Sometimes, we all need a little breather. A chance to get away from it all and unplug from the distractions and anxieties of everyday life. For many, that means heading as far away from the hustle and bustle as possible. Many families this year have opted for trips that take them away from the throngs of tourists and into the great outdoors, hoping for some fresh air and to reconnect with nature. And in times like these, we don’t blame them! However, finding a spot that can accommodate these desires is not exactly easy unless you are looking to pitch a tent and make your own food! Nevertheless, there are places to be found…if you know where to look. With just the right amount of solitude and some genuine hospitality mixed in, the Dog Bark Park Inn located in North Central Idaho, is a unique accommodation that will make the whole family smile the moment they spot it. An adorable B&B that is shaped like a giant beagle and sits just minutes from some of the best outdoor exploration spots in the United States, but with none of the crowds that other, more well-known places tend to have!
Husband and wife owners, Dennis and Frances, opened the Dog Bark Park in 1997 after appearing on the QVC and investing the money they made from their wood chainsaw carvings. They have since enjoyed recognition from major media outlets such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show, CNN, and the London Times for their quirky, yet charming bed and breakfast in the small town of Cottonwood, Idaho. Having also received excellent reviews on Tripadvisor, the largest beagle in the world certainly caught our eye here at Bébé Voyage!
LocationDon’t be fooled by the small town of Cottonwood. Just minutes from the Dog Bark Park, or Sweet Willy as he is now known, is the opportunity to do everything from white water rafting, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, to even grabbing a refreshing drink at one of the microbreweries in the area! The Pine Bar Recreation Site on the Lower Salmon River is also a great place to unwind. Find one of the large beach areas along the river and set up camp for the day. If you are looking for a bit more excitement, then check out the powerboat tours through Hells Canyon. Safe for almost all ages, the tours will take you through the deepest river gorge in North America. With dramatic scenery and impressive views, this area is sure to please even the most seasoned traveler!
Nitty GrittyThe beagle can accommodate up to 4 people. It offers a queen size bed on the lower level and two twin pull out beds in the loft. Because of the ladder to get up to the second level, we do not recommend staying here if you have very young children. However, for kids who are a bit older, this would certainly be an incredibly memorable experience! The hotel itself is only open from April through October, so be sure to book early! The rest of the 2020 season is already sold out, but watch for the opening of their availability for Spring 2021. The current 2020 rates to stay in Sweet Willy will cost you $132 for double occupancy with $12 per additional person. This includes breakfast and apparently the best homemade granola around! And of course, well-behaved dogs are allowed to stay as well. Just be sure to mention your furry family member will be staying also when you call to book as they need to be approved ahead of time. There is also a $15 non-refundable pet deposit, however we think this is a pretty small price to pay in order to sleep with your dog, IN a dog!
The Dog Bark Park is allocating 24-36 hours between guests and they have also enhanced their cleaning measures. They also request you wear a mask during check-in and check-out.
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