked around the Historic District admiring the beautiful historic buildings and large trees covered in Spanish Moss. That evening, when the weather had cleared up, we took a spontaneous sunset dolphin tour with hilarious husband-and-wife duo tour guides. We saw a ton of birds, learned all about the ecosystem of the island, learned a little history, and of course saw dolphins at sunset!

Knowing the weather on Monday was going to be incredibly sunny, but we had to check out by 11, we woke up early to take full advantage of the time we had left. We finally rented bikes and took advantage of the islands 25 miles of paved bike paths. These paths almost always keep you separate from the road allowing for you to venture out on a bike with the family in a very safe way. This made for a unique and beautiful way to see the island! Of course, we ended our trip with one last visit to the beach with the pups and said goodbye to a wonderful weekend getaway.

Below are a few bullet lists for dog friendly places, activities we did and didn’t do, and a few extra tips!

Although not a full list, here are a few dog friendly places that we visited while on Jekyll Island:

The Holiday Inn Resort

Oceanview Beach Park of the Holiday Inn Resort

Driftwood Beach

Walking through the beautiful Historic District

The expansive bike path is also shared by dog walkers and runners alike

Sunrise Grille Restaurant

Beach House Restaurant

Tortuga Jacks Mexican Restaurant

To note, there are plenty of other places to eat that have outside seating, but because they aren’t full service restaurants it would require you to either tie up your dog outside while you go in, or have an additional person to wait outside while you go inside to order. To name a few: all of the places inside of the Jekyll Market including Hibiscus Cafe, Boardwalk Deli, The Love Shack BBQ, and A Sweet Shop Named Sprinkles. Fuse for froyo, The Westin Cafe for Starbucks coffee, and Red Bug Motors Pizza and Pub. My recommendation is to call ahead if you aren’t sure.

Activities that kept us moving and a few others we didn’t get to:

Summer Waves Waterpark

Driftwood Beach

Biking

Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Dolphin tours

Stand-up Paddle Boarding/Kayaking

Mini golf and/or regular golf

Tennis

Mosaic, the Jekyll Island Museum

Horseback riding

A few extra tips:

Heads up, there is a parking pass that you must purchase when you first arrive.

Bring bug spray or purchase the local spray called “No Natz” found at several local stores.

Dogs must be leashed at all times and the leashes can’t be longer than 16ft. So happy about this so other people’s dogs can’t just come up to yours and cause a potentially dangerous situation.

Dogs are allowed on beaches except South Beach between South Dunes Picnic Area and 2,000' northeast of St. Andrews Sound Picnic Area, to protect nesting shore birds..

Be careful about walking out to the sand bars on the beach as the tide rolls in and out 8 feet every six and a half hours. Also, plan your beach visits accordingly as I had no clue about the tide and there are times when the water completely covers the sand. Mother Nature is so cool!

The water is not clear, but it’s not because of pollution. In fact, the water is very nutrient dense which allows for all of the thriving wildlife!

If you’re a fellow lover of Jekyll Island and have any recommendations that we missed, please leave them in the comments below so myself and others can enjoy during their next trip!

[seedfinance]

Top Pet-Friendly Vacation Ideas and How Much They Cost

humonia / Getty Images / iStockphoto

The Americans are taking advantage of the reopening of the state by getting off with renewed vigor and traveling again. So much travel means pet sitters are in high demand and can be difficult to find – and expensive. So why not think about using that money and going on a vacation bringing your pets with you?

Follow with: Live 31 days richer Small Business Spotlight 2021: Take a look at our Small Business Stories and the nominated companies in your area

Whether you’re looking for a hotel, restaurant, or activity with your favorite Fido or Fluffy, we’re exploring some great ideas to keep you and your pets happy with suggestions from BringFido.com.

Last updated: July 9, 2021

Mendocino Headlands, California, at dawn.

Stanford Inn by the Sea: Mendocino, California

Take a trip to cool, breathtaking Mendocino, California. You can bring three pets of any size, including dogs and cats, at Stanford Inn by the Sea. Your pets are welcome in all rooms except The Garret Suite, the pool house and the massage area, but you cannot leave them unattended. While this is the most expensive hotel on this list, at around $ 490 a night, the experience is worth every penny. There is an additional fee of $ 45 per stay for one pet and $ 22.50 per stay for each additional pet. The inn offers pet treats, pet towels, bowls, and sheets for furniture. Take your puppies for a walk on the property’s 10 acres of green space.

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Coronado, USA – January 14, 2016: Woman with dog running on Coronado Island beach, USA.

Westin Gaslamp Quarter: San Diego

In keeping with the California theme, take a beach trip to sunny San Diego and bring your dogs (unfortunately not cats) to the Westin Gaslamp Quarter. The hotel allows two dogs up to 40 pounds at no additional charge. Rooms cost around $ 200 and up, though you may be able to bring that price down with an AAA membership or other discount coupons. If you have a larger dog you may be able to get a permit by contacting the hotel directly. Don’t leave your dogs unattended – and luckily, you can walk them anywhere on the property.

The story goes on

Helpful: Get a pet during the pandemic? How to save supplies for your new furry friend

Entry to Walt Disney World

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground: Orlando, Florida

If you’re in the Disney mood and don’t want to leave your dogs behind, head to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. You can bring two dogs of any size for an additional $ 5 per night in campsites and $ 50 per night in cabins. Standard campsites start at $ 145 per night (with full RV hookups). Your dogs will receive the Pluto welcome kit upon check-in, which includes a mat, bowls, pet tag, poop bags, puppy pads and a walking map for dogs. In addition, proof of vaccination is required. Dogs are allowed on the free Magical Express airport shuttle and the Minnie Van, but only on one transport company. However, you need to leave your cats at home.

See: Comfortable Shopping From These Do-Good Brands For Pet Supplies

Long stretch of Miramar Beach in Destin, Florida

Pineapple Cabana: Destin, Florida

Enjoy a Gulf of Mexico beach vacation in the lesser-traveled city of Destin, Florida with your pets. While you can’t bring your pets for jet skiing or dolphin watching, there is plenty of room to spread out with them in this 5 bedroom vacation rental. Your pet will be charged a fee of USD 140 per stay, but you may be able to add additional pets upon request. A stay here costs about $ 307 a night on average, depending on the time of year, but with five rooms you can share that cost with friends or family.

Tips: 13 travel agent insider secrets that will save you money

Georgia, Jekyll Island, travel, travel destinations, insider tips, travel destination

Holiday Inn Resort: Jekyll Island, Georgia

There are tons of outdoor activities with your pets in historic Jekyll Island, Georgia. And at Holiday Inn Resort, Jekyll Island, pets of all sizes (dogs and cats) are allowed for an additional fee of $ 25 plus tax per pet per night. Your pets can only be left unattended if they are accommodated in the room. Otherwise there is a lot of lawn to walk on on the property.

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Carmel, United States – November 19, 2011: Shopping on the main street of Carmel with luxury expensive boutiques all around.

The Forge Restaurant: Carmel, California

The wonderful seaside town of Carmel, California, a place brimming with beaches and natural parks, also offers dining with your pups. Head to The Forge, a bistro-style restaurant where your dogs can join you on The Pound Patio. You can even order specialties from a canine cuisine menu. Or order the Hot Diggity Dog or the Quarter Hounder.

