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Dog-Friendly Vacations: Dog-Friendly Frankenmuth, Michigan
Dog-Friendly Frankenmuth-Where we visited on this trips to Frankenmuth-Buckeye Dock Dogs, Doggie Dash De Lure, Disc Dogs Of Michigan, Bavarian Belle Riverboat, Frankenmuth River Shops (Your Name Here, Hello Cats & Dogs, For Bare Feet, Face Flair & Cass River Bar & Grill)
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| Dexter & his friends |
Our dog-friendly trips to Frankenmuth, Michigan started in 2010 at our first Dog Bowl. All I can say is WOW! When I was planning a dog-friendly day trip with Dexter The Dog, I had no idea the magnitude of this event. It was amazing and continues to be a yearly adventure for Dexter and me.
The Frankenmuth Dog Bowl boasts that they’re a free dog-friendly and family-friendly event, and they make good on that boast. The outdoor vendors fill what was once open fields with lots of fun dog gifts, activities, and family fun. Spectators can enjoy watching dog sports such as dock diving, lure coursing, disc dogs, agility, rally, and even sheep herding.
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| Lure Course |
But don’t worry, some of the events you can even try for yourself. Dexter The Dog tried his hand at Buckeye Dock Dogs booth. Well, we’ll just say he went down the ramp to retrieve his toy but didn’t get his feet wet. We, of course, said hello to our friends at Disc Dogs Of Michigan (they taught Dex how to catch the disc as a pup). The Doggie Dash De Lure, on the other hand, was a real hit with Dexter! You can even say he became a bit obsessive over the venue. We picked up a great caricature from Face Flair that is still hanging above my bed.
The Frankenmuth Dog Bowl is typically held at the end of May, and as you may know, May in Michigan can either be cold or hot! Each year it’s a toss-up on what the weather will be like. But either way, it’s on our dog-friendly guide every year! On those hot years, Dexter and the other dogs enjoy wading in the water features throughout the shop area. They really are lovely. It’s not uncommon to see a person or two taking their shoes off to wade in the water with their dogs.
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| Cooling Off |
If you are still looking to get out of the outdoor elements, a lot of the Frankenmuth River Shops are dog-friendly! Some of the dog-friendly stores even have a paw-print sign in the window indicating that well-behaved dogs are welcome inside. And don’t forget, just because there isn’t a paw, doesn’t mean you can’t ask if your dog can come in.
My biggest surprise is that Cass River Bar & Grill which is located inside the River Place Shops allowed dogs during the event. I’m unsure if this is an everyday occurrence, or just during the Dog Bowl weekend. I kept it pretty simple and just got a hot dog & drink. Pretty nice dog, too. Hot and plump. Yum.
Our dog-friendly shopping included Your Name Here, Hello Cats & Dogs and For Bare Feet. Everyone at these stores has been extremely nice and welcoming to Dexter and me.
We always like to take a ride on the Bavarian Belle Riverboat. Dexter The Dog really enjoys boat rides. The Captain and crew are super nice and have quite the sense of humor. It’s a relaxing and educational boat ride. Family-friendly and dog-friendly too! A must-do if you have the time. The Bavarian Belle Riverboat is always welcoming to well-behaved dogs.
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| Dexter The Dog & Tonya |
Aww, I may actually be in the area this year when this event is on – I will be checking it out for sure!
That’s great! It’s so much fun.
I have yet to be able to take my dog on a vacation with me, as I normally leave him with a family member. I love knowing there is somewhere I can take him that is dog friendly and still fun!
You should give it a try. It’s so much fun to explore with a dog!
Isn’t that dog cute? Love the dog bowl idea, it should happen in every country. People even get to network with others and get to play with dogs rather than just dog convention.
The Dog bowl is such a great event! I’ve been to a lot of dog events and this one is by far my favorite. A great way to socialize with like minded people.
I love your blog its so informative for those with dogs. We are looking to get a dog one day and I will be for sure coming back for tips!
