Oct 26, 2023

First out-of-state trip with our dog

We’ve heard it said that pets are our children. Some have advised us that dogs are more challenging to raise than kids. Others say it’s good practice before we start our family. However you look at it, care and attention are involved, and our Giant Schnauzer Mitzi is doing quite well these first few months she’s been with us. And yes, we consider her our baby and part of our family. It’s finally time that we introduce her to our adventure-seeking travels!

Best Western has over 1,200 pet-friendly hotels in North America, and we were so excited to find one in a place we’ve had on our list for a few years since moving to Ohio. The Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York is just over 4 hours from Cleveland, and nature is abundant with 11 freshwater lakes and countless trees changing color in the fall season! From the moment we walked through the doors of the Best Western Plus Vineyard Inn & Suites in Penn Yan, New York, the staff welcomed us and Mitzi gracefully and even gave her a ball and biscuit upon check-in!

Where to stay

We found Penn Yan, NY to be a centrally located small town located on the eastern shore of Keuka Lake in Yates County, also known as Finger Lakes Countrysides. The Best Western Plus Vineyard Inn & Suites is located on the edge of downtown, walkable to many shops, restaurants, and even a brewery! The hotel is nicely updated with comfortable and clean bedding. We had plenty of room to spread out, plus all the dog stuff and, of course, Mitzi, too!

The Vineyard Inn & Suites serves a hot breakfast buffet each morning, with coffee, tea, and espresso beverages available. There is a nice indoor pool and fitness room that we did not have a chance to use. We appreciated the grassed area with bags and waste cans emptied daily so that Mitzi could relieve herself upon going outside. Be sure to sign up for Best Western Rewards to earn points for a free night.

What to see

When in the Finger Lakes region, check the weather forecast the morning you wake up! Flexibility is key when traveling with pets, and the weather can help plan your itinerary accordingly. Luckily, we were greeted with pleasant weather on our first day so that we could make the most of the outdoor activities on our list, such as:

Keuka Lake State Park

• Located just south of Penn Yan. Keuka Lake State Park offered a beautiful spot for a morning walk with our dog, Mitzi.
• We enjoyed picturesque views of the lake. Be sure to consider driving to the top of Esperanza Drive near the park and turning around to enjoy a serene sight!

Keuka Lake Outlet Trail

• The Keuka Lake Outlet Trail begins across the street from the Vineyard Inn & Suites.
• We could park further down and take a short walk with Mitzi to the breathtaking Seneca Mills Falls.
• Be sure to look at a map for all there is to see along the Outlet Trail. There are seven miles to explore, and opportunities for horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are available! The Keuka outlet was created over 10,000 years ago between Seneca Lake in Dresden, NY, and Keuka Lake in Penn Yan, NY.

Watkins Glen State Park

• We drove 30 minutes from Penn Yan to Watkins Glen, NY, where we entered the Watkins Glen State Park at the Upper Entrance.
• Mitzi was allowed on the Indian Trail along the gorge’s rim. Pets are not allowed on the Gorge Trail, 185 steps below where we hiked.

Geneva, NY

• 20 minutes northeast of the Vineyard Inn & Suites in Penn Yan is the quaint and charming college town of Geneva. We enjoyed driving around the campus of Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
• We walked around Lakefront Park before sunset. Mitzi enjoyed meeting a few people along the way, and we took pictures with the “I Heart NY” sign near the Finger Lakes Welcome Center.
• The arts, food, and drink scenes in Geneva, New York are worth noting. We hope to return here one day to experience all there is to do!

Where to eat + drink

Keuka Restaurant

• Two blocks from the Best Western Vineyard Inn & Suites, Keuka Restaurant offers a menu of American fare, from BBQ to salads and pub fare. We shared Chicken Wings and BLT Sliders with French Fries.
• We loved being able to sit on the patio with Mitzi. Our server brought her a bowl of water, and she enjoyed her Kong while we enjoyed our cocktails and meal.
• The exterior of the building is beautiful, with a New England style we adore.

Seneca Farms

• Open seasonally from March – October. Seneca Farms is a counter-serve restaurant that features some of the best fried chicken we’ve ever had.
• The outdoor tent had heaters, and picnic tables were pet-friendly.
• We couldn’t leave without trying their homemade ice cream and custard. David tried the pumpkin cinnamon custard, while Edward enjoyed the black cherry and mocha fudge ice creams!

Laurentide Beer Company & True Roots Kitchen

• Located just a few blocks from the hotel, Laurentide Beer Company and True Roots Kitchen at LBC are newer in Penn Yan, NY and serves incredible beers and food.
• We could sit in the covered area outside the brewery, which is dog-friendly.
• Delicious food included Beef & Cheddar, Smashed Potatoes tossed in chili sauce, and scallions. Edward enjoyed the Gochujang Pork Belly, served with French Fries. For beers, we chose the German Kölsch and the Pumpkin Ale. Both were amazing!

Fox Run Vineyards

• Located on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, only 15 minutes from the Best Western in Penn Yan. Fox Run Vineyards is not only dog friendly, but staff proclaim it is “dog enthusiastic!” Mitzi was treated to lots of love from staff and patrons alike!
• We enjoyed red and white wines on our flight and brought some home! Notably, we liked the Lemberger, an Austrian grape variety, and their Lake Dana, a Riesling. It was named Lake Dana in homage to the glacial formed lake that led to the rich minerals in the soils of the Finger Lakes Wine Country. Fox Run’s bottled Traminette was a treat as well.
• Their location offered us beautiful views of Seneca Lake, while walking in, and the surrounding fall foliage.

Additional tips for traveling with pets

• Make sure to check the specific pet policies of any place you plan to visit by calling or visiting their website to ensure they are dog-friendly and to understand any rules they may have.
• Keep dogs on a leash at all times, and be mindful of local regulations regarding pets.
• Bring essentials in a tote bag for your pet, such as water, food, treats, chew toys, waste bags, and any medications they may need.
• Remember that flexibility is critical when traveling with pets, and it’s essential to prioritize your pet’s comfort and safety throughout your trip.