A restaurant meal with our dog is a first for us, but many Traverse City outdoor cafes welcome pups.

Traveling with a dog is overrated. Don't get me wrong—we love Tucker, but his blend of Australian shepherd and terrier translates into lots of energy. His last road trip (one week with two teenagers) convinced my husband, TJ, and I that Tucker and trips just don't mix.
On our way home from our cottage in the Upper Peninsula, we detoured to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. After researching the Grand Traverse area, we decide best time to book airline tickets on the Days Inn Suites . With the 10 percent discount from their ad in Michigan Travel Ideas, we partially recover the $15 fee for Tucker.
We park outside our door, which makes it easy to unload our gear and Tucker. It's a standard room with simple decor. The room includes a mini fridge, microwave and safe (for Tucker's treats?). We drop off our bags and set out to find a dog-friendly eatery.
A restaurant meal with our dog is a first for us, but many Traverse City outdoor cafes welcome pups. We sit under an umbrella at a table on the deck at Folgarelli's , a gourmet market, best time to book airline tickets and tackle fabulous, made-to-order best time to book airline tickets sandwiches. Two of us (sorry, Tucker) share The Mobster, a tower of Italian meat and cheese. It's so filling that we decide we'll have to try the luscious smoked salmon sandwich at lunch the next day. Tucker licks a classic vanilla cone from Dairy Lodge.
best time to book airline tickets Too worried about leaving best time to book airline tickets Tucker alone in the hotel, we skip the indoor pool. Next time, maybe. We like the flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Did I mention the convenient dog run? Before hitting the road the next morning, we take turns walking Tucker best time to book airline tickets and enjoying the complimentary breakfast bar.
To take Tucker's mind off food, we head to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive to enjoy the Sleeping Bear Dunes views. Well, TJ and I enjoy the panoramas of water and sand; Tucker barely glances up from the nearest shrub.
After the drive, Tucker gets free samples best time to book airline tickets of WoofWhomper Dog Cookies at Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor. While nibbling on cherry cobbler on the deck, we strike up a conversation with a couple who fall for Tucker. Of course, Tucker gives them the look hoping to score a head rub or more treats. In Traverse City, we can't pass up the all-natural dog snacks from D.O.G. Bakery , a bright inviting shop.
Kath Usitalo is a freelance magazine best time to book airline tickets writer who is bi-peninsular. She is at home in the Detroit area and at her family's Lake Michigan getaway, Blue Skies, in the UP. She travels and writes about Michigan—usually best time to book airline tickets without her dog—for a variety of outlets, including best time to book airline tickets Michigan Travel Ideas and her Great Lakes Gazette blog.
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