The best holidays often include learning a new skill, expanding your knowledge or discovering a new destination.
Here are places where you can push the limits or expand your comfort zone:
Kitty Hawk Kayak and Surf School - Outer Banks, N.C.
Learn to surf or paddle board from the pros while enjoying beautiful beaches and warm sea breezes. Camp programs, lessons for girls only or group instruction provide a wide array of options for would-be wave runners. Crabbing, hiking, kayaking and other surf side activities combine to make this a great vacation spot.
Contact: 1 (866) 702-5061;www.khkss.com
Sanctuary Baines’ Camp. Botswana.
Go walking in the bush with three orphaned and semi-habituated elephants, Jabu, Thembi and Morula. Learn from “elephant whisperers” Doug and Sandi Groves about how the animals’ innate bush-sense enables them to survive in a wild environment. Join the magnificent creatures for a nature walk and observe how they strip leaves from branches with their trunks and shower in the delta lagoons.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.SanctuaryRetreats.com
Surfing Montreal, Quebec Canada.
Several hundred miles from the nearest ocean beach you’ll find this unlikely surfer’s paradise. A standing wave in the St Lawrence River provides adventure-minded families the opportunity to learn river surfing while enjoying a holiday in this charming and multicultural city. The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth offers a package that includes lessons from a pro, equipment rental, a daily breakfast buffet and energy snacks.
Contact: www.Fairmont.com;
http://surfmtl.com
Dive Deals. Fort Lauderdale, FL.
June is “Learn to Dive” month. In the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, many of the major dive operators used the designation to launch discounted Scuba certification programs. Offers, most of which are valid through the summer, include free dives, Dive and Stay packages offering a 4th night free, and other benefits and amenities. A simple, one-stop shopping web page helps dive enthusiasts and those new to the sport, find deals and assistance in getting certified online. For additional added value, check out the VIP, two-for- one offers.
Contact: (800) 22-SUNNY; www.sunny.org/learntodive;
www.sunny.org/vip/
Rocky Mountain Round-up.
Week -long and four-day three-night packaged trips in the Rocky Mountains offer activities that include a trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park, river rafting, horse-back riding through wildflowers on Beaver Creek Mountain plus scenic gondola rides at Vail and Keystone followed by family-friendly naturalist hikes and mountaintop picnics. You can also enjoy historical walking tours through the old Victorian mining town of Breckenridge followed by cowboy campfire dinners and storytelling. educational information about local flora and fauna, geology, geography and history of the region is also integrated into the family-friendly activities.
Contact: 888-538-EPIC (3742); www.EpicSummer.com
Hike Zion. Springdale, UT.
Get the guidance and gear you need to take on the famed canyons solo from the crew at Zion Adventure Guides by accessing their ground courses. (Guides are unable to work within some parts of Zion National Park.) For those who prefer professional “company” while exploring the world class slot canyons, alternate routes are available. The Narrows, a 16 mile corridor, can be hiked in one rigorous day, but most recommend an overnight or the Bottom Up hike that enables hikers to see some of the most stunning aspects of the canyon in four to six hours. Either way, you and your family will be enthralled by the splendor of the twisting slots, where carved sandstone rises to the bright, blue western sky. Recommended for children eight and older.
Contact: 435-772-1001; www.zionadventures.com;
www.nps.gov/zion
Mineral hot springs offer the chance to soak in healing waters and to learn about their ancient origins. Here are five places where you and your family can enjoy the warm water.
1.Steamboat Springs, CO.
In the late 1880s fur trappers passing through this Colorado enclave, heard an odd noise resembling a steamboat. They were pleasantly surprised to find more than 150 geothermal steamy, bubbling springs that today soothe tired muscles après ski or after a long days’ hike. The centrally-located Old Town Hot Springs offers swimming pools, a full-service fitness center and a waterslide for the kids. Just seven miles from town, the Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers a unique experience, with hand-built stone pools of varying temperatures, tepee changing rooms and a natural and serene environment. Note: Children are welcome during the day. Once the sun goes down, you must be 18 or older and clothing is optional.