More travel tips: How to save money on rental cars for your upcoming trip

Girl-with-dog-in-Las-Vegas

Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar: Las Vegas

When visiting Las Vegas resorts and casinos, be sure to bring your dog to the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, which serves American cuisine. Your dog can join in at one of the pet-friendly tables outside. It offers a dog-friendly menu with items like hamburger patties or grilled chicken and brown rice.

Read: Things you can get for free in any state

The Barking Dog Restaurant: New York City

New York City is the perfect place to bring your dog as there are plenty of outdoor opportunities and walking ability. Your dog won’t want to miss a meal at The Barking Dog, as well as being dog friendly, it also serves dishes like crab cakes, fried chicken with buttermilk, old-fashioned Yankee pot roast, and cajun po’boys.

Helpful: 10 money-saving travel tips for the summer that only insiders know

Puppy Picasso Experience: New York City

If you’ve got a high performing, creative pup, check out Puppy Picasso, a pet-friendly Airbnb New York experience. A local artist will teach your pup how to paint, using non-toxic paint of course, a subject ranging from rainbows to flowers to animals. Prices start at $ 35.

Find out: 35 things that your hotel provides you with free of charge

The original dog beach: San Diego

Sometimes a dog just wants to run on the beach, and what beach is better than The Original Dog Beach on the north end of Ocean Beach in San Diego. Dogs are allowed to walk without a leash at any time of day (but please pick them up after your pet). And after that, you can take your dirty dog ​​to the Dog Beach Dog Wash at 4933 Voltaire Street, just two blocks away.

Fly soon? The best and worst airlines for cheap flights

Clear Jupiter Kayak Tours: Jupiter, Florida

For the more adventurous dogs, book a Clear Kayak Tours Through Jupiter in Jupiter, Florida. This is a pet friendly Airbnb experience with a kayak lesson in a clear bottom boat. Dogs are welcome, but you must bring a towel to lie on. The experience lasts 2 1/2 hours and can accommodate up to 10 guests of all ages. Guests (and dogs) need to be comfortable on the water and around marine life. Prices start at $ 65 per person.

Be careful: 30 places with the most expensive vacation rentals

Happy woman walking with dog early Sunday morning in London, Notting Hill.

Nawlin’s Sh’nanigan’s Scavenger Hunt

Another pet-friendly experience from Airbnb Experience is the NAWLINS SH’NANIGANS Scavenger Hunt. Take your pup on a scavenger hunt in Louisiana’s most famous city. Your event begins with a briefing and a warm-up. Then you are alone to solve clues as you explore New Orleans top attractions. The experience lasts two hours and can accommodate up to 30 guests of all ages. Prices start at $ 22 per person.

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Disclaimer for photos: Please note that the photos are for representative purposes only.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Top Pet Friendly Vacation Ideas and How Much They Cost How

source https://seedfinance.net/2021/07/09/top-pet-friendly-vacation-ideas-and-how-much-they-cost/

[catherinecaycewrites-blog]

Forever Southern; Forever Brunswick

Only in the South, as you walk the old streets of any of the historical cities like Charleston, Savannah, Brunswick, can you feel the time around you stand still. The architecture is but a small reminder; the history is but a small reminder; the plaques, the brochures, the history books are all but small reminders. If you walk the streets in the dead of night, you can feel the South living; you can hear Oglethorpe’s men calling, the canons blaring, the slaves singing; you sniff the smell of gunpowder in the air, and see the ships coming in from the sea. For time is on a loop, and for a Southerner, you only have to close your eyes to have all your other senses come alive.  

Only in the South do the Oleander bloom and the night Jasmine fills the summer nights, mingled with sweat that trickles down your shoulder blades as you sit in the fresh mown sweet grass, and all the senses are alight in unison. At every hour of a summer eve in the South are your senses met with a brigade of new delights. 

At dusk, the pink and orange hues cross the skies as God's paintbrush dabbles the horizon with an easel Monet could not mimic. In different waters, dolphin fins pierce the water; trout bubble at the surface; rays fly and skip, and turtles lazily float along. Cicadas sing, crickets chirp, alligators croak, dogs bark in the distance, and music floats through the air. Salty fish smells waif through the air as the tide rolls out; swampy mold earth odor embraces the nostrils of the marshlands; pines, oak, and an array of wildflowers play on the breeze if one's lucky enough to get one. Somewhere, someone is forever cooking out on a grill; saliva fills your mouth. If you were raised in the South, you remember your daddy grilling, your momma’s coleslaw, and your grandmamma’s sweet iced tea, and nostalgia flits across your mind for days gone by. 

In the dark, on a moonlit night, the shadows of the South are even more heavenly. Spanish moss hangs from every tree, dancing hauntingly, swaying like a distant lover enticing you to follow it. Bats fly high and low with their sonar beacons seeking the ever-present emblem of the south, “the mosquito”, who can suck more blood out of you in ten minutes than Vlad ever had hoped to. If you listen carefully, you can hear the mournful hoot of an owl crying out to its mate across the fields and trees; moments later, you may catch a response… or not, but the hooting is an ever-present reminder of ages past, ages present, and ages yet to come.

It is the ages past and present that are being lost and forgotten, that which this byline hopes to capture before they, too, are forgotten memories. I want to find the families of Brunswick and tell their stories, no matter how trivial those stories may seem to them. Who wouldn’t sell ten minutes of their own lives to have their own grandparents tell them an “I remember when I was a child story” just one more time?

When you talk about old Southern families, one name has been amongst us since Oglethorpe’s men. Clan Buie of the Scottish Highlanders is written about in the book “The Golden Isles of Georgia” by Caroline Couper Lovell. Brunswick’s history teaches us that many of the coastal cities were settled by Scottish Highlanders for Governor Oglethorpe, Clan Buie being one of them, and one of its descendants, Howard Buie has lived here his whole life. 

Ironically, Howard refers to growing up in Brunswick in the 50’s and 60’s much like “Leave it to Beaver”, while all the time I’m listening to him tell his story, he is reminding me of Beaver’s older brother, Wally. He has this very laid back, easy going, “well, gee dad” personality.  “Except, my mother didn’t wear high heels and pearls.”

Being in the middle of nine siblings, he describes that was the norm. Families had lots of children.

”People reproduced like rabbits”, he laughs.  And the children always played outside, “playing pretend” They were allowed to play in the marshes and trees, playing cowboys and Indians (he was always an Indian because his mother was part Cherokee) and Tarzan.

“But!” he exclaims, “You never did anything really bad, ‘cause everybody’s mom was your mom,” meaning everybody knew everyone. 

On Saturday afternoons, one would go downtown to Newcastle where mom and pop shops thrived, and the owners lived upstairs. Regardless of that, it is a tree that Buie fondly recalls. 

“Much like Lovers Oak, it was right about where Fox’s pizza is now; it was a national landmark; it was huge, and you would always find at least 20 kids in that tree”.  Buie’s eyes momentarily are lost in the memory.

 “I guess at some point they had to cut it down, because it was such an obstruction,” and he’s back.  

“Oddly”, Buie says “segregation never made it to Brunswick” that he recalls. For him, he doesn't recall a time where there was a distinct separation. Blacks and white folks had always gone to school together at Glynn Academy and he was friends with many of them, especially if they played sports. 

