Fall

FidoFest 2013 – Historic Southend Charlotte

This last Saturday we woke Basil up “super” early, like at 8am, for a great cause. We headed down to the Historic Southend Charlotte neighborhood in some seriously heavy fog to walk in the 3K 2X4 FidoFest! The Southend neighborhood is an area of Charlotte that we haven’t spent a lot of time in but once I learned that 80% of Southend residents are dog owners we knew we needed to spend some more time there. 

This walk, where the proceeds go to CMPD Animal Care & Control, took us down the light rail line and let us really enjoy this little gem of a neighborhood. Great, clean walking paths passing by luxury apartment buildings and condos. A lot of chic shops and restaurants sprinkled in between. 

On our walk we meet a lot of new friends, like a giant 7 month old great dane that kept trying to make his poor mom “win” this 3K walk! Along the way there were stop off spots for water and goodies. Basil picked up his fair share of dog treats and poopy bags while we got a lot of information about living in this area. One of the spots that was handing out swag was Club Fetch. They are a soon to be opening doggy daycare and play center. We loved their logo and then got to meet the face behind it, Jackson. Basil loves meeting fellow adorable Boston terriers and for the short time they got to sniff each other they totally hit it off. Once they open we will for sure be checking this place out and we recommend if you are in the Charlotte area you do too! 

Once we finished up the little under 2 mile walk it was party time! FidoFest had set up booth after booth of sponsors offering their wares and giving out even more swag. There were also food trucks and a dog house contest. The one dog house that stood out above them all was the one made by Balfour Beatty Construction. This incredible handmade dog house is up for sale currently on eBay and the proceeds will go to Coalition to Unchain Dogs. Head over to eBay to check it out!

We had some serious fun and couldn’t have had a better time. A big thank you goes to FidoFest for really introducing us to this little spot and putting on this event. I made sure to start following them on twitter so I can keep up with the goings-on of the Historic Southend. Can’t wait for the next event!

Travel well, Nap well, Live well!

-Abbey & Basil

 

 

 

Boston Turtle on Howl-o-ween 2013!

Happy Howl-o-ween from us at Basil’s Travels! Here are a few photos and a video of our night being the Boston Turtle. Enjoy!

Boston Terrier loves halloween
Look at the smiling happy dog!
Knock, Knock! Trick or Treat!
“Even my mom and dad dressed up!” – Basil

Travel well, Nap well, Live well!

-Abbey & Basil

 

Basil takes Asheville!

We’ve been told time and time again, as we travel throughout the south, that if you want a little taste of Seattle life Asheville, NC is the place to be. Boutique shops, bistros with outdoor patio seating, used bookstores, and all in a city in the hills. Well, Asheville did not disappoint. 

We headed up to this eclectic city one fall weekend with Basil in tow. The moment we arrived we were greeted with a little bit of southern hospitality in the form of a parking pass. Another couple, who had already payed for the whole day in a nearby lot, was leaving. They not only offered us their parking spot but their pass. Perfect! 

Once on the streets we were overwhelmed with the colors of the changing fall leaves and views of the surrounding mountains. We started our day by hitting up local shops and searching for a place to grab lunch. After a few pet themed boutiques and a moment standing on a corner and listening to a rather talented street performer, we found the right nosh spot. 

The Wicked Weed brewery located right next to The Orange Peel music venue seemed the ideal fit. Large outdoor patio with ample sitting and welcoming of our fur baby. We sat and enjoyed a few brews as well as a artisan BLT and wedge salad. 

The next couple of hours was spent in and out of vintage clothing stores and having lovely conversations with fellow dog lovers who are also enjoying the streets of Asheville. At about twilight, Basil was starting to grow tired and we as well were interested in slowing down. The sun was on the horizon and the mild fall weather of the day was turning brisk. As we looked for a spot to relax and stay warm we walked by The Wicked Weed once more to find them lighting their large fire pit. We pulled up a few chairs and basked in the warmth and great company. Basil fell asleep in my arms as the day drew to a close. 

This was only our first day in this great city and we can’t wait to spend more time and enjoy more Asheville has to offer. We hear the comedy tour bus is fabulous and intend to board it the very next time we are passing through. So, thank you Asheville for your hospitality and know that this dog and his family will be back very soon!

Travel well, Nap well, Live well!

-Abbey & Basil

 

 

Basil’s Favorite Things – Chilly Dog Sweaters

Its TGIF and you know what that means… Basil’s favorite things! This Friday, as the weather almost everywhere turns to full on fall we decided to share a long time Basil “must have.” The Chilly Dog sweaters are handmade in South America and 100% wool. They follow fair trade guidelines and give all the employees a fair wage. Not only do we love their company practices but their sweaters are top-notch.

From XS to XL these sweaters fit almost ever dog shape. For Basil, it’s almost impossible to find a well fitted sweater based on his broad chest and thick Boston neck. When we came across Chilly Dog a few years ago at our favorite pet store, All The Best Pet Care, we fell in love. The perfect cold weather dog sweater and every year they sold like hot cakes in Seattle. The first sign that it was going to be wet and cold for awhile we let Basil pick out a few of his favorites.

Right now, while we are traveling in the South, today was the first truly chilly day. I pulled out his moose sweater and slipped it right on. The thick wool and hood, with the most adorable moose ears warmed him right up. If you’re looking for a sweater for your four legged friend and may be having a hard time finding a good fit or just don’t want a prissy dog sweater make sure to check out the Chilly Dog website

So, today we are going to enjoy this brisk fall day without having to worry that my little guy is going to catch cold. Enjoy your weekend!

Travel well, nap well, live well!

-Abbey & Basil

Introducing the Boston Turtle!

Boo! Its finally time to reveal the Halloween costume, voted by you. Its the Boston terrier turned turtle… The Boston Turtle! Thank you so much for voting and I hope you enjoy these pre-Halloween photos of what maybe the cutest dog costume ever! Check back on Oct 31st for ever more pictures and see how Basil spends this years Halloween! 

Travel well, nap well, live well!

-Abbey & Basil

 

Lions, tigers and turtles?! Oh My!!

Its Halloween time again and that means everyone from little kiddies to partying adults to the our four legged friends get ready to dress up and have a good time! Here in this household we are big into dressing up. Usually Willow FC “begs” to be a blow fish and Sebastian just “loves” his hot dog costume. Last year, Basil decided he was going to be a pirate. Mostly because Nate & I went as Peter Pan and Ticker bell and Basil loves to match.Halloween2012

This year we thought we would ask all of Basil’s loving fans to vote on their favorite costume  for Halloween 2013. Below you will find sample photos, all from wag.com, and a poll to tell us what you think. Whatever is voted highest by Friday October 11th will be Basil costume this year. Thanks for your help in this very important matter and we will announce the winner this weekend and some adorable photos will follow!

 

What should Basil be for Halloween 2013?

Travel well, nap well, Live well!

-Abbey & Basil

Hooray for Fall!

It’s September and Labor day is officially over. In my book that means its fall! Pumpkin Spice lattes, the changing of the leaves, cooler weather, I love it all. Basil is getting ready too. Even though he is a sun dog at heart, he loves the smell of leaves on the ground and crisp air. To make Basil happy when its wet or cold all you have to do it throw on one of his wool handmade sweaters or a scarf and hit the road. Basil recommends some great and not to sissy (!!!!) dog sweaters that can be found at most All The Best Pet Care stores in Washington state or at Petco.com and Petsmart.com. So say hooray to fall with us and get ready for those shorter days by enjoying these photos and maybe doing a little shopping for your pet.

Travel well, Nap well, Live well!

-Abbey & Basil

 

1 4 5 6