Contact: (970) 879-0342; www.StrawberryHotSprings.com
(970) 879-1828; www.SteamboatHotSprings.com
2. Thermopolis, Wy
Visit the world’s largest mineral hot spring in this western town where the whole family can swim, slide, soak and steam inside or outdoors. See the mineral-formed rainbow terraces and other natural creations as well as the local buffalo herd at the Hot Springs State Park. Learn how paleontologists work, participate in a real dig or wander through the museum at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. Don’t miss the 108 foot Supersaurus stretching overhead.
Contact: 1 (877) 864-3192; www.Thermopolis.com
3. Glenwood Springs, CO.
Royals, presidents and Ute Indians have all found these steamy pools to provide great respite from the rest of the world. Two blocks long, the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool complex includes a kiddy pool with water slide, a diving pool and a therapy pool. Relax in the warm waters and enjoy the Rocky Mountain scenery. Later, step next door to the Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves for a natural sauna in rock caves. Spend the night in nearby geothermal-heated hotel rooms.
Contact: (970) 945-6571; www.hotspringspool.com
4. Calistoga, CA
The Palisade Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop to a day spent relaxing in this comfortable, family-run spa in Napa Valley. Warm up in an 80-foot-long lap pool, a 90-degree kiddie pool with a waterfall or the 100-degree pool. The steamy therapy pool is for adults only. Mud baths, massages and a fitness facility are also available. A multi-generational favorite, rooms with kitchenettes make a family overnight easy to handle.
Contact: 866-822-5772; www.calistogaspa.com
5. Rio Grande Village, TX.
Soak in the scenery as well as the warm water within Big Bend National Park. Look for painted pictographs on the cliff walls as you enjoy the one mile loop hike past historic buildings and the area where various Indian groups lived and traveled. The large hot spring on the bank of the Rio Grande River gushes with steamy water that fills the foundation of an old bathhouse creating a popular natural hot tub.
Contact: (432)477-2251; www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/soakinthesprings.htm
Unspoiled natural places, authentic cultural experiences and distinctive communities draw travelers from around the world to America’s “last great place” ; Montana.
Accompanied by a tall, handsome young man (OK, he was carrying my luggage) I wandered down the cedar plank, eager to see the digs I had heard so much about. As he unzipped the white canvas door, a slice of heaven was revealed.
I’ve spent my share of nights inside a tent, but none like this. Forget the unrolled sleeping bags on uneven ground. Think exotic bed, laden with thick, silky linens, elegant antiques and carpets warming the wood floor. The entire room was aglow with more than a dozen candles flickering in the early evening breeze.
And then there was the view. From my private deck overlooking the mouth of the pristine Bedwell River, I could see smoke billowing from the lodge fireplace across the water. A bevy of resident canines frolicked on the deep green lawn. Beyond, tree-covered mountains rose, with still higher peaks looming in the distance.
I had arrived at the remote Clayoquot Wilderness Resort near Tofino on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, via seaplane. Away from the watchful eyes of the male members of my family sons, I was looking forward to a little rest and relaxation, and to the camaraderie and nonjudgment of my fellow students—four other “reel women”—for a stress-free, four-day tutorial to hone our fly-fishing skills.
Glamping-Glamorous Camping
This wilderness lodge and others dotting the planet have combined luxurious, yet eco-friendly amenities with a wilderness setting to create a fresh air-filled getaway some have labeled “glamping” (short for glamorous camping). Somehow, the distinction does not do justice to this elegant outdoor trend. For me, the term thuds to the ground, but the experience is other-worldly.
At Clayoquot, the day begins with coffee or tea service delivered outside your tent door at the time of your choosing. Later, you’ll linger over a delectable breakfast. Consider wild blueberry and cornmeal griddle cakes or homemade muesli along with fresh-squeezed juices, served in the cozy, timbered ranch style lodge, while gathering your strength for an event-filled day.
Guests can choose from guided hiking or horseback riding through old growth forests, deep sea fishing, kayaking, rock wall climbing or relaxing in the wood-fired cedar hot tub overlooking the estuary.
Some opt for a Walk on the Wild Side, a guided outing that combines hiking, strolling deserted beaches, and whale and bear watching.
Heading out for the day? The gourmet dining staff will create a delectable picnic lunch—perhaps free-range roasted chicken, grilled vegetables and aioli on homemade bread—fit for an eco-queen.