This writer’s favorite story is the “Night all the Rich People Left Jekyll Island”.  In 7th grade, Howard’s older friend was staying at the Jekyll Inn, which at the time was holding all the belongings left behind and abandoned in the Millionaire Village: antique furniture, original Hemingway novels, custom-made pieces that had belonged to the Rockefellers and Goodyears.

 “Even at 14 years old, I knew this stuff was expensive and it was really strange seeing it all collected in one place. I later found out how the Millionaire Village became abandoned.” 

“A man that I worked for in the 70’s had lived on St. Simons on what was called the Waycross Colony when WWII broke out…." Howard begins. One night a friend of his from Jekyll came and got him on his sailboat and brought him back to Jekyll Island. Both being military, they had been taught to look out for German U-boats in the Brunswick waters. When they got back to Jekyll, they found all the millionaire homes abandoned with their clothes laid out and jewelry laid out as if they were going to have a big party, but instead everyone had gotten on a train and headed back to New York. 

“It was the eeriest thing the men had ever experienced; every house was like that, just left with all its contents in place”. 

“I think that’s the last time the wealthy people were on Jekyll Island, and I think that was 1944.” Howard finishes.  Later, the community gathered all the furniture and belongings of the Millionaire Village and stored it all at the Jekyll Inn, which is how Howard came upon it still there 30 years later. 

Finally, one cannot have grown up in Brunswick without knowing about the Peanut Man. In the late 50’s, early 60’s, an old man would dress up like a woman, and paint his face purple. Every Saturday he would have a grocery cart filled with little bags of roasted peanuts, and you could hear him yelling “Peanuts”. “He was very friendly, selling a bag for a nickel, but if you didn’t have a nickel he’d give us kids one. Now, what’s really interesting about this man,” Howard leans in, “is he lived in an old shack, but when he died he had over a million dollars in the bank.” 

He had no relatives; the paper wrote an article about him, and according to Howard anyone who lived in Brunswick in the late 50’s will remember “The Peanut Man”.   This is a piece of Brunswick history that should not be lost. Here’s to the late Peanut Man. 

Thank you to Howard Buie for sharing his piece of history with me. 

[kayawagner]

Holiday Festivity [BUNDLE]

Publisher: Skirmisher Publishing

This very special 99% off customer appreciation bundle contains 12 titles, including Gold and Platinum bestsellers, for just 25 cents and will be available for only a short time! Skirmisher Publishing would like to wish you a merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, jovial Saturnalia, joyful Yule, frugal Festivus, and an otherwise great holiday season however you choose to observe it and hope some of our great publications will bring you some enjoyment during it.

100 Oddities for a Hung Stocking Regular price: $0.99 Bundle price: $0.01 Format: Watermarked PDF This "100 Oddities" holiday mini-sourcebook will only be available until the end of the holiday season!  When the holiday season comes around why shouldn’t the heroes in your campaign get in on the action?Why not roll up a few random treats and tricks using this table of random items, any of which might be found in a stocking hung over the fireplace, a goody bag at a birthday party, a bucket of Halloween candy, or any other time when gifts are in the offing?  Oddities are intended to aid storyteller creativity, turning possibly bland areas or gaming episodes into something more, and the goal of this publication is to make things more fun and to take your imagination in directions it might not otherwise have gone. They fill in the corners of a bookshelf, a room, a level... 100 Oddities for a Wizard's Library Regular price: $0.99 Bundle price: $0.01 Format: PDF Welcome to 100 Oddities for a Wizard's Library, third entry in Skirmisher Publishing's ever-expanding series of curiosities designed to fill the empty corners of your campaign worlds!  Oddities may clutter a shelf or lie forgotten in a corner but are not defined by where they are so much as what they are and are unusual by their very nature. A dead rat in the basement of an abandoned building is not an oddity, but the same dead rat with its eyes sewn shut is. Oddities make you think about why they exist, how they ended up there, even what the hell they are, questions that are key to an engaging and invigorating roleplaying experience.  Oddities are intended to aid GM creativity and turn possibly bland areas or gaming episodes into something more. The goal of this... Age of Night (Volume 1: Business Between Brigands) Regular price: $4.99 Bundle price: $0.05 Format: PDF Join Drake, runaway avatar of the God of Night, Rhonwen, a naïve mage of the White Order, Thelonius, a spy and assassin hiding from the Shadow Houses, and Kamaria, a thief with ties to no one but her companions, as they embark on their journey! In their quest to free Drake from his bonds to the Covenant of Mandra they will journey across the Republic of Amathea and face many challenges and enemies along the way. Search for freedom. Find your place. This edition of the graphic novel includes a bonus short story and appendices of sketches and work process, some theological notes on the goddess Mandra, and a character profile of Drake. ... Carnivals, Theaters, & Other Entertainment Places (City Builder Volume 3) Regular price: $1.99 Bundle price: $0.02 Format: PDF City Builder Volume 3: Entertainment Places is the third in a series of 11 complementary books designed to help guide Game Masters through the process of creating compelling and exciting urban areas and places within them for their campaigns. It is not specific to any particular game setting and is designed to be compatible with the needs of any ancient, Dark Ages, Middle Ages, Renaissance, or fantasy milieu.  Contents of this book include: An Introduction that describes the scope of the series and how to use the material in this volume; Individual sections devoted to descriptions of Carnivals, Menageries, Museums, Parks, and Theaters; and One or more Adventure Hooks tying in with each described sort of place. This download includes both low-resolution screen-frien... Cthulhu Live’s Mysteries of the Mythos: Murder at Miskatonic Regular price: $2.99 Bundle price: $0.03 Format: PDF Miskatonic University, that ivy league institution of higher learning that has produced many a fine young adult ready to shape the world the way they see fit. With diverse courses such as Peruvian Basket Weaving, Modern Occult Legends, and Ancient Languages, Miskatonic has a class for any student. And with the award-winning sports team, the Fighting Cephalopods, even the athletic scholar can find his path to a brighter future among these hallowed halls.  There is, however, a class not in the curriculum that one person on campus is about to earn a masters in. That class is Murder 101. This class has only one test, but the final is a real killer. Who will pass this course? Will it be the jock? What about the bookworm? And let us not forget about the professional rival! Only time an... Earth Dog (A Monster for 5th Edition) Regular price: $0.50 Bundle price: $0.01 Format: Watermarked PDF In honor of the 2018 lunar Chinese New Year, Skirmisher Publishing is proud to announce the release of “Earth Dog: A Monster for 5th Edition”!  Earth Dogs are elemental animals look like sturdy, well-formed, hairless mastiffs that vary in color from beige or brown to orange or even yellow. They are gregarious, loyal, and exuberant and respond well to life with various intelligent species, and are therefore often kept as pets, animal companions, or guards by Earth-dwelling beings like Dao. On the Prime Material Plane, Earth Dogs are most likely to be found in places like mountains, rocky ravines, gemstone mines, and the temples of deities with which such places are affiliated, where they typically serve as guardians. In cultures that observe the Lunar New Year and adhere... Forbidden Monsters of Foree: Brainlashers (Cardstock CharactersTM) Regular price: $2.24 Bundle price: $0.02 Format: PDF Behold the strange and terrible world of Foree! Awful and nonsensical are the rules of this inhospitable world, where Wizards alone reserve the right to utter the names of certain monsters. But we have dared to mention here one of these fell creatures, the Brainlasher, and to present its fearful likenesses for your consideration. Using their alien technology, psionic abilities, and mind-shattering abilities, the Brainlashers are among the most loathsome and formidable of monsters. While they have long inhabited the known worlds, the Brainlashers have been used to populate the world of Foree with no acknowledgement of this. They are, in fact, the brainchildren of H.P. Lovecraft, Brian Lumley, and the other luminaries of the Mythos and those inspired by it. This set of 12 full-color p... Lives of Kos (Swords of Kos Fantasy Campaign Setting) Regular price: $3.99 Bundle price: $0.04 Format: PDF Welcome to Lives of Kos, the fifth volume of the highly-anticipated Swords of Kos Fantasy Campaign Setting! This book contains 118 system-free biographies of personages who live on the island of Kos or the lands surrounding it and are mentioned or appear as characters in the related sourcebooks or stories about the campaign setting. All of them can be used either individually or in conjunction with one another, and within the context of the Swords of Kos campaign setting or as part of any other milieu. This book follows Kos City, Kos Island, Lands Beyond Kos, and Encounters and is fully compatible with and expands upon concepts that appear in them. The Swords of Kos Fantasy Campaign Setting has deliberately been designed to be system free... Orc Raiders (Little Orc Wars/Cardstock CharactersTM) Regular price: $1.49 Bundle price: $0.02 Format: PDF This set of downloadable Cardstock CharactersTM miniatures contains three variations on five different figures, a Champion, Infantryman, Javelineer, Boar Rider, and War Boar. They are the ideal addition to any sort of tabletop fantasy RPG or wargame and can be used to enhance encounters or even serve as the basis for them. The different variations can also be used to easily reflect different levels and capabilities and one of the factions has blank shields that can easily be customized.  These miniatures were designed specifically for both the tabletop and video versions of the H.G. Wells' Little Orc Wars miniatures game. We hope you and your players will enjoy battling with them! ... Stevenson At Play Regular price: $1.49 Bundle price: $0.02 Format: PDF Famous as the author of such great works of literature as Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson was also a dedicated war gamer. Stevenson at Play, one of the lesser-known works of this “Grandfather of Modern Wargaming,” describes a complex strategic wargame that the author and his stepson, Samuel Lloyd Osbourne, played in the early 1880s.  Skirmisher’s edition of Stevenson at Play includes an Introduction by Osbourne, a Foreword by publisher and wargame designer Michael O. Varhola, and several period pieces of art, including some hand-drawn sketches by Stevenson himself. This download includes low-resolution screen-friendly and high-resolution... The Christmas Inn Regular price: $0.50 Bundle price: $0.01 Format: PDF This short story set in Medieval England during the turbulent War of the Roses tells how the events of one cold and stormy winter night caused an old and storied inn for travelers to have its name changed. It includes some pleasingly evocative imagery, particularly with regard to the proprietors of the inn and the men-at-arms that converge upon it.  “The Christmas Inn” was written by author Ella F. Mosby and illustrated by acclaimed English-American artist R.B. Birch and was originally published in 1892. Modern readers may find the tensions described in this story strikingly familiar but take heart at the way they are set aside during the holiday season. ... Wisdom from the Wastelands Issue #39: Unique Superscience Artifacts Regular price: $0.99 Bundle price: $0.01 Format: Watermarked PDF Imagine — barely 50 years ago — pulling out your smart phone in Dallas to take a selfie as President Kennedy passed by. The technology people casually sit on today might have gotten you disappeared by an alphabet agency, for possessing alien devices and/or photobombing by the Grassy Knoll gunman. A hundred years ago, talking into your hand could have landed you in an asylum. Three centuries ago, they would have burned witches for catapulting surly birds at petulant pigs. This idea, Clarke’s Second Law, is a powerful philosophical/imaginative concept and a very useful tool for Mutant Lords. In Mutant Future, it translates into superscience: Ancient equipment so advanced it seems supernatural, able to break the laws of physics and engineering. Wisdom from the W...

