Travel

Travel happy with your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel! Expert tips for stress-free car rides, airplane adventures, & everything you need for an awesome Cavalier vacation.

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Travel

Things to Do in Lexington KY with a Dog

October 1, 2025Discover The Best Things to Do in Lexington KY with a Dog
Stewart’s very first road trip was one for the books. After traveling for fifteen amazing years with Angel Dexter, I was excited and a little emotional to start new adventures with Stewart. To make it even more special, Stewart’s buddy Haru joined us, along with my friend Kristi. We packed the van with plenty of snacks, chews, and a couple of excited Cavaliers, then hit the road for a dog friendly weekend in Lexington, Kentucky.
I had visited Lexington before with Dexter, but this was Stewart’s first big dog-friendly road trip, and I couldn’t wait to see how he would handle it all. From historic landmarks to pizza and even dinosaurs, Lexington had plenty to keep us busy. Most of all, it gave me the chance to see Stewart and Haru shine as perfect little travel companions.
Things to do in Lexington KY with a dog
There are so many things to do in Lexington KY with a dog, and our weekend proved it. We balanced playful stops like Dinosaur World with peaceful strolls at Yuko En Park, mixed in history at the Lincoln sites, and of course enjoyed some good food. Stewart and Haru took everything in stride, with Haru showing Stewart the way. They trotted proudly through each new setting, posed for countless photos, and reminded me once again how rewarding it is to explore the world with a dog by my side.
Each stop added something different to the trip, and each gave us a new memory with Stewart and Haru.
Pet friendly Lexington KY
Pet friendly Lexington KY really shined for me on this trip. From the moment we started walking around town, people greeted the boys with smiles. The boys were thrilled that plenty of people asked if they could say hello. Stewart and Haru were perfect gentlemen, wagging politely and soaking in the attention.
Lexington’s wide sidewalks and big open spaces made every stop easy. Parking was a breeze, traffic wasn’t overwhelming, and we never once felt stressed about having the dogs with us. That made a huge difference in keeping the trip fun and relaxed.
Dog-friendly Yuko En Park in Elkhorn
Our first attraction with the dogs was Yuko En Park in Elkhorn. This Japanese-style friendship garden is full of winding paths, koi ponds, lanterns, and bridges that invite you to slow down.
We strolled quietly, listening to waterfalls and birds, while Stewart and Haru sniffed along the stone paths. The boys matched our pace, sometimes walking ahead to lead us over a bridge, other times pausing at a shady bench while we soaked in the view. It was peaceful and grounding, the kind of place that makes you breathe a little deeper.
For me, this stop was a reminder that travel with dogs doesn’t always have to be busy or loud. Sometimes the best memories are made in quiet gardens with two happy Cavaliers by your side.
Dog friendly restaurants Lexington, KY
When it comes to dog friendly restaurants Lexington has a lot to choose from, but I knew exactly where I wanted to go, Blue Stallion Brewing Co. Years ago, I visited with Dexter, and at that time they had a full menu. This time, the focus was pizza, and let me tell you, it was the right choice.
Kristi and I ordered a couple of pies, and they came out hot, cheesy, and full of flavor. The crust had that perfect balance of crisp outside and chewy inside. Stewart and Haru settled in under the table, each with a little chew to keep them busy. The vibe was relaxed, the staff was welcoming, and it felt so good to share the evening with friends and dogs together.
I couldn’t help but think back to my visit with Dexter. Blue Stallion has changed its menu since then, but the heart of the place is still the same. It’s a spot that welcomes you and your dog and gives you a meal worth remembering.
Pet friendly hotels in Lexington Kentucky
There are plenty of pet friendly hotels in Lexington, Kentucky, but for this trip we chose a cozy Airbnb. After long days exploring, it felt so good to come back to our own living room to stretch out in, a kitchen for snacks, and quiet bedrooms where the boys could recharge. Stewart and Haru each started out in their own rooms, but they kept pawing and sniffing under the doors trying to be together. It was adorable. In the end, Stewart hopped into bed and curled into my nook, and we all drifted off dreaming about the next day’s adventure.
I do love hotels that truly welcome dogs, but sometimes the space and freedom of an Airbnb just makes things easier. We could come and go on our own schedule, step outside for late-night potty breaks without the hassle of elevators, and keep their meals and routines organized. If you’re planning a trip to Lexington, there are plenty of dog friendly lodging options, but for us the Airbnb was the perfect fit.

