Press Kit

News from Mt Washington Valley, NH – July 14, 2014

Contact:  Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331, PR@MtWashingtonValley.org 

WHO SAYS DOG DAYS ARE JUST FOR SUMMER?

THE TALE’S WAGGIN YEAR ROUND IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH

Mt Washington Valley has gone to the dogs – rafting, shopping skiing, weddings, dining, and staying are all dog-friendly in Mt Washington Valley.

North Conway, NH – No need to wish “bone voyage” to your precious pooch when you travel.  “Schnauzer” chance to travel with your dog!  Ask any tourism related business in Mt Washington Valley, NH and they’ll “MUTTer” that more and more people are traveling to this region of New Hampshire with their dogs.  Why?  Not only are Bowser and Fifi an important part of the family, but because this region offers so many dog-friendly businesses, travelers can be assured that their four legged family members will be welcomed here with open arms and plenty of dog bones. Bring Fido to dog-friendly Mt Washington Valley and you’ll find shops, lodging properties, attractions and even some restaurants that have made special provisions for travelers visiting with dogs.  A number of dog friendly events, like Bark in the Park – the largest pet expo in Northern New Hampshire - are highlighted throughout the year too. Read on for stories and ideas for places to stay and play with your dogs in Mt Washington Valley, NH

Dog Friendly Lodging in Mt Washington Valley

All lodging properties ask that you pick up after your pooch, many providing doggie refuse bags for walks on and around the property.  Innkeepers and hotel owners often share that their guests return year after year because the property is pet-friendly.  More than 11,000 searches are done per year for pet-friendly lodging in Mt Washington Valley.  Simply visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org, click on WHERE TO STAY, then choose Pet-friendly lodging from the list or simply click here for a complete list of pet-friendly lodging properties.  Here are a few of their stories.

Sunny Brook Cottages:  Dogs of all sizes and breeds pay a special rate of just $10 per stay when their humans stay here. In fact, cats, rabbits, ferrets and hamsters have stayed here too.  The owners, Jane and Rodney Burrill are such dog fans, when a guest was stuck at a local friend's home because of Tropical Storm Irene's flood waters, she called them, and they took care of her bull dog, Junebug, until they could get out and get back to pick Junebug up! 

Admiral Peary Inn B&B, Fryeburg, ME:  A resident inn-dog is always on hand to play with visiting dogs at this very dog-friendly B&B.  The dog’s rate is $25 and included in that is the chance for the run of the inn when staying here. If guests go out to dinner, innkeeper, Donna Pearce and her mascot will keep your dog occupied.  Simply leave the door open so your dog can return when ready to go to sleep! 

Old Red Inn and Cottages, North Conway, NH: Pets are welcomed here in select cottages. While there is no fee for your dog to stay, you will be asked for a $50 deposit to cover any damage.  Providing your pet is picked-up-after and is a “good doggie” your deposit will be returned.  Richard LeFave, co-owner here, says he’s seen a definite rise in those traveling with pets, mostly dogs.

Mahoosuc Inn, Milan, NH: If it’s possible to be “very” pet friendly, here’s one place that is! Many guests bring their four-legged friends. From dogs to horses, they’re welcome here. In fact, a number of guests have chosen to hold their weddings here so that their pets could take part in the ceremony. There’ve been plenty of brides walk down the aisle with their dogs, and in one case, a horse accompanied the bride to her wedding! There’s no extra cost for dogs; the management asks if you’ll be gone all day that the dogs not be left in the room.  A doggie daycare is located nearby for $10 per day.

Bartlett Inn, Bartlett, NH:  Recipients of a Fido’s Favorite Lodging badge, dogs are welcome here in the cottage rooms for $25 per stay, and receive a welcome package upon arrival including a towel to dry off, a doggie granola biscuit, doggie clean up bags and a 15-percent off coupon for a pet retailer nearby. In winter, XC ski or snowshoe with your four legged friend right out the back door on the pet-friendly Bear Notch Ski Touring trails. 

Cranmore Mountain Lodge, North Conway, NH: Here you’ll find four dog friendly rooms, three of them are suites , and they all have a private entrance so coming and going with your pup is easy. Pet-friendly rooms come equipped with use of a stainless steel bowl, plus goodies for man’s best friend.  Blackie, the inn’s black lab mix, may be seen out and about during your stay. An additional fee of $15 (plus tax) for each dog is required.  Your dog should be leashed at all time  when roaming throughout he property (don’t forget this is Blackie’s territory too) but your pets can run free on the trails that start right from the inn’s backyard  and/or  have a swim in the brook nearby. Freddie Procyk, co-owner of the Cranmore Mountain Lodge, says they’ve seen a rise in people traveling with two and three dogs at a time.

Top Notch Inn, Gorham, NH:  This inn has been welcoming well behaved dogs 50 lbs. and under for twenty years now.  You’ll find doggie bag stations throughout the property to making picking up after your pooch easy.  Plus, there are special Top Notch Inn treats from the inn’s official greeter "Nordi", and great places to walk and hike right from the inn.

Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club, Jackson, NH: Here you’ll find four pet-friendly rooms (one is a two- room suite). At check in, the four-legged furry friends are welcomed with a treat, lots of cuddle attention from staff and a personalized goody box filled with treats, toys and of course the "poopy bag" . There is a $35 per night pet fee; there are a few restrictions in regards to weight and breed that will be handled on an individual basis.

Lazy Dog Inn, Chocoura, NH: This is one self-described "Truly Dog Friendly Bed and Breakfast”. Providing guests traditional New England comforts in a historically rich 160-year-old farmhouse, dog guests will have access to a climate controlled “Doggie Lodge” where doggie daycare is provided. A secure fenced play area is available with agility equipment for hours of fun and exercise. Guestrooms allow your best friend to join their humans for a good night’s sleep too.

Omni Bretton Arms Inn’s, Bretton Woods, NH:  Adventure-loving and pampered dogs can explore the outdoors, take in fresh mountain air and enjoy the Bow Wow Program. Here the resort’s four-legged guests are welcomed with a water and food bowl, two treats, a squeaky toy, a map of the property’s dog-friendly trails and a "Bow wow welcome" tent, personalized with the pet’s name. Omni Bretton Arms Inn also offers a chef-prepared gourmet dog menu and sells North Woods Animal Treats at the front desk in a variety of shapes and flavors including Peanut Butter Bears, Parmesan Moose, Peppermint Pine (for good breath) and Trail Mix Trout (loaded with antioxidants). For the adventurous pups, the Bretton Woods ski area at the Omni Mount Washington Resort offers a dog-friendly Nordic trails on its Deception System. There are no specific requirements for dog owners to use the trails, other than the dogs must be on leash when accessing the Deception Area and while in the immediate area around the Center.  The Bretton Arms Inn’s pet policy calls for a flat one-time, non-refundable pet fee based on the weight of the pet. If the pet is less than 50lbs, the fee is $100.00. If the pet is over 50lbs, the fee is $150.00.

Red Jacket Mountain View Resort, North Conway, NH: Dogs are welcomed here in specified dog-friendly rooms and can travel with families on a leash outdoors throughout the property.  Guests must show proof of vaccination and there is a $35 per night fee for dogs to stay.

White Mountain Hotel & Resort, North Conway, NH: Dogs have company here as inn-mascot Tully enjoys welcoming his friends. Visiting dogs receive a welcome gift pack that includes a collapsible bowl, a logo'd dog toy, a custom doggie treat a discount coupon for nearby pet retailers and waste bags. It is a $75 charge (not a deposit) per dog, per room for the entire stay. There is a maximum of two dogs (under 25 lbs. each) per guest room.

Residence Inn by Marriott North Conway, NH: Pets are welcome up to two per room per stay for a $100 non- refundable pet fee to cover the deep-cleaning after each pet’s stay. Pets are given a traveling water bowl and pet treats from a local pet deli and store.

Additionally, most of the campgrounds in the area allow vaccinated pets to travel with their families; some require leashes when walking throughout the property.  Ariel Moore of the Beach Family Camping Area says there are always dogs visiting with their families. 

If you choose to stay at a lodging property that won’t accept pets, both Karla’s Pet Rendezvous and Auntie Cindy’s Albany Pet Care offer full service boarding, grooming and doggie day care, complete with doogie kiddie pools, and dedicated space to roam and play.

Dog Friendly Attractions

Story Land, Glen, NH: Dogs are not allowed in the park (except service animals of course), however to accommodate the four-legged family members, Story Land offers 26 kennels which are 4’ high. 4’ wide and 4’ feet deep with roofs with cement floors.  The kennels are free on a first come first serve basis, and are double locked and only opened when the pet’s family is present.  Story Land supplies water and encourages pet families to bring food, blankets toys etc. Family members will have their hand stamped and come and go during the day to take their pet for a walk or visit.  Dog owners must show current immunization records.

Santa’s Village, Jefferson, NH: Santa has been known to travel with his reindeer, so he recognizes that pets are family, too, and should be comfortable at Santa's Village. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the park.  So, at Santa's Village  "Canine Condos" kennels provide a comfortable spot for dogs to relax while their families enjoy the rides, shows, water park, and visits with Santa and his reindeer inside.  Again, the kennels are free to use for the day; a $10 deposit is held while the kennel is occupied, and then returned when the padlock and water bowl are returned to the ticket booth at the end of the day.

Conway Scenic Railroad, North Conway, NH: Dogs are welcomed to ride the trains in the Coach sections with their families.  In fact so dog-friendly is the train that   each year the railroad hosts young trainees from Assistance Canine Training Services, a nonprofit organization in Center Tuftonboro that trains service dogs. 

