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Updated: Nov 3rd, 2007 - 14:28:37 |
Thanksgiving is almost here and I can never get through this season without thinking of the song, "Over the River and Through the Woods." Every year when my kids were little my family would load up the SUV and make the 600-plus-mile-trip from Long Island, across snowy Pennsylvania, through the mountains to Ohio to visit grandma. Nobody likes visiting grandma better than our dog because it means a really long "bye-bye-in-the-car" and she loves being in the car.
Pennsylvania, although not much more than a through-state for my family, is actually a beautiful, scenic place with tons of activities and places for dogs to play. From historic Philadelphia in the east to the great lakes in the west, to the Poconos up north, canine and human visitors to Pennsylvania will be hard pressed to see and do all that's available in the Keystone State.
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| Deleware Water Gap |
If you and your dog enjoy clean, fresh air and beautiful scenery, you'll want to visit the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in eastern Pennsylvania. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational pursuits here. Walk the trails that have been used for hundreds of years, or enjoy all the benefits the Middle Delaware River has to offer. Dogs of all sizes are allowed at this park for no additional fee. Canoe or raft on the river with Kittatinny Canoes where dogs are permitted on watercraft rentals. (Dog owners should keep dogs' nails clipped and smooth to avoid puncturing the rafts.) After a day of adventure, enjoy a quiet dinner and relax at the New Muir House in Milford where dogs are welcome at the inn and may sit with their owners at the outdoor dining area.
If history and site seeing are more your cup of tea, then check out Pennsylvania Dutch country in southeastern Pennsylvania. The Amish Farm and House offers a tour that includes an 1805 home, a unique Penn-Dutch 1803 barn and lime kiln, a 1775 operational bake oven, and a lot more, plus visitors get a true account of historical and contemporary Amish culture. Dogs are allowed on the grounds and on the tour for no additional fee. Just down Route 340 Carriage Rides at Kitchen Kettle Village allows dogs to accompany their human partners in horse-drawn buggy rides.
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| Liberty Bell |
No history-rich trip to Pennsylvania is complete without a stop in Philadelphia. Ben Franklin Bridge is a walking bridge connecting Philadelphia and New Jersey with a scenic river view; perfect for stretching after a long drive. Independence National Historic Park is a 55-acre park in the center of town and is best known as the home of the Liberty Bell. Although dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings, there are lots of walking trails throughout the park and the Liberty Bell is housed in an area that's easily visible from outside the building. After a day of site seeing, you'll want to take a jaunt along South Street, where there's always a buzz, no matter what time of day or night and plenty of dog friendly eateries, featuring the famed Philly Cheesesteak, that welcome four-legged travelers.
Finally, if you enjoy a sunny beach vacation but can't make it to the coast, Pennsylvania even offers a "coastal area." Presque Isle is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula park on Lake Erie that allows for the state's only "seashore," and in addition to its historical significance, it is a geologically and biologically diverse area with many endangered species. There is an educational center on site with interactive exhibits and a 75-foot observation tower. The best aspect of the park is that you can take your dog. Located along the Lake Erie shoreline, Penn Shore Vineyards is one of the longest established wineries in the state. Although dogs are not allowed in the tasting rooms, they are permitted on the beautiful grounds with miles and miles of fragrant grape vines to sniff and explore.
Whether your Pennsylvania trip includes skiing, swimming or site seeing, you'll find hundreds of pet-friendly places to stay and things to do. But remember, always call ahead before you book your reservation to make sure you have everything you need to make your dog's stay convenient and comfortable for everyone. And always keep your dog on a leash for its own safety. With some advance planning and adequate equipment, you and your dog will love traveling to Pennsylvania. Enjoy your trip!
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