Dogs welcome at Kentucky Horse Park
Kentucky Horse Park is one of those must-see attractions if you’re in the area, and the best part is that dogs are welcome on the grounds. Full disclosure, I’m not pro-horse racing, so it was a bit of an emotional struggle for me. But, my friend wanted to see it and I knew the boys would enjoy the adventure. Stewart and Haru strutted along the paths like little champions, ears bouncing as they sniffed their way through horse country. We paused by fences to watch the horses, snapped photos next to the horse statues, and just enjoyed walking around.
Dogs aren’t allowed in the museums or certain arenas, but that didn’t take away from our visit. The boys loved being outdoors, and Kristi and I loved watching their joy. It felt like a very Kentucky experience, blue skies, rolling fields, and dogs soaking it all in.
Dog-friendly Kentucky Dinosaur World
Our next stop was something completely different, Kentucky Dinosaur World. Yes, dinosaurs in Kentucky! Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome, so Stewart and Haru got to join us on a walk through towering prehistoric creatures.
I wasn’t sure how Stewart would react to the big dinos, but true Stewart style, he took it all in, and rolled with it. And Stewart and Haru were photo pros by the end of the adventure. Kristi and I laughed our way through the whole park.
The shady trails, the playful atmosphere, and the chance to add a little whimsy to our weekend made this stop one of my favorites. It’s not every day your Cavaliers get to guard you from dinosaurs.
Pet-friendly attractions, Abraham Lincoln National Birthplace Park
Another fun dog-friendly attraction in Lexington was the Abraham Lincoln National Birthplace park and his childhood home. Walking the grounds with Stewart and Haru added another layer to the experience.
The boys sniffed leaves along the paths while Kristi and I admired the landscape and reflected on the history around us. It wasn’t about rushing or checking off boxes. It was about taking a moment to appreciate where we were and who we were with. That’s the gift of traveling with dogs, they remind you to slow down and notice the small things.
Dog friendly Lexington KY
Dog friendly Lexington KY offered us a weekend full of variety: horses, dinosaurs, gardens, and history, all with Stewart and Haru trotting happily along. We took hundreds of photos, shared plenty of laughs, and ended each night tired but grateful.
Traveling with dogs takes planning, but weekends like this remind me why it’s worth every step. Stewart proved himself a natural traveler, Haru was the perfect buddy, and Kristi and I got to share it all together.
If you’re planning a trip, Lexington is ready to welcome you and your dog. Pack the car, bring the treats, and let the adventure unfold.

If you dream of taking your dog on stress-free adventures like Stewart’s first road trip, my Manners, Life Skills and Foundation Training Course is here to guide you. It’s all about building confidence, strengthening your bond, and giving your dog the skills they need to enjoy life by your side. You’ll get step-by-step support at your own pace, plus encouragement from me along the way. Start your journey here:
https://royalpupstrainingandwellbeing.com/

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Tonya WilhelmHi, I’m Tonya Wilhelm—a positive dog trainer, holistic pet care educator, and proud Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mom. With nearly 30 years of experience helping families raise confident, well-mannered dogs, I focus on trust-based training, enrichment, and natural wellness. I’m also a published author and content creator who shares proactive, effective ways to support your Cavalier’s behavior, health, and daily life. You’ll often hear about Stewart, my sweet Cavalier, and my angel Dexter, who continue to inspire everything I create.
cavaliergifts.com [...]Read more...

Preparing Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for Air Travel (Early access for our Patreon community)

March 5, 2025Preparing Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for Air Travel

Through Dexter’s 15 years of life, we had countless adventures together, but every single one was by car. At nearly 30 pounds, flying in the cabin wasn’t an option for him, and I would never consider putting a dog in cargo. Now, with Stewart, I have the opportunity to travel by plane since he will be between 16 and 18 pounds as an adult, which is small enough to fit in an airline-approved travel crate under the seat.
I have to admit, I’m a little nervous. It’s been almost 30 years since I last flew, and my experience wasn’t great. But I’m determined to make this a smooth process for both Stewart and myself. In September, we’ll be flying from Detroit to Portland, Maine, and I want to make sure Stewart is as comfortable and confident as possible for his first airplane trip.
Preparing Stewart, My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for Air Travel
Since Stewart has never flown before, I’m taking a step-by-step approach to help him get used to every part of the travel experience. This isn’t just about the flight itself; it’s about everything leading up to it, from riding in his crate in the car to being in a busy airport environment.
Teaching a Cavalier to Enjoy a Travel Crate
One of the biggest adjustments for a Cavalier is spending time in a small, enclosed space. Since Stewart isn’t crate trained and has some separation anxiety, I’m taking extra care to make his travel crate a safe and positive space. An airline-approved travel crate is a much tighter fit, so here’s how I’ve been getting him used to it:

Introducing the Crate Indoors – I started with short training sessions, luring Stewart into the travel crate with treats and rewarding him for stepping inside. Since it’s a tight fit, I guided him to turn around and reinforced him for doing so. Once he was comfortable moving inside, I worked on having him stay in the crate for a few seconds before rewarding and letting him out, gradually increasing the duration.

Crate Inside a Crate – To help him transition smoothly to riding in the travel crate, I placed it inside his larger crate in the van. Since he was already used to the big crate, this made it feel more familiar. For the first couple of weeks, I left the travel crate unzipped, but zipped up the larger crate.

Zipping Up While Driving – Once he was comfortable, I started zipping up the travel crate while still inside the larger crate. This allowed him to experience confinement in a secure way without making a sudden change.

Removing the Larger Crate – The next step will be taking the travel crate out of the big crate so that he’s riding in just the small one. By gradually adjusting him to this setup, he won’t even notice the change!

Socialization and Confidence Building
Beyond the crate, I want to make sure Stewart is confident in all the different environments he’ll encounter on our trip.

Walking Politely on a Leash – Stewart will need to walk calmly on a leash through the airport. We’ve been practicing polite walking in various places with different surfaces and distractions. I will continue this training with busy locations as we progress through his training.
Exposure to Crowds and Noises – Airports are full of noises; baggage carts, intercom announcements, rolling suitcases. I’m taking Stewart to different places where he can experience a variety of sounds and people in a controlled way.
Getting Used to Security Procedures – At TSA checkpoints, I’ll need to take Stewart out of his crate and carry him through security. To prepare, I’ll work on calmly lifting him out of his crate and holding him in busier environments, helping him get comfortable with the experience before our trip.

Preparing for Time in the Airport
Most airports have designated pet relief areas, but access to them depends on the layout of the airport and TSA procedures. Some airports have relief areas before security, while others have them post-security. Since Stewart will be crated during the drive and throughout check-in and security, I’ll plan ahead to find out if there’s an opportunity for a potty break before we go through security. If not, I’ll make sure he’s had plenty of time to potty before we leave for the airport.

Practicing Extended Crate Time – I’ve been gradually increasing the amount of time Stewart spends zipped up in his crate, so he’s comfortable being inside for longer periods.

Planned Potty Breaks – Since dogs can’t relieve themselves once past security, I’ll make sure to take Stewart to the airport’s designated pet relief area before heading to the gate. This is also why I teach my dogs how to potty on cue; it makes it easier to ensure they go when needed, especially in situations like this where time and access are limited.

The Flight Itself
The actual flight is the final step in our preparation. Since Stewart will be in his crate under the seat for the duration of the flight, I want to make sure he’s as comfortable as possible.

Calm, Positive Associations – I’m making sure that his crate time is always associated with good things; treats, chew items, and a cozy space.
Chews and Enrichment for the Flight –I’ll bring along a few safe chews and likely my slippers to provide comfort for Stewart during the flight.
Staying Calm Myself – Dogs pick up on our emotions, so I’ll be focusing on staying relaxed and making this feel like just another routine adventure for Stewart.

Final Thoughts
Traveling with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on a plane takes preparation, but with gradual exposure and a positive approach, it can be a smooth experience. My goal is to make sure Stewart feels safe, confident, and comfortable every step of the way. While I’m still a bit nervous about my first flight in 30 years, I know that by preparing Stewart properly, we’ll both be ready for our adventure to Maine.
A big thank you to all of our Cavalier friends who sent us their travel photos! Don’t forget to follow them on social media.

Have you traveled with your Cavalier on a plane? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!

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Tonya WilhelmHi, I’m Tonya Wilhelm—a positive dog trainer, holistic pet care educator, and proud Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mom. With nearly 30 years of experience helping families raise confident, well-mannered dogs, I focus on trust-based training, enrichment, and natural wellness. I’m also a published author and content creator who shares proactive, effective ways to support your Cavalier’s behavior, health, and daily life. You’ll often hear about Stewart, my sweet Cavalier, and my angel Dexter, who continue to inspire everything I create.
www.cavaliergifts.com [...]Read more...