Thank you! Way to go about learning about dogs prior to getting one. It makes the transition so much easier. You might want to check out my book, Proactive Puppy Care. https://raisingyourpetsnaturally.com/naturalpetcarebooks/
I love dog friendly places. Even though I own a big dog, I really enjoy having dogs around me!
Big dogs are awesome! Dexter is my first small dog. There were more big dogs around than small ones. 😉
Dog sports must be so awesome to watch! I’d love to see dogs sheep herding because that’s such a new thing to me! Dexter must be so good at it because of how you’ve nurtured your pet, right?
Thank, you. It’s so much fun to watch all the dogs perform in their sports. Dexter and I have played with freestyle, agility and disc dogs. We’ve never tried herding. 🙂
it is exciting that more and more places are becoming pet friendly! i’m getting a dog in june so knowing this places is really helpful to me.
Congratulations! Having a dog along for exploring is a blast. You might enjoy my book, Proactive Puppy Care. https://raisingyourpetsnaturally.com/naturalpetcarebooks/
Oh this looks like a fun place to travel to! I really need to send this to my mom because they are traveling with their dog a lot lately!
Thanks for sharing. Frankenmuth is a ton of fun!
This is so awesome to be able to take your dog with when traveling. These places make things so much easier too.
I love and appreciate destinations that offer so may dog-friendly options. It really is nice to experience everything a town has to offer.
Such a nice place! I love having vacation with my dogs as well, it is a whole new different level of joy.
Thanks, Lyosha. Traveling with dogs is so much fun. It really makes you investigate a town.
This sounds like a fun time, that’s for sure. We don’t have dogs, but my daughter is always happy to see them when we go somewhere.
Frankenmuth is a great destination. Dexter loves saying hello to the kiddos.
Dogs really do become members of the family. We have cats right now but I do remember my beagle Zack and wanting to bring him on every family vacation so I can definitely appreciate finding dog friendly vacation spots!
They really are. I love beagles, great dogs!
How cool I have always wanted to visit Michigan now that I know is pet-friendly I will consider bringing my dog for vacation too. It is hard to leave her at home. Prefer to take her with me when possible.
It’s always fun to take your dog. Yes, very dog-friendly. Check out the tourism bureau in the city you are hoping to visit. They are always so helpful.
My best friend is a dog lover. She always complains that there aren’t enough places you can go with pets. I think she will love reading this.
Thanks for sharing. There are lots of great dog-friendly destinations and things to do. Just takes a little digging and planning. 🙂
Oh my, this looks like such a fabulous event for dogs. I cannot believe that they are offering all these activities for free. I would say that Dexter had an absolute blast.
Oh, he had so much fun. We try to go each year. A cheap way to have a great day.
It makes me feel uplifted whenever there are events or places meant for people and pets. That connection is just beautiful. I am pretty sure dogs are into this
That’s so sweet. Most dogs love going to events and adventures. Great sniffs and pets.
I can’t wait to take our new pup on her first family vacation. I imagine her running on the beach and loving life!
So fun! You will have such a great time exploring with your puppy. They make such great travel buddies.
It is good to hear about these kind of place which is dog friendly where our fur babies can enjoy strolling around and visit. Your dog looks absolutely adorable!
Thank you. I love finding great dog-friendly cities and destinations.
Great to know, my mother in law has a dog and love to travel with him, is so good there are more and more vacation spots for families with pets.
Thanks! I hope your mother in law enjoys my blog and videos. We have a lot of upcoming trips this year.
It is good to have dog-friendly places so that the pets can have their vacation too
I totally agree. It’s so fun to travel and vacation with the entire family.
I’m from Michigan but have never shown my husband Frankenmuth! And we have a German shepherd 🙂 Definitely worth a visit to share 🙂 xo, Suzanne
I love GSD! They are so loyal and smart. You definitely need to take your hubby and pup.
I’m planning on taking my doggo this weekend, are there places for dogs to go to the bathroom?
Hi, Mylea. Have a great time. Yes, loads of grassy areas!