Friday, September 9, 2011

How to Be a Tourist with Your Dog: Upstate New York

I think Miss M secretly dreams of being a water dog, so we are always very interested in seeing our dog friends who actually are aquatic. We loved reading Corbin's tour of Upstate New York complete with gorgeous lakes and scenery, war reenactment fields, local art, dog-friendly dining, and a dog-night at the ballpark (where Corbin even got to go on the field!). Read more about Corbin, here:                              
I didn’t realize how many dog friendly things there were to do in our area until we adopted Corbin.  Either these dog friendly things appeared out of nowhere, or I was just completely oblivious to them in the BC times (Before Corbin).
One of our favorite things to do with Corbin is to visit Lake George, which is about 45 minutes north from our home.  We have a boat, so it makes it easy to enjoy the beautiful scenery.  Since we spend most of our time on the boat, we often miss out on the great hiking trails and camping areas the Adirondack Mountain’s offer.   Even if you don’t have a boat, most of our favorite places can also be driven to or hiked to.  Lake George is approximately 22 miles long.  Of course, boating is fun in the summer, but when winter comes and the boat is packed away, there are some really great places to go skiing just a few miles further north from Lake George.
 All of the camping sites in Lake George are dog friendly, except for the island camp sites.  The islands have a very strict no dog policy – dogs have to stay 500 feet away from any island, even if they’re on a boat.  One of our favorite camp sites is at Shelving Rock.  There’s a beautiful waterfall that you can get to after an easy hike.  Shelving Rock also leads into one of our favorite bays, Log Bay.  Corbin especially loves it here because he can touch in most areas.  He also likes to hang out in his float and enjoy socializing with everyone walking by.
 Lake George also has a dog friendly beach right in the village.  Corbin gets to visit the beach after non-swimming boat rides.  There’s also a large park across the street from the beach which is great for picnics and a good game of fetch.  About a half a mile from the dog beach is a great dog store that Corbin enjoys going into for some free treats.
 Aside from Lake George, one of our favorite places for a nice long hike is the Saratoga Battlefield.  There are over 9 miles of trails and 9 stops throughout the way to learn about the history of the land.  You can also drive to each of the 9 stops if you’d like.  There are often reenactments which makes it very interesting.  As much as you try, the volunteers who do the reenactments never leave their character.  They’re often building a camp fire and cooking food or washing laundry. This photo is Corbin at the Neilson Farm.  This home was used for quarters of the American staff officers in September 1777.
 Our area has lots and lots of doggie daycares.  Corbin enjoys his daycare days when we have a busy week and we know we’re not going to have a lot of time to exercise him.  If you visit our area, one of the best places to go that is not dog friendly is the Saratoga Race Track.  The track runs from the last weekend in July until Labor Day.  The big race before the last racing weekend is the Travers.  Often horses from the Derby, Preakness and Belmonte come up to run in this race, which has been known as the 4th leg of the Triple Crown.  
 Aside from the track, Saratoga is a very dog friendly town.  It’s a classic town with Victoria style homes and shops.  The town is full of Art and there are over 20 unique horses painted by local and national artists. 
 Most restaurants and stores allow dogs and our favorite dog boutique, Sloppy Kisses, is located right on Broadway in Saratoga.  There are also many restaurants in Lake George that allow you to bring your pooch along in their outdoor seating.
 Lastly, one of the events we most look forward to every year is Bark at the Park with our local double A baseball team.  It’s a night where you can bring your dog to the ball park and enjoy a game.  Since baseball is one of our favorite sports, and Yankee stadium is 3 hours away (also, they don’t have a dog night like the Mets do!), we really look forward to our outing with Corbin.  This year, Corbin was invited onto the field to do some tricks with other dogs.  He lost to a dog that could jump through a hula hoop!  This year was the first year we set up a booth for our dog rescue.  We ended up with one new foster family and a handful of people that came to our adoption clinic the following weekend!
Oh, and Corbin would like to add that I completely missed the best attraction in upstate New York… him!
You can read more about Corbin's adventures, and his many foster siblings, on his blog here.
We have been getting so many great posts, but we would like to wrap up our contest and have all posts submitted by September 16.
And as an added incentive, Sirius Republic is donating 2 collars and we will have a random drawing of all the submitted 'How to Be a Tourist with Your Dog' posts to have 2 collar winners. Winners can chose from a standard collar, or an 'Adopt Me' collar to promote your foster or adoptable dog as modeled by Levi. And we will still be donating money to the rescue of choice for the 2 posts with the most comments.

