Dog's Life

Exploring new horizons is always more fun with your best friend at your side. Here are five suggestions for vacations that will put the wag in your best buddy’s tail.

Learn how to howl like a hound dog

More and more properties go out of their way to make canine guests feel at home, but Loews goes above and beyond in providing an enriching experience you’ll both remember forever. You and your pal can party like rock stars at the Loews Vanderbilt in Nashville, where the Hound of Music package allows both of you to enjoy a howlin’ good time, from massages for both of you, to the main event, a limo ride to a music studio where you and your hound can team up karaoke-style to record a CD. www.loewshotels.com

Roll through Rock City Gardens

Just like you, your pal enjoys a change of scenery too. Relax and take a stroll together through astounding rock formations and beautiful gardens found only in Rock City, located in northwestern Georgia. More than just an ordinary walk in the park, you’ll both enjoy beautiful vistas from Lookout Mountain while getting all the restorative benefits of fresh air amid one-of-a-kind surroundings. Dogs are welcome at many of the surrounding hotels and motels. www.seerockcity.com/Flash/pets.htm

Hit the slopes in Aspen

Neither of you may be ready to tackle a black diamond ski run, but there is an abundance of winter fun available for you and your four-legged friend! Hearty dogs and companions who love snow and being outdoors will relish a chance to romp alongside while snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. And in the evening, you both can warm up in front of a roaring fire with your best buddy curled up nose-to-tail beside you. Whistler, Aspen and Telluride all have reputations for being dog havens. Dogs are welcome to ride the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain where a lovely nature trail awaits. Several top local hotels including The Sky Hotel and the Hotel Aspen happily welcome pups. www.aspenchamber.org

Get back to camp

The starry skies, the sights and sounds of nature and the relaxed pace of camping is just too great to not share, and many states are particularly welcoming. West Virginia (www.wvstateparks.com/petpolicy.htm), for example, invites canine campers in cabins and cottages to enjoy many of its state parks and forests. And all state campgrounds in Tennessee (www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/FAQs.shtml#petcamping) also allow dogs. But you don’t have to sleep in a pup tent, since Tennessee also sets aside rooms and cabins in each of its campgrounds for folks lucky enough to be traveling with canine friends. Check your state park destination to make sure you know the rules before you pitch camp.

Take a walk—on Broadway!

New York City is a doggone-friendly destination, thanks to its 62 pet-friendly hotels and 44 dog parks. The Dream Dog program at the Benjamin Hotel (www.thebenjamin.com) treats your pet right with complimentary toys and treats, a selection of dog beds, a plush bathrobe and doggie room-service options. Meanwhile, the Buckingham Hotel (www.buckinghamhotel.com) is not only located near the doggie paradise known as Central Park but also puts your mind at ease with a live-in veterinarian available around the clock.