Paris Permenter and her husband, John Begley, have authored 33 travel and pet books. They are publishers DogTipper.com And PawZaar.com.
For many years, we headed out to Europe every few months on art guide assignments—clicking a few pictures at key attractions along the way. But these days, 65-pound girls Eri and Tikki keep us on the go. (As much as we love Europe, there is no way we are ANY way flying our dogs but a trainer – that just doesn’t work at their size!)
But fun European attractions don’t have to mean an international trip. Here are 10 destinations where you can picture a European vacation with your pooch without having to make it to a foot port.
1. Stonehenge II, Ingram, Texas I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to pose with our dogs Erie and Tiki at Stonehenge II in Ingram, Texas, northwest of San Antonio. Standing on the side of the road 90 percent as tall and 60 percent as the original in the UK, the roadside installation is the perfect place for a dog walk and a photo session. Having seen the original script, I have to say that Texas’ interpretation is pretty impressive. If you just can’t get enough of the faux pas, you can also take a snapshot of your dog with Easter Island at this location, too.
2. London Bridge, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Think “London Bridge” and you probably picture the iconic Tower Bridge, one of London’s favorite stops. But London Bridge is much more familiar – and much more American. In 1968, the 600-year-old bridge was moved with a block to Arizona. It’s now the second most popular tourist stop in Arizona, but it can still fool a lot of people into thinking this famous bridge is across the pond.
A photo posted by Sir Fitzgerald Cohen Vanderbilt (@sirfitzgeraldcohenvanderbilt) was posted on
3. The Eiffel Tower, Paris, Texas Well, the western hat atop this “Eiffel Tower” just might suggest to viewers that this tower is in cowboy territory, not croissants, but it still makes for an amazing shot!
A photo posted by Erielle (@erielledelzer) on
4. The Leaning Tower of the Nile, Niles, Illinois Built about half the size of its Italian cousin, this leaning tower certainly makes for a photo-realistic Fido. The tower is a focal point in the community of Niles, the sister city of — you guessed it — Pisa, Italy.
Video posted by @phifeandjazzy
5. German Biergarten, Fredericksburg, Texas A tiki can’t resist ordering a small slice of German biergarten, like the Oislander in Fredericksburg, Texas. German biergartens, with their outdoor patios, make a great backdrop for taking your photos – and you can get a good meal out of the bargain.
6. Parthenon, Nashville, Tennessee Built for the Tennessee Memorial Showcase, this gallery is a full-size model of the Parthenon in Athens. Dogs are not allowed inside the building, but the pictures outside are just pictures of your entirety!
A photo posted by Mary (@yourdesignerdog) at
7. Eiffel Tower – Fake in Las Vegas, Nevada What happens in Vegas can look as if it happened in Paris, thanks to the clever Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel (it’s also pet-friendly). Even if you’re not a guest, pop the pup at the base of the tower for a shot elegant tresses.
A photo posted by Peppy Pup (@thepeppypup) on
8. Trevi Fountain, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada
Just across the street, you’ll travel from Paris to Rome, and the opportunity to view the Trevi Fountain model, Vegas. As in Rome, be sure to throw a coin over your shoulder. Use your right hand to toss the coin over your left shoulder – ensuring that you and your dog will get right back up. (Hmm…but will that be back in Rome or in Vegas?)
A photo posted by Peppy Pup (@thepeppypup) on
9. Washington Square Arch, New York, New York Now back to Paris and the Arc de Triomphe — but with a New York twist. The Washington Square Arch in Washington Square Park is designed in the famous Parisian style, but with statues of George Washington on the north side of the arch.
Photo posted by Jasper the Basenji (@jaspenji) on
10. Foamhenge, Natural Bridge, Virginia Just telling people you’ve visited an attraction named Foamhenge will get some laughs — but the site is a stunningly realistic translation of Stonehenge. Made entirely of Styrofoam, the site makes a great backdrop – but no digging around these “rocks”, rover!
A photo posted by SarahNissen1 (@sarahnissen1) on