And at day’s end, sore muscles are soothed at Healing Grounds where seaside spa tents envelop the weary for a deep tissue massage set to the muffled sounds of water lapping and birds chirping outside canvas walls.
Reel Women Excel
Meanwhile back in the Hemingway-esque fishing tent, the reel women are learning the difference between roll casting and back casting, rainbow and cutthroat trout, and how differently men and women adapt to the sport.
“Women seem to have an easier time learning to cast,” observed Dino, one of two charming and patient instructors. “So many men try to strong arm it and that just isn’t how it is done.”
Our feminine group did express some concern about the well being of the fish. But once we cleared that hurdle it was on to tying our own flies, practicing our casts
and preparing for the big catch.
Part of the experience involved testing our skills in the local waters. We rode horseback past massive, moss-covered cedars, climbing through the lush rainforest to cast into deep, clear pools. The following morning we climbed aboard a seaplane and landed on a high mountain lake where Alice, our most determined student, would joyfully land her first big fish.
So Much to Do, So Little Time
My only regret: Four days leaves too little time to enjoy this expansive and exquisite wilderness setting. My fly fishing skills had improved, but I hadn’t lounged near the imposing stone fireplace in the outside living room, lingered on my scenic deck, had a second massage, gone Coho salmon fishing or kayaked across the sound.
Remedy: a swift return.
If You Go
The Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is located within the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve near Tofino, B.C., and is accessible via floatplane from Vancouver, B.C., and via water taxi from Tofino.
While intimate and romantic, families are also welcome. Reunions and weddings are common. Rates include all activities, three gourmet meals and seaplane transport from Vancouver; mid-May to mid-July and end of August to the beginning of October.
Other Luxury Tent Camps
The Resort at Paws Up. Greenough, Montana. Stay at one of several glamping sites, including River Camp on the Blackfoot River and enjoy horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking spa services and a healthy dose of Big Sky. Tel. 800-473-0601, www.PawsUp.com
Steamboat Springs has a very strong western tradition, which even the youngest residents celebrate.
There was a time when my middle son, Alex, would don his small cowboy hat, grab an unsuspecting stuffed animal and practice calf roping in the living room. Swinging his imaginary rope, he would nab the stuffed toy, drop on one knee and throw his hands in the air.
Success!
His inspiration? The award-winning Steamboat Rodeo. We’d spent 10 summer days in Steamboat Springs, Colo., and the rodeo was his favorite, and clearly most unforgettable, experience of the vacation.
The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series is the most successful weekly rodeo in the country, and an important part of a summer visit to this northern Rockies cowboy town. Every Friday and Saturday evening from mid-June to mid-August, the locals mix with tourists for an evening of plumb western fun.
The town’s rodeo roots reach deep into the region’s vibrant ranching history and can be traced back more than 100 years. No one is quite sure when the first rodeo took place, but mentions of bronco riding can be found in old copies of the Steamboat Pilot newspaper from as early as 1898.
The same paper referred to what may have been the precursor to the modern rodeo: Game Day. The paper reports that the multi-day event drew about 3,000 people to Steamboat to watch ”rough riding, steer roping, pony racing, shooting contests, running races and dances.”
Today, the rodeo tradition is alive and well. The sport’s legends, hall-of-famers, world champions, circuit champions, season champions, as well as raw rookies support the rodeo. Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the weekend event takes place in a modern rodeo arena named after local rodeo rider Brent Romick. With a nod to history, it stands on the same ground the original cowboys chose for their competitions a century ago.
Rodeo and western fans will also enjoy a Steamboat Fourth of July. Cowboy Roundup days include all the rodeo favorites: a parade down Lincoln Avenue, a community pancake breakfast, live music and fireworks.
When in Steamboat Springs
Your whole crew will enjoy witnessing this American tradition where the rough and tough iconic cowboy meets good, old-fashioned family fun.
Get there early.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. The seating is general admission, so if you want a front and center seat for the action, get there by 6:30 for a 7:30 start. There is parking at the rodeo grounds. However, you can avoid the crowds after the rodeo by parking in town and walking the few blocks to the arena.
Don’t miss the barbecue.
