What better way to weather the beautiful (though lesser-known) Dog Days of Autumn than to pack up the car and take a road trip to one of Minnesota’s myriad dog-friendly vacation spots? In nearly every part of the state, you’ll find lodging that would love to accommodate you and your dog.

The Outing Lodge interior is rustic and cozy.

Start in the South, with Red Wing’s Moondance Inn. The Inn’s 1904 Victorian rental house is a spacious, no-frills, private country getaway for you and your four-legged pals. Upriver, Stillwater boasts The Outing Lodge, where owner Carlota Estevez’s chocolate lab accompanies guest pooches on miles of wooded walking trails surrounding the lodge.

For rugged dogs who love to romp, Lake Superior is the place to let loose. The Inn on Lake Superior really rolls out the welcome mat with a check-in goody bag, which includes a tennis ball, a bandana, an “In case I get lost” dog tag, treats and a list of local pet services. Also in Duluth is Fitger’s Inn, where vacationing dogs find a dog bed, bowls for food and water atop a water-resistant mat and a welcome treat waiting for them.

The picturesque shores of Bluefin Bay.

Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery and Cottages in Lutsen is always looking for guest dogs to keep Jazmin the Shih Tzu company, and Bluefin Bay gives them space to roam right on the shores of the Great Lake.

For those heading out west, Mulberry Row in Detroit Lakes is home to Ebby, a chocolate lab/weimaraner mix who sometimes writes about her visiting friends on the B & B’s Web site. And for dogs who really want to see “Up North,” the Gunflint Lodge in Grand Marais is always pet-friendly, particularly during special “pet-lovers” weekends.

Then again, for Twin Citians who want to save gas money but still get away, downtown Minneapolis offers two dog-friendly

W Hotel in the Foshay Tower has a complete menu of pet services.

hotels: The Chambers (for fancy-pants pets), and the brand-new W hotel, where dogs are supplied with their own concierge.

Now there’s no excuse not to scour the state with your canine playmate. Get packing!

My day went like this: leave city, enter gorgeous area with many trees, sigh deep breath of relaxation. That was just my drive out of Minneapolis. Then I rounded the bend, just 30 minutes from home, into Minnetonka Orchards where I was greeted by Jay Schaper, his daughter Emily and her “Uncle” Oliver — her grandparents’ stately Goldendoodle.

Then, like in a city slicker escapist fantasy novel, I was whisked away in the farm’s utility vehicle through tree-lined, winding trails on soft, mulch-covered ground that skirted horses, goats, turkeys, an outdoor stage and event area and then — aaah — three separate apple orchards that grow more than 14 varieties of apples.

We made it back to the apple store (not that Apple store), but a place where you can buy the orchard’s produce along with a variety of locally made foods such as jams, cheeses and ice cream, and locally made artisan goods like wooden magic wands made from the orchard’s apple trees and “tractor wear” created by Jay’s wife, Nora.

I was greeted by Jay’s brother Scott (pictured left with Emily, Oliver and Jay). “

This was our parents’ orchard. Jay and I pretty much planted the first orchard as boys [...reluctantly. Very reluctantly],” he said. “At the time, it all seemed like hard work to us.” Jay chimed in, “But even then,” he added, “we always thought that maybe someday we could take over the place and make a go of it.”

That day has come. Now in their second year of ownership, Jay and Scott offer a variety of regular attractions and activities including a mountain of hay for climbing, the spectacle of free-roaming goats, turkeys and chickens, a large tent for weddings and family or corporate events, children’s comedy theater performances, a corn maze and acres of wooded trails.

And everyday in the orchard leashed dogs are welcome!

When asked how dogs figure in to all of this Jay replied, “We just LOVE dogs. Oliver has a great life here, hunting and running free. We want to share that with other dogs and their owners. We welcome well-behaved, trained dogs to come and roam on-leash on our beautiful 40 acres and enjoy the day with their owners.”

Jay emphasized that weekdays are the best time for dogs. Admission is free Monday-Friday and it’s a little less crowded. He also stressed the importance of leashing dogs at the orchard due to the turkeys, chickens and goats roaming around.

They also offer specific activities for dog lovers including demonstrations from the Twin Cities Disc Dog Club on September 14 and Dog Days of Fall October 25-26 when there will be a “best dog sweater” fashion contest, dog hayrides and dog adoption.

Minnetonka Orchards opening weekend is September 5-6 when admission, caramel apples and hayrides are free! Regular cost of admission Saturday-Sunday is $4 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free.

More than 150 dog lovers and nearly as many dogs attended Dog Lovers Night Out at Cue featuring Scoopy Poo. Guests arrived on the green carpet (provided by K9 Grass) and enjoyed a gourmet grill menu and dog treats from Cue executive chef, Michael Delcambre.