Preparing Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for Car Travel: Tips for a Stress-Free Dog Vacation (Early access for our Patreon community)

October 15, 2024Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Travel Tips

As a Cavalier mom and positive dog trainer, I know how important it is to help our Cavaliers feel comfortable and safe during car rides. Whether you’re planning a quick trip to the park or a longer dog-friendly road trip, making sure your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel enjoys the car ride is key to a stress-free trip for both you and your dog.
When Dexter and I hit the road, I never have to worry about how he’ll handle the ride. He’s a fantastic travel companion because I spent time training him to feel confident and at ease in the car. Today, I want to share my top tips on how you can prepare your Cavalier for car travel and road trips and turn them into a relaxed, happy traveler too.
1. Start with Short and Positive Rides
Just like with any new experience, easing your Cavalier into car rides instead of popping them into the car for a twelve-hour road trip is super important. Begin by taking short trips to fun, dog-friendly places like the local park or pet store. Keep the first few rides short and sweet, no more than ten-to-fifteen minutes. The goal is to associate the car with positive and fun destinations. A trip to the vet does not count as a fun visit for most dogs.
2. Create a Safe Space in the Car
Safety should always be a priority when traveling with your Cavalier. A secure dog car seat or crash-tested harness designed for small breeds like Cavaliers is a must. I personally recommend looking into the Center for Pet Safety’s approved products, as they conduct independent crash testing for dog travel gear. If a brand states they are crash tested, make sure to watch their crash tested video.
Dexter typically travels in a small crate. Because of his Chiari Malformation and syringomyelia and large size, travel harnesses aren’t the most comfortable for him. However, when we travel in the small car, a crash-tested and passed (yes, make sure they have passed the test) is our go-to. The key is to find a comfortable yet safe setup so your Cavalier feels relaxed without compromising their security.
3. Pack Familiar Comfort Items
Make your Cavalier feel more at home by packing some familiar items for the ride. When Dexter was a puppy, he would cozy up with his baby blanket and soft toy. Now, he has a therapeutic mat inside his crate. He likes to stay cool, so I also have a fan pointing at him. These little comforts can help reduce anxiety and make the ride smoother for dogs who may initially feel unsure about the car.
If your Cavalier is a bit anxious, place something with your scent, like a worn T-shirt next to your Cavalier. Your presence, even in the form of scent, can be calming for your Cavalier, especially if they’re a bit nervous during the first few rides.
4. Plan for Frequent Breaks
When traveling for more than an hour, make sure to schedule frequent potty and stretch breaks. Cavaliers are active little dogs, and, like all of us, they need to stretch their legs and take in their surroundings. I like to plan stops at dog-friendly rest areas or parks where Dexter can explore, do his business, and get a little energy out before continuing the journey.
Remember, each break is an opportunity for positive training. Use it as a chance to reward your dog for good behavior during the ride, and they’ll look forward to the next part of the trip.
5. Help Your Cavalier Relax with Calming Music
One of my favorite dog travel hacks is playing calming music designed for dogs during long car rides. I’ve been a fan of the iCalmDog portable speaker, which plays clinically-tested music that helps keep dogs calm and relaxed. Just be careful not to fall asleep at the wheel yourself!
Check out our all Cavalier calming playlist on YouTube!

6. Monitor Your Cavalier’s Well-Being
Keep an eye on your Cavalier’s behavior throughout the trip. Some Cavaliers may experience motion sickness, especially on longer rides. If your dog starts to drool excessively, whine, or seem uncomfortable, it might be time for a break. You can try natural remedies like ginger treats (with your vet’s approval) or consult your vet for other options.
If your Cavalier seems overly tired or stressed, don’t be afraid to cut the trip short. The goal is for travel to be a positive experience, and pushing them too far can have the opposite effect.
By starting with short, positive experiences and keeping their safety and comfort in mind, you can help your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel become a happy traveler. Dexter loves our road trips, and I’m sure your Cavalier will too!
Do you have any favorite travel tips for Cavaliers? Drop them in the comments!
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Traveling with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

April 21, 2024Tips for traveling with your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Dog-friendly vacation ideas.
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