Road Trip - Branson, MO

With my Mom being in Branson, MO last week, my Dad and I drove down to meet her to enjoy a weekend away. We stayed at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing Hotel. It met my high standards of luxury. The hotel is part of a shopping complex, Branson Landing - which is also pet friendly. Most of the stores allowed pets inside, so I got to shop with Mom. And they were ready for me too - complete with treats and water bowls!

The waterfront also features the Branson Landing Fountains which provides a spectacular water, light and fire display set to music. People line up early to get good seats - but the spectacle is too much for dogs like me who get scared easily. I wanted to dig a hole and hide until it was over.

We also ventured to Table Rock Lake and had a great day walking through the park.

Here are a few photos from my Branson adventure:

Pausing to watch the Branson Belle Showboat go by

Cooling my paws in the lake

A trip to Branson wouldn't be complete without stopping at Lambert's Cafe for lunch. Known as "The Only Home of Throwed Rolls," I heard the food was great - but dogs aren't allowed inside. They do offer pet kennels outside for those who don't want their pets to have to wait in the car.

Here's a photo of me chowing down on a roll - or what looked like one until I bit into it - but it was just a toy. It's not nice to fool Jon Jon - give me the good stuff!

The Market at the Cheshire

My favorite hotel in St. Louis is The Cheshire. Over the last two years, I've spent a lot of time lounging around the pool and hanging around the lobby of this English tudor-style hotel. Pets are also welcome inside the guest rooms!

With the opening of two restaurants (The Restaurant at the Cheshire and Basso) and a market within the last year, now I have even more reasons to love The Cheshire.

We stopped by The Market at the Cheshire on the Saturday of The Great Forest Park Balloon Race to get some breakfast. It is a great place for breakfast or lunch and the store is also great for picking up all of the essentials for a superb picnic. Beer, wine, cheeses, made-to-order sandwiches and rotisserie chicken - they have it all! On Saturdays during the summer, The Market also holds a farmer's market in its parking lot.

Jon Jon's Review

The Market at the Cheshire

7036 Clayton Rd.

St. Louis, MO 63117

Food Type: Casual made-to-order breakfast and lunch.

Pet friendly patio: Yes

Pet water bowls: Upon request

Treats: Not on this visit

Rating: Four paws

The large patio and friendly staff make The Market at the Cheshire very welcoming to pets. Create your own picnic from the store's wide lunch selection, enjoy it on the patio with your favorite furry friend or take it to nearby Forest Park which is only a few blocks away.

Great Forest Park Balloon Race 2013

Fall is my favorite time of year in St. Louis - there are so many things to do!

One of St. Louis' favorite fall traditions is the annual Great Forest Park Balloon Race. Like the last few years, we had dinner at The Highlands Golf Course restaurant in Forest Park before heading over to the balloon glow.

As usual, the staff were very friendly and welcoming to me. I always enjoy their patio and the staff always takes care of my needs by bringing me a bowl of water.

Here are a few pics from the night of the Balloon Glow:

at The Highlands

Me and my Mom 

Balloons lighting up the night

My favorite one - the popcorn balloon!

Event Review

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race/Balloon Glow

Sept. 19 -20, 2014

The balloon glow is attended by an estimated 80,000 people. The crowds are large and there is a lot noise. Bands, horns, and the sights and sounds of hot air balloons being filled can make this an uncomfortable event for many pets. If you decide to bring your pet, get there early and beat the huge masses of people. I was a little nervous and uneasy the first time I went to this event, but the more socialized I've become, I've been able to be a little more comfortable at this event.

Restaurant Review

Forest Park Highlands Golf & Tennis Center

Patio / Outdoor Seating Available: Yes

Pets Welcome: Yes, outside.

Water / Treats: Water bowl

The staff are always friendly and accommodating and this is the most convenient restaurant to the Balloon Glow.

Rating: Four Paws