The rugged greenery and rubbly mountain charm of dog-friendly Alpine lies just 30 minutes from Downtown San Diego, but feels a rustic world away…

WHERE TO EAT IN ALPINE: Our first stop is always Janet’s Montana Cafe at 2506 Alpine Blvd – Bodie starts his nasal whining as we pull into the carpark, knowing that his ‘side of bacon’ (served on the patio pictured below) is just minutes away. As soon as we creak onto the wooden decking and settle ourselves at a table clad with red and white gingham all modern day concerns slip away. My shoulders lower, I breathe in the sun-baked pine air and tune into the ‘cabin retreat’ peace. Bodie may snap at the occasional fly but for the most part he snoozes contentedly in the shade.

Coffee comes in outsize hand-painted mugs, the peach iced tea is nigh on irresistible and wait til you see the bountiful cake and pie options!

I typically order corned beef hash then have a moment or two’s dilemma choosing the flavor of the whopping homemade muffin that comes with the order. (Unless it’s pumpkin spice season and then that’s the easy winner.) Everything on the menu is fresh and generously portioned – the Captain’s Platter could sate multiple sailors.

We also have to give a shout-out to the equally dog-friendly Alpine Tavern & Grill (pic above) – you can sit out under the shade of an umbrella on a hot day or huddle beside the fire on a cool night and the coconut shrimp is fabulous!

WHAT TO DO IN ALPINE: Treasure hunt! Next door to the aforementioned eateries sprawls dog-friendly Alpine Garden & Gifts. First you’ll see the nursery with its abundance of potted plants and outdoorsy accessories, from smiling buddhas to hanging baskets to life-size bears and reindeer wrought from burnished metals.

Then you’ll start to explore…

The main cabin and each of the little wooden sheds around the back showcase a mixture of antiques, quirky collectibles and local crafts (I particularly liked the robust leather cuffs for your To Go cup – $16). Despite all the dainty trinkets and colored glassware dogs are welcome to take the voyage of discovery with you. Bodie sniffed fascinatedly at artifacts from bygone eras (Hmm, 1940s if I’m not mistaken!) and then settled in the shed with the tin kettle and antique sewing machine as if claiming it as his new dog house.

DOG TREATS: If you want to reward your pup for patiently exploring all these human items, you can take him to the newly-opened (June 2015) Natural Instincts Healthy Pet Center. It’s cool and spacious and stocks two of San Diego’s finest locally-made dog food brands: The Honest Kitchen and My Perfect Pet. The store also has a play area to display local rescues eager for adoption so you might go home with something a little more animated than a squeaky toy!

WHERE TO STAY: Ayres Lodge Alpine. (20 minutes walk from Janet’s Montana Cafe.) You’ll get a nice dog friendly vibe as you enter the faux-lodge reception with a golden retriever statue at the door…

…and a portrait of this whiskery noble fella above the fireplace!

Other cosy touches include plaid armchairs, a basket brimming with pine cones and complimentary coffee. The motel-style set up means you can pull up directly in front of your room (ask for a ground floor one for extra ease.) The rooms feel safe and comfortable with a classic design of dark woods and claret and gold furnishings. Despite its name, the ‘lodge’ is actually set in a mini-mall but this does offer the convenience of donuts and a liquor store within a few strides!

Ayers Lodge Alpine Website: http://www.ayreshotels.com/ayres-lodge-alpine

Address: 1251 Tavern Road • Alpine, CA, 91901

Phone: (619) 445-5800

Pet Fee: $45 per stay.

Breed/weight restrictions: Officially listed as 45 lbs but they are flexible.

Bonus: You may leave your pup in the room, provided he/she is safe inside a crate.

DOGGIE DAYCARE & BOARDING IN ALPINE:  Should your dog require canine-exclusive accommodation or a day exploring the mountains with a real deal pack leader, then book him/her into the amazing Alpine Dog Ranch – accurately described as ‘a vacation ranch for dogs’.

It’s worth it for the drive alone – first through the elevated mountain ranges and then bouncing and juddering along golden dirt roads. Bodie was so delighted at the sight of the pond he went in headfirst. It’s a great cool-off point that all the dogs relish!

The Alpine Dog Ranch is one of 10 US doggie daycare/boarding establishments Bodie & I personally recommend. Post coming soon!

And finally:

AFTERNOON OUTING FROM ALPINE: If you have an afternoon free and an appreciation for homemade apple pie take the dreamy 45 minute drive to the dog-friendly historic gold rush mountain town of JULIAN.

I once wrote a short story set between Julian and San Diego – if you want a little latte-break you can read AS AMERICAN AS APPLE PIE to get a taster!