Hello and welcome to the first installment of Inspiration Monday.
Inspiration Monday will be a place where I share things that I find inspiring and hope that you will too. The inspiration may be a photo of one of our favorite hikes, a dog friendly town, park, or lodge we want to visit, an inspiring story, a small “goal” to work on for the week, or just a little reminder to be the best pet parents we can be.
If you enjoy what I share, please let me know in the comments.
I’ve been dreaming at staying at the dog friendly Tenaya Lodge outside of Yosemite National Park for years.
The Tenaya Lodge is “an all-season resort that offers AAA Four-Diamond Yosemite accommodations, including Lodge Rooms and Cottage Rooms, a rich range of recreational activities, and awe-inspiring natural beauty at every turn.”
Photo Source: TenayaLodge.com
They have a Deluxe Pampered Pet Package (you have to call them to reserve this) which includes a plush dog bed and water bowl for use during your stay, a canine fact sheet with fun suggestions on pet-friendly areas to roam, and a list of doggy dos and don’ts to follow during your stay. They’ll also provide pet-sitting (for an extra fee) when you visit those places your pup just can’t come along – like the spa and restaurants.
Yosemite is a gorgeous National Park. I’ve driven through there twice. Unfortunately, dogs are generally not allowed in the park – at least not in the capacity that would allow you to enjoy all that the park has to offer. Dogs are only allowed on fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bicycle paths (except when signed as not allowing pets) including Wawona Meadow Loop (doesn’t sound impressive except for maybe the wildflowers in spring though) , the half-mile, paved trail to Lower Yosemite Fall, and bike trails along the Merced River and other parts of Yosemite Valley.
Don’t write this beautiful lodge off just because your dog can’t enjoy most of Yosemite with you though. There are options: You could take your dog into Yosemite knowing you will only be able to see the sights from the road (that’s worth it, believe me) and a few, limited trails; You can use the dog sitting or kennel services through the lodge and visit the park for a day dog-free; or you can enjoy one of the MANY dog friendly hikes and sights on the perimeter land that surrounds the Park (that’s what we’ll be doing if we ever make it there!).
I’ve probably known about this lodge for 3 years. It’s totally on my bucket list of places to go. Someday…..
Have you been there?
Nancy Landfried says
The Lodge is now on my bucket list! Thanks for the inspiration! I’m going to enjoy your inspiration Mondays!
Jessica Rhae says
Great Nancy! Not many people viewed this article today so I wasn’t sure if people liked it or not. I am glad to know that you did – it motivates me to write more and find more cool places like this. Thanks.
Jenn says
This sounds incredible! Really looking forward to this series!
Jessica Rhae says
Thank you, I am glad. I wasn’t sure if people would be interested in this type of information.
Oz the Terrier says
Well, now this lodge is on our bucket list too! It sounds great and it wouldn’t be bad to do the walks where they dog can go with you and then use the pet siting services for some of the other hikes. I hope you get there someday soon!
Nancy Stevrns says
We love really nice places other than motels to go to with our well-behaved yellow lab rescue. Barnsley Gardens in northwest. GA is one. We would love to hear of more!
Jessica Rhae says
Great. Thanks for the feedback. Now you’ve got me motivated to hunt down dream dog-friendly places we would like to stay 🙂
Terrie Lee says
Love the idea of starting off the week with a bit of Inspiration (even if the first day of leisure reading isn’t until Wednesday.) I learned of the lodge when researching top dog-friendly resorts a year ago and Tenaya has been on my bucket list ever since! Paws crossed 🙂
Kim says
Definitely putting this on my “vacation” list and am forwarding this recommendation to my daughter and son-in-law who take their Frankie everywhere! Thank you…..