Our First Trip

Atlas and I are going to travel the U.S. reviewing dog-friendly hotels and tourist destinations. I think most people don't want to leave their family pet in a kennel while on vacation but it can be tricky and possibly cumbersome to bring their pets along. So Atlas and I will pave the way for you. We're going to go to some great spots and review them so your travels can be easier, and you won't have to leave part of your family behind!

Fort De Soto Park is reviewed as being one of the best dog beaches in the U.S. so I decided this would be a great starting point for Atlas Adventures.

Our first trip is to St. Petersburg, Florida just a short drive to Fort De Soto where we'll be going later today. We're staying at Hotel Indigo in the center of downtown. I arrived fairly late but the staff was friendly and helpful. I was told the Pier, which is just a 10 minute walk from the hotel, has lots of dog-friendly restaurants so we'll try one out later.

The hotel itself from a human stand-point is lovely, fresh and modern. It's an old building from the 1920s but has been completely updated, although they've kept some of the architectural details, such as the molding and crystal door knobs. Which I love. From Atlas' view it's not too bad either. There are some grassy areas right outside of the hotel. We went on a 15-minute walk near the hotel, there are sidewalks and some good grassy spots. This is a downtown area though so it should be expected that it's not a pristine walk, but it was decent. They left us a little goody-bag. But, boo there were no dog bones---but Atlas did appreciate the peanut butter crackers. (Yeah I let him have a snack now and then!)

I love the king sized bed---so comfortable and I didn't have to use my own feather pillow, the pillows and bedding are top-notch. The bathroom has modern fixtures and Aveda toiletries. Since it is an old building there are a few random pipes in odd places but this doesn't bother me, I think it adds to the charm. Atlas likes the pillows too as you can see in the pics. He is a big pillow dog, he knows a good pillow when he finds one.

We're getting ready to go to Kahwa, a dog-friendly coffee shop/cafe for breakfast and then to Fort De Soto dog beach. I have a gift certificate to massage envy so while I'm there Atlas is going to the groomer/doggie spa (probably a much needed one after the beach)!

Atlas and Rachel--signing off!