She Said Yes

by Amanda Sue Creasey, Outdoors Writer, Cooperative Living

While traditionally associated with the hot, humid slog that begins at the end of July, the dog days of summer took on a fresh meaning in 2020 when August was officially designated as National Dog Month. This time of year, chilling out in the air conditioning might be tempting, but instead of hiding from the heat inside, get out with your canine companions and celebrate their loyalty and love with these cool adventures across the commonwealth.

UNDER THE GROUND

Maintaining a crisp 54 degrees year-round, Luray Caverns offers a spectacular way to stay comfortable on even the hottest summer day. With 87% relative humidity, the caverns feel like a refreshing 67 degrees regardless of the weather above ground.

Small pets are welcome to join their human companions for a trip into the caverns at no additional fee, provided they are carried in a guardian’s arms, a pet-safe bag, or contained in a stroller or wagon. Both guided and self-guided tours permit small dogs, with one 90- to 120-minute guided tour beginning each morning at 8:30 and self-guided tours leaving throughout the day.

“Pets are part of your family and a lot of people travel with their pets. We made the accommodation for small pets so people could tour without worrying about leaving their pets in a hotel or in the car, which can be dangerous,” says Bill Huffman, director of marketing and public relations for Luray Caverns.

For dogs too large to carry, complimentary crates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. “On busy weekends it can be good to call ahead and check availability,” Huffman advises.

Those looking for a way to cool off with their canine companions might also enjoy a hike to and through the Blue Ridge Tunnel near Waynesboro, Va. Inside this historic train tunnel, the temperature ranges from 55 to 65 degrees. Though visitors should be prepared for a potentially hot hike to reach the tunnel, the tunnel itself provides a nearly mile-long respite from summer’s heat. Visitors should bring headlamps or flashlights, as no lighting exists within the chilly confines of the tunnel.

OUT ON THE WATER

Escape the hottest dog days of summer with some time on the water along the York River. Williamsburg Charter Sails offers three hours of serenity and river breezes out of York River Yacht Haven in Gloucester Point, Va.

For no additional fee, dogs can join their human family members for a delightful sail on the York River, providing a chance to view dolphins, run the helm of the boat and learn about the area’s history. “The dogs listen attentively until they fall asleep from the gently swaying boat,” Capt. Bill O’Donovan says. “It’s all very serene.”

Daisey’s Island Cruises in Chincoteague on Virginia’s Eastern Shore also welcomes aboard well-behaved dogs at no extra cost. Enjoy a leisurely ride on one of their vessels to view the wild ponies of Assateague Island, in addition to a variety of waterfowl. “We love animals,” says Scott Landolt, owner of Daisey’s Island Cruises. “It’s really special to have a fun and affordable dog-friendly activity on the island.”

Dogs are permitted on all tours offered by the outfit, but if visitors plan to bring multiple large-breed dogs, Landolt recommends booking one of the six-passenger boats. If a tour on one of their larger boats with more passengers is preferable, be aware that other passengers might also have their dogs aboard.

In addition to wild pony sightings, dogs “can expect love and affection, and their owners can expect to learn about our awesome little island and see plenty of wildlife,” Landolt says. Daisey’s Island Cruises provides “a truly special experience. Most dogs really love the boat, and we love giving them a new experience to enjoy.”

BACK IN TIME

Dinosaur Kingdom II in Natural Bridge, Va.

Take a step back in time at the dog-friendly Dinosaur Kingdom II in Natural Bridge, Va. This delightful roadside attraction combines two fascinating aspects of history: dinosaurs and the Civil War. Co-owner Sherry Cline describes the experience, “You enter a train car and then a time tunnel zaps you back to 1864, to a mining town. At the end of the town, the woods begin.”

As they wander the wooded pathway, visitors are asked to stay on the trail with their leashed pups and make sure to clean up after them. The trail features sculptures depicting dinosaurs and historical figures from the Civil War, imagining a history in which dinosaurs served as weapons. According to Cline, most visitors take one or two hours to walk the full trail. Benches along the route provide places for people and dogs to relax in the shade.

Now in its ninth year, Dinosaur Kingdom II has permitted dogs since the attraction opened. “So many people travel with their animals,” Cline says. “We want them to be able to have their dogs with them.” While there is an admission charge for their human chaperones, dogs get in for free.

Dog-friendly for over 250 years, Menokin Foundation in Warsaw on Virginia’s Northern Neck consists of 500 acres of nearly untouched historical landscape. This National Historic Landmark includes four miles of wooded trails to explore, as well as the ruins of the former 1769 home of Declaration of Independence signer, Francis Lightfoot Lee, and his wife Rebecca Tayloe Lee.

While dogs are not permitted in the house or barn, leashed and well-behaved dogs are invited to attend events, explore the grounds and enjoy the visitors center, where water bowls are available for visiting dogs. Owners can learn about the organization’s ongoing projects, which include historic preservation of house and genealogy research into descendants of those enslaved at Menokin and conservation work, according to Connie Rosemont, interim executive director. “Because dogs have also traditionally been a part of agrarian life, we continue to welcome them in modern times,” Rosemont says.

The grounds are open to people and their pups year-round, from sunrise to sunset. There is no entry fee for people or their dogs, but as Menokin is funded entirely by contributions, donations in the box within the visitor center are appreciated and encouraged. More and more, the world is recognizing dogs as part of the family. Next time you’re looking for an adventure, bring your four-legged family member along for the fun!