Rolling Over
By Musa Alves
to the Coast
As summer is upon us , Louisiana residents creatively coming up with ways to stay cool with their furry friends — no-flavor snowballs , ice baths in the kiddie pool , or throwing back a couple of cold ones ( yes , they make beer for dogs and wine for cats now ). If you have a car , you might try getting to the local water points , at the levee or bayou , but find these spots filling up during warmer months , especially at peak times . It can become time-consuming and stressful , driving across town for an hour or so of playtime only to bring your now filthy friend in the car home for a bath . The pandemic has been a years-long exercise in ways to get outdoors with our pets and loved ones to escape the cabin fever of being home more than ever before . Now that things have seemed to reach a new “ normal ,” many locals have been making more short trips to the Mississippi – Louisiana border for some fun with their pets for a day or weekend .
There are many ways one can make the trip , from an exclusively outdoor experience to a luxury casino getaway . Here are some recommendations if you are making the trip for the first time or looking for new things to do on your next jaunt .
If you are looking for a weekend of beaching , hiking and camping , there is Buccaneer State Park in Waveland , Mississippi . “ The park has 206 premium campsites with full amenities … In addition to the premium sites , Buccaneer ’ s … new campsite development is underway . These new Gulf View concrete campsites will feature water , sewer , 30 / 50 amp electricity , a large concrete patio area , lighted pedestals , and added space for parking .” For more information about availability , contact the park office at 1- ( 228 ) -467-3822 . The trails welcome horseback riders , bicyclists and hikers , and dogs must be on leash in any shared area . If you are a biking enthusiast with a pet trailer , bring it on !
If camping is not your speed , there are plenty of pet-friendly hotels and B & Bs ! Carroll House Cottage , Carroll House Bed & Breakfast , and The Bay Town Inn are just a few . The Bay Town Inn was named one of the ten best coastal small towns in America by USA Today .
“ You can walk to everything that makes ‘ The Bay ’ so special . With its array of restaurants , cafes , shops , galleries and museums … On the grounds , they provide a hot , full breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays at The Oyster Bar next door . Fresh baked goods are provided on weekday mornings .… Guests of the inn enjoy free off-street parking , our cool saltwater pool , our luscious courtyard , and easy beach access . Bay Town Inn welcomes guests aged 15 and older ( no infants ) and provides limited dog-friendly accommodations .” There are also many lovely pet-friendly Airbnbs / Vrbo rentals to consider , with some just steps from the beach .