Total value: $23.15 Special bundle price: $0.25 Savings of: $22.90 (99%)

Price: $23.15 Holiday Festivity [BUNDLE] published first on https://supergalaxyrom.tumblr.com

[jeffreyrwelch]

Dog-Friendly Hotels to Keep in Mind for Your Summer Vacation

When you’re a pet parent, you’ve got to give a quick road trip or summer vacation a little extra thought. Do you board your dog in an overnight camp? Rely on a local petsitter, friend or relative? Or pack up your pooch and take him along for the journey? Option three requires a sense of adventure, common sense about leaving your pet alone in an unfamiliar place, pet etiquette and some advance research on pet-friendly hotel rules and restrictions. But with a combination of all of the above, it can be simple and fun to have your four-legged friend along for the ride. The biggest question when considering taking your pet along is finding dog-friendly hotels. Not to worry.

Today — from economy motels to upscale boutiques — there’s a dog-friendly accommodation option for every budget. Here’s a guide to some pet-friendly hotel chains across the country:

Economy | Value Dog-Friendly Hotels

Motel 6 is a dog-friendly hotel chain. Photography courtesy Motel 6.

Popular with road trippers, most budget-conscious large roadside hotel chains allow pets. Frequented pet- and budget-friendly options include:

Best Western Hotel & Resorts

La Quinta Inns & Suites

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham

Motel 6

Red Roof

Travelodge

Super 8

As locations are often independently owned, policies may vary by hotel, so inquire with the specific site to ensure it is pet-friendly before pulling in for the night.

While some chains and locations charge a pet fee, others allow a complimentary stay. La Quinta, for example, allows two pets per room at no charge. Motel 6, likewise, claims that “well-behaved pets are always welcome,” and they stay free.

“For more than 55 years, Motel 6 has been a pet- friendly brand,” says Jim Amorosia, president and CEO of G6 Hospitality, which owns the Motel 6 brand. “At any of our more than 1,400 locations across the U.S. and Canada, our guests are welcomed to stay with up to two pets per room for free. We understand how important it is for our guests to find comfortable and affordable accommodations when traveling with their pets, and we are very pleased to consistently offer that for the entire family.”

Regardless of the chain, it’s a good idea to read the hotel’s pet policy before booking — and always be up front at check-in about having a pet in your room. You’ll likely be required to sign a pet policy agreement for the safety of everyone involved, from you and your dog to housekeeping and hotel staff.

Moderate | Midscale Dog-Friendly Hotels

Hotel Indigo is a dog-friendly hotel chain. Photography courtesy IHG/Indigo Hotels.

From Extended Stay America, Comfort Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn to the many hotel chains under the InterContinental Hotel Group umbrella — Holiday Inn, Kimpton and Hotel Indigo, among others — there are abundant hotel options in the midscale price category. Many of these hotels charge per-pet fees of $25 and up, but some also offer extra-special pet amenities to make up for the charge.

Hotel Indigo, for instance, a boutique hotel chain with 53 locations across the United States from San Diego and Austin to Savannah and Chicago, is known to offer Yappy Hour events, where dogs are welcome in rooftop bars.

Extended Stay America

Comfort Inn & Suites

Hampton Inn by Hilton

Holiday Inn

Kimpton

Hotel Indigo

Luxury | Upscale Dog-Friendly Hotels

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Photography courtesy Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.

