Grand Bend II
We stayed in pet-friendly Pinedale Motor Inn. Rita cost us an extra $30+HST and there was a nice space at the back for her to run around. The location of the motel was spot-on; it was along the same road as Pinery Provincial Park and The Lake Hound, where we went for breakfast. Read more about our visits there during our previous trip to Grand Bend.
The motel was comfortable and had facilities like a TV, desk, fridge, microwave etc. There was an indoor games room and outdoor seating area.
In the town itself, we visited some shops selling gifts and beach/surfing clothing and wandered along the beach front. During the summer season, dogs are allowed on the North and South beaches from 6-8am and 8-11pm, and not on the Main beach at any time. We were still able to enjoy the waterfront walk and admire the views over Lake Huron.
At Willie’s Beach Bar, Emma and I had a cocktail each, while Rita was presented with a bowl of water. This is a super cool spot, with cornhole and arcade games inside. It felt quite Miami Beach-esque!
About 30 minutes’ drive south of Grand Bend is Alton Farms Estate Winery. It was extremely dog friendly, and Rita was allowed off-leash to run around with resident pups Runa and Baco, who each had a wine named after them. Emma and I had a wine tasting; the host Sydney helped us choose and described the different grapes and processes taking place in the vineyard. We bought a couple of bottles of our favourites and the price of the tasting was discounted.
Afterwards, we enjoyed sitting outside with a glass of wine and (expensive!) charcuterie box, watching the dogs and cat play around. Sydney entertained Rita with a game of fetch. An attractive feature of the winery was the walking trails which we were free to explore, and Rita certainly appreciated the opportunity to let off steam.
