If you’re a dog lover, then obviously you are naturally drawn to things that have to do with dogs. And although Idaho may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a dream vacation, if you’re a dog lover, it’s time to reconsider!
The Dog Bark Park Inn in Cottonwood is the creation of married artists, Dennis J. Sullivan and Frances Conklin.
Sullivan designed and built the Inn’s major attraction – a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom suite in the form of a massive Beagle – as a nod to the bygone days of kitschy roadside architecture. The couple have lovingly nicknamed the masterpiece “Sweet Willy” and a stay within his Beagle body will run you $98 per night.
Sullivan and Conklin opened the Dog Bark Park Inn in 2003 and have watched as it became something of a phenomenon, garnering several awards including Trip Advisor’s 2016 Certificate of Excellence. They are known for going above and beyond on hospitality with home-made breakfast treats like farm fresh quiche and granola prepared from a secret family recipe.
The proprietors encourage an “un-plugged” approach to vacationing. There is no television or phone within Sweet Willy. Sullivan and Conklin prefer that their guests enjoy the quiet serenity and artistic flair of the inn, but if disconnecting is a deal-breaker, they do offer WiFi.
Your reservation buys you exclusive access to the Beagle-bungalow as well as the property’s sculpture garden. Sullivan’s other masterpieces include a smaller dog sidekick by the name of Toby and a 12-foot red fire hydrant with a functioning toilet inside.
Guests may invite their canine companions to join them during their stay with prior approval from the owners and a non-refundable $15 fee. The property includes 2 acres of land for dogs to explore and the second bedroom located inside Sweet Willy’s muzzle is perfectly pup-sized.
Sullivan and Conklin are both expert chainsaw artists and a gallery of their work is located inside the B&B’s office. An impressive array of dog breed, fish, feline, bear and moose carvings are on display. Can’t make it to Idaho? Order a custom carving of your favorite breed via their website. They can even work off of a photo of your pup.
If spending a relaxing weekend within the belly of a Beagle sounds like your idea of R&R, you’d better act fast. The Dog Bark Park Inn tends to book up months in advance. Round up the human and the canine you love the most and let your next getaway go to the dogs!
Featured Image via Instagram/Flight965