In case you missed them, you can also read our other Tourist with Your Dog posts showcasing New York City, Austin, Florida, Portland, Richmond, Seattle,  Kansas City, Nashville, Alaska, and Chicago. And you can read about roadtripping with 4 large dogs, boating to the Bahamas with a pit bull, specific tips for roadtripping with a large dog (NYC to rural Tennessee), Chicago Dogs Sidetrip to Harbor County, and Destination "Dog Mountain" in Vermont.

53 comments:

Anonymous said...

We love visiting Corbin's blog so how fun to see him here! I'll be sad to see the series end!

Froggy said...

Oh Corbin you are one handsome fellow! I visited Saratoga many years ago and loved it. Your photos are BEAUTIFUL, well that is thanks to Corbin, he sure is the best thing about New York.

Anonymous said...

Corbin is one of our favorite dog bloggers! We especially love how well he takes advantage of fleeting summertime in New York.

Maggie Mae and Max said...

I know Corbin in da furs and I can tell you dat him is one fun pup! :)

Woofs and Licks,
Maggie Mae

Anonymous said...

I love Corbin. He's such a handsome, studly guy.

Uji, Angel Izzy, Ziggy, Angel Bean, Angel Hiro and Momma Tea said...

Wow Corbin you make it sound so wonderful, wish we could visit one, I can dream about it anyway.
Your looking more handsome everytime I see you
Love
Momma Tea
xxx x xxx

rottrover said...

Beautiful post, Crobin!! You are a wonderful spokesdog for NY travel. And pretty photogenic, too!

-Gizmo, Bart and Ruby

Corbin said...

Yay for me!!! And mom totally forgot to add that the Saratoga Battlefied was the turning point of the Revolutionary War! See, that's what I get when I let my try to blog.
This was such a fun series! Thanks for letting me join in!!!
-Corbin

Lucy-Fur, as typed by Dr. Liz said...

We can't even imagine a time 'BC' - I mean, did you really LIVE before Corbin? Naw, we thought not! ;-) Great photos, and awesome guest post Corbin! Beautiful photos, too!

*kissey face*
-Fiona and Abby the Hippobottomus

Oskar said...

Hooray for Corbin, it looks like he's having a great time!

Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar

Roscoe said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Roscoe said...

Corbin -- great post! I love your photos and info. Looks like you had a lot of fun! Roscoe

Olive said...

Beautiful Blog!!! I am so happy to have found!!

Christine said...

Love Corbin's "absolutely dangerous" collar! Dangerously cute, perhaps.

Anonymous said...

WOW Corbin has been having many great adventures.... he must be a happy camper!!!

Kirsten (peacefuldog) said...

I grew up in the Adirondacks and never knew about all this great stuff! It *is* a wonderful place to be outdoors with your dog, though! Thanks for the awesome tour--

Beth said...

GREAT post! Looks like an awesome place to visit!

www.truthaboutpitbulls.blogspot.com

Jacquelin Cangro said...

This is the first time I'm being introduced to Corbin, so hello! Reggie and I don't live too far from Saratoga so it was really nice to learn all about the great dog-related things to do in the area. I think Reggie would really like the hiking trails.

jen said...

Corbin looks like he enjoys all the fun that his Mom and dad do with him!
He is so handsome! He needs to teach Leroy and Sherman a few things about going in the water!

Road Dog Tales said...

What a great fun Corbin has on the water! Cooper is a little jealous of the boat :) We've loved seeing all the cool places other pups live and awesome dog-friendly things to do. Do it some more! :)

The Road Dogs

Backcountry Brodie said...

How nice to see Corbin hanging out with Miss M and Mr. B and showing cool Lake George stuff!

houndstooth said...

Corbin's blog always gives me a grin! He's always got something going on!

tdotcopeland said...

First time meeting/reading about Corbin--he is incredibly handsome! Did not know Lake George was so dog-friendly...We're gonna have to chew on this info for a bit and plan a family camping trip for next summer!

Anonymous said...

Corbin!! love the info, you should be a tourist guide!! :)
-JBenz

Tucker The Crestie said...

Upstate New York is truly beautiful ... even better when shared with a dog. Better than better when it's cutie pie Corbin!

Jb said...

Love you Corbs!

pibble said...

Hey, Corbin! The only way Upstate could be more beautiful would be to run into you there! Looking good, my friend...

Brenda said...

It looks like Corbin has it made! What adventurous and fun loving people he has. I LOVE that photo of Corbin in front of Lake George, with the mountains in the distance. That ought to be entered in a photography contest!

Anonymous said...

Corbin is looking very studly in his float coat :) Luv the horse art! Great tourist post! :D

Waggin at ya,
Roo

Two Pitties in the City said...

This gorgeous scenery and outdoor adventure is something we only dream of. But I guess if we ever do make it up there, we will know exactly what to do. Thanks for the great post!

Scooter said...

Wow, Corbin is one pawesome furiend! I love his blog. Great pix of him splashin' and swimmin'! My mom would love to have that horse statue.
Grr and Woof,
Sarge, COP

Noodles said...

OMD! Corbin! You really SOLD that vacation. . . All I can think about is hanging at the lake and swimming, etc. Dog! Super cool. BTW, you look droolingly handsome in that closeup, dude.
Love Noodles

The Daily Pip said...

Hey Corbin - you look like a superstar in that first picture. My mom loves visiting upstate New York, maybe I will visit there some day.

Your pal, Pip

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! CORBIN ... GREAT!! PASWOME! Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Such great adventures you are having, Corbin. Mom says Lake George was one of her favorite places to visit when the big kids were little.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

H Ski said...

You always have some great adventures!!

Brutus, Ellie, Pippa and Otto said...

Corbin has the best adventures!

Pugs & Kisses,

Yoda, Brutus & Ellie

Minnie Moo said...

Corbin's the best

Muah,

Minnie Moo

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

I came right over Corbin... what is a best buddy fur... if not supporting his Furends!!

sprinkles said...

Wow, there's a lot to do where you live! I love those horses.

Tina said...

Oh Corbin! We live in CNY and it is wonderful..... in the summer. You look like you had a blast. Love your blog -
Louie & Jack from
www.mysleepingdogs.com

Wyatt said...

Corbin-
We would love to be a tourist in your city!! You are the star attraction :)

Wyatt and Stanzie

Kitty+Coco said...

Corbin has a fabulous life on the river! We have never taken our pups boating, but it sure looks nice.

Kitty+Coco

KB said...

Wow Corbin - you look so buff and happy on your boat!

Homeward Bound said...

Yea, Corbin!!! Homeward Bound could sure use a donation!!!

Valerae said...

Corbin has given me some great ideas for my Wrigley. We area always looking for dog friendly stuff in the Albany area!

angelomer683 said...

Corbin has the most fun of any dog I've ever met! I love reading about your adventures with your human and doggy friends. My cats read, too, and they're pretty jealous.

Anonymous said...

Corbin, you are such a great writer. It is always fun to hear about your escapades and what a great foster brother you are!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful dog you are Corbin. It is nice that your mom takes you to so many places!

Evelyn Welch said...

Corbin is such a fantastic pooch! Hes an absolutely amazing, handsome, lovable, and fun to be with dog! I am completely in love with him!!! <333

Emmett said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Emmett said...

Great Blog Corbin. Maybe mom will finally bring me up to the boat next year!

Raj said...

what a gorgeous dog!

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