Pa Vacations With Dogs – Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. However, I will give my readers an unbiased and honest account of my experience. Your loyalty is greatly appreciated and never taken for granted. ~ Tonya, Dexter and Angell Nutter
I’m always looking for vacation spots with my dog, Dexter. I love going on fun walks with my dog. Favorite way to spend the holidays. I searched for a pet-friendly vacation spot near me for a long weekend and found Lake Raystown, Pennsylvania. This dog friendly trip was only about 7 hours long so I was all in. First we go to see Levi, Dexter’s BFF. Going with friends is always fun.
Pa Vacations With Dogs
After a wonderful trip from Ohio to Pennsylvania, we arrived at a dog-friendly hotel, Raystown Lake. This pet-friendly resort is located near Raystown Lake in the beautiful surroundings of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.
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While checking out a pet-friendly rental, the staff wanted me to bring Dexter and Levi to pet and care for them. It’s always good to know that dogs are not only allowed, but encouraged to stay. After the dogs got pets and even some dogs, we were ready to check out the dog friendly house.
Dexter and I aren’t big on campers, but we love a good indoor experience. Our custom home is surrounded by large pine trees, a quiet trail perfect for hiking, and other animal shelters, but there is space between each rental. The property has a lovely balcony, fireplace and picnic tables.
The property has a double bedroom, a private bathroom, a kitchen with a large bed and a dining room. There is a stove, oven, microwave, mini-fridge, dishes, flat-screen TV and cable TV. We also participated in an extra bedding program that provided blankets, pillows and blankets. He was the perfect canine friend to call home.
After packing up for the trip, we all got ready for a little lunch outside with the dogs. We met Lisa at the Marina Cafe on Lake Raystown from the Huntingdon Hotel.
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Raystown Marina Cafe welcomes dogs on its outdoor patio overlooking the ocean. Our charming staff gave the dogs fresh water with a warm smile. The informal atmosphere of the dog park was a good choice for the meal. Lisa ordered a chicken sandwich. But this is no ordinary chicken sandwich. I put the raw chicken on top and tossed it with the vegetables. Another success.
The seasonal menu gave us a unique selection. Chris ordered the grilled chicken salad, and lo and behold, the salad had corn on it! Lisa said it was a central Pennsylvania thing, and boy was it good. Chris said it was the best chicken salad ever, and there was enough left over for another meal. I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich. This delicious sandwich has a unique flavor. Veggies surrounded by melted cheese and toasted bread. Yes. He succeeded.
After a restful night, we headed to Seven Points Marina on Raystown Lake. We have arranged our own dog loving trip! Dexter and Levi love their dog friendly hikes, but this time we planned our own trip on Raystown Lake.
Our guide, Jeremy, was very informative…and very entertaining. He took us around the beautiful waters of Raystown Lake and explained the history of the lake. This 8.3 thousand acre lake was completed in 1973 by the Army Department of Engineering. Raystown Lake was designed to provide flood control, power, and best of all, a family fun pool. The lake is 200 feet deep and is open for boating, swimming, diving, boating and fishing.
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Jeremy also took us to the Sheep Rock Sanctuary. This site on Raystown Lake was originally a wide stretch of land on the Juniata River that sheltered humans 12,000 years ago. In the 1960s, Juniata College and Pennsylvania State University excavated the site and preserved artifacts and human remains. There is an exhibit to see at the Huntingdon Visitor Center.
After our history lesson and tour, we wanted to see some history, so we headed to the Huntingdon Visitor Center. Dogs weren’t allowed inside the building, so Chris and I got in line. The visitor center is full of wonderful local exhibits and a fun gift shop. Visitors can spend at least an hour learning about the history of the Raystown Lake District.
After checking in, we took the dogs for a walk on the Greenside Trail outside the Visitor Center. Dogs are far away from breathing and recycled rubber. Behind the visitor center is a large pavilion with a beautiful water feature. Dexter looks for frogs, but unfortunately finds none.
Stomach pain tells us it’s time to eat. Down the street is Bait Points Bait and Tackle, a family owned and operated one-stop shop). This store has everything from camping and fishing gear to soups, sandwiches and my favorite souvenirs and clothing. I was delighted to receive a large dog themed t-shirt. I can never have too many t-shirts.
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We ordered fresh food sandwiches for lunch. Chris loves Italian classics and I went for the chicken salad. We ordered our lunch and headed back to Raystown Lake. We all dug into our freshly made sandwiches and boy were they good. I have to say I prefer the chicken salad sandwiches. This sandwich was amazing. It has just the right amount of sweetness and is moist and flavorful.
We had to leave for work after lunch. We found Raystown Lake Park. The dog-friendly park is not just for dogs, but for families of all ages. Raystown Lake offers pet-friendly rooms, houses, cabins, villas, bungalows, cottages and apartments. A little something for every budget.
People (not pets) can enjoy the playground, game room, grocery store, and even the water park. We enjoyed walking on the water and watching people and birds. Families can enjoy swimming, boating and sitting around the grass.
When dinner was called, we ordered pizza from Best Way Pizza in Lake Raystown. Best Way Pizza is not your average pizzeria. This family business started with cheese square pizzas in the 50’s. It was an event full of goodness.
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Not to be outdone by other visitors to the park, Chris and I burned ourselves out. A good way to say good night.
In the morning we headed to Portstown Park in Huntingdon, PA. The dog-friendly park has a great walk-in closet, which is always great for us since Dexter sometimes needs a walk. However, Dexter is happy and relaxed, so he enjoyed the trip.
Portstown Park also has a skate park, pavilion and small fishery. Portstown Park was originally a canal town and you can see the remains of the old canal.
After our morning walk, we went to Top’s Diner for dinner. Top’s Diner has been in business since 1959 and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. In 2013, they received the Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of Huntingdon Award.
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Their indoor outdoor area is dog friendly and has plenty of room for Levi and Dexter. We were greeted with good hospitality and treated to boiled pork by the dogs. At Top’s Diner, all dogs get free bacon, and Dexter and Levi couldn’t be happier.
We also had breakfast. I ordered pap’s favorite french fries and it was good. I’m not a fan of French toast and it’s cooked just right. Eggs have no taste. Pork is full of flavor, so I can see why dogs enjoy it so much. Chris loves his greens omelets and loves how they fry them before adding green peppers. Top’s Lunch gave us a thumbtack and a towel.
A dog-friendly vacation adventure is a visit to Oktoberfest in Cassville. We were lucky enough to be there at the right time of year to see the dog friendly event. The festival resembles a large farmer’s market and carnival-style games. Earlier in the week they had a car show and talent show. They even traveled by helicopter.
We enjoyed walking around and checking out all the great restaurants and bakeries. Yes, I even bought a delicious homemade cake. And they are