Even Fido deserves to stay in style. Thankfully, many upscale hotel chains will welcome him with open arms and treats. Check for additional costs like a pet fee (sometimes a refundable deposit, sometimes not) and a non-refundable cleaning fee. Chains like Hyatt and the hotels in the Starwood group — Aloft, Sheraton, Westin and W Hotels, among others — allow pets with certain weight and other restrictions. Westin will even offer Fluffy her own branded dog bed so her sleep can be as “heavenly” as her owners’.

For the ultimate dog-friendly hotel destination, Southern California’s The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel offers the Posh Pooch program, which includes a hand-painted bowl, plush dog bed, chew toy, dog menu, dog walking trail map and Club Yappy card — a loyalty card that gives pet parents discounts on property throughout their stay — all for a $50 per-night boarding fee. This summer, the hotel will offer its series of monthly Yappy Hour events that benefit The Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence.

“Over the years, Yappy Hour has not only been an exciting event that brings the local community and their dogs together, but it has raised significant funds in support of animal charities that change lives,” says Bruce Brainerd, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. In 2017, the property’s Yappy Hour events raised $83,500 for the dog-related charity — that’s truly something to shake a stick at.

Not Into Dog-Friendly Hotels? Check Out These Alternative Accommodations:

Airbnb has tons of dog-friendly accommodations. Photography ©GoodLifeStudio | Getty Images.

With the rising trend of temporary rental properties made popular by platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway, it’s easy to find alternative accommodations right at your fingertips. With possible pet-friendly benefits like a fenced yard or proximity to a welcoming neighborhood dog park, vacation rentals are a popular option for traveling dog owners.

“We certainly have a lot of Airbnb listings that are pet friendly,” says Jasmine Mora, Airbnb press secretary. “The great thing about our platform is that there are options for every kind of traveler, whether you are on a budget or looking for a luxury home and traveling with your family and pet. In fact, as of January 1 of this year, we have 4.55 million pet-friendly active listings globally.”

Check out airbnb.com or homeaway.com to view listings.

One Traveler’s Tale on Choosing Dog-Friendly Hotels

Frequent traveler Jena Reilly of Georgia learned a few tricks of the travel trade thanks to her shepherd-husky mix, Tebone, whose in-room antics taught her what to look for when booking a hotel stay.

“On one trip to Jekyll Island, Georgia, we booked a room at a dog-friendly Holiday Inn right on the beach. Our room had two doors — one to the parking lot and the other directly to the beachfront. On our first night, we walked to a restaurant nearby and left Tebone in the room. While waiting for our table, I got a call from the front desk. They had been calling all hotel guests to find out whose dog was wandering the lobby. Turns out, the doors had push-down handles instead of doorknobs. Tebone figured out how to push the handle and explore the lobby.

“We now make sure all rooms have doorknobs that require opposable thumbs to turn! Tebone went everywhere with us for the rest of the stay, which of course he loved.” (Note: Some hotels require you to crate your dog when left alone in the rooms, and some hotels do not allow you to leave your dog in the room if you are not there.)

Jena, whose favorite pet-friendly chain is Hampton Inn, offers these additional tips when choosing a dog-friendly hotel:

Hampton Inn & Suites is a dog-friendly hotel chain. Photography ©2018 Hampton.

Get a room on the first floor for easy in-and-out access.

Make sure there’s a safe, walkable place to take your dog to use the bathroom.

Ensure none of the doors in the room close on their own, to prevent your dog from getting trapped and anxious.

Always travel with your dog’s own bed, blankets and toys to give him a sense of “home” away from home.

Christina Orlovsky Page is a San Diego-based writer and former editor of San Diego Pets Magazine. An active volunteer, she has a soft spot for senior dog rescue. She is privileged to share her home with three adopted pups, Toby, Tilly and Frankie.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!

Thumbnail: Photography ©Solovyova | Getty Images.

Read more about traveling with your dog on Dogster.com:

What to Know About Flying With a Dog — Safely

Take Your Small Dog on a Dog-Friendly Vacation to the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba

Dog Car Safety: 10 Things NOT to Do

The post Dog-Friendly Hotels to Keep in Mind for Your Summer Vacation appeared first on Dogster.

[grublypetcare]

Dog-Friendly Hotels to Keep in Mind for Your Summer Vacation

When you’re a pet parent, you’ve got to give a quick road trip or summer vacation a little extra thought. Do you board your dog in an overnight camp? Rely on a local petsitter, friend or relative? Or pack up your pooch and take him along for the journey? Option three requires a sense of adventure, common sense about leaving your pet alone in an unfamiliar place, pet etiquette and some advance research on pet-friendly hotel rules and restrictions. But with a combination of all of the above, it can be simple and fun to have your four-legged friend along for the ride. The biggest question when considering taking your pet along is finding dog-friendly hotels. Not to worry.

Today — from economy motels to upscale boutiques — there’s a dog-friendly accommodation option for every budget. Here’s a guide to some pet-friendly hotel chains across the country:

Economy | Value Dog-Friendly Hotels

Motel 6 is a dog-friendly hotel chain. Photography courtesy Motel 6.

Popular with road trippers, most budget-conscious large roadside hotel chains allow pets. Frequented pet- and budget-friendly options include:

Best Western Hotel & Resorts

La Quinta Inns & Suites

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham

Motel 6

Red Roof

Travelodge

Super 8

As locations are often independently owned, policies may vary by hotel, so inquire with the specific site to ensure it is pet-friendly before pulling in for the night.

While some chains and locations charge a pet fee, others allow a complimentary stay. La Quinta, for example, allows two pets per room at no charge. Motel 6, likewise, claims that “well-behaved pets are always welcome,” and they stay free.

“For more than 55 years, Motel 6 has been a pet- friendly brand,” says Jim Amorosia, president and CEO of G6 Hospitality, which owns the Motel 6 brand. “At any of our more than 1,400 locations across the U.S. and Canada, our guests are welcomed to stay with up to two pets per room for free. We understand how important it is for our guests to find comfortable and affordable accommodations when traveling with their pets, and we are very pleased to consistently offer that for the entire family.”

Regardless of the chain, it’s a good idea to read the hotel’s pet policy before booking — and always be up front at check-in about having a pet in your room. You’ll likely be required to sign a pet policy agreement for the safety of everyone involved, from you and your dog to housekeeping and hotel staff.

Moderate | Midscale Dog-Friendly Hotels

Hotel Indigo is a dog-friendly hotel chain. Photography courtesy IHG/Indigo Hotels.

From Extended Stay America, Comfort Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn to the many hotel chains under the InterContinental Hotel Group umbrella — Holiday Inn, Kimpton and Hotel Indigo, among others — there are abundant hotel options in the midscale price category. Many of these hotels charge per-pet fees of $25 and up, but some also offer extra-special pet amenities to make up for the charge.

Hotel Indigo, for instance, a boutique hotel chain with 53 locations across the United States from San Diego and Austin to Savannah and Chicago, is known to offer Yappy Hour events, where dogs are welcome in rooftop bars.

Extended Stay America

Comfort Inn & Suites

Hampton Inn by Hilton

Holiday Inn

Kimpton

Hotel Indigo

Luxury | Upscale Dog-Friendly Hotels

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Photography courtesy Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.