Each Friday and Saturday, a family-style barbecue starts at 6:00 p.m. and runs until approximately 9:30 p.m. If front row seats aren’t your priority, get riled up for the rodeo with special entertainment from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.
Get the kids involved.
Talk with first-timers about what to expect. For some small children, the events can be overwhelming. For arena-ready young wranglers, the just-for-fun calf and ram scramble may be just right for them. There are separate events for kids 5 and under as well as a scramble for kids 6-12. No need to register in advance.
Details.
Dress for the cool mountain air. The rodeo goes on, rain or shine. Kids 6 and under are free.
For more information: www.steamboatprorodeo.com.
Located nearly 7,000 feet above sea level in Colorado’s Northern Rockies, this picturesque town boasts six mountains and nearly 3,000 acres of luscious ski- and board-friendly terrain. You won’t find jagged peaks. Rather, they’re oversized “hills,” as I heard one visitor call them, coated with an abundance of champagne powder—the dry, smooth snow for which the Rockies are renowned—and backed by a 75-year Olympic heritage. The combination of rugged authenticity and serious skiing makes for one of the most extraordinary resort destinations on the planet
Never far from its ranching roots, Steamboat Springs, CO remains solidly linked to a western tradition that sets it apart, in a most refreshing way, from other mountain resorts that dot the Rocky Mountain landscape. Fur-swaddled tourists are few and far between. This is a town where ranchers, clad in boots and brand-boasting belt buckles, still go about their business. It’s a laid-back landscape.
I made my first trek to Steamboat while still in college. My only prior ski experience had been on small slopes, the kind commonly found in the Midwest. For me, this Rocky Mountain high country was the big time. The bright western sunshine and the thrill of the famously fluffy powder were exhilarating. I remember thinking: “This is perfection.”
Decades later, Steamboat is still perfect; a perfect vacation destination for families, winter or summer.
Winter Activities in Steamboat
According to local Yampa Valley ranchers, the true measure of a Routt County winter’s severity is determined by how high the snow piles up against their four fence wires. Steamboat enjoys more than its fair share of “three-wire winters.” As Sureva Towler writes in her book, The History of Skiing at Steamboat Springs, “By January or February of a typical winter, snow will cover the third fence wire, usually thirty inches high.” Four-wire winters, generally more than 35 inches at the resort’s mid-mountain location, are not uncommon. That is very good news for those who like to strap on the skis and experience the legendary white stuff.
Families First
Steamboat wrote the book on children and family programs, and the resort area continues to innovate. While holding armloads of accolades from magazines and Web sites, its leading edge position has been solidified by providing an array of deals over the past few decades where kids and grandkids fly, ski, rent and/or stay free.
Not wanting to rest on their laurels, the resort added a technological twist to its family-friendly programming with the Mountain Watch program. My friends with young children, who sampled the program during an early visit, described the concept as “Star Wars meets Big Brother.”
Now more commonly used to relieve parent angst, the Steamboat Mountain Watch uses wristband-tracking devices to allow the grownups to keep tabs on their children. By scanning your own watch at kiosks located around the resort, you can zero in on your child’s location on the mountain or know they are tucked safely inside the Kid’s Vacation Center.
“We were able to enjoy our time and have peace of mind just knowing where our son and daughter were,” explained my friends. “When we met at the end of the day, we could ask specific questions about the places we knew they visited while we were relishing a long-awaited day on the slopes.”
Olympic Style Skiing
Steamboat has produced more winter Olympians that any other town in North America, a record 69 and counting. In fact, Steamboat sent more athletes to recent Olympic Games than many small countries. Your kids can hear the story and gather inspiration straight from 1964 Olympic Silver medalist Billy Kidd. He serves as the Steamboat Ski Area’s Director of Skiing and is often available on the mountain.
Those who want a little instruction can also opt for Family Private ski or board lessons. Offered for a half or full day, the whole gang can learn together. Instructors will customize your family clinic to meet the specific needs and goals of your group. I’m told it works best if all participants share a similar level of expertise. Children must be in first grade or older to participate.
Once you’ve brushed up on your skill set, you will be ready to learn the secret of Steamboat: “the goods are in the woods!” If you are game for glade skiing—which involves skiing through trees, rather than on an open slope—this is the place to be, even if you are not a black diamond daredevil. There is a perfect pitch for every ability. I was happy with the tame terrain off the Sunshine Express, while my boys went for the steeper stuff.
