CL-August 2024 - 27

EXPLORE MORE
65 degrees. Th ough 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 fl ashlights, as no
lighting exists within the chilly confi nes
of the tunnel.
OUT ON THE WATER
Escape the hottest dog days of
summer with some time on the water.
Williamsburg Charter Sails off ers three
hours of serenity and river breezes 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.
" Th e 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 wellbehaved
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 aff ordable dogfriendly
activity on the island. "
Dogs are permitted on all
tours off ered by the outfi t, 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 aff ection, and their owners
can expect to learn about our
awesome little island and see
co-opliving.com
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
Take a step back in time at the
dog-friendly Dinosaur Kingdom II
in Natural Bridge, Va. Th is 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 aſt er them. Th e trail features
sculptures depicting dinosaurs and
historical fi gures 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. Th is 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.
Th e grounds are open to
people and their pups year-round,
from sunrise to sunset. Th ere
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!
*
August 2024 * Cooperative Living * 25
http://www.co-opliving.com
CL-August 2024

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