Even Fido deserves to stay in style. Thankfully, many upscale hotel chains will welcome him with open arms and treats. Check for additional costs like a pet fee (sometimes a refundable deposit, sometimes not) and a non-refundable cleaning fee. Chains like Hyatt and the hotels in the Starwood group — Aloft, Sheraton, Westin and W Hotels, among others — allow pets with certain weight and other restrictions. Westin will even offer Fluffy her own branded dog bed so her sleep can be as “heavenly” as her owners’.

For the ultimate dog-friendly hotel destination, Southern California’s The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel offers the Posh Pooch program, which includes a hand-painted bowl, plush dog bed, chew toy, dog menu, dog walking trail map and Club Yappy card — a loyalty card that gives pet parents discounts on property throughout their stay — all for a $50 per-night boarding fee. This summer, the hotel will offer its series of monthly Yappy Hour events that benefit The Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence.

“Over the years, Yappy Hour has not only been an exciting event that brings the local community and their dogs together, but it has raised significant funds in support of animal charities that change lives,” says Bruce Brainerd, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. In 2017, the property’s Yappy Hour events raised $83,500 for the dog-related charity — that’s truly something to shake a stick at.

Not Into Dog-Friendly Hotels? Check Out These Alternative Accommodations:

Airbnb has tons of dog-friendly accommodations. Photography ©GoodLifeStudio | Getty Images.

With the rising trend of temporary rental properties made popular by platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway, it’s easy to find alternative accommodations right at your fingertips. With possible pet-friendly benefits like a fenced yard or proximity to a welcoming neighborhood dog park, vacation rentals are a popular option for traveling dog owners.

“We certainly have a lot of Airbnb listings that are pet friendly,” says Jasmine Mora, Airbnb press secretary. “The great thing about our platform is that there are options for every kind of traveler, whether you are on a budget or looking for a luxury home and traveling with your family and pet. In fact, as of January 1 of this year, we have 4.55 million pet-friendly active listings globally.”

Check out airbnb.com or homeaway.com to view listings.

One Traveler’s Tale on Choosing Dog-Friendly Hotels

Frequent traveler Jena Reilly of Georgia learned a few tricks of the travel trade thanks to her shepherd-husky mix, Tebone, whose in-room antics taught her what to look for when booking a hotel stay.

“On one trip to Jekyll Island, Georgia, we booked a room at a dog-friendly Holiday Inn right on the beach. Our room had two doors — one to the parking lot and the other directly to the beachfront. On our first night, we walked to a restaurant nearby and left Tebone in the room. While waiting for our table, I got a call from the front desk. They had been calling all hotel guests to find out whose dog was wandering the lobby. Turns out, the doors had push-down handles instead of doorknobs. Tebone figured out how to push the handle and explore the lobby.

“We now make sure all rooms have doorknobs that require opposable thumbs to turn! Tebone went everywhere with us for the rest of the stay, which of course he loved.” (Note: Some hotels require you to crate your dog when left alone in the rooms, and some hotels do not allow you to leave your dog in the room if you are not there.)

Jena, whose favorite pet-friendly chain is Hampton Inn, offers these additional tips when choosing a dog-friendly hotel:

Hampton Inn & Suites is a dog-friendly hotel chain. Photography ©2018 Hampton.

Get a room on the first floor for easy in-and-out access.

Make sure there’s a safe, walkable place to take your dog to use the bathroom.

Ensure none of the doors in the room close on their own, to prevent your dog from getting trapped and anxious.

Always travel with your dog’s own bed, blankets and toys to give him a sense of “home” away from home.

Christina Orlovsky Page is a San Diego-based writer and former editor of San Diego Pets Magazine. An active volunteer, she has a soft spot for senior dog rescue. She is privileged to share her home with three adopted pups, Toby, Tilly and Frankie.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!

Thumbnail: Photography ©Solovyova | Getty Images.

Read more about traveling with your dog on Dogster.com:

What to Know About Flying With a Dog — Safely

Take Your Small Dog on a Dog-Friendly Vacation to the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba

Dog Car Safety: 10 Things NOT to Do

The post Dog-Friendly Hotels to Keep in Mind for Your Summer Vacation appeared first on Dogster.

[gracelowrie1]

My Favourite Place - Holy Island

Despite being a Southerner I am lucky enough to have family in the North and, as a result, have spent many a happy holiday in the beautiful county of Northumberland. It’s an often underrated place that many people miss out on their way up to Scotland, and populated by warm and friendly folk who have always made me feel at home there. But I am not going to attempt to describe the entire county, my absolute favourite spot of all is a magical little place called the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

It’s a tidal island, just 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, and cut off from the mainland twice a day. It boasts a rich history dating back to the 6th century; the ancient ruins of a monastery; a castle (a Tudor fort refurbished by Sir Edwin Lutyens); a Gertrude Jekyll garden; a working harbour; a former coastguard station; a small village; several churches; sandy beaches and a wealth of natural wildlife to enjoy.

Traditionally a quiet place of Christian pilgrimage, over the years Lindisfarne has become increasingly popular with tourists of all beliefs and backgrounds, especially in the summer months. In daytime throughout August, between low tides, the car parks, gift shops and tea shops fill up with holidaymakers, nature enthusiasts, children and dogs, and the village bustles with life. The local businesses rely on these waves of tourism and the income they bring. But for me, it is when the tide has come in and the day-trippers have gone home, that the island is really at its best.Part of me is tempted to keep silent about this place – to hide my passion rather than share it; as if the island is some treasured secret all of my own. But of course I’m not alone in my love for Lindisfarne. Many an artist, poet, film-maker, musician and author have been inspired by it – Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Sir Walter Scott, Roman Polanski, James Blake and LJ Ross, to name but a few.Describing the innate tranquillity of this small pocket of the world, and the effect it has on me, is a challenge. It can be cold and bleak in winter, exposed as it is to the winds off the north sea – I thoroughly admire the islanders who live there year-round – but even when it’s under snow and ice and it feels like you might lose your fingers to frostbite, Holy Island has a quiet, raw intensity that inspires and allures. And when I am nestled in the sand dunes of the north shore on an early autumn morning, watching mist creep in over an almost-still sea; or lying on a sun-drenched hillside among summer wild-flowers, listening to the ghostly calling of seals on the wind and waves crashing below; with my notebook in hand … I feel happy. I have never been religious, but I feel Holy Island is my spiritual home. I urge you to visit if you can.

Where is your favourite place?

[hottytoddynews]

We’ve gotten used to the Christmas holiday season beginning around Halloween, but how often has Halloween thriller season begun the week after Labor Day? As the studios and moviemakers have learned, there’s a huge audience for horror. If you are skeptical, look at the grosses for new latest in Tyler Perry’s Madea franchise. Major record-breaking!

For the longest time, producers/studios would grind out assembly-line horror, capitalizing on mindless or copycat sequels of original hits that would make you groan, “Been there, seen it.” But even the usual suspects have come around; and there seems to be a newbie at the game: Blumhouse Productions, which this season could be crowned Prince of Horror.

You might say that horror season began way before Halloween — even in February. That’s when Get Out! (Blumhouse Productions/Universal), featuring Bradley Whitford, Catherine Keener, Allison Williams (TV’s Girls) and young Brit Daniel Kaluuya (TV’s Babylon; upcoming Watership Down mini-series based on Richard Adams novel) hit cineplexes. It wasn’t a cookie-cutter, standard-issue thriller, but smart and well made – and had a sense of humor. It also offered a thoughtful look at the race issues making headlines.

