June 2017 - Dog Agility Trials

Riverside Park in Clearwater MN offers canine fun!

Posted on June 30, 2017April 11, 2018 by Bev

> See more places for dog fun near St. Cloud / Clearwater MN

When the dogs and I are on the road competing, it’s always a treat to find a place where they can swim in the down time between one weekend trial and the next. They got their wish after competing at the agility trial in St. Cloud, MN and before our next trial at Ham Lake. We ventured into Clearwater, about a mile from where we camping at the St. Cloud / Clearwater Campground, and noticed a small river with a nice park alongside called Riverside Park. Some kids were swimming, so we stopped to check it out. The rules did not say anything about prohibiting dogs from swimming …

Nice complex, bad experience at Nelson Bros’ Restaurant, Clearwater MN

Posted on June 29, 2017April 11, 2018 by Bev

> See more local restaurants near Clearwater/St. Cloud Minnesota

From searches on the Internet to recommendations by new friends at the CACM Agility Trial in St. Cloud, it was clear that a must-go-to restaurant in the area was Nelson Bros’ Restaurant & Bakery in the Clearwater Travel Plaza. The complex includes a sit-down restaurant, pub, bakery, food court, and gift shop that all operate separately.

CACM St. Cloud MN Agility Trial: Unique location, jumps, club

Posted on June 26, 2017April 11, 2018 by Bev

> See more pictures and details about CACM training and trial grounds

The Canine Agility of Central Minnesota club (CACM) surprised me at their outdoor agility trial held at 6305 Glenn Carlson Dr., St. Cloud, MN.on June 17-18, 2017. Expecting to find temporary fencing, typical equipment, and a bumpy running surface, this trial provided quite the opposite.

Carl Spindler Campground in East Peoria, IL Picturesque, but …

Posted on June 22, 2017April 11, 2018 by Bev

More dog friendly campgrounds near Pekin IL

Along the banks of the Illinois River at 3703 N. Main Street (access road #7) in East Peoria is the Fondulac Park District-managed Carl Spindler Marina and Campground. The campground offers 52 paved sites with 50-amp electric and varying combinations of water or sewer hookups. They also offer 26 primitive sites with electricity, and 3 cabin rentals.

Happy Tails Waggin’ at Dog Park in Pekin, IL

Posted on June 21, 2017April 11, 2018 by Bev

More details on parks, trails and off leash areas in Pekin IL

There are dog parks, and then there are better dog parks. Happy Tails Dog Park at 1701 Court St. in Pekin IL, a few miles from a recent dog agility trial at Avanti’s Dome, is one of the better ones. It is spacious, grassy, has fresh water stations throughout, and contains several growing shade trees in both the small and large dog areas. My dogs loved running in this park, despite the very hot day.

Delicioso Mexican Cuisine at Hacienda Fuentes

Posted on June 20, 2017April 11, 2018 by Bev

More local restaurants near Pekin, IL
Mexican food is by far one of my favorites, so when I find a great restaurant, people know about it. Hacienda Fuentes at 2912 Court St. in Pekin Illinois is one of those new faves.

Close, Clean and Comfortable: EconoLodge, Pekin IL

Posted on June 19, 2017April 11, 2018 by Bev

More dog friendly lodging near Pekin IL

View of Avanti's Dome from EconoLodge in Pekin IL — View of Avanti’s Dome from EconoLodge

A stone’s throw from a dog agility trials held at Avanti’s Dome in Pekin IL is economical lodging for handlers and their dogs: EconoLodge.

I didn’t stay there during the latest trial as I had my own RV, but did stay Sunday night following the trial. Since the hotel was booked full during the trial but not on Sunday, your experience may have been different if you stayed during that busy time, and I encourage you to comment on your stay!

POTC Agility Trial, Avanti’s Dome, Pekin IL

Posted on June 13, 2017April 11, 2018 by Bev

More details on dog agility trials at Avanti’s Dome
There were no cramped quarters to be found at the POTC’s (Peoria Obedience Training Club’s) Agility trial held at Avanti’s Dome in Pekin, Illinois on June 9-11, 2017. The 75,000-square-foot inflatable dome, a 7,100-square-foot reception building, and four outdoor softball/baseball diamonds reside on a 33-acre plot.