Among our honored guests were:

1. Top sponsor, Scoopy Poo, the Twin Cities’ most fashionable dog waste removal service demonstrates how they do the doo-doo in style (Robin Keller, left), and drop off their VIPs in style int ehir MIni “Scooper” company car (below). Scoopy Poo announced at the event they are accepting nominations for their new Adopt-A-Condo project to keep downtown dog owners’ condo properties clean. Nominations being taken through July 31 and scooping will happen for one new condo each week in August.

2. Carrie and Brian Ehlers (above and below) owners of 2 Dunn Bros in Linden Hills and 50th and Xerxes) and their dog Sugar, who were chosen as the Sidewalk Dog VIPs and VIPet of the night and chauffeured to the event in the Scoopy Poo Mini “Scooper.”

3. Also in attendance were M.A. Rosko from Fox9 News and her dog Munter, along with Alexis Walsco of Lola Red PR and FM107 Shopgirls with her dog, Lily (both pictured below).

4. Bethany Hermel of Minneapolis-based Who Let the Dogs Out dog walking and pet sitting service reveals her frequent walker program.

5. Michelle and Tim Burt of Well Pet Foods show off their dogs and their healthy tasting menu of food and treats for dogs that not only look tasty, but also pack in a lot of healthy ingredients into every bite.

6. Brian Fulmer and Graham Fulmer of Bone Adventure show off their summer farmers market fare of dog toys ranging from squeaky artichoke toys and plush ice cream cones to Poochie Sushi. and cupcake squeeze toys.

7. Pampered Pooch Playground power couple, Patrycia and Keith Miller wowed the crowds with news of the nine doggy web-cams available at their dog daycare. Non-stop doggy-tainment!

Jessie Marianello, founder and artist in residence of Stray Dog Arts, displays her lovingly crafted fine pet portrait works on canvass and cards.

Small dogs enjoyed Pint-Sized Play on K9 Grass with a glorious view of the Stone Arch Bridge and the Mississippi River.

George (with owner Susan Davis of Cue) looks up to the canine creations from Cue Executive Chef, Michael Delcambre.

Great news! The proposed bill 2423 asking the state to allow muicipalities to allow companion animals to accompany patrons in outdoor food establishments passed into law! It is now S. F. 2876.

The most relevant parts of the law to dog parents stipulates the following:

• Subdivision 1: A statutory or home rule charter city may adopt an ordinance to permit food and beverage service establishments to allow dogs to accompany persons patronizing designated outdoor areas of food and beverage establishments.
• Subdivison 2. Dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs. The ordinance must prohibit dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs, (as defined in section 347.50), from accompanying patrons to food and beverage establishments.
• Subdivision 3. Banning dogs. The ordinance may not prohibit a food and beverage establishment from banning dogs. A person accompanied by a dog who remains at an establishment knowing that the operator of the establishment or its agent has posted a sign banning dogs or otherwise informed the person that dogs are not permitted in the establishment may be ordered to leave the premises.
• Subdivision 4: Permit process. (a) The ordinance must require participating establishments to apply for and receive a permit from the city before allowing patrons’ dogs on their premises.

Other provisions state that dogs must be kept on leash at all times and are not permitted on chairs, tables or other furnishings.

Read the full text of the bill, sections 1.1 through 3.7, which also includes more details for owners of food and beverage establishments on the permit and health and safety provisions.

If you’re looking for great hiking while Fall is
in full swing, check out my new favorite off leash dog park, Otter Lake Park near White Bear Lake Township located Northwest of St. Paul.

Well worth the drive, this place requires NO fees or special licenses. Just show up and enjoy the hilly landscape overlooking majestic marsh lands. All in all, it’s 10 acres of fun!

The park is maintained by Ramsey County so check out the Ramsey County Off Leash Parks home page and brochure with maps and information.

I wish you could have seen Indie bounding around and chasing her friend Sara, a chocolate lab who was enjoying the day with her dog parents and my friends, Rosemary and Mark Senjem, inventors of the Dugen Clip leash.

Get out there and enjoy!

If you’re heading toward Stillwater or Taylors Falls for a little fall color watching I wanted you to know about a couple of great stops there that love dogs!

Coffee Talk coffee house in Taylors Falls is a gorgeous Victorian right on the main drag of Hwy 96. Indie and I stopped there in August and she was promptly petted and delivered a bowl of "gourmet" water in a hand-made ceramic bowl. There’s a very cozy, large front porch great shelter and people watching. And, behind the shop, nestled into the hill, is an enchanting backyard wonderland perfect for resting your bones…or chewing on one.

And, if you head a little farther south from there into Stillwater, check out the Tasteful Table just up the hill from Main Street Treats, water, and the best outdoor patio and service with a smile west of the St. Croix!

What other magical places are you taking your dog to for Fall color watching? Post it here.