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft NH, Jefferson, NH: Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel is the premier dog sled touring operator in New England, so dog lovers are naturally drawn here.  In addition to their year-round recreational tours, personal lessons for guests looking to learn a new activity with their four-legged friends are offered.  They offer a variety of lessons such as dog sledding, skijoring, bikejoring, diggler scootering and cani-cross walking lessons.  Does your pet long to be a sled dog?  Learn from Emma and her mushing friends, as your dog works with Muddy Paws crew to "learn the mushing ropes". “We have seen an increase in people taking advantage of the lessons in the past few years... as it becomes more and more popular to travel with dogs and more local lodging accepts pets, people take advantage of the opportunity to try an adventure with their pet, said Emma at Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel.

Monkey Trunks High Ropes and Zipline Park, Chocorua, NH: Leashed dogs are welcome at all of the park and have as much fun watching their family members climb, swing and zip as their humans do.  All guests are asked to clean up after their dogs.  

White Lake Speedway Inc. Tamworth, NH: Well behaved and leashed dogs are permitted at the park, and must accompany owners at all times. Animal owners are asked to visit the ticket window with their dog prior to entering the park.  Dogs are not allowed in the game room

Saco Bound Outdoors & Northern Waters Outfitters, Conway, NH: Canoeing, kayaking and camping are great activities for the entire family and pets too.  Friendly pets are welcomed to experience the outdoors in a canoe or kayak throughout the season at Saco Bound.

Great Glen Trails/Mount Washington Auto Road, Pinkham Notch, NH:  Dogs are allowed to ride with their owners to the summit on the Mt Washington Auto Road, but cannot be accommodated in the guided stages.  At Great Glen Trails, leashed dogs are allowed on the hiking, biking and walking trails with their owners.  Additionally, in the winter Great Glen Trails offers a 3-mile walk/hike/ski loop where leashed dogs are welcome. 

Wildcat Mountain & Attitash Mountain Resort: Well-behaved dogs on leash can ride with owners on New Hampshire's highest Scenic Gondola to the summit of Wildcat Mountain. There is no additional cost for dogs to ride as long as owner has purchased a ticket to ride the Scenic Gondola. Leashed dogs can be on resort outdoor property at both Attitash Mountain Resort and Wildcat Mountain on leash and accompanied by an adult. Dogs not allowed indoors at either Wildcat or Attitash. 

Bear Notch Ski Touring Center, Bartlett, NH:  Dogs are welcomed on the trails winding through the forest and along the river here.  On any given winter day you’ll often find a four legged friend running along his or her human, and skijoring is a popular sport here too.  

Of course if you’re on the lookout for a new pup, a visit to the Harvest Hills Animal Shelter or North Conway Area Humane Society. 

Restaurants, Stores & Malls

Bagels Plus, North Conway – The owners here always travel with their dogs, so while the health department frowns on dogs inside eating establishments, outdoor seating on the back porch with tables and a fresh bowl of water is always here along with free doggie bagel bones for Bowser.  Additionally, a new picnic area has been added near the parking lot to expand space for the growing group of people who dine with dogs!

Frontside Grind Coffee Shop, North Conway – Dogs are welcomed on the front patio overlooking North Conway Village, and you’ll often see a number of them here.  There’s a “doggie parking area” by the front door where dogs can be left while their humans go in to order.  Fresh water for dogs is left in bowls for dogs too.

Flatbread Company - Visit in the warmer months when the patio is open and enjoy fabulous pizza with your pooch!  Dogs are allowed to accompany their masters when they dine outside on the patio.   

Settlers’ Green Outlet Village, North Conway, NH – Here’s one mall that’s “dogged” about welcoming your four-legged friends. From the “dogs welcome” stickers on many store doors (nearly half the stores are dog-friendly) encouraging  not just  two but four legged shoppers  to a myriad of fabulous dog events pups feel particularly welcomed here.   During the summer, Settlers’ Green offers a weekly mall dog walking event, and recently an international dog jumping competition called Dock Dogs was hosted at Settlers’ Green showing they’ve taken their dog interest to the next level.  Not only do they welcome dogs, they even welcome wet dogs! You’ll find fresh water for dogs in bowls found in common areas and many stores keep a stash of dog bones behind the counter.

Fields of Ambrosia: BATH- BODY – AROMA, North Conway Village, NH:  You’ll always find a welcoming bowl of water and healthy treats for the 4-legged visitors here.  Step inside and you’ll find pet-friendly DEET FREE Insect Deterrent and Tick Repellent.

Silver Paw Pet Tags, Brownfield, Maine: Are you tired of boring, generic id tags that that wear out quickly? Get your dog the perfect gift.  Silver Paw Pet Tags are made out of thick, hard core stainless steel. Add cool graphics, deep engraving, a lifetime guarantee, and fast, free shipping.   Order online: www.silverpawtags.com. 

The Ultimutt Cut Pet Salon, North Conway, NH:  Offering a welcoming and calm pet salon environment, grooming pets is the specialty here; however you’ll also find a number of New England made products for your pets in their boutique too. 

The Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce looks forward to welcoming all two and four-legged furry friends to the region. For more information on dog-friendly Mt Washington Valley, visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364). To learn more about making a trip to New Hampshire, go to www.visitNH.gov.

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