As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Just a few days ago, we wrote about how Idaho is home to the largest Ponderosa Pine tree in the world. But did you know that we’re also home to the largest beagle in the universe?
The Dog Bark Park Inn is quite possibly one of Idaho’s most recognizable landmarks, hailing from humble Cottonwood in the Camas Prairie. But for all of its sweet, puppy-loving charm, do you actually know what this husband and wife team’s cozy B&B is all about? Check it out!
The Dog Bark Park Inn is not your typical bed and breakfast. That’s because it’s in the shape of a giant beagle, lovingly known as Sweet Willy.
The entire beagle - and his fellow sculptures - were all created by hand. Dennis is a self-taught chainsaw artist who has been carving for over thirty years; Frances joined him around twenty years ago and can be found painting sculptures, hosting, baking, and gardening alongside Dennis.
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Booking a stay gives you access to the entire big dog, which houses two bedrooms and a bathroom ― the second room is located in the nose of Sweet Willy.
There’s also a giant coffee pot with windows which guests can enter and take pictures inside,, in addition to various decorative sculptures dotting the property.
So far the couple has created 60 different breeds and poses of dogs carved out of wood, often working with customer photos to create custom carvings of their canine companions.
As well as near-perfect reviews across travel sites.
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But as charming as the exterior of Sweet Willy is, and the wonderful additions of his carved companions, the Dog Bark Park Inn is still a B&B, first and foremost.
But if you're just passing through or in search of the perfect gift for the person who already has everything, you might just find what you're looking for here.
Of all of Idaho’s top-rated inns, B&Bs, and hotels, this is without a doubt the most unique. Have you ever paid a visit to Sweet Willy?
For the full story behind the creation of this Idaho landmark, this dog-loving duo recently published their own book, Sweet Willy: A Noble & Absurd Undertaking.
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