Mid-Atlantic Destinations that Welcome Travelers with Pets

02-03-2011

 Pet Friendly Mid-Atlantic Destinations Events, Lodging and Places that Welcome Travelers with Pets

(U.S. MID-ATLANTIC - February 2, 2011) It's no secret that Americans love their pets - to the point of considering them family members, not just pets. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are more than 70 million Fidos, Rovers, Fluffys, and Spots ready to ride shotgun on the family's next road trip or weekend adventure.

            The members of the Mid-Atlantic Tourism PR Alliance (MATPRA) roll out the welcome mat (and the doggy beds) for travelers with pets at fairs, hotels, B&B's and parks across the region. A trip to the Mid-Atlantic region is sure to be a treat for you and your "furry kids". See below for ideas for your next pet-friendly outing.

Delaware

The new Delaware Welcome Center on Interstate-95 includes a special exercise area reserved exclusively for "Rover". If you decide to spend the night, treat yourself to a stay at the "pet friendly" Blue Hen Bed & Breakfast. Located close to Downtown Newark, Delaware, it's steeped in 318 years of history. Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.VisitWilmingtonDE.com.

Pets are celebrated at the Annual Dover Days Festival in Kent County, Delaware happening May 6-8, 2011. The Dover Days Pet Parade features a judged competition for the cutest pet, best costume, best Dover Days theme, best group, and best in show. Cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded! Kent County Tourism, , www.doverdaysfestival.com.

The pet-friendly AmericInn of Rehoboth Beach is a 48-room hotel welcoming dogs year-round, and often offering special canine-centric hotel packages. Cuddle with your pooch in front of the hotel's cozy fireplace or take a stroll down the outdoor dog paths which will be revamped this spring. Southern Delaware Tourism,  www.visitsoutherndelaware.com

Maryland

Maryland is so pet-friendly, we even have an official state dog. The Chesapeake Bay retriever was bred to recover waterfowl for hunters and is one of only a few breeds actually developed in the United States. To find a list of pet-friendly sites in Maryland, please visit our website pressroom. Maryland Office of Tourism, www.visitmaryland.org.

Named one of the Dog Friendliest Cities in the country by Dog Fancy, Annapolis' streets are lined with water bowls and treats for four-legged friends. The Loews and Westin welcome pets. Quiet Waters Park has a pet beach. Watermark allows canines on cruises, and restaurants welcome them for outside dining. Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau, Susan Steckman,SSteckman@visitannapolis.org, www.VisitAnnapolis.org.

Your favorite furry friends can be a part of your travel adventures at Baltimore's first Kimpton property - Hotel Monaco. The luxury boutique hotel is an ideal pet-friendly hotel offering an "It's Reigning Cats and Dogs" package that includes welcome treats, in-room pet bed, dog walking map and more. Baltimore, www.baltimore.org.

With 11 salons, 35 pet-friendly hotels, county dog parks and area doggie daycare centers, Baltimore County loves dogs!  Join us for DogFest 2011 (www.dogfest2010.org) at Shawan Downs, an extravaganza for dogs and their families.  Events include a 5K-9 run, pet education, puppy pumpkin patch, and sandy beach and pool area.  Baltimore County Conference and Tourism,  www.visitbacomd.com.

Maertens Jewelers loves animals so much that they hold an annual benefit brunch & auction-Breakfast at Sniffany's-for pooches and their owners!   All the proceeds go to local animal shelters and programs.   Drool over the exclusive line of pet-themed jewelry designed by Heather Maertens, including puppy-love and shelter-dog charms.   Calvert County Department of Economic Development,  www.ecalvert.com.

Year-round in Downtown Frederick, special signs invite visitors to shop with Fido at the many specialty shops and boutiques. In August, don't miss the First Saturday Dog Days of Summer event.  Pet-friendly merchants, costume contests and a "Yappy Hour" welcome and entertain you and your pampered pooch.  Tourism Council of Frederick County, Maryland, www.fredericktourism.org.

Hagerstown-Washington County is pet-friendly! Several hotels welcome pets.  If exercise is your goal: places that allow for pets (walking dogs, etc.) include Fort Frederick State Park, Antietam National Battlefield trails, C&O Canal National Historical Park (and bring your horses; riding is allowed on the towpath), and Western Maryland Rail Trail. Hagerstown-Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau,  www.marylandmemories.com.

Pennsylvania

Happy trails can be found in Butler County.  That's because two of our pet-friendly inns also accommodate horses and offer complimentary stables and trails for guests.  Armstrong Farms and Locust Brook Lodge cater to horse lovers so trailer up your pony and enjoy miles of trails and scenic beauty. Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, www.visitbutlercounty.com.

Chester County's Brandywine Valley has many pet-friendly accommodations and activities. Stay at the charming Pennsbury Inn or Sheraton Great Valley (both welcome pets). Plan to visit Kruetz Creek Winery's tasting room, located in West Chester, for "Yappy Hour" with man's best friend. Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau, www.BrandywineValley.com.

For those who love to spoil their pet, the Philadelphia region is a "purr-fect" getaway. Pet-friendly hotels and restaurants welcome visitors. Even the new luxury Palomar Philadelphia, a Kimpton Hotel, offers a Very Important Pet amenity upon arrival, bowls and beds in the room, pet sitting and grooming services. Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, www.visitphilly.com.

Pack your bags and your pets and head to Reading, Pennsylvania for pet friendly travel. Visit March 2011 to enjoy Reading Pet Expo, an animal extravaganza that welcomes you and your leashed friends.Godfreys-Welcome to Dogdom keeps tails wagging year round. Take a Ride and let Fido sit shotgun. Greater Reading Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.takearide.com

Looking for the perfect destination to take Fido? Historic Hotel Bethlehem offers pet concierge to make your pets stay as comfortable as can be with a list of pet sitting services and special pet room service. Select from gourmet meals and treats that will please even the most finicky animal. Discover Lehigh Valley, www.DiscoverLehighValley.com.

Tails wag in the Pocono Mountains, as over 45 lodging facilities welcome furry friends. Pet friendly packages include gifts for the pet with everything from food and water bowls, cleanup baggies, healthy treats and toys, as well as designated walk areas and special accommodations easily accessible for leisure walks. Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, www.800poconos.com.

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