Newsletter Archives

How many times have you blasted through Vacaville on Interstate 80 without giving it a second thought? Next time, put on the brakes, spend the night in a reasonably priced hotel and set out to explore. There’s much to see and do, from hiking in wide-open spaces to visiting wineries and even hitching a ride on an excursion train.   more »

DogTrekker wants to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. Once the pumpkin pie has settled and the football games have roared, it’s time to get your holiday woof on. Here are our suggestions for holiday-season activities to enjoy with the entire family, including your best friend.   more »

When the weather up north cools off, California’s Southern California region beckons. If you’re headed that way or even thinking about it, check out these new dog-friendly options to enhance your road trip.   more »

Lake County is dominated by—you got it—a lake. Clear Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in California and thought to be the oldest in North America. It’s also one of the top 10 bass-fishing lakes in the country. But it’s just one piece of a diverse county that has a long history as a vacation destination for California families (dogs included, of course). Lake County is a four-season destination, and every season has its highlights.   more »

We’ve all visited winery after winery with our dogs, no? After all, it’s a quintessentially California thing to do. Here at DogTrekker, we’ve sniffed around for some ways to add to the wine-country experience. Leashes on, tails up, let’s go!   more »

The Tri-Valley region, about 45 miles east of San Francisco, takes its name from the Amador, Livermore and San Ramon valleys that embrace the communities of Danville, Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton. The region surprises travelers with its wide-open spaces, historic town centers, and amazingly dog-friendly attitudes. Autumn, when the vineyards blaze orange and weather turns crisp, is a prime time to visit. Leash up your pup and come see for yourself!   more »

Mendocino County had a tough summer in the wildfire department, but there’s great news to be had. As innkeeper Jeff Stanford of Stanford Inn by the Sea reports, "The coast is not only clear, it is pristine. There are no crowds. Highway 1 is open and getting here is beautiful. Anderson Valley is untouched, the vineyards are ripening and harvest is underway.” Here are some ways to get your woof on during Mendocino County’s “secret” fall season.   more »

Something almost magical happens in California’s High Sierra after Labor Day: Poof! The crowds disappear. The weather won’t change appreciably for another month, but the difference, if you’re a visitor, is like night and day. Lodging prices fall, traffic disappears and an aura of relaxation takes over. It’s a great time for you and your four-legged family members to enjoy a high-altitude getaway. Here are our Top 5 suggestions.   more »

If you’ve lived in California very long (or even if you’re just visiting), you know Highway 49—also dubbed the Golden Chain Highway—as one of the state’s prime scenic and historic byways. From north to south, it stretches 330 miles through nine counties, linking dozens of towns and points of interest dating to the 1849 Gold Rush. Here’s how to plot a dog-friendly journey.   more »

The 49ers followed the Sacramento and American rivers to the Mother Lode mines, paving the way for modern-day visitors to Gold Country who travel up Highway 50. This week, we look at some dog-friendly points of interest between Sacramento and Pollock Pines, 60 miles “up the hill.” Next week, we’ll follow Highway 49, the “Golden Chain Highway,” from north to south through some of the most captivating parts of the state.   more »