It’s February, and Cupid is calling. Time to sniff out an alpine love nest, just for the three of you. Don’t worry about the weather, as romantic splurges are as much about cuddling as exploring the destination.
At Lake Tahoe, “dog-friendly” doesn’t get more luxurious than at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe at the Northstar California resort. This winter, the hotel added a new, slope-side restaurant, Backyard Bar & BBQ, where your pup is welcome to join you at a heated table for lunch and dinner daily, and live music on weekends. Dogs are welcome at outdoor restaurant tables in the resort village, too, and can ride back and forth with their people in the Ritz gondola. The resort provides plush dog beds, food and water bowls, and treats at check-in — a royal welcome for your travel companion.
In South Lake Tahoe, you’ll find romantic ambiance at the more low-key Fireside Lodge B&B, which backs up to national forest land laced with hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails. The decor is Tahoe rustic at its finest, and the helpful staff is happy to suggest dog-friendly activities in the area. After a day on the trails, warm up in front of the lodge’s stone fireplace with your dog curled at your feet and a glass of wine in hand. The individually decorated rooms add a personal touch that makes it feel like you’re staying at a friend’s mountain cabin.
Headed over the Sierra summit? Reserve a cabin at Tamarack Lodge on the shore of Twin Lakes in the Mammoth Lakes area, and you’ll have skiing, hiking, fishing, great food and awesome scenery right out your front door. Just up the road at June Lake, the Double Eagle Resort and Spa occupies a prime location at the base of 11,000-foot Carson Peak. The gorgeous landscaping here includes rushing streams, towering pines and a glistening pond, while luxury lodge rooms and cabins have fully equipped kitchens, decks and even a fireplace that your dog can sprawl in front of to warm his paws.
A few tips for a romantic getaway with your dog in tow: call ahead to confirm pet policies, since some properties limit the number or size of dogs per room. Pack your pup’s favorite bed or blanket so she feels settled in unfamiliar surroundings. And scope out the nearby walking routes before you arrive — nothing kills the romantic mood faster than driving around in the dark looking for a place to walk the dog before bedtime. With a little planning, the three of you can have a Valentine’s retreat that’s cozy, scenic, and completely stress-free.
