TulsaPets Magazine March 2023

Pet-Friendly Travel, Tulsa Style! Destinations Welcome Fur Babies by Heide Brandes I t’s not exactly a surprise that pet-friendly travel is one of the hottest trends, and the good news is that the hospitality industry and destinations are catching on. A new survey from Hilton showed that 55 percent of respondents who were pet owners planned to take their fur babies along on trips. The company’s No. 3 book- ing filter in 2021 was “pet friendly,” so the surge in pet-related travel shows that human travelers want their pets to join them in adventures, vacations, and getaways. With nearly 23 million Americans acquiring a dog or cat since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the desire and demand for pet-friendly hotels, hangouts, resorts, and destinations mean more choice locally and regionally for Tulsans who book vacations for spring break or summer. Get Out of Town If you and Scout are seeking an adventure a little farther away — let’s say someplace within a day’s drive — these regional desti- nations are putting out the welcome mat for human and animal guests. The Canebrake, Wagoner. The Cane- brake is only a 47-mile drive from Tulsa, but it feels a world away. A tucked-away, intimate resort and spa that promises luxury and fine dining, the Canebrake is a pet-friendly place to unwind among 300 acres of rolling hills with lake views just outside Wagoner. The Canebrake is touted as welcoming pets, and dogs are allowed to roam with their families on the miles of hiking trails, to tag along for fishing at the five ponds on the property, and to join in Sunset Guided Hikes on Saturday nights. But the Canebrake has a lot of fun stuff just for humans too, such as Zumba and yoga classes, saunas, and an art gallery that showcases quality local art. For more information, visit https://cane- brake.net. Shangri-La Resort & Marina, Afton. Shangri-La Resort, on Monkey Island, offers a luxurious mix of indulgence and adventure, with premium amenities and attractions such an activity park, fine din- ing, a spa, stunning golf courses, pickleball courts, and plush accommodations. In addition to the Grand Lake golf courses, the resort also features TrackMan golf simulators that use state-of-the-art technol- ogy so you can play golf no matter what the weather is outside. Shangri-La is now pet friendly too. Pets are permitted in designated guest rooms for a $100 nonrefund- able fee per room per stay or $150 for two pets. Only dogs weighing 50 pounds or less are allowed, however. Dogs can join the fun on the Grand Lawn north of the hotel and surrounding walking trails. Colcord Hotel, Oklahoma City. Just a 90-minute drive from Tulsa, Oklahoma City has plenty of adventurous getaways for visitors. Besides catching an Oklahoma City Thunder game or a concert at Paycom Cen- ter, you can escape to a rain forest at Myriad Botanical Gardens, take to the white water or slopes at Riversport Rapids & Adven- tures, or get trippy at Factory Obscura arts collective, which features avant-garde immersive installations. For those who look for a luxurious stay with pets in tow, the Colcord Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City gladly accepts March /April 2023 • TulsaPets 31