Hot Springs Give Steamboat Steam
We took a break from the slopes to visit one of the more than 150 geothermal springs that give Steamboat its name. In the late 1880s when fur trappers were passing through the area, they heard an odd noise they thought sounded like a steamboat. They were pleasantly surprised, much as today’s visitors are, to find the steamy, bubbling springs that soothe tired muscles après ski or after a long days’ hike.
Guests who want to experience the springs can choose from two facilities. The centrally-located Old Town Hot Springs offers swimming pools, a full-service fitness center and a waterslide for the kids. We ventured just seven miles from town, to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. This venue offers a unique experience, with hand-built stone pools of varying temperatures, tepee changing rooms and a natural and serene environment. Children are welcome during the day. Once the sun goes down, you must be 18 or older and clothing is optional.
Summer Activities in Steamboat
When the warm, western sun once again reveals the fence lines, the games change. Steamboat has received nearly as much acclaim for its summer beauty and vitality as for its world famous snow.
- Strawberry Hot Springs has three main pools of varying temperatures to delight all visitors.
Our warm weather visits have included fly-fishing,, hiking, rafting, attending Steamboat’s famous rodeo and simply admiring the colorful hot air balloons that often dot the sky.
On Thunderhead Peak
Hopping on the Steamboat gondola to the top of Thunderhead Peak makes it easy for the whole family to explore the area by mountain bike, hike along the nature trails, or just relax and take in the breathtaking views.
- Strings in the Mountains presents Music on the Green, a free concert in Yampa River Botanic Park weekly during the summer.
The gondola operates daily from mid-June through Labor Day. Uphill operations run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mon. to Sat., and 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sun. (weather permitting), with the last downhill trip at 4:30 p.m.
With small kids or less able family members in tow, try the Vista Nature Trail. It’s a one-mile, handicapped-accessible loop that begins near the top of the gondola. A wide, graded, gravel path meanders for the first half-mile then turns into a traditional hiking trail for the second half-mile.
Mountain Biking on the Slopes
Steamboat’s mountain bike trail network has gained an international reputation, but you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy many of the more than 50 miles of trails at the ski area and countless more in the nearby wilderness areas. If you don’t have your own bike, rentals are readily available. The Steamboat Mountain Bike School offers private and semi-private clinics for those looking to improve their bike handling skills throughout the summer.
Camping and Wilderness Areas
With more than 1,000 square miles of public lands, including Routt National Forest several Colorado State Parks and two wilderness areas surrounding Steamboat Springs, the area is nirvana if you love getting into the backcountry for hiking, camping and adventure.
There also are plenty of options for day hikes and excursions. We loved our outing to the easily accessible Fish Creek Falls; the breathtaking 280-foot waterfall spills just four miles from downtown.
Something About That Barn
Years ago, when I left Steamboat after my champagne powder initiation, I returned to my college dorm room with a treasured Steamboat poster depicting two skiers on horseback making first tracks in front of a picturesque, western-style barn.
Nearly three decades later, I walked into my son’s college dorm room. We had never skied Steamboat together, yet he had the same poster on his wall.
We weren’t the only two taken by the beauty of this famous Steamboat landmark. Shot in 1973 by Minneapolis–based photographer, Gerald Brimacombe, the Steamboat Barn poster features Rusty Chandler and Jo Semotan riding, skis shouldered, in front of the Barn. You will see the Barn poster on the walls of the Stanley Hotel in Steven King’s miniseries version of The Shining. It also made SKI Magazine’s list of the Top 100 Ski Photographs, and variations on the image are featured on much of the resort area’s promotional materials.
Getting There
Steamboat Springs is located 157 miles northwest of Denver, and visitors to this mountain Mecca can fly into the mile-high city and drive, or take advantage of increasing nonstop jet service offered from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Newark/NYC, New York-JFK, New York-LaGuardia or Salt Lake City on American, Continental, Delta, Northwest and United Airlines. All service is direct into the Steamboat/Hayden Airport (HDN), 22 miles/35kms from the ski area..