Young Anglo woman (Williams) invites Afro-American young man (Kaluuya) for a meet-the-parents getaway, where he finds the family overly accommodating — an effort to deal with their daughter’s interracial relationship. As the weekend progresses, disturbing discoveries come to a head and lead him to a truth he never could have imagined. Something different, yes? And, going even further, it was R-rated. That usually can be the death knell to a film pitched for teens, the catalyst for a film’s opening weekend. They came, whether accompanied by an adult or with fake I.D.s. A film budgeted at a minuscule $5 million has raked in over $175.5 million. 

Jeepers Creepers III (Infinity/Screen Media) quickly followed. Set between the first and second film, it was quickly obvious it was in the lesser category. Sergeant Tubbs (Brandon Smith) went about attempting to learn the secrets and identify of Creeper (Jonathan Breck), the monster terrorizes a local farming community. Lovely Trisha (Gina Phillips) was sort of pushed aside for the introduction of Gaylen Brandon (Meg Foster (TVs Pretty Little Liars and Ravenswood), stealing the film, as someone with a history with the Creeper. It didn’t help. Initial audiences were bored, word-of-mouth was a downer. Made for $18 million, it grossed a paltry $2.3 million (JC1 exploded at the box office with sales of $35.7 million). Maybe the gross will rise – a bit – with the DVDs’ December release.

Oscar nominee Jennifer Jason Leigh, Bella Thorne (Boo!: A Madea Halloween; TV’s Famous in Love, Big Love), Thomas Mann (Kong: Skull Island), and Kurtwood Smith (TV’s That 70s Show) weren’t enough to turn the lack of horror in Amityville: The Awakening (Blumhouse Productions/Dimension/TWC) into a silk purse. After a two-year shelf life, it was comatose (like Belle‘s twin brother) on arrival.

Then Came September   

“When you are a kid you think the world revolves around you, that you’ll always be protected, care for. Then, one day: a friend goes missing.” The opening words of It (New Line/Warner Bros./RatPac-Dune Entertainment), the cinema adaptation of the 1990 three-hour mini-series based on Stephen King’s terrifying best-seller, leads audiences on a thrill ride as satisfying as any on a mega coaster. The plot line involves kids of a small town, rumored to be cursed, disappearing in bloody spades. A gang of seven, led by Richie (Finn Wolfhard, Mikie on Stranger Things), united by their horrifying and strange encounters with the evil Pennywise the Clown (Bill Skarsgård), mount their bikes determined to kill “It.” Been there, seen it? But, even with parallels to Stand By Me, The Goonies, and TV’s Stranger Things, it rises to the occasion. Here, though much condensed, it’s all about bonding and the paranormal, but the paranormal’s never been quite like this: Atmosphere (that haunted house; and especially the horrific finale, which even tops David Lean’s in The Third Man), piercing score by Benjamin Wallfisch (Blade Runner 2049, Annabelle: Creation, Hidden Figures), jump-scare sound effects, and, best of all, the brotherly-love kiss to bring back the living dead. Argentine Andy Muschietti (2013 horror thriller Mama) is set to helm the 2019 sequel.

Oddly, with a cast of youngsters, the film’s R-rated for violence and, something you don’t hear often, F words cascading out of the mouths of babes. That hasn’t stopped it from blockbuster status – grossing $179 million in less than two months, ($189.5 million worldwide) on a budget of $35 million.  Reminder: whether pouring cats and dogs or not, on Jackson Street or any other, never look deep into those corner drains!

Happy Death Day (Blumhouse Productions/Universal Pictures) is a dark comedy mystery horror thriller borrowing lavishly from the classic Groundhog Day. On her birthday, teenager Tree (excellent Jessica Rothe) concludes that it will be her last one. That is, IF she can figure out who her killer is. To do that, she relives the day over and over – dying in a different way on each one. No way you’ll snooze, as you get sucked in even before the film begins [You’ll see]. Keep a keen eye on Tree. Christopher Landon (Disturbia, Paranormal Activity) knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat. Shooting in New Orleans’ Garden District, home to the streetcar and fabled mansions, adds tons of atmosphere.

In Boo 2: A Madea Halloween (Tyler Perry Company/Lionsgate) Madea, Bam, and Hattie venture to a haunted campground where they end up running for their lives from a boogeyman, goblins, and monsters, goblins, and the boogeyman are unleashed. Perry has an audience for his sometimes amateurish movies that  segue between embarrassing and somewhat funny. He comes up with great ideas and one has to be envious of his multi-talents and following. In his films, he  plays a lot of characters – some, such as Madea, much better than others. Maybe the mistake is in doing it all: writing, directing, and co-producing.  Boo! 2. But the film shot out of the gate October 20 and astonished the industry selling performances out. Budgeted at $25 milion, it has already grossed $35.5 million. Boo! 2 became an instant hit. Budgeted at $25 million, it’s close to exceeding that in just over a week.

Jigsaw (Serendipity Productions/Lionsgate) is the eighth title in the Saw franchise, which became a popular slasher series with face-cringing, spine tingling twists to the serial killer saga and a look at the day’s social mores. Then it ended, until this past weekend when it’s been reborn in hopes of bringing in more moola. As bodies drop everywhere – each with gruesome demise that fit Jigsaw’s style, police find themselves chasing the ghost of a man presumed dead for over a decade (Tobin Bell), and become embroiled in a new cat and mouse game. Is Jiggy/John Kramer back? Is this a copy cat? Or  are they falling into a trap set by another monster? The story is told in such a fast pace that there’s little time for character development. However, it gets props for the show-stopping, head-rolling finale. The film got a knife in its back from critics and moviegoers. One reviewer’s assessment: “Watching Jigsaw is a dumb, ugly waste of energy.”

There Was Another Horror at the Weekend Box Office

Suburbicon (Paramount/Dark Castle/Black Bear Pictures) – It had the cache of George Clooney as director when it premiered at the Venice Film Festival, but was received with a few boos. Conceived by Joel and Ethan Coen (remember their 2016 misfire Hail, Caesar!, about a tough Hollywood studio “fixer”), Clooney (a Hail, Caesar! co-star), and Grant Heslov (co-writer, Matt Damon’s Best Picture Argo), is a racially-charged farce that “draws parallels between the U.S.’ ugly past and the situation today.” Damon, Julianne Moore, and Oscar Isaac, Summer of 1959, are in an Eden to raise a family: an idyllic community with affordable homes and manicured lawns. However, tranquility changes to disturbing reality in the town’s s dark underbelly of betrayal, deceit, and violence [including flaming Confederate flags]. Come critics went “Huh?” and “Huh!” The often kind Rotten Tomatoes wrote: “It’s A Raisin in the Sun Meets The Donna Reed Show. Only occasionally does an image strike a lyrical blow and yield the creepy effect Clooney is aiming for.” Worse, audiences weren’t camping overnight to be the first at box offices. Maybe it will develop a cult following.

