Sightsee. Shop. Salute. Sniff. Stay. Something for the two-legged and four-legged variety all rolled up into one heart-shaped slogan. You already know this state loves people, but did you know Virginia is for dog lovers, too? Indeed, Virginia is pet friendly. Prestigious enough to earn itself a recent spot on Madison Avenue’s Walk of Fame in Manhattan, the slogan “Virginia is for Lovers” pertains to dogs and their guardians. Pack up the leashes, water bowls and lip balm and pucker up for a love affair with a state so dog welcoming, you’ll be barking to return time and again.
Amidst glorious mountains and sandy beaches, Virginia offers a historic vista to our country’s origin, as many of our national conflicts found resolution here. Arlington National Cemetery, located in the northern part of the state, is the final resting place of more than 300,000 people. Beginning with the American Revolution, veterans from each of our nation’s wars along with astronauts, sports figures and dignitaries are buried in Arlington. The tree-lined walkways and pristine grounds reflect a silent dignity while exploring, paying homage and saluting this sentimental landscape. Of special interest, the Tomb of the Unknowns is guarded 24 hours a day, year-round, by the elite 3rd US Infantry. Plan a tour and locate must-see gravesites by visiting the official website at www.arlingtoncemetery.org.
Sniff out a bargain with your two best friends, Fido and a charge card, about two hours from Fairfield at Stony Point Fashion Park in Richmond. Described as a “dog-friendly center,” many of the more than 90 stores at this unique open-air mall welcome your four-legged bargain hunter (designated with a “welcome dog” sticker in their front windows). An eclectic blend of stores in an intimate, park-like setting offers Fido-friendly pit stop areas and clean-up supplies to enhance any shopping excursion.
And as if that wasn’t enough… our fur-ends at the Fairfax County Tourism Bureau, where BlogPaws 2013 Conference takes place, dedicated a whole page in our pet-friendly honor. Here’s a whole slew of things you (and your non-human family members) can do when you visit Tysons Corner and neighboring Washington, D.C.
We’re also involved in the BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop. I will be in Tysons Corner for three days in May (May 16-18 to be exact) – along with our Puppy Relations (PR) Manager, Dexter. We will be at the BlogPaws Conference and hope you will join us! Here are a few of our pet blogging buddies you can bet will be there: