Happy Friday!
As you can imagine, the past few months have been a bit chaotic and we’ve been running around like mad people trying to get everything done and in order. Plus, we’re still trying to squeeze in visits to all of our favorite places one last time before we move. Although it’s an exhilarating time in our lives, all the details are enough to make our heads spin!
We’ve made good progress on our itinerary and wanted to share part two with you. As we mentioned in part one, we know this will probably change a million times between now and then, but it gives us a good idea of how long we’ll stay in each city.
Our hotels are all booked through San Diego and we’ve moved on to searching for hotels in L.A. and the Central California coast (Pismo Beach, Carmel/Monterey). If you have any recommendations for those areas, we’d love to hear them!
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Day 15 (Sat, Jun 25th) Phoenix
- Morning
- Drive to Tempe
- Mill Avenue
- Four Peaks Brewery
- Afternoon
- FireSky Resort
- Overnight in Scottsdale
Day 16 (Sun, Jun 26th) Phoenix
- Morning
- Camelback Mountain
- Sun Devil Stadium
- Afternoon
- Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin West Tour
- Evening
- Run at Tempe Town Lake
- Overnight in Scottsdale
Day 17 (Mon, Jun 27th) Sedona
- Morning
- Drive to Sedona
- Bell Rock
- Cathedral Rock
- Snoopy Rock (Snoopy, is this your rock?) 😉
- Afternoon
- Slide Rock State Park
- Evening
- Drive to Flagstaff
- Overnight in Flagstaff
Day 18 (Tue, Jun 28th) Flagstaff
- Day
- Grand Canyon
- Evening
- Drive to Las Vegas
- Overnight in Las Vegas
Day 19 (Wed, Jun 29th) Las Vegas
- Morning
- Hoover Dam
- Afternoon
- Las Vegas Strip
- Evening
- Penn & Teller
- Overnight in Las Vegas
Day 20 (Thu, Jun 30th) Las Vegas
- Morning
- Red Rock Canyon
- Afternoon
- Las Vegas Strip
- Evening
- Fremont Street
- Overnight in Las Vegas
Day 21 (Fri, Jul 1st) San Diego
- Morning
- Las Vegas
- Late Morning
- Drive to Mojave National Preserve
- Afternoon
- Drive to San Diego
- Overnight in San Diego
Day 22 (Sat, Jul 2nd) San Diego
- Day
- Balboa Park
- San Diego Zoo
- Nate’s Point Dog Park
- Cabrillo Bridge
- Bea Evenson Fountain
- Japanese Friendship Garden
- Balboa Park
- Overnight in San Diego
Day 23 (Sun, Jul 3rd) San Diego
- Morning
- Coronado
- Ferry Landing Marketplace
- Coronado Central Beach
- Hotel Del Coronado
- Coronado
- Afternoon
- USS Midway Museum
- Seaport Village
- Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour
- Overnight in San Diego
Day 24 (Mon, Jul 4th) San Diego
- Escondido
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Stone Brewing Co.
- Orfila Vineyards and Winery
- Fireworks
- Overnight in San Diego
Day 25 (Tue, Jul 5th) San Diego
- Morning
- Cabrillo National Monument
- Mission Bay Kayak Tour
- Afternoon
- Ocean Beach (Dog Beach)
- Fiesta Island (Mission Bay)
- Evening
- La Jolla Cove
- Point La Jolla Beach
- Muttropolis
- Overnight in San Diego
Day 26 (Wed, Jul 6th) San Diego
- Open Day – Dog Beach?
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In addition to the thanks we extended in our part one post, we also wanted to give a shout-out to Alison at The Other Winnie Cooper, Tiffany at Simply Shaka, Elizabeth at On Tap for Today, Cate at blanketID, Tammy at Vet Wisdom Cafe and Lori at The Dog Park for all the great recommendations and reviews. In our opinion, the best travel advice always comes from the locals! Click here if you’d like to add your favorite dog friendly attraction or dining destination.
You can view our full itinerary (through San Diego) on our Travel Itinerary page. We’ll continue to update our page as we get further in our planning!
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Because this is such a wordy post, we thought today was the perfect time to share a few photos of one of our little family of three’s favorite spots to hang out…Starbucks on the River Walk.
Mitch and I had just finished running a few miles along the River Walk (after we walked Gus, of course) and decided to plunk down at Starby’s for a refreshing Venti, Non-Fat, Skinny, Caramel Macchiato. Seriously, we couldn’t have sounded more pretentious placing our order!
