Weekend Getaway in Branson, MO with my Dog!

Vacations are a yearly event in many households and mine is no different. A vacation is just what I need to help regulate my life and get back my sense of adventure after another stressful year of teaching. When I go on vacation, I take my dog!

I want to invite you along on this trip with me, as I share the doggy highlights from my latest vacation to Branson, MO.

To begin with, I had to search for pet-friendly hotel options. I was pleasantly surprised that there were so many hotels offering pet-friendly accommodations. I chose one on the cheaper end of the spectrum as I was trying to stick to a strict budget. But if you want to upgrade your stay consider staying in the Hilton Convention Center, Chateau on the Lake, or Lilly's Landing. These hotels have pet-specific perks you should check out.

I stayed at the Days Inn on Shepherd of the Hills expressway. While dogs were allowed in the rooms, there were not adequate places outside for the dog to do her business. So keep that in mind before booking your hotel.

After checking in and getting a good night's rest Friday night, we got up on Saturday morning and went hiking. We visited the Dewey Short Museum. While we didn't go inside, there was a paved walking path that went alongside Table Rock Lake. It led over to the Branson Belle launching site. Along the path were several opportunities for the dog to go down to the lake. She wasn't so sure about the sound of the water splashing the rocks, but she enjoyed sniffing around the shoreline.

For lunch we ate at the Outback Steak and Oyster Bar. It was a very pet-friendly area. The whole patio is screened in, there are cross-breezes throughout, fans are installed inside the patio area for more enjoyment. Also, in the cooler months there is an enormous fire pit they can fire up that would surely keep guests comfortable and warm. The patio is surrounded by a mural depicting animals from Australia. Very nice environment.

 When we arrived we went to the patio and waited for our server. We told them we had our dog with us. He brought us a bowl of water for our pup. The staff was very freindly toward us and our four-legged companion. We ordered appetizers only this trip and they were ready in about ten minutes. Though the food was a bit pricey, it was worth it. I may or may not have slipped a few pieces of my food to our dog.

After lunch, we went to Stockstill park. We wanted to go to the Elmo and Rosa dog park, but you have to buy a day pass and in order to retrieve a day pass you must also have a paper copy of your dog's shot records. We didn't have a copy with us, therefore we had to forego this dog-friendly attraction.

Not to worry though, there was still a walking path for the dog at the park and we even went for a dip in the creek running through the property. Sadie (our dog) didn't even know she was missing out on the dog park.

After the park, we went to get a pup cup and snacks from Culver's. However, the custard franchise was out of custard so we ended up having to go on to Starbucks to get the pup cup instead. As you can see, she thought it was delicious.

Then, it was back to our hotel for some rest and relaxation and pampering of course. 

Sunday morning we went to the Lakeside Wilderness Area for a hike, it was a short hike though, because I am not in great shape and it was pretty steep along the trail. My dog had no trouble with it though. But if you are not very familiar with hiking, I would suggest avoiding this trail until you feel better prepared.

Sadie also enjoyed playing in the kiddie playground area since no kids were around. She really enjoyed going through the tunnel and around it.

After that we finished up our trip by taking Sadie (the pooch) to some of the many outdoor photo ops you will discover lining the Branson 76 Country Blvd. Sadie had a lovely vacation and so did we.  She didn't much care for the Bigfoot picture, but she seemed more content in the giant white chair.

There are many other options of pet-friendly activities you can do with your pooch. For example, did you know your dog can ride with you in the Branson Duck boats? There website says they welcome dogs if they have room. Be sure to call ahead and make sure. Also, if your dog is small enough and you have a canvas bag in which to keep your dog during the tour, you can book one of the Pink Jeep Tours. Another thing you can do with your dog is rent a boat for a day out on Table Rock Lake, just call around to the different rental businesses and find out which ones allow dogs.

However you spend the time with your beloved best friend on four legs, Branson has plenty of exciting options to explore. See you soon!