Dog-friendly holiday vacations across the U.S.

THAT TEXAS COUPLE

Facebook: @thattexascouple

Twitter: @thattexascouple

Instagram: @thattexascouple

Website: thattexascouple.com

Oh, the holiday season — twinkling lights, hot cocoa, cold air, and that overall feeling of peace and joy. The holidays are such a magical time for a getaway and, of course, there is no better way to enjoy this time of year than with the ones you love, including your four-legged friend. If you are planning a pet-friendly getaway, then consider making one of these towns your destination. Not only will they delight you, but your dog will also have the opportunity to enjoy the magic of the season.

San Diego, CA

Dog lovers rejoice because San Diego is in love with pets as much as you are. You will find little resistance bringing your pet to The Golden State.

Make your first stop lunch on The Patio at Lamont at Pacific Beach where you can enjoy some delicious California cuisine, like a local fish street taco or an Ahi poke wonton tostada, while your dog munches on some of The Patio's homemade dog biscuits! After your bellies are full, then burn off some of that energy by heading to Balboa Park and allowing your pooch to run free at Nate's Point Off-Leash Dog Park. If Balboa Park does not interest you, then you could always make your way to one of San Diego's beautiful beaches for some Frisbee time with your canine friend.

If you really want to enjoy the holiday season and spoil your pet, then check out the Hotel del Coronado. Pets will love the hotel's commitment to their comfort by providing specialized bedding and a "yappy hour" where they can indulge in complimentary gourmet dog treats. You will love the hotel's commitment to providing you excellent service. Not only will you see the hotel transformed for the holidays, but they also provide pet walking and pet sitting.

Despite the California sunshine, I am sure you will be in the spirit of the season in this fabulous pet-friendly beach town.

Eureka Springs, AR

If you are looking for a true down-home Christmas for your getaway, look no further than Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains in the northwest portion of Arkansas, Eureka Springs is a great place to spend the holiday season. The town's well-preserved Victorian buildings are all decked out in their holiday best this time of year. Brimming with lights and tinsel, the historic district welcomes visitors to stay and enjoy all of the holiday events.

Not only does the city offer blocks and blocks of boutiques and fine art galleries, but there are numerous holiday events that you and your four-legged friend can participate in. Head out with your dog to the Downtown Park where you can both enjoy visiting with Santa before taking your pup on a drive-through light display at the Great Passion Play. You can also enjoy the Christmas tree forest located at the Crescent Hotel. You and your dog will enjoy walking through their 15 acres of specially decorated Christmas trees.

If you time your visit just right, you can be there for the highlight event, The Night of 1000 Santas. During this event, you can join hundreds of Santas and Santa's helpers to participate in this annual scavenger hunt. The person with the most points wins a trip back to Eureka Springs!

Estes Park, Co.

Estes Park is a great little mountain town nestled on the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. Well known as a great getaway any time of year, Estes Park seems magical during the holiday season.

You and your pooch will be nice and cozy staying in The Lodge at the Stanley Hotel where they allow dogs to stay as long as they weigh less than 50 pounds. After checking into your hotel, hit the town to discover some of Estes Park's great holiday events.

The festivities kick off the Friday after Thanksgiving when the town comes alive with floats, marching bands, and twinkling light during their holiday parade. Once the parade opens the holiday season, then you will find Estes brimming with festive activities. Enjoy shopping at the annual Christmas Bazaar, attend a Christmas concert, or take in the lights on a Yuletide Lights driving tour and allow your pet to accompany you. Of course, you can also take your dog on the many hiking and walking trails that you will find throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. These activities make Estes Park a great holiday destination.

Branson, MO

Sure, most people think of Branson as a summer getaway, but did you know that Branson also makes a great holiday destination? People come from far and wide during the holiday season to celebrate the Ozark Mountain Christmas. Your furry best friend is bound to love riding along with you for a drive through the Ozark Mountain Christmas Light Village. This drive-through light display features not only opportunities to enjoy the great lights, but there is also a North Pole Express train and photo opportunities all along the way.