For first-timers and returning visitors alike, the Steamboat tourist site www.steamboat.com is a great resource.
Hotels are expanding their luxury services for animals to ensure that your beloved canine companion can sleep and dine in style.
An increasing number of upscale lodging establishments gain guest loyalty by throwing a bone to Bob.
“Oh, yes. Bob,” said Sue, who with her husband, Derrick, was telling a story to another couple. Barely within earshot, I heard them continue. “Well, he needs plenty of room or he gets cranky,” she said.
“It’s important that he be able to stretch his legs. He doesn’t like to be cramped,” said Derrick. “And he’s a finicky eater … and frankly, he doesn’t get along well with others.”
An aging uncle? A distant cousin?
No. Bob is their beloved greyhound dog. And there’s nothing too good for Bob.
My friends Sue and Derrick don’t go anywhere without Bob. Hotels, restaurants, parties, resorts. If Bob isn’t welcome, they simply don’t go.
Fortunately, for this Arizona couple, much of the world now sees it their way.
It’s a Dog’s World
An increasing number of lodging establishments are not only posting a welcome sign for your pooches, but they are going out of their way to ensure your pet is comfortable and cozy.
Upscale hotel chains like Loews Hotels and Starwood’s W Hotels, have expanded their system-wide commitments to include guests’ canine companions. With perks ranging from toys at check-in to doggie turndown service, pets have plenty to wag their tails about.
So when you get the urge to enjoy life’s luxurious locations, you won’t have to go alone. Here are a few of the places where your four-legged friends will be appreciated.
Denver
My son Ted and I recently spent the night at The Curtis hotel in downtown Denver. A pop culture hotspot, The Curtis features colorful themed rooms and floors, which are all about fun. And if the humans are having a good time, why not include the shaggy set and let the good times roll. The hotel has installed the city’s largest doggie door, allowing pets like Bob and his pals to slip into the lobby in style. He’ll bunk on the “pet-friendly” 8th floor—which is Sci-Fi themed, where images from Star Wars, Alien, Godzilla and Attack of the 50 Foot Woman adorn the halls. www.thecurtis.com
Los Angeles
In sunny Los Angeles, The Beverly Hills Hotel, offers a Canine Connoisseur program, with bone-shaped cookies personalized by hand with your pet’s name, as well as doggie beds, bowls and the hotel’s signature hot pink tennis balls. Rooms start at $495 per night. www.thebeverlyhillshotel.com
Milan
After a long day of shopping in fashionable Milan, you’ll have no worries. The Hotel Principe di Savoia has a room service menu just for pets featuring tasty treats made out of beef, chicken or veal, served cooked to order or tartar. The hotel also offers vegetable croquettes. (Of course, there is room service for you as well.) . www.hotelprincipedisavoia.com
Paris
Headed to Paris with your puppy? The elegant Hotel Le Meurice offers complimentary pet baskets for dogs (and cats), with personalized and custom-designed bowls and name tags, and specific menus and food options—all arranged prior to your arrival. The hotel’s staff members will also be pleased to take your dog for a stroll in the Jardin des Tuileries while you are out and about the streets of Paris. www.lemeurice.com
Vancouver Island
At the Long Beach Lodge on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, pets are welcomed into beach-front guest rooms or rain-forest cottages. And when those paws get wet and sandy from a feisty romp on the world famous surfing beach, there will be warm towels, special treats and a cozy bed—size small, medium or large—waiting for your treasured friend in seaside accommodations. “Our guests enjoy staying at the Long Beach Lodge with their dogs and having the opportunity to explore the beaches and nearby trails,” explains Sara Holland, a spokesperson for the resort. “We have no weight restrictions and so big dogs—even two big dogs—are welcome to enjoy the beautiful surroundings with their owners.” www.longbeachlodgeresort.com
Carmel
One of the earliest adopters of the pet-friendly phenomenon, the Cypress Inn is in the pet-friendly enclave of Carmel, Calif. Owned by actress and animal advocate Doris Day, the Mediterranean-style establishment is a short stroll from the beach and offers pet sitting plus suggestions for outings with your canine companion. . www.cypress-inn.com.
With so many hoteliers now eager to please the four-legged crowd and their loyal owners, Doris must be proud.