At Home 24/7 Horror and Halloween Fright Fest  

Is this not the best time of year to revisit famous Halloween spook with everything from zombies and slashers to séances and lots of screams? There’s so much horror to enjoy spread on the couch with a beer or soda and chips and dip. Can anything top the original Frankenstein, Dracula, The Mummy, Hitch’s Psycho, Kubrick’s The Shining [Where’s Jack? Bring him back!]? Maybe a bit of Poltergeist; or some Stephen King? How about Halloween, The Fog, Christine or anything by John Carpenter, because he knows how to scare your pants off? There’s Wes Craven’s bad ole Freddy in  Nightmare on Elm Street; or the original Saw; contemporary grand guignol of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?; and any season of American Horror Story – because Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuck know how to creep you out. Then, there’s family-friendly “horror” in Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein/Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde/The Invisible Man.

3-D is having a much-longer shelf life than expected. For a great at-home theatrical experience, check out the Blu-ray 3-D edition of the edge-of-your-cushioned-seat 1953 blockbuster House of Wax [Warner Home Entertainment, SRP $40]. Vincent Price, so fantastic playing madmen, is perfect casting for demented Professor Henry Jarrod. The Technicolor, pre-digital 3-D two-projector image realignment, and sound track have been meticulously remastered with a 4K scan. Don’t spill your popcorn as you experience one of the most incredible horror flick finales. Beware: You can’t escape the flames!

If your dream is a near lifetime of at-home horror, get 50 Horror  Classics (Mill Creek Entertainment; 3,743 minutes/12 discs; $15.65 on Amazon). The massive set contains some classics – keep in mind the majority are from the 30s and 40s and most, if not all, fall into Public Domain, so they haven’t been remastered: The Ape (Boris Karloff), Bluebeard (John Carradine), Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (John Barrymore, Silent), Allan Dwan’s comic romp The Gorilla (Ritz Brothers, Bela Lugosi), William Castle’s The House on Haunted Hill (Vincent Price),

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Lon Chaney, Silent), Roger Corman’s  Little Shop of Horrors (Jack Nicholson),  Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, Murnau’s Nosferatu (Max Schreck, Silent), The Phantom of the Opera (Lon Chaney, Silent), and, among numerous others, White Zombie (Lugosi).

Universal Studios’ horror period produced first-rate thrillers. Six have been remastered for Blu-ray for Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection (Universal Home Entertainment; eight discs/710 minutes; $45 on Amazon): James Whale’s  Bride of Frankenstein (Elsa Lancaster, Karloff, Colin Clive) – many feel this sequel surpasses its predecessor, Tod Browning’s Dracula (Lugosi) – note how the mood is set with a lack of score, Whale’s Frankenstein (Karloff, Clive, Mae Clark), The Invisible Man (Claude Rains) – with humor to offset the horror, The Mummy (Karloff), and The Wolfman (Lon Chaney Jr.). There’s bonus material galore, including an alternate Dracula score by Philip Glass, performed by the Kronos Quartet.

Ellis Nassour is an Ole Miss alum and noted arts journalist and author who recently donated an ever-growing exhibition of performing arts history to the University of Mississippi. He is the author of the best-selling Patsy Cline biography, Honky Tonk Angel, as well as the hit musical revue, Always, Patsy Cline. He can be reached at ENassour@aol.com. 

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[maeelizabethg]

What's in my dogs travel bag

Hey guys and welcome back to another blog! Today is all about packing for your doggos! As you might have seen in a previous blog post (here), we took Sweetpea and Loki to a super dog friendly place in Georgia called Jekyll Island. We are big fans of traveling with them whenever we can so I’ve become pretty organized when it comes to their packing situation.

Quick note: The flat lay photo above isn’t everything we bring, but the list below is! :)

PACKING LIST:

Dog Food with measuring cup - I always measure out how much we need so I’m not over doing it or under doing it. I do typically add an extra days worth of food to the large ziplock bag (if it’s just for a weekend) or small food container (if we are traveling for a long time) for each dog incase we were to get stuck or something random happened that extended our trip.

Dog bowls | 1 water to share and 1 food bowl for each

Collars with tags that have their names and our phone numbers on them - I am the QUEEN of finding other peoples dogs and it’s so frustrating when owners don’t have any tags on their dogs. Please have your contact info on your dogs tags so if something were to happen they can be returned quickly.

Harness - each dog has their own harness that doubles as their seat belt. When in the car we clip the leash to their backs so their necks aren’t being pulled but they will stay safe if we get in an accident. It also has a place to clip from the front if they start pulling on a walk.

Leash - again, each dog has a leash that doubles as a seat belt. Each one is looped around my back seat head rest and clipped to each back part of their harness while driving. And, of course, also used as a walking leash.

Hands free hiking leash and leash coupler - This is great for taking both dogs on a walk together. The hiking leash was given to us from a friend and it’s become one of our most used items. It goes around our waist, has a bungee leash which is AMAZING because Sweetpea is 70lbs and Loki is 50lbs so it’s absorbs a massive pull if they were to see something and pull hard at the same time, and a handy zipper pocket for keys, poop bags, etc.

Poop bags and poop bag dispenser with hook to attach to belt loop or leash.

Travel collapsable bowls and water bottle - If out and about I always bring the collapsable bowl with a bottle of water to keep them hydrated.

Medication and pill pockets- your dog may or may not take medication but if they do, you can’t forget it and we always use pill pockets to disguise the medicine.

Treats - I typically bring a few kinds incase they lose interest in one.

Toys! - A variety that usually includes something to play with together (like the big rope pictured above) and an individual chew bone for each of them. Those are always great if they have to be left at the hotel alone and I don’t want them getting bored and up to no good. Better to be safe than sorry.

Dog crate with blankets and dog bed- so crates might not be needed if your dogs are super well behaved like Sweetpea is, but Loki is an escape artist. He can get out of doors that have door “handles” instead of door “knobs” and he has even busted through single pane glass after seeing a cat in our front yard. He’s crate trained so it’s his happy place and we always fill it with blankets and a toy.

Backseat cover - I didn’t have one of these for awhile and boy can you tell. My car has nail intents on the center console and dog hair was to the MAX before I got myself a nice backseat cover.

Towel(s) - we always bring 2+ dog towels aka towels we don’t mind getting muddy or stained. They also come in handy to cover furniture and decrease the amount of dog hair you leave behind.

Long cable tie out like this one - so again, this is usually for Loki only since he’s a runner and we don’t always use it. We originally bought the cable one so he wouldn’t chew through it as a puppy and only have it on him if he’s being supervised. It’s great for taking him outside and clipping it to itself around a tree or something sturdy so he can still run around but not run away.

Clean up - you never know if your baby might get sick or have an accident so a bottle of carpet cleaner and paper towels is brilliant if needed.

TIPS:

if you’re staying in a dog friendly hotel, but are nervous your dogs might bark hearing every person walk by, door shut, new sound, etc - I HIGHLY recommend turning the tv on at a decent volume.

We always put the do not disturb hanger on the door so the cleaners don’t come in while we aren’t there. I don’t want to worry about Sweetpea wandering out of the door or the dogs scaring the heck out of them. Although are dogs are super sweet, a lot of people are scared of dogs so I just avoid making the cleaning staff uncomfortable and we will just ask for anything extra like towels and toiletries if needed.

Look for dog friendly restaurants ahead of time so you get optimal time with your furry babies.

Do you have anything else to add to the packing list or any extra tips? Please leave a comment below if so! Also, if you’re looking to go somewhere dog friendly, I highly recommend Jekyll Island. We had such a great time!