Gus’s car makes regular appearances on the River Walk scene. It’s definitely one of the greatest gifts we’ve ever received.
Per usual, Gus was on his best behavior during this particular Starby’s trip. Most of the time, he’s content to lay on a chair or on the ground, but this particular day he wanted to sit in his dad’s lap. Neither Mitch nor I can ever deny his request to cuddle!
We hope you have a fantastic Friday and holiday weekend!
Pip
May 27, 2011
Your trip sounds SO AMAZING! I can’t wait to read all about it. My mom is a big starby’s fan, too. Her latest long-winded drink order – tall nonfat cocoa cappuccino.
Your pal, Pip
Angel @ Life with LuLu & Wally, too
May 27, 2011
You guys are going to have SO much fun! I’m so excited for you! 🙂 I can imagine how nerve-wracking this all must be though. I’d be going nuts trying to work out all the details. I’m BIG on itineraries and trying to make the most of the time we have on vacation.. Takes care of wasting time with that “Whaddya wanna do today?” question! 🙂
PS – I always get a “venti non-fat peppermint white mocha with whip”. Soooo yummy! I’m glad we don’t have a Starbucks within 30 minutes of my house. I’d go broke! LOL
2browndawgs
May 27, 2011
It looks like a great itinerary. (Although I am a bit tired just reading it!) You might have to map out the Starbucks on your route. However if you need a fix and can’t find one I can highly recommend Starbucks instant. All you need is a hot pot (to heat water) and a mug. (You don’t think I can face a hunt test with only hotel coffee, do you? LOL)
That is a very nice portrait of Gus and Mitch!
Have a great weekend.
furfilled
June 6, 2011
Better yet – you should download the starbucks app, which shows you all the nearest starbucks stores… : )
Judy
May 27, 2011
Starbucks is my favorite too:) Wow! You have quite an itinerary, sounds like a lot of fun. I’m sure you’ll enjoy every minute of it:)
Anna
May 27, 2011
Your detail in planning this trip still amazes me, but I guess it must be done and is half the fun. Starbucks is about the only place we can take dogs here that I know of. But I do need to check out downtown frederick here, as there is a riverway too! Great photos at starbucks, nice to have such willing subjects 😉
Anna
http://www.akginspiration.com
Happy.Bark.Days
May 27, 2011
I’m now beginning to see just how much planning is involved for this trip—as much as I enjoy organizing such things, this is one mega task I could easily become overwhelmed with. You’ve really got the knack for it!
Kristen
May 27, 2011
I just noticed the Boston recommendations that you have listed. Definitely love Castle Park. We had a blog post specifically for photos from a day spent there (http://yourdailybailey.com/2011/04/02/a-day-of-photos-from-castle-island/). Love Love Love Brendan Behan Pub! but how can you not love a bar that allows dogs in? We would visit there so much more often if it was more convenient for us to get to. We have also done Yappy Hour at the Liberty Hotel before on Wednesdays. It can get ridiculously crowded though, but its an interesting experience. What I was most surprised about is that they don’t (or at least last year) require dogs to stay on the leash, so all the dogs were just running lose. Definitely weren’t expecting that.
A couple of our favorite dog friendly restaurants to eat at here in the Boston area are Henrietta’s Restaurant in Cambridge near Harvard Square http://www.henriettastable.com/. Really good food and outdoor patio area which allows dogs. Also if you like burgers, Boston Burger Company in Davis Square in Somerville, which is where our photo yesterday was taken, has absolutely amazing food. They were featured on Rachel Ray a few months or so ago for a burger contest and won. http://www.bostonburgerco.com Both are located on subway stops for easy access even if you stay in downtown Boston. However Boston is very dogfriendly so there are tons of places to dine with Gus. Those are just a couple of our favorites 🙂
According to Gus
May 27, 2011
Thank you for the suggestions! We’ll add them to our list!
one person's view
May 27, 2011
VT with no Ben & Jerry’s factory? With no LAKE CHAMPLAIN CHOCOLATES? I know you like beer, but man, ice cream and chocolate have gotta make the list somewhere!
Grand Canyon warning– GET THERE EARLY. They close the park when it reaches capacity, and it’s been closed several times in the last few years!
As for Boston…. we’ll talk. 🙂
AdventureJess
May 27, 2011
When I saw your Day 19 itinerary I though “oh…I have to tell them about Red Rock Canyon”. Then I got to day 20 and saw it on your list. I have been to Vegas quite a few times and I always drive out there to hike around. It is really beautiful. When it had rained and there are pools on the rocks there are all these little toads that gather around the water hole. Glad to see you have it on your list!
shelbylclarke
May 27, 2011
OMG! Your going to see Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin West! I am SO SO insanely jealous. Have a wonderful trip! {I bet Vegas will be a blast too!}
didiwright
May 27, 2011
Since I don’t live in America, I can’t help with the itinerary. I can only say that it looks busy and exciting, and I kind of envy you for the journey you’re about to embark on.
I also think Mitch’s T-shirt makes a great background for little Gus 😉
raisingdaisy
May 27, 2011
Oh my gosh, I’m tired just READING your itinerary! But it looks like a fabulous trip! I’m so jealous that you’re going to Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin West, I love his work! Pictures, pictures – PLEEZE! 🙂
Starbucks is one of our favorite haunts too, though none here allow dogs, even outside. But I’m sure we’ll find one eventually! I agree, I always feel so ridiculous ordering a Tall Skim Decaf Mocha No Whip – half the time I forget some of the order along the way!
Krazy4Pets
May 27, 2011
Gus is going to be one busy pup! I will copy your itinerary for ideas when I want to have a vacation but it probably nothing to compare with the original 😛
Tanner & Beth
May 27, 2011
Hope you have a great weekend too!
thanks for your great prayers and well wishes. My vet says I am doing okay and don’t need surgery. Check out my blog for details.
Puppy kisses,
Tanner
Peggy @Peggy's Pet Place
May 27, 2011
Wow great itinerary. I have never been anywhere near any of those places, so I can’t offer any recommendations. But I look forward to traveling along with you. Gus looks to be having a fabulous time!
TOto's mommy
May 27, 2011
Love road trips but it is so exhausting!
Done a 21days road trip to the west coast once.
Hopefully we have a chance to do it with TOto!
Snoopy@snoopysdogblog
May 27, 2011
Woohoo!! Your itinerary is getting closer to me – yay!! You are going to have such a blast, you’ve got so many fun things planned! 🙂
Love that pic of the river, it’s so colourful! 🙂
Have a great weekend,
Snoopy 🙂
Kristine
May 27, 2011
As the time gets closer I am getting more and more excited for you! You are going to so many places that I’ve always longed to see for myself. I can’t wait to read about your experiences.
That coffee looks amazing. I wish there was a Starbucks near my office…
Bailey
May 27, 2011
Wowserz, I am so tired after reading your travel list. I knew you were going to many places, so you’d figure I’d get used to it already.
NOPE!
Happy Friday woofs & hugs,
~Bailey
Oscar & Pauline
May 27, 2011
You should check out Huntington Dog Beach during your stay! Keep an eye out for poop though. A few owners don’t clean up after their dogs. 😦
Errign
May 27, 2011
What an awesome, jam-packed itinerary you two are creating. Your adventure is going to have SO much fun! Gus is looking adorbs as usual 🙂
Jen
May 27, 2011
Well I was going to say that this sounds like a very exciting part of your trip, but I think every part is going to be exciting!
veryvizsla
May 27, 2011
WOW! You pratically have stuff planned down to the hour! When Sean & I did our big US road trip, we pretty much winged it, just stumbling across places & stopping if it looked good. A little FYI on Balboa park. That place is so huge that you could spend a whole day there. There’s many nice things to do and see there.
sagechronicles
May 27, 2011
Fun! We stayed at the Historic Anchor Inn when Sage was a pup (last summer about this time.) It was a pretty neat place; comfortable and a nice breakfast! I’d definitely go back there. If you like to poke around old book stores, Robert’s Bookshop in Lincoln City if full of book treasures. Their dog is usually in residence.
thatjenk
May 27, 2011
Wow! June 11 is coming up quick! All the best for the last of the preparations! I cannot wait to read your blog when you’re on the road.
Sophie
May 28, 2011
It sounds like your trip’s been a whole lot of fun! Photos of Gus always make me smile 🙂
Hawk aka BrownDog
May 28, 2011
Hi Y’all,
River Walk scenes make my Human want to come back at least for a visit. Friends there warn her against it; they say she’d never recognize SA. Probably too hot for me anyway.
Glad Gus’ back is still doing okay.
Y’all and the crew over at Travel With Pets are taking the HOT route to the west.
My Human doesn’t see how y’all are gettin’ all the packin’ done and doing all the special visits too. Hope y’all enjoy the long Memorial Day Weekend.
Y’all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
The Hook
May 28, 2011
Sounds like you need a portion of Gus’ energy for your trip!
Sugar
May 28, 2011
Woof! Woof! So excited for you … PAWSOME. Happy BLOG HOP Weekend. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
Cherie K. Miller
May 28, 2011
Thank you for letting us see these great pictures!
Stopping by on today’s blog hop – go see my video today called “The Bad Dog Blues.” http://www.pet-peeves.org Love to have your comments!
Carrie Boyko
May 28, 2011
From one Starbucks junkie to another–gotta love that! I’m a vanilla latte sort of girl, but I’ll take a capuccino in a pinch–iced! Hope you have time to enter the Organix dog food giveaway: http://www.allthingsdogblog.com/2011/05/organix-dog-food-giveaway-12-bags-of.html
simplyshaka
May 28, 2011
I love your itinerary! Especially for the Phoenix area since I lived there for a couple of years. You have me feeling nostalgic now but you will love Mill Ave and there are many dog friendly restaurants/bars there (too bad you will be there in the am!) Is it weird if I am super excited for your trip?? 🙂
Thanks for the shout out, I have some more places to add but havent gotten a chance to!
Carol Bryant
May 29, 2011
Whoa – looks like tons of fun. Let us know if we can help here at FIDO Friendly at all. Gus looks like he is having a blast already!
CeliaSue
May 29, 2011
oh my my my, Vegas in June, bring Gus his own private swimming pool and a/c fan 🙂 You said Carmel/Monterey but did not see it on the list, did I miss something? anyway, recommendations where to stay here:
Lightest on the wallet is the Best Western Victorian Inn near Cannery Row, free parking, walking distance to all sights, Monterey Bay Aquarium is a MUST, not sure about Gus, but they allow dogs everywhere here so probably fine, MUCH more elegant and costs a bit more and across from the Del Monte Shopping Center where dogs are everywhere even in Macy’s, is the Mariposa Inn, and Carmel is lovely and costlier… Hofsas House is nice, has a pool, near to downtown, and Carmel River Inn is good, too. Hofsas House has breakfast CRI does not. Svendsgaard’s Inn is really dog friendly, kind of basic motel type accommodations, cold breakfast delivered to your room. Both places in Monterey offer breakfast and Victorian also has a wine and cheese in the afternoon.
cheers !
LBeeeze
May 30, 2011
So many beautiful places. Sedona is so beautiful. The Grand Canyon is….well, it’s GRAND!!!
Kirby
May 30, 2011
Wow, what an itinerary! Sounds like it’s going to be lots of fun, so many beautiful places.
Kirby’s mom
cate
May 30, 2011
Oh so many fantastic places on your trip! Down in San diego and La Jolla is so oooo! (would you mind telling Muttropolis to stock our tags lol) The beauty of the red rocks in Sedona too, hope you don’t mind but I’ve just GOT to recommend Bryce Canyon and Zion – roughly a 2 hour journey from vegas, but so spectacular!
http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/bryce.htm http://www.zionnationalpark.com/ Go Pet Friendly are there right now. You are going to have so much fun!
The River Walk is looking good again – hope you’re all having a great long weekend Gus family:)
Bailey
May 30, 2011
Happy and safe Memorial Day woofs & hugs to you!
~Bailey
Kas
May 30, 2011
Ummm, so, can we tag along for this fun-filled trip? 🙂
Tammy
May 31, 2011
Wow! So much fun! I’m excited to follow along with your travels on your blog! And wouldn’t you know it?! We’re leaving our beloved Lincoln City in one month. My husband got a job offer so we’re moving to Sacramento 😦 (And I agree with sagechronicles about Robert’s Bookshop – great treasures to be had!) I’ll be posting about the Beach Dog restaurant on our blog sometime in the next couple of weeks – I’m interviewing them! 🙂
Pup Fan
May 31, 2011
So very cool! Can’t wait to hear about all of the amazing places you go!
Bailey
May 31, 2011
Is Gus ready for the trip? I bet he has his OWN itinerary! teehee!
Woofs & hugs,
~Bailey