Carefree Travel Guide 2022

Can’t-Miss Pet Stops

Cherry Public House Glen Arbor Visit Cherry Public House during the warm-weather months, and feel free to bring your leashed dog to enjoy lunch or dinner on the outdoor patio! CherryRepublic.com

Boyne Mountain Resort | Boyne Falls

Pet Friendly

When traveling with the whole family, it’s hard to leave your pet behind! Thankfully, there are lots of great establishments and locations across West Michigan that are happy to welcome you and your pet on your next visit. Of course outdoor fun is important when traveling with your pup, and you’ll find no shortage of that! Whether you want to spend the day at a dog-friendly beach, or exploring trails through the woods, many of West Michigan’s outdoor areas are welcoming to pets and their responsible owners. When it’s time to grab a bite to eat, check for restaurants which have pet-friendly patios. The local visitors center will be able to help point you in the right direction once you reach your destination, as not all outdoor seating is welcoming to four-legged guests. You’ll find you have plenty of options when it comes to lodging as well, with everything from campgrounds to hotels to cottage rentals ready to welcome both you and your pup. Make sure you check the pet policy before you arrive to ensure you don’t run into any surprises. Some outdoor attractions are welcoming to pets as well, letting your pup explore nature, history, and new adventures right alongside the rest of the family. Make sure that you bring everything your pup will need for the day, and check if there are any additional entrance fees or anything else you should know in advance. You can find more ideas to start planning your next adventure with your furry friend at WMTA.org/traveling-with-pets.

Beaver Island Boat Company Charlevoix Did you know your furry friend can take the ferry with you to Beaver Island? Known as “America’s Emerald Isle,” Beaver Island offers a wealth of natural beauty to explore. BIBCo.com

Terese Chandler | Silver Lake State Park

Visiting a Dog Beach Taking your dog to the beach is a great option, especially here in West Michigan! One of the main things to watch for at the beach is your dog’s temperature. Make sure you have shade available, as well as plenty of fresh, cool water for drinking. Remember that hot sand can affect a dog’s paws just as it does your feet, so make sure you have a blanket or towel for your dog to retreat to when he needs a break from playing in the sand. Make sure that both you and your pup are aware of and following all beach rules. Ensure that you are constantly supervising your dog, as beaches are exciting places, especially when dogs are off leash. Make sure your dog is a positive visitor to the beach, and bring lots of towels for the car ride home!

Morton Hotel Grand Rapids The Morton Hotel provides modern city accommodations for dogs and dog-lovers, located in the Hotel District of Downtown Grand Rapids. MortonHotelGR.com

Virtue Cider Fennville Your pups are always welcome on Virtue Cider’s dog-friendly farm. Bring out your furry friends and sip on some cider! The winding paths through their 48-acre farm make for a great walk with friends, family, and your dog. VirtueCider.com

50

West Michigan Tourist Association | WMTA.org