If one drive-through light park isn't enough, then you can also enjoy the Trail of Lights, an awesome drive-through animation display stretching out along a two-mile trail through the 160-acres Shepherd of the Hills Homestead area. Of course, you and your pup can also enjoy the many hiking and walking trails that Branson offers, including the 4.4-mile, easily walkable Lakeside Wilderness Trail.

San Antonio, TX

San Antonio is the perfect getaway for you and your pet. The city's most famous attraction, the River Walk, oozes with holiday charm this time of year. You will find that the trees that line the banks of the River Walk covered in holiday lights, the bridges don tinsel and bows, and even the riverboats boast holiday décor to celebrate the season. The best part of the holiday season are the more than 3,000 glowing luminaries that line the River Walk this time of year. Leashed pets are always welcome to stroll the banks of the San Antonio River and several restaurants will allow leashed pets on their patio area.

Combine all of this with the fact that finding pet-friendly accommodations is so easy in San Antonio, and you have the recipe for a great holiday getaway.

New Orleans, LA

Christmas is a fabulous time to visit "The Big Easy." Not only will you find mild temperatures in New Orleans during the holiday season, you will also discover that hotel prices are low and the city is less crowded. Don't mistake this for a lack of things to do in New Orleans though as there is always something going on in this fabulous city.

Pet owners will be delighted to know that there are numerous great hotels in the French Quarter that are pet-friendly. Some of our favorites include the Hotel Monteleone with their fabulous carousel bar, and the beautiful Omni Royal Orleans. After checking into your hotel, head down to Lafayette Square with your pet and enjoy LUNA Fete. LUNA Fete is an annual event that displays light projections, illuminated installations, an arts market, and drink and food vendors. Want to know the best thing about LUNA Fete? It is completely free!

If you know anything about New Orleans, you know this city loves parades. Luckily, Christmas is not an exception to this rule. You and your furry friend can stand front and center watching the Jingle on the Boulevard Parade or the Krewe of Jingle Parade during the holiday season. After the parade, why not take your pet with you to see the Celebration in the Oaks at City Park? This annual tradition is a beautiful display of Christmas Lights set throughout the park.

Savannah, GA

Savannah is already one of America's favorite cities and is a joy to visit anytime of the year, but Savannah really shines during the holiday season. This historic town comes alive with events, shows, parades, and fabulous holiday meals. You and your dog will enjoy strolling through Savannah's City Market, which is all decked out in its holiday best during Christmas. This four-block area of Savannah is perfect for eating on the patio with your pup this time of year as temperatures usually hover around 60-degrees.

Savannah also offers several holiday parades during this time of year. The Lighted Christmas Parade begins at West River Street and makes its way through the historic downtown area of Savannah before ending at City Market. Another great parade is the annual Boat Parade of Lights. You and your dog will love watching as the decorated and lit-up vessels cruise the river. There are also many guided walking tours taking place this time of year. An especially seasonal one is the Charles Dickens-inspired tour where the guides dress up in Victorian costumes and transport you to the day of A Christmas Carol throughout Savannah.

Trip planning tips

Michelle and Marty Snell

These destinations are just a sampling of the many great places that you can enjoy with your pet. When planning your dog-friendly holiday remember to keep these things in mind:

- Are these appropriate pet-friendly accommodations?

- Is the weather where we can enjoy being outdoors?

- Are there pet-friendly activities?

- Can my pet be easily transported to/from our destination?

- Are there any pet-restricted areas at my destination?

With a little imagination and properplanning, you and your pet can have afabulous holiday vacation!

MICHELLE AND MARTY SNELL are the travel-loving duo that makes up That Texas Couple. They both have a passion for travel, and an eye for a great vacation deal. Marty captures the essence of the places they travel with his eye always behind a lens, while Michelle soaks up the scenery and puts pen to paper. You can read about their adventures, or tips on traveling to your dream destination atthattexascouple.com.

This article is part of TXDM's initiative to share the stories of Texas rescues, nonprofits and other dog related organizations, as